‘Building Flourishing Futures 2026’ convening galvanises global and Indian experts to transform early childhood and primary education ecosystems
- Over 250 educators, including Anganwadi practitioners, gain cutting-edge insights on play-based learning, foundational literacy, and AI-powered teaching
- Pathbreaking publication, Pedagogies of Play: Innovations in Early Childhood Education, launched to empower educators nationwide with evidence-based tools
- Convening advances India’s National Education Policy goals by strengthening emotional safety, inclusivity, and child-centric pedagogy
- Vision led by Smt Nita M. Ambani and Ms Isha Ambani reinforces education as the cornerstone of lifelong resilience, well-being, and national progress
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
MUMBAI, FEB 15
In a landmark step toward redefining India’s education landscape, the Reliance Foundation convened leading Indian and international education experts, policymakers, and grassroots practitioners at its flagship ‘Building Flourishing Futures 2026’ initiative—sparking new momentum for child-centred, inclusive, and future-ready learning.
Held on February 7 and 8 at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School, the two-day convening brought together more than 250 education practitioners from India and across the world, including Anganwadi educators, researchers, and global thought leaders. The initiative fostered transformative dialogue, practice-sharing, and capacity building focused on strengthening early childhood and primary education—the foundation for lifelong learning and national development.
A Transformative Platform Driving Real-World Impact
Rooted in the visionary leadership of Reliance Foundation Founder and Chairperson Smt Nita M. Ambani, the convening reinforced a powerful national mission—to ensure every child thrives in a nurturing and empowering learning environment.
Speaking about the initiative, Isha Ambani, Director, Reliance Foundation and Vice Chairperson, Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School, said: “When education meets children where they are — emotionally, socially, and cognitively — it creates the foundation for meaningful and joyful learning. At Reliance Foundation, our work in early childhood and foundational learning is guided by an evidence-informed, deeply human belief, that children flourish when they feel cared for, warm, safe, valued, and supported. Through ‘Building Flourishing Futures’, our aim is to create a platform for learning exchange for educators to share ideas, insights and best practices on creating inclusive learning ecosystems that enable every child to flourish.”
This second edition of the convening expanded its focus from early childhood education to primary education, emphasising continuity in foundational learning and nurturing emotional well-being, resilience, and lifelong curiosity.
Global Expertise Meets Grassroots Innovation
The convening’s outcome was marked by rich cross-pollination of ideas between international experts and Indian practitioners, bridging global research with local realities.
Distinguished global speakers included Dr Rebecca Rolland (Harvard University), Prof Marilyn Fleer and Dr Prabhat Rai (Monash University), Ms Fiona Carter (Wellington College, UK), Dr Rita Chawla-Duggan (Bath University, UK), and Ms Beatrice Moccia (Raoul Wallenberg International School, Spain).
Indian experts and policymakers—including Kailash Pagare, IAS, Commissioner ICDS, Government of Maharashtra; Dr Preeti Rao (IIT Bombay); Dr Swati Popat Vats; Bharat Visweswariah (British Asian Trust); and Gouri Gupta (Central Square Foundation)—shared ground-level insights on strengthening India’s foundational learning ecosystem.
The convening delivered actionable outcomes through masterclasses and learning labs across three transformative themes:
- Foundations of Curiosity: Play-based learning approaches nurturing creativity and engagement
- Count, Read, Grow: Strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy through joyful methods
- Teaching and Learning Reimagined: Leveraging AI and technology to support equitable, safe, and effective education
Anganwadi Educators Empowered as Frontline Change Agents
A key highlight of the initiative was the participation of 20 Anganwadi educators supported under Reliance Foundation’s capacity-building programmes in Maharashtra and Telangana.
Through specially curated masterclasses led by educators from the Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School Early Years Campus and Little Nest, Anganwadi practitioners gained practical tools and innovative teaching methods to enhance classroom engagement and improve early learning outcomes in underserved communities.
This capacity-building effort strengthens India’s grassroots education infrastructure and aligns with national priorities under the National Education Policy.
Landmark Publication Launch: ‘Pedagogies of Play’ Sets New Benchmarks
A major outcome of the convening was the launch of the publication:
Pedagogies of Play: Innovations in Early Childhood Education
The publication showcases evidence-based, play-driven educational approaches from 10 organisations, demonstrating how experiential learning can significantly enhance cognitive development, inclusion, emotional well-being, and holistic growth in young children.
This knowledge resource is expected to serve as a critical reference for educators, institutions, and policymakers, helping scale best practices across India’s education ecosystem.
Driving Long-Term Transformation in India’s Education Ecosystem
The convening’s impact extends beyond dialogue, catalysing tangible transformation through:
- Strengthening educator capacity and professional development
- Scaling innovative and inclusive teaching practices
- Aligning education with emotional well-being and belonging
- Supporting implementation of the National Education Policy
- Promoting global collaboration and local adaptation
Delegates also toured the world-class learning facilities at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School and its Early Years Campus, witnessing firsthand how flexible, personalised environments nurture creativity, curiosity, and lifelong love for learning.
Building a Flourishing Future for Every Child
Through its ‘Building Flourishing Futures’ initiative, the Reliance Foundation has reinforced its commitment to strengthening India’s education ecosystem—empowering educators, inspiring innovation, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
By combining global expertise, grassroots engagement, and evidence-based innovation, the initiative is helping shape a more inclusive, resilient, and flourishing future for India’s next generation.
