Neeru Yadav, sarpanch of Lambi Ahir gram panchayat in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district, said on Monday that her focus has been on ensuring access to basic education for every child in her village, stressing that education is the strongest tool for social transformation in rural India.
Speaking at the NDTV LearnNXT Conclave 2026 during a panel titled "The Rural Multiplier: Powering a Viksit Bharat From the Ground Up," Yadav said she has been working to strengthen community-led learning initiatives at the grassroots level.
She said she has introduced "book-free learning" methods in her panchayat to make education more engaging, practical, and activity-based for children.
"Education is the only medium that can change your circumstances," she said, highlighting its role in transforming rural lives.
The Lambi Ahir gram panchayat has been focusing on improving access to basic education for all children, she added.
The panel discussion explored how community participation can improve rural education systems and help bridge learning gaps in underserved regions.
Tinni Sawhney said rural parents largely see education as a long-term investment, though financial constraints remain a challenge. "Every parent wants their child to be successful," she said, adding that while enrolment has improved, the focus must now shift towards learning outcomes and parental engagement.
Shridhar Venkat and Samyukta Subramanian also participated in the session. The discussion covered rural dropouts, nutrition, girls' education, and the role of communities in improving access to quality education.
The NDTV LearnNXT Conclave 2026 brought together educators, policymakers, and institutions to discuss the future of education, including inclusivity, AI-driven learning, and curriculum reforms in India.