Podcast
Ei Dialogues
Hosted by Educational Initiatives · EN
EI Dialogues is a podcast series brought to you by Educational Initiatives, an organization working towards creating a world where children everywhere are learning with understanding. In this podcast, we speak to entrepreneurs, academicians, policy makers and education leaders to delve deeper into the most urgent and important questions on solving for quality and equity in education.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
5X Social Impact Without Losing Integrity | Jayant Rastogi, Magic Bus India Foundation | Ei Dialogues
Jan 1600:49:27Tap to summarizeEmployee morale was low. Programs existed on paper but not always on the ground. Salaries were uncertain. Scaling felt necessary, but credibility came first.So how do you grow a social organisation fivefold without losing trust, culture, or purpose?In this Ei Dialogues episode, Jayant Rastogi, Global CEO of Magic Bus Foundation, reflects on his journey from two decades in the corporate and technology sector to leading one of India’s largest youth-focused NGOs. Drawing from real field experiences, Jayant shares how transparency, data, and people-first leadership helped rebuild systems and scale impact responsibly.He introduces his Four Ps framework, explains why adolescent years are critical to preventing dropout and unemployment, and discusses how technology can strengthen integrity, improve outcomes, and unlock inclusive growth. The conversation also explores why female workforce participation is central to India’s long-term economic future.For social sector leaders, funders, policymakers, and practitioners working to scale impact with honesty and accountability.Hosted by Pranav Kothari, CEO of Educational Initiatives.
Transcribe →
How India Can Get More Women Engineers | Vandana Goyal (Co-CEO, Avanti Fellows) | Ei Dialogues
Nov 2700:52:00Tap to summarizeWhy do girls excel in school in the early years and suddenly start falling behind in High School? What will it take for India to have more women engineers?In this episode, Pranav Kothari speaks with Vandana Goyal, Co-CEO of Avanti Fellows and former CEO of The Akanksha Foundation, about the gender gap in STEM, what derails high-performing girls, and the cultural barriers shaping their futures.Together, they explore the 2% vs 15% admission odds between medicine and engineering, why many young women fall out of the workforce after failing NEET, and how scalable models can help more girls reach IITs and remain in the workforce longer.Follow for more evidence-based conversations on education and equity in India.#WomenInSTEM #GirlsInEngineering #EducationIndia
Transcribe →
Improving Learning Outcomes in Schools | Omar Momin, CEO Godrej Foundation | Ei Dialogues
Nov 1100:48:48Tap to summarizeTeacher training programs often fail. Doubling salaries produced zero learning gains in one study. So what actually works?Omar Momin, CEO of Godrej Foundation, shares evidence from experiments across Indian schools on sustained teacher training, teaching students by learning level, measuring impact with counterfactuals, identifying gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and using AI to personalize learning without creating dependency.For education leaders, funders, and policymakers working to improve student outcomes.Hosted by Pranav Kothari, CEO of Educational Initiatives.
Transcribe →
Bringing 2M+ Girls Back to School: Gayatri Lobo on Quality, Learning Outcomes and Government Trust | Ei Dialogues
Oct 3000:42:18Tap to summarizeHow do you bring 2 million+ out-of-school girls back into classrooms and achieve 4x better learning outcomes? Gayatri Nair Lobo, CEO of Educate Girls, shares the real barriers keeping girls out of school, how to build trust with government systems, and why quality improved as they scaled to millions.Gayatri leads a decade-long mission to help 10 million learners unlock their right to education. Previously led A.T.E. Chandra Foundation, India School Leadership Institute, Teach For India, and Dalberg Advisors.Ei Dialogues is brought to you by Educational Initiatives.
Transcribe →
What Makes People Give? Neera Nundy on Philanthropy, Gender & Flexible Funding
Oct 1600:39:14Tap to summarizeJoin Pranav Kothari in conversation with Neera Nundy, Co-Founder of Dasra, as they explore what drives philanthropic giving in India. From the psychology of generosity to trust-based funding and the rising role of women in philanthropy, this episode unpacks 25 years of insights on transforming India's social sector through strategic giving. #EiDialogues #Philanthropy #SocialImpact #India #Dasra
Transcribe →
Transforming Livelihoods with Blended Finance | Priya Naik on CSR & Philanthropy | Ei Dialogues
Oct 200:49:31Tap to summarizeWhat does it take for philanthropy to move beyond charity and create lasting change? In this episode of Ei Dialogues, Priya Naik (Founder & CEO, Samhita) joins Pranav Kothari (CEO, Educational Initiatives) to explore how catalytic capital, blended finance, and CSR can transform livelihoods at scale.From unlocking 500–1000x resources with small grants to stories of dignity from women entrepreneurs, Priya shares bold lessons on why India’s development future depends on partnerships, complexity, and trust.
Transcribe →
Shaping and Measuring Lasting CSR Impact in India | Sridhar N E on Ei Dialogues
Sep 1801:00:09Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Sridhar shares how trust, people, and partnerships can drive lasting change in education. Discover how CSR can go beyond compliance, and what it takes to balance strategy with real-world impact.
Transcribe →
Madhukar Banuri on Transforming Government Schools & Building Education Systems
Sep 201:12:32Tap to summarizeWhat does it really take to transform education for millions of children in India’s government schools? In this episode, we unpack Madhukar's 15 years of experience working with state governments, district leaders, and teachers to create sustainable, large-scale education reform.You’ll hear about:- Why “building government capacity” is essential for lasting education reform- How to balance urgency with the reality that true systems change takes decades- The role of teachers, middle managers, and proven pedagogy in driving learning outcomes- Why LFE chose to stay in one state for 10 years before expanding- Using demand-led teacher training and data to improve classroom practice- Rethinking board exam questions to improve both equity and learning outcomes
Transcribe →
Ei Dialogues with Shikhar Malhotra and Mathukumilli Sribharat
May 30, 202500:51:55Tap to summarizeIn this episode of EI Dialogues, we talk to Shikhar Malhotra, Trustee of the Shiv Nadar Foundation and CEO of HCL Healthcare, and Sribharat Mathukumilli, Member of Parliament from Visakhapatnam and President of GITAM University.Shikhar and Sribharat share their journeys in business and politics and how it was shaped by personal conviction, resilience, and a deep commitment to public good. In this conversation, they reflect on early influences, navigating legacy, choosing purpose, and the realities of institution-building across sectors.They also speak about the values needed to succeed in an AI-driven world, how young people can find clarity through action, and the importance of curiosity, groundedness, and long-term thinking.This episode was originally launched on 30th May 2024.
Transcribe →
Ei Dialogues with Anurag Kundu, Member, Punjab Development Commission (S5E10)
Jul 9, 202400:49:42Tap to summarizeIn an engaging and honest conversation, Pranav Kothari sits down with Mr. Anurag Kundu to discuss his inspiring journey from Teach for India to the Punjab Development Commission. Discover the incredible work he has done in the field of education and gain valuable insights into the Right to Education, collaborating with stakeholders, and child protection in the age of AI. If you're involved in the social development space, this episode is a must-watch. Don’t miss out—catch the episode now! For more information, visit our website: www.ei.study
Transcribe →