About Us

Who We Are

“What is really needed to make democracy function is not knowledge of facts, but right education.”

Mahatma Gandhi

Established in August 2019, Sterlite EdIndia Foundation is a Section 8 not-for-profit independent organisation (formerly a part of Sterlite Tech Foundation). It works towards strengthening the quality of education in India through teacher education, institutional strengthening, and data-driven governance.

Since inception, EdIndia has worked closely with teachers, Pre-Service Teachers, Government Institutions, Education Administrators, Private Institutions, and Non-Government Organisations to improve access to quality education and strengthen learning ecosystems for school-going children in India.

Today, EdIndia is present across six states and works closely with SCERTs, DIETs, Municipal Corporations, and NGO partners. Through its programs, EdIndia focuses on building future-ready teachers, strengthening institutions as Centres of Excellence, and enabling data-driven decision-making within the education system.

With a strong focus on systemic impact, research, and implementation grounded in field realities, EdIndia continues to work towards creating an education ecosystem that is equitable, responsive, and future-ready.

EdIndia Quality Education Framework

Our Vision

Every child in the country has access to quality education

Our Mission

To empower educators by enhancing teacher capabilities and fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making within the public education system

Our Goals

Strengthen teachers’ professional capabilities
Reposition teaching as an aspirational profession
EdIndia Center Goal Image
Foster a culture of data-driven decision making within the public education system
To Support Institutional Strengthening of Teacher Education Ecosystem

Our Values

Innovation

Encourage a culture of innovation; innovation and frugality in ideas and actions.

Perseverance

Hardworking and the spirit of never giving up; consistently striving for continuous improvement of outcomes to be achieved.

Collaboration

Collaboration for synergistic outcomes; cross-team collaboration; collaboration within the team members; external collaboration.

Integrity

Ethical behaviour and accountability of responsibility; legal, moral, financial, and data integrity; ownership.

Respect

Respect and compassion for all stakeholders; being open to ideas and perspectives beyond prejudice, respecting diversity and inclusivity.

Our Journey

Since inception in 2019, we have kept education as our core focus and have developed programmes that help us scale our goals in multiple ways

2025–26

Innovation & Scale

Expanded the Institutional Strengthening Programme to Uttarakhand, launched the Pre-service Teacher Education Programme in government Teacher Education Institutions in Tripura, and extended the programme to Arunachal Pradesh.

Reintroduced the In-service Teacher Education Programme in Uttarakhand and transitioned the Community Empowerment Programme in Tripura to community ownership.

EdIndia Timeline Action 2025-26

2024–25

Institutional Strengthening

Expanded the Pre-service Teacher Education Programme to private Teacher Education Institutions in Rajasthan and launched the Institutional Strengthening Programme with SCERT Rajasthan.

Successfully transitioned the In-service Teacher Education Programme in Uttarakhand to the government.

EdIndia Timeline Action 2024-25

2023–24

Partnerships for Systemic Impact

Launched the Community Empowerment Programme in Tripura.

Strengthened education systems through the Data Analytics Support Programme in Maharashtra.

Successfully transitioned the In-service Teacher Education Programme in Rajasthan to the government.

EdIndia Timeline Action 2023-24

2022–23

Strengthening Teacher Education

Expanded the Pre-service Teacher Education Programme to private Teacher Education Institutions in Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand.

EdIndia Timeline Action 2022-23

2021–22

Expanding Across States

Introduced the Teacher Education Programme in Chhattisgarh, Tripura and Uttarakhand, strengthening both pre-service and in-service teacher education.

Scaled the Data Analytics Support Programme to Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

EdIndia Timeline Action 2021-22

2020–21

Learning Without Limits

Enabled uninterrupted teacher professional development through large-scale virtual training during the pandemic.

Reached over 2 lakh teachers across Rajasthan and Maharashtra through technology-enabled learning.

EdIndia Timeline Action 2020-21

2019–20

Laying the Foundation

The foundation was established as an independent organisation and launched its flagship Teacher Education Programme in Rajasthan for in-service teachers.

Introduced the Data Analytics Support Programme in Maharashtra.

EdIndia Inception 2019-20

Board of Directors

JYOTI AGARWAL

JYOTI AGARWAL

Board Director, Sterlite EdIndia Foundation

Jyoti Agarwal is a philanthropist and social leader committed to creating meaningful change in people's lives. As a Board Director at Sterlite EdIndia Foundation, she provides strategic vision and leadership.

She is widely recognized for her immense contributions to public healthcare, especially in advancing affordable cancer care across India. As the Chairperson of Balco Medical Centre, she has successfully built a world-class oncology facility that provides accessible medical treatments alongside holistic emotional support systems for patients and their families.

Driven by a deep passion for social empowerment, she founded the Jeewan Jyoti Institute, a CSR initiative dedicated to equipping women with critical vocational skills and self-reliance opportunities. Her steadfast efforts across health and educational ecosystems continue to empower marginalized communities, foster resilience, and drive high-impact sustainable development models nationwide.

SONAKSHI AGARWAL

SONAKSHI AGARWAL

Managing Director, Sterlite EdIndia Foundation

As Managing Director of Sterlite EdIndia Foundation, Sonakshi is spearheading innovative, technology-driven solutions to improve public teacher education and strengthen the core academic architecture in India.

Her multifaceted strategy focuses on optimizing teacher capacity building, developing tailored analytics dashboards for administrators, and scaling app-based digital learning platforms. Additionally, she serves as a Director at the Sterlite Tech Foundation, steering high-impact community welfare programs centered on digital inclusion, women's livelihoods, healthcare, and ecological sustainability.

An alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Economics, Sonakshi seamlessly balances robust global strategic insights with a deep rooted understanding of India's localized development challenges, delivering data-backed decision-making frameworks across state education departments.

RUHIE PANDE

RUHIE PANDE

Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Sterlite Electric

Ruhie Pande is the Group Head of Human Resources at Sterlite Electric, a premier infrastructure developer. She contributes invaluable expertise in corporate organizational design and talent optimization models.

With an extensive corporate career spanning over two decades, she specializes in implementing large-scale strategic transformation, change management, and leadership development frameworks. She previously served as the CHRO at Godrej Properties and successfully established the foundational workforce architecture at Godrej Capital from the ground up.

Ruhie holds an MSc in Industrial and Occupational Psychology from Birkbeck College, London University, and is a certified PCC executive coach. Her cross-sector advisory expertise helps align administrative workflows at EdIndia, driving agile talent retention strategies to systematically support scalable educational transformations.

Board of Advisors

Arun C. Mehta

Arun C. Mehta

Arun C. Mehta holds a Ph.D. in Demographic Projections from the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, and is a specialist in EMIS, quantitative techniques, and the projection and forecasting of educational data. He has authored books on Education for All in India, enrolment projections, population projections, and upper primary education, and has contributed extensively to research journals and the NIEPA Occasional Paper Series. From 2001 to 2017, he played a key role in strengthening India’s Educational Management Information System at the national level and managed one of the world’s largest education information systems, the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE). He has published numerous annual reports based on UDISE data and has presented papers at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities. Dr Mehta has received professional training at the UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok and the Harvard Institute for International Development, Harvard University (USA). His contributions have been recognised through several prestigious awards, including the e-Governance 2010 and eINDIA 2010 National Awards, the Manthan Award South Asia 2010, and the EMPI Indian Express Indian Innovation Award 2012. His recent research work is available at educationforallinindia.com.
Kathleen Naglee

Kathleen Naglee

Kathleen Naglee is an award-winning leader of innovative schooling and business practices. He has worked in diverse contexts including indigenous, impoverished and multinational communities for thirty plus years. In the past decade, she has been a Director of IB World schools in Finland and Estonia. She serves as a Commissioner for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and is the former Chair of the US State Department sponsored Central and Eastern European Schools Association. She was named as a Top 75 Edruptors in Education in 2021. She is a frequent keynote speaker on the future of education.
Subir Shukla

Subir Shukla

Subir Shukla works on improving the quality of education system, beginning in 1986 when he lived in a tribal village for 6 years while working on primary education with Eklavya, MP. He has worked extensively with government systems, as Chief Consultant (DPEP, 1995-98) and Educational Quality Advisor (SSA) to MHRD (2009-11), and led the development of the Quality Framework for the RTE. He has consulted for most state governments in India and several national governments in Asia and Africa. Subir is also the co-author of a recently released book Child Development and Education in the Twenty-First Century, Springer, Singapore, 2019.
Pranati Panda

Pranati Panda

Prof. Pranati Panda is currently serving as a senior Professor and heading the Department of School and Non-Formal Education and School Standards and Evaluation Unit of NIEPA, New Delhi, India. She specializes in teacher professional standards, teacher management and leadership; teacher education governance, regulations and quality assurance; school governance, standards setting, quality assurance and evidence-based school improvement. Her significant publications include International Perspectives on Standards and Benchmarking in Teacher Education, the Oxford Encyclopedia of Global Perspectives on Teacher Education; Editor of the No Teachers, No Class: State of the Education Report for India, UNESCO, New Delhi and Landscape of teacher education in India (Routledge). Prof. Panda is consulted by UNESCO, UNICEF, World Bank and many international organization.
Graham Thomson

Graham Thomson

Graham is a former Head of Educational Development Services, Scotland. He has worked extensively with school across the United Kingdom, Europe, India, and China to design and deliver Professional Learning Leadership Programmes. Focusing on improving the learning of both pupils and teachers. Graham has had several roles in the University of Edinburgh including Director of the Scottish Centre for Studies in School Administration. Other University of Edinburgh roles include Programme Director for an online school Masters’ Leadership Programme and Course Organiser for Masters’ courses for school leaders. He has also delivered a range of professional learning programmes for university colleagues in both Scotland and abroad. Graham currently has an honorary role at the University of Edinburgh.
Ayan Chatterjee

Ayan Chatterjee

Ayan Chatterjee is a seasoned professional with a career spanning over two decades, characterized by his expertise in scaling start-ups, government liaison, and driving impactful CSR and social impact initiatives. He is the Co-Founder of Life Circle, a tech-led geriatrics healthcare company, and the Co-Founder of ThinkTac, a STEM education start-up supported by Dr. C V Raman’s family trust. His transformative initiatives include anchoring the pilots and scaling up of the National Deworming program as part of Evidence Action, an intervention by Nobel Laureate Esther Duflo and Michael Kramer. He has also led Sterlite School Tech, which implemented the Virtual Classroom program across 480 Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai schools. His advisory roles extend to The Pravin Agarwal Foundation, which focuses on Paediatric Liver Transplant Support as well as Equality & Opportunity, headquartered in San Francisco, CA. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Global Collective for Socio-Emotional Learning & Digital Learning under UNESCO-MGIEP.
Our Team
Antony Nellissery

Dr Antony Nellissery

Head, EdIndia Foundation

Dr Antony is the Head of EdIndia Foundation. Prior to the current role, he worked as Chief- School Excellence at Bharti Foundation. He has also worked with organisations like Save the Children, UNICEF, and Sight Savers International. Having graduated from IRMA, Gujarat, and being a product of Don Bosco Education, Antony's commitment to the development of children is evident in everything he does. He is the Global Goodwill Ambassador as declared by Global Goodwill Ambassador (GGA), a registered charity in USA. In addition to this, he has authored "The Skills Edge", a book intended to promote the 'skills approach' in school education.
Neerupama Sharma

Neerupama Sharma

Lead – Training & Development

Neerupama Sharma is the Lead – Training & Development. With a master's in Education and Psychology and a background in Botany, she is committed to advancing Learning and Development. Her career began as a Science teacher at Padma Seshadri, Chennai, and evolved to include curriculum design, school leadership, and K-12 assessments. She has led curriculum development and pre-service teacher training at Amity Centre for Educational Research. Managed assessments and teacher training for professional development at Bharti Airtel Foundation. Neerupama is eager to contribute her expertise to EdIndia's mission.
Varun Bhamre

Varun Bhamre

Lead – Monitoring, Evaluation & Technology

As Lead – Monitoring, Evaluation & Technology at Sterlite EdIndia Foundation, Varun Bhamre leads the Foundation's Monitoring & Evaluation, Technology, Research, and Data Analytics functions. Having grown with the Foundation from Program Lead – Data Analytics Support to his current role, he has taken on increasing responsibilities, reflecting his expertise in data-driven programme management, technology, and innovation.

With over 11 years of professional experience across the education, social impact, power, and manufacturing sectors, Varun has led the design and implementation of organisation-wide monitoring and evaluation frameworks, digital platforms, research initiatives, and data-driven decision-making systems. His expertise spans monitoring & evaluation, data analytics, research, technology, digital transformation, programme strategy, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based programme implementation.

Before joining Sterlite EdIndia Foundation, Varun worked with Sterlite Power Transmission Ltd. and Reliance Industries Ltd. He holds an MBA in Operations & Marketing from the Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi, and a B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering from Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Nagpur. He is passionate about leveraging data, technology, and innovation to strengthen education systems and enable scalable social impact.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Varun enjoys long-distance cycling, trekking, and exploring the outdoors as a way to stay active and rejuvenated.
Sandeep Sarda

Sandeep Sarda

Lead – Programs

As Lead – Programs at Sterlite EdIndia Foundation, Sandeep Sarda leads large-scale education programmes, strengthening implementation, partnerships, and operational excellence to improve learning outcomes. With over 25 years of experience in the education and social development sector, he brings extensive expertise in programme leadership, government partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and scaling education initiatives across multiple states.

Prior to joining Sterlite EdIndia Foundation, Sandeep held leadership roles with Bharti Airtel Foundation (formerly Bharti Foundation) and UNNATI – Organisation for Development Education. His expertise spans programme strategy and implementation, school system strengthening, teacher capacity building, government liaison, community engagement, monitoring & evaluation, team leadership, and the successful implementation of large-scale education programmes. Throughout his career, he has led multi-state initiatives, built strong partnerships with government stakeholders, and strengthened programme quality through collaborative planning, continuous monitoring, and effective implementation.

Sandeep holds a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Development from IGNOU. He is passionate about strengthening public education systems through collaborative partnerships and sustainable education initiatives that improve access to quality learning.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Sandeep enjoys travelling, listening to music, and meeting new people.
Pushpa Chandel

Pushpa Chandel

Lead – Academic Content & Digital Learning

As Lead – Academic Content & Digital Learning at Sterlite EdIndia Foundation, Pushpa Chandel leads the development of innovative digital learning solutions to strengthen teacher education and professional development. Having grown with the Foundation from the role of Chief Manager to Lead, she has taken on increasing responsibilities, reflecting her expertise in academic leadership, innovation, and digital learning.

With over 19 years of experience across schools, educational publishing, and EdTech, she has held leadership roles including School Principal, General Manager – Academics, Head – Operations & Implementation, and Organisation Development Consultant. Her expertise spans curriculum and content development, instructional design, digital learning, teacher professional development, content digitization, MOOC development, and academic programme management. She has contributed to the design of learning solutions aligned with national education priorities, supporting teacher capacity building and improved educational outcomes at scale.

Pushpa holds an MBA from the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai, and has completed certifications in Leadership & Change Management from XLRI – Xavier School of Management and Learning & Development from KPMG. She believes that meaningful educational transformation is achieved through the thoughtful integration of pedagogy, technology, and continuous professional learning.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Pushpa enjoys gardening and singing.
Nidhi Khandelwal

Nidhi Khandelwal

Chief Manager – Strategy, Partnerships & Communications

As Chief Manager – Strategy, Partnerships & Communications at Sterlite EdIndia Foundation, Nidhi leads strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and efforts to strengthen the visibility and impact of large-scale education initiatives.

She holds a B.Tech in Biotechnology and began her career as a Systems Engineer at Infosys before moving into the development sector. Her experience includes roles with Teach For India and Sol's ARC, contributing to programmes focused on education, youth development, and social impact.
Pankaj Gurav

Pankaj Gurav

Regional Head

As Regional Head – Operations at Sterlite EdIndia Foundation, Pankaj Gurav leads operational systems and supports the effective implementation of large-scale education initiatives through data-driven decision-making and process excellence. Having grown with the Foundation over the years, he has taken on roles of increasing responsibility, reflecting his leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to organizational excellence.

With over 18 years of experience in education, data analytics, monitoring & evaluation, project management, and community development, he has worked across non-profit organizations and social impact initiatives to strengthen program delivery and organizational effectiveness.

Pankaj has previously worked with organizations including OSCAR Foundation, Masoom, and Magic Bus India Foundation. He is also the founder of Khel Khel Me, an initiative that uses sports and creative learning approaches to engage children and strengthen communities. He holds a PGDM in IT Project Management from Welingkar Institute of Management and is passionate about leveraging technology, innovation, and data to create sustainable social impact.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Pankaj enjoys trekking, wildlife photography, writing, and exploring creative approaches to learning and community development.
Suman Arora

Suman Arora

State Head – Rajasthan

Suman has devoted nearly 15 years to the social sector, concentrating on education and women's issues. Throughout her tenure in Rajasthan, she actively engaged with both governmental bodies and local communities, addressing vital concerns such as quality education for all children, advancing gender equality, and championing rights. For Suman, this endeavour has seamlessly intertwined with both her passion and profession.
Imdangjungla Jamir

Imdangjungla Jamir

State Head – Tripura

Imdangjungla Jamir (Ajung) is working with us as a State Head - Tripura. She holds a Master's in Peace and Conflict Studies from TISS. And a PG Program in Development Leadership from ISDM. She has close to 6 years of experience, including Gandhi Fellowship and impactful work with Lend A Hand India, where she supported Nagaland's Directorate of School Education. Outside work, she enjoys badminton and movies.
Bharti Gupta

Bharti Gupta

State Head – Uttarakhand

Bharti is a versatile professional with rich experience in IT, Education, Skill Development, and Financial Inclusion. She has meticulously acquired this experience by working closely with Government bodies and Industries. Until recently, she was working with Accuinfra Technology Limited in Nigeria and has moved to Uttarakhand, India to join us.
Madhuri Gandhi

Madhuri Gandhi

State Head – Maharashtra

As State Head – Maharashtra at Sterlite EdIndia Foundation, Madhuri Gandhi brings over 15 years of experience in the education and CSR sector. She has a strong track record of leading impactful programmes, building strategic partnerships, and working closely with government and community stakeholders.

She has previously worked with organizations including American India Foundation (AIF), ISC – Antar Bharti Balgram School, GurujiWorld Technologies, SOS Children’s Villages India, and iTeach Schools. Her expertise spans programme management, school and system strengthening, teacher capacity building, stakeholder engagement, NEP implementation, and driving sustainable impact across the education ecosystem.

She holds a Master's degree in Sociology, a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), and is currently pursuing a Master's in Education. She is passionate about strengthening public education systems through collaborative partnerships, innovative practices, and learner-centred approaches.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Madhuri enjoys travelling, shopping, and reading books. She also loves watching Friends, which she considers her favourite way to unwind.
T.Raghunathan Nair

T.Raghunathan Nair

State Manager – Chhattisgarh

As State Manager – Chhattisgarh at Sterlite EdIndia Foundation, T.Raghunathan Nair leads the implementation of education programs, teacher capacity building initiatives, and stakeholder engagement. Having grown with the Foundation from the role of Project Coordinator to State Manager, he has taken on increasing responsibilities, reflecting his leadership, collaborative approach, and commitment to creating meaningful educational impact.

With over 20 years of experience in education and social development, he has worked extensively across several states in India, including Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttarakhand. He has previously held leadership roles with organizations including Magic Bus India Foundation and Azim Premji Foundation, where he led curriculum development, teacher training, monitoring & evaluation, and community-based education initiatives. His expertise spans curriculum development, teacher professional development, leadership facilitation, life skills education, community engagement, and holistic child development.

Raghunathan believes that education is not merely about academic achievement but about nurturing confident, compassionate, and capable individuals who can contribute meaningfully to society. A trained martial artist and yoga practitioner, he is passionate about promoting physical fitness, mindfulness, and lifelong learning.
Kanchan Upasani

Kanchan Upasani

Manager - Human Resources

Kanchan is an HR professional with over 13 years of experience in Human Resource Management. She holds a Master's degree in Industrial Psychology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration. Her latest role was with Edify HR, where she delivered strategic HR support to clients, ensuring alignment with their business objectives. She is a proactive and results-oriented professional, deeply committed to driving organisational success through effective HR practices and strategic initiatives. Beyond her professional life, she is passionate about fitness and gymnastics. She is a certified gymnastics coach for toddlers and beginners, as well as a certified district-level gymnastics judge, and a mother of a 6-year-old.

Recognition

BMC Education Department Felicitation

Felicitation by BMC Education Department for Remarkable Work in the FLN (Foundational Literacy and Numeracy) Initiative 2026

CSR Times Award 2026

Sterlite EdIndia Foundation received the CSR Times Award 2026 - Silver in the Education category for the outstanding initiative - "Pre-service Teacher Education Programme"

BSG Excellence Award

‘Community Engagement & Education for Sustainability' Award at the 1st BSG Excellence in Sustainability Awards 2025

Indian CSR Award

'Best Higher Education Initiative' award at the Indian CSR Awards & Summit

ET Rajasthan Business Award

'Excellence in EdTech & Digital Learning’ award at the ET Rajasthan Business Awards 2025 by The Economic Times

World CSR Day Award

‘Outstanding Contribution to Social Consciousness award’ at the World CSR Day 2025

Elets World Education Summit 2024

Our work got recognized with 'Innovative Product/ Service for Teacher Professional Development' at the 31st Elets World Education Summit 2024

IndianCSR & Sustainability Conclave Award 2023

Our work in Education got recognized with the IndianCSR & Sustainability Conclave Award, 2023 for CSR Excellence in Education

Mahatma Award 2023

Recognized with Mahatma Award 2023 for 'Social Good and Impact in Quality Education'

Best Innovative CSR Project Award 2023 Education

Best Innovative CSR Project Award 2023 Education

Indian Social Impact Award 2022

Our work in Tripura received the Indian Social Impact Award under the category of ‘Best Education CSR Project of the Year 2022-23’

Asia Power Award 2021

Received Asia Power Award 2021 under the category ‘CSR Initiative of the year – India’

CSR Times National CSR E-Summit 2020

Awarded as the ‘Best Corporate Foundation’ in Education Category for the CSR Project – ‘Project Pragyan’ at 7th National CSR E-Summit organised by CSR Times in 2020

GFEL Top 50 Organizations 2020

Recognised as ‘Top 50 Organizations in Education’ by Global Forum for Education and Learning, USA, 2020