April 2025 Issue
We hope this message finds you well. We are reaching out to you since you have been a part of our programmes. It has been a delight to share ideas and insights with you during our events and webinars. If you wish to subscribe to our newsletter and get regular updates, please subscribe to our Substack.
Here is our latest edition for your information.
Editor’s Note:
Dear Reader,
This month, we celebrate stories of resilience, transformation, and the power of second chances. Across the world, there are individuals who have risen from humble beginnings, defying the odds to create successful careers and businesses. Whether through entrepreneurship, vocational training, or sheer determination, these stories remind us that adversity is not a dead end, but a stepping stone to success.
Through Ritinjali’s Second Chance School, young men who once faced poverty and limited opportunities are now rewriting their futures, building careers, and starting their own businesses. Similarly, we explore the journeys of entrepreneurs who overcame immense hardships to establish thriving enterprises, proving that with the right support, education, and perseverance, no dream is out of reach.
We hope this edition inspires you to believe in the power of opportunity, resilience, and the human spirit.
Happy reading!
Transforming Lives Through Opportunity: The Success Stories of Second Chance School Alumni
Ritinjali, meaning ‘helping hands’ in Sanskrit, has been committed to empowering marginalized communities through education and skill development for nearly three decades. One of its most impactful initiatives, the Second Chance School (SCS), is a residential and day school programme designed to equip disadvantaged young men (aged 18–24) with the education, skills, and confidence needed to overcome socio-economic challenges and build a self-reliant future.
In India, millions of youth face barriers to education, unstable employment, and financial insecurity, leaving them trapped in daily wage labour or joblessness. Many of these young men come from impoverished backgrounds, facing discrimination and exploitation. Without structured intervention, their potential remains untapped, and their dreams remain distant.
The Second Chance School bridges this gap by offering a structured, two-year learning journey that reintegrates young men into society with wholistic education, vocational training, and professional exposure.
From Slums to Startups: The Inspiring Ascent of Indian Women Entrepreneurs
by Hanshika Ujlayan
Courtesy: WION
In a world where ambitions are generally contained by reality, there are a few individuals who go against the odds and sculpt their paths. One of them is the story of Kalpana Saroj, a woman who achieved success from dire poverty and turned into a business tycoon whose net worth stands at about ₹2,000 crore ($112 million). Nicknamed the first 'Slumdog Millionaire,' Kalpana's story is not only one of individual success but a ray of hope for women entrepreneurs all over India. With changing government policies and increasing institutional support, women startup companies are transforming the country's business scene, demonstrating that determination and vision can conquer any challenge. Keep reading
From Mumbai Slum To CEO: “Pehelwaan” Entrepreneur Rahul Narvekar’s Epic & Inspiring Journey
by Shweta Modgil
Courtesy: INC 42
Any kid starting college wants new shoes. Rahul Narvekar, ex-CEO of NDTV Ethnic Retail Limited’s Indian Roots, was the same. But coming from a Mumbai chawl in a family struggling to make ends meet made affording the new pair of shoes another question altogether. So the aspiring entrepreneur found a solution to his pain point – he recycled his friend’s brother’s old pair of shoes that had been thrown away. Of course, the fixed shoes were a constant source of worry for Rahul who would feel conscious in a local train if people were looking at them and judging him. He was even ashamed of going out on a date on their account.
It was around this time that a story made the media rounds – of Ratan Tata’s uber-expensive pair of shoes being stolen at a funeral. After some digging around, Rahul found out that the shoes costing thousands were from an Italian fashion house named Bally. And, in true dreamer style, he vowed that the day he became successful he would own a pair of Ballys just like Tata. Keep reading
Upcoming Events
South Asia Science Education Programme 2025
Druk Gyalpo’s Institute, in collaboration with the Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire (CERN) and Life Lab Foundation, is hosting the South Asia Science Education Programme 2025 from 1–5 July at Pangbisa, Paro, Bhutan. Click here for details and registration.
PLS Learning Portal
Your gateway to a wealth of educational courses, resources and opportunities
For more information about each courses, click here
Sign Up or Login to avail these online courses from May 3, 2024.
Recent Events
Webinar: Reading in the Digital Age: Nurturing Readers in a Tech-Driven World
In an era where digital content is reshaping reading habits, how can we foster a love for books while leveraging technology? This webinar brought together experts to explore the evolving landscape of reading—balancing traditional and digital formats, harnessing AI-driven tools, and fostering interactive reading communities. It was an engaging discussion on innovative strategies that make reading more accessible, immersive, and meaningful in today’s tech-driven world.
Click here to read the report. Watch the webinar.
Past Events
Webinar: Enabling Environment: Integrating Technology, Inclusion, and Community.
On Thursday, 27th February 2025, Pallavan Learning Systems, in collaboration with Ritinjali and the Centre for Escalation of Peace, hosted a webinar on Enabling Environment: Integrating Technology, Inclusion, and Community. The discussion explored how technology enhances accessibility, engagement, and personalised learning experiences through AI-driven tools, online courses, and assistive technologies.
We are delighted to announce that the webinar report and edited video recordings are now accessible on the PLS Learning Portal. Please click here to access them. You will need to register for the portal if you do not already have an account. You can also download your certificate of participation from the portal.
Philosopher’s Retreat 2024: Navigating Human Connection and Development in the Age of Technology
This year’s retreat explored how technology and digital innovation are reshaping human perception, emotional resilience, and the ability to form meaningful connections. Participants examined the impact of the rapid flow of information on intellect and focus, while addressing the challenge of balancing technological engagement with authentic personal development. The discussions emphasised the importance of preserving essential human qualities—such as empathy, creativity, and critical thinking—in an increasingly digital world. To read the full report Click here.
Services
Ritinjali
In March, two sessions were held for the newest cohort of learners at Ritinjali. The first session centered on mentorship, providing guidance and support, while the second session was dedicated to student presentations, where participants showcased their learnings from the 9-week PLS programme.
OP Jindal Schools
Pallavan Learning Systems (PLS) has played an instrumental role in supporting OP Jindal Schools (OPJS) through a sustained and collaborative approach to school improvement and teacher development. This engagement has encompassed a series of interactive workshops, strategic planning meetings, and ongoing mentorship.
Individual and group meetings with teams from each OPJS school—as well as broader sessions with the central PLS team—have enabled deep, reflective conversations around the progress of the School Enrichment Programme. These dialogues have been key in identifying both achievements and areas for further development.
A cornerstone of the collaboration has been the implementation of a structured school self-assessment framework. Using clearly defined rubrics, school teams have been encouraged to evaluate their current practices, justify their assessments, and create actionable roadmaps for improvement. This reflective exercise has helped sharpen priorities and guide targeted interventions.
Strong emphasis has also been placed on communication and coordination. The establishment of WhatsApp groups, regular online meetings, and consistent sharing of feedback have ensured that teams remain aligned and engaged in the improvement process.
Importantly, a growing number of educators across the OPJS network have begun to actively engage with the PLS Portal, accessing online courses that complement and deepen the insights from in-person sessions. This proactive participation reflects a strong and emerging culture of continuous professional learning across the schools.
Thanks for reading PLS Newsletter! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work.