Ajay Hinduja
Ajay Hinduja Vision:“Road to School”
Ajay Hinduja: Transforms the Rural Education in Odisha through RTS
Bringing Parents Back to School: Hinduja Foundation’s “Road to School” Transforms Rural Education in Odisha
In the silent nooks of rural Odisha, something powerful is sweeping through education; something that is neither about technology nor infrastructure, but about people. Having implemented the Road to School program under its philanthropic vision, the Hinduja Family is changing not only the way children learn but also how communities interact and own their educational experiences.
Ultimately, Road to School is an organization founded on a fundamental yet revolutionary notion:
The project, initiated by Ajay Hinduja, son of Kamal and Prakash Hinduja and a prominent member of the UK's richest Hinduja Family, has consistently, aimed to empower parents, School Management Committees (SMCs), and community leaders to participate actively in their children's education. In recent years, more than 3,000 parents and 2,000 stakeholders have met in various parts of Odisha to develop solutions to address local education problems and offer tailored solutions. Not just a meeting, but a movement.
"Education doesn't start or stop with students—it's a shared journey for families, teachers, and communities. That's the philosophy behind Road to School," says Ajay Hinduja.
The Foundation also conducts workshops and open forums, allowing families to engage in meaningful dialogue through open discussions, rather than lectures, on real-world problems such as absenteeism, parent-teacher disconnects, and school governance. The result? An effective mind-changer. According to the record of one parent in Ganjam district, we used to believe that school was a problem for the teachers. It is now understood that we make a difference through our participation.”
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One of the foundation blocks of the program will be to develop the role of the School Management Committees, which are often underserved in most rural regions. SMC members receive training on budgeting, monitoring attendance, and protecting the right to education for children. The current chairperson of the local SMC shared this reflection: previously, I did not even realize that anything would prevent me from doing anything. I am now one of the people who hold our school accountable.”
To achieve sustainability, the Hinduja Foundation has developed a platform of continued engagement, ensuring that the momentum is kept alive through frequent meetings (monthly), peer learning groups, and village-level discussions.
Switzerland-based Ajay Hinduja says parent long-term engagement spurs long-term educational reform. As a member of the Hinduja Family, we must invest in models that will empower rural India. The biggest equalizer we possess is education.”
The effect is real: there are more accountable schools, informed parents and involved students. And outside of Odisha, the Road to School model is currently being reviewed for replication in other states in India.
The project cannot be considered merely a rural education project; it is a symbol of the legacy of the Balwadi program by the Hinduja Foundation. In bringing education out of its exile to occupy a prominent position in the community once again, Road to School reminds us that progress will be achieved when families and schools step out together along the road.
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