A journey rooted in purpose

I grew up in a home where education was more than just schooling, it was hope, possibility, and the promise of a better life. My mother, though unable to pursue higher education herself, worked at a women’s university, where she was surrounded by inspiring educators. She would often remind me, “It’s not about what you study, but how you use it to make the world better.” Those words stayed with me.

As a first-generation college student, I carried the weight of dreams, my own and those of my family. I secured a well-paying IT job after graduation, yet something felt incomplete. I longed for purpose, for work that left a tangible mark on people’s lives. That longing led me to Teach For India, where I found myself standing in front of a classroom full of bright, hardworking students in Mumbai’s underserved communities. Their biggest worry wasn’t about passing exams, it was about what comes next. The absence of career guidance and leadership opportunities for them fueled my determination to make a difference. During my time I organized career guidance sessions, invited professionals and created spaces for students to learn about opportunities available post Grade 10.

Upon completing my fellowship in 2020, I co-founded Asude with my life partner, Vyankatesh, a social enterprise committed to providing holistic education to children in rural public schools in India.

My passion for systemic change in education took me across the world to Harvard University, where I pursued my Master’s in Education. There, I deepened my understanding of learning design, leadership, and policy, equipping myself with the tools to create sustainable impact. Along this journey, our work at Asude has been recognized through the prestigious Cheng Fellowship at the Social Innovation Change Initiative at Harvard Kennedy School, The Mittal Institute’s 2024 Seed for Change, and Education Entrepreneurship Summer Fellowship at Harvard Graduate School of Education, reinforcing that we are on the right track.

The challenge: Education that ends with uncertainty

Our research in government schools in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, found that less than 44% of students could identify their education options after Grade 10. This means nearly half of our youth are navigating their futures in the dark.

This challenge goes beyond academics, it’s about agency, exposure, and mentorship. During my time as a Teach For India Fellow, I saw firsthand how the lack of career awareness, financial literacy, and life skills leads many students to drop out or settle for jobs far below their potential. For girls, the barriers are even higher. Social norms often restrict their dreams before they’ve even had the chance to imagine them.

Our approach: Turning the world into a playground for learning

At Asude, we design experiential learning programs that equip students with the tools they need to transition successfully from education to career. Our flagship initiative, the North Star Program, provides students with:

• Self-awareness: Helping them identify their strengths, interests, and values.
• Career awareness: Exposing them to diverse fields through mentorship and industry visits.
• Career planning: Supporting students in making informed choices about their education and careers.
• Transition support: Guiding them through crucial shifts in their journey.
• Parent engagement: Ensuring families are part of the decision-making process, challenging gender biases and financial constraints.

Collaboration: Education is a community effort

Real change doesn’t happen in isolation. We work closely with parents to challenge gender norms and encourage career aspirations. We also work with educators and government systems to integrate career readiness into school curricula, and with industry leaders, to provide mentorship, internships, and real-world exposure.

By building a network of support, we ensure that students don’t just dream of a better future, they actively create it.

Systemic change: Scaling impact beyond the classroom

While our programs directly impact thousands of students and educators, our vision extends far beyond. We aim to embed career education into government school policies and expand our reach through scalable solutions. By empowering leaders at every level: students, teachers, and administrators, we are driving long-term transformation in India’s education system.

Lessons learned: What this journey has taught me

1. Exposure unlocks possibilities: Students can only aspire to what they see. Industry visits, professional interactions, and relatable role models are game-changers.
2. Education must be holistic: Career success is not just about academics, it’s about leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability.
3. Community is key: The biggest impact happens when parents, educators, and policymakers work together to create opportunities for students.

Our students aren’t passive learners, they’re co-creators of their futures. The world of work is evolving, and education must keep pace. At Asude, we’re committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has the knowledge, skills, and support to thrive. But this is about more than just preparing students for a job, it’s about empowering them to lead, innovate, and create change. When young minds are equipped with the right tools, they don’t just navigate the future; they shape it. The real question is no longer “What do we do after school?” it’s “How do we build a future we believe in?”