Rhea Arane

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October 10 2025

Indian Social Responsibility: Changemakers Circle 2025

Changemakers Circle: Nurturing Partnerships That Create Lasting Impact

True Progress Through Diverse Voices
In the realm of social change, true progress emerges when diverse voices unite with a shared passion to make a difference. The upcoming Changemakers Circle, hosted by the Times Foundation, embodies this spirit of collective action. Scheduled for October 15, 2025, this event is more than a gathering; it is a dynamic platform designed to bring together NGOs, Corporate Social Responsibility leaders, government officials, and development practitioners dedicated to driving sustainable social impact.

Collaboration as a Catalyst for Change
At its core, the Changemakers Circle is founded on the belief that collaboration is the key to unlocking transformative solutions. Through inspiring keynote speeches, thought-provoking thematic sessions, and engaging group discussions, participants will share best practices, learn from success stories, and co-create innovative approaches to address some of today’s most pressing development challenges. This space encourages openness, fosters new partnerships, and nurtures dialogue that amplifies impact across sectors.

Building an Inclusive Development Ecosystem
What makes this event truly special is its focus on building an inclusive ecosystem where every voice matters. By bringing together more than fifty passionate stakeholders, the Changemakers Circle aims to deepen understanding and strengthen connections that catalyze real-world change. It is a place where ideas take flight, commitments are renewed, and collaborative actions pave the way toward a more equitable and sustainable future.

The Changemakers Circle by the Times Foundation underscores the power of collective action in addressing the complex challenges of our time. It reminds us that true social impact flourishes when pursued together rather than in isolation. As the gathering draws near, it serves both as an invitation to reflect and an inspiration to act, encouraging changemakers to transform dialogue into enduring partnerships that create meaningful change across communities in India, leaving behind a legacy of purpose, hope, and shared commitment to lasting social good.

September 30 2025

Watch Closely, Observe, Question, and Reflect

Rhea Arane Uncategorized

Celebrating Young Critical Thinkers at TCTC 2025 Grand Finale

New Delhi’s Siri Fort auditorium buzzed with energy and anticipation this Monday as the grand finale of the Times Critical Thinking Championship 2025 unfolded. It was a celebration not just of academic skills but of inquisitive minds ready to challenge the status quo. The event began with a stirring call to action: “Watch closely, observe, question and reflect.” This grand finale marked the thrilling conclusion of a year-long journey where curiosity took centre stage.

This championship was more than a competition. It was a movement. Over two hundred thousand young learners from classes three to twelve who are the bright minds of five hundred schools across twenty-five states of India, embarked on a voyage of discovery and insight. Alongside them, five thousand teachers embraced new ways of teaching designed to spark creativity, ignite inquiry and hone problem-solving abilities. The Times Foundation’s bold vision is clear: to nurture one point eight million critical thinkers by the year twenty twenty-seven who will power India’s growth by thinking deeply and differently.

From this vast pool of talent, thirty-five exceptional students emerged. They were handpicked through a rigorous two-tier assessment consisting of offline written tests and video interviews mentoring critical thinking with master trainers. On stage, these young champions were felicitated by The Times of India Chief Operating Officer Mohit Jain, cheered on by distinguished guests including badminton ace Saina Nehwal, trailblazing innovator Gul Panag and visionary educationist Sonam Wangchuk.

The atmosphere was electric as each winner took their rightful place in the spotlight. After the felicitation, hundreds gathered for an engaging fireside chat where stories flowed freely. Saina Nehwal shared the secrets of her relentless hard work and perseverance while Gul Panag and Sonam Wangchuk invited the audience to question norms and embrace experimentation as the seeds of innovation.

A particularly moving moment was a riveting skit on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, crafted under the expert direction of child drama coach Raj Upadhyay. With live music and vivid storytelling, the children traced Netaji’s journey from the stirring philosophies of Swami Vivekananda to his fierce independence struggle. The performance illustrated how questioning and courage have historically shaped our nation’s destiny.

This championship resonates powerfully with the National Education Policy 2020 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal for quality education. It also addresses pressing challenges revealed by ASER 2023 and India Skills Report 2024. These reports highlight a critical need to elevate higher-order thinking and effective communication among Indian students.

As the event drew to a close, a spirited message was clear. Critical thinking transcends textbooks. It is a vital life skill, a tool to unlock potential and navigate the complexities of tomorrow’s world. With hearts full of inspiration and minds abuzz, students and teachers left the auditorium ready to champion this change in their classrooms and communities.

The next vibrant edition of the Times Critical Thinking Championship is already set for September eighth, twenty twenty-six.The journey continues.It promises even more bright minds ready to watch closely, observe deeply, question boldly and reflect profoundly.

September 3 2025

English for Employability: From Spoken Word to a Movement

Rhea Arane Uncategorized

English for Employability: From a Spoken Word to a Movement

The Journey: From Teach India to Think! Jobs

When Teach India Was Launched By The Times Of India In 2010, It Carried A Powerful Belief: That English Is More Than Just A Language, It’s A Lever For Dignity, Access, And Opportunity. Especially For India’s Underserved Youth.

Fast Forward To Today: Teach India Has Evolved Into Think! Jobs, A Bold, Future-Ready Employability Program Designed To Help Young People Not Just Speak Fluently, But Step Forward With Confidence. The Name Has Changed, But The Mission Endures.

Our Program In Focus: Think!Jobs

For years, Teach India built an ecosystem of support—connecting trained volunteer teachers with young learners from low-income communities. Through structured English modules, life skills, and career coaching, it created pathways to employment.

But as job markets shifted, so did the program.

Think! Jobs emerged with a sharper focus: building career ecosystems, not just communication skills. With real-world mentorship, employer linkages, and outcome-driven training, it’s a launchpad for economic mobility.

A 4-Pillar Approach to Employability

At the heart of Think! Jobs lies a simple but powerful mantra:
Learn. Grow. Succeed.

This is more than education—it’s transformation. The program is built on four interconnected pillars:

1. Spoken English Training

Beyond phonetics and grammar, learners build the fluency, confidence, and goal-orientation needed to engage in real-world conversations—from interviews to office meetings.
Outcome: CEFR .5A1 to A1

2. Career Support & Job Assistance

Curated job fairs. Career counseling. Role-matching. Think! Jobs connect learners to opportunities aligned with their skills and ambition—bridging potential and placement.

3. Workplace & Soft Skill Development

From resume writing and interview prep to teamwork, digital literacy, and adaptability—this is about building a professional toolkit that lasts.

4. Guidance & Mentorship

Personal mentoring helps learners set goals, overcome emotional and social hurdles, and build the resilience to shape their own futures.

Built by a Community, For a Community

Think! Jobs isn’t just powered by content—it’s powered by people.

100+ partner NGOs take the program into communities that need it most.
250 MSME hubs offer real industry exposure.
1000+ trained teachers and 25 master trainers bring consistency, care, and impact to every classroom.

What Success Looks Like

500,000+ students impacted
60+ job fairs hosted
55 industry partners engaged

But the numbers are only part of the story. The real impact lives in the learners who once hesitated to speak—and now lead meetings. In the youth who didn’t see a future—and now walk into interviews with confidence.

According to World Bank research, English fluency can increase income by up to 40% in India. For many, this isn’t just a program. It’s a path to financial freedom and personal dignity.

More Than a Program. It’s a Movement.

Today, Think! Jobs stands at the intersection of communication, confidence, and career readiness. It doesn’t just train, it transforms. It doesn’t just place, it empowers.

In a country where the gap between potential and opportunity remains vast, Think! Jobs doesn’t just bridge that gap.

It builds the bridge and walks with youth across it.

Because when young people find their voice,
they don’t just speak.
They rise.