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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.

July 28 2025

Critical Thinking: Thinking is a Radical Act. And We’re Teaching It.

melody@thetimesfoundation.org Uncategorized

Critical Thinking: Thinking is a Radical Act. And We’re Teaching It.

It All Starts With a Question

In a modest classroom in Shahdara, a young girl raised her hand and asked,

“Why do we always learn English from books written somewhere else and not from our own stories?”

The teacher paused. The room fell silent. Slowly, other hands went up. What followed wasn’t a grammar lesson, but a shared moment of reflection and curiosity.

Across many classrooms in Shahdara, children are taught to memorise, not to question. They learn to follow rules, but not to think for themselves. Often, they struggle to tell the difference between fact and opinion, between knowing and understanding.

That moment wasn’t in the textbook. But it was where real learning began.

The Power of Asking Why

Across schools in India, similar sparks are quietly being lit.

Children are moving from memorising to questioning. From rote answers to reasoned reflection.

This shift isn’t accidental.

It’s a deliberate act—rooted in the National Education Policy 2020, which calls for a transformation in how we assess and engage young minds.

As NEP 2020 puts it:

“Assessment will shift from rote memorisation to higher-order skills such as critical thinking.” (Section 4.34)

In an age of fake news, algorithmic control, and rapid change, teaching young people how to think—not what to think—isn’t a luxury. It’s a national necessity.

From Curriculum to Confidence

Think! Critically, a flagship initiative by the Times Foundation, is a bold response to this mandate.

Designed as a K–12 future-shaping program, it integrates structured curriculum, dynamic facilitation, and real-world mentorship to nurture what NEP envisioned: learners who are reflective, resilient, and ready for tomorrow.

More than 1.8 million students will be trained through the program by 2027. But the goal isn’t just scale. It’s depth.

Students don’t just memorize. They distinguish fact from opinion, evaluate arguments, and recognize bias. They isolate problems from noise, question assumptions, and learn to think critically—even when it’s uncomfortable.

Teaching Thought, Not Just Syllabi

Think!Critically operates through four powerful pillars:

1. Curriculum Design & Development

Tailored learning modules that foster inquiry, problem-solving, and evidence-based reasoning.

2. Teacher Training & Facilitation Support

Educators are equipped to shift from instructing answers to guiding exploration.

3. Student Guidance & Mentorship

Young learners receive continuous support to reflect, grow, and articulate their own truths.

4. TCTC – Times Critical Thinking Championship

A national platform where students demonstrate their ability to question, debate, and lead with thought.

What NEP Envisioned, Think!Critically Embodies

With every session, the program brings NEP 2020’s vision to life:

Problem Solving: Students analyze challenges and make sound decisions.
Emotional Strength: Learners build self-awareness, resilience, and composure.
Soft Skills: Communication, collaboration, and adaptability are woven into the learning.
Mentorship: Regular feedback and support drive transformation beyond academics.

Why This Work Matters Now

In India today, only 9 percent of youth are truly equipped to solve real-world problems. One in five lack even basic preparedness, leaving them uncertain and unequipped to navigate everyday challenges. At the same time, nearly 90 percent regularly come across fake news, yet only 60 percent feel confident in telling what is true from what is not.

The gap between information and insight is growing. Exposure alone does not lead to understanding. Young people need the skills to question, reflect, and think with clarity.

Think!Critically is working to close that gap through every classroom it reaches.

A Classroom Becomes a Catalyst

In these sessions, students learn to express their thoughts with clarity and confidence. Many who once stayed silent now speak up, dream bigger, and articulate their aspirations with conviction.

Educators and volunteers don’t just teach. They mentor. Whether retired professionals, young facilitators, or corporate leaders, they leave each session inspired by the curiosity and courage of the students they support.

This is not just teaching. It is transformation.

Thinking Is a Radical Act

India doesn’t just need coders or clerks.
It needs listeners, questioners, and builders of a more thoughtful tomorrow.

When young people learn to think critically, they become citizens of change—able to spot misinformation, stand firm in truth, and create with empathy.

And today, it’s already happening.

In classrooms across India, students are learning to think.
And that changes everything.

The gap between information and insight is growing. Exposure alone does not lead to understanding. Young people need the skills to question, reflect, and think with clarity.

Think!Critically is working to close that gap through every classroom it reaches.

July 21 2025

Spotlight Series : Meet Melody

melody@thetimesfoundation.org Uncategorized

Spotlight Series: Meet Melody

Your work sits at the intersection of purpose and impact. What inspired you to take on the role of leading the Times Foundation—and as an American, why did you choose India as your country of impact?

Six years ago, I arrived in Delhi for the first time. It felt less like a first trip and more like a return. I was moved by the country’s energy, its rich culture, and above all, the kindness, depth, and resilience of its people. One morning, I visited a small temple near my office—the sound of the bell, the scent of incense, and the rhythm of the mantra quickly became part of my daily rhythm. Outside, a group of children were playing. When they spotted me, they called out, “Didi! Didi!” From then on, I began bringing books, puzzles, and notebooks. We would sit together in those early morning hours, unknowingly laying the foundation for what would soon become the heart of my dreams.
That early connection still fuels me today. My journey has always been guided by a deep calling to serve—especially at the intersection of potential and equity. India holds a unique place in my heart: it’s a country of contrasts and possibilities, of ancient wisdom and youthful ambition. I chose India because I believe its future is not only vital for its own people, but also for the world. And when the opportunity to lead the Times Foundation emerged, it felt like the perfect alignment of purpose, skills, and vision.
To be able to channel those early sparks of inspiration into systemic, scalable change—through programs that empower young people to communicate, think critically, and thrive—is both a privilege and a responsibility I carry with deep humility.

The Times Foundation is rooted in the belief that empowered young people can transform society. How do you see this vision playing out in real time?

Every week, I see young people who are hungry to contribute—not just to their own growth, but to their communities and the world around them. From students who are learning to question, imagine, and build, to jobseekers who are stepping into their first real opportunities, we’re witnessing a quiet revolution. The ripple effects of investing in young minds are tangible—families lifted, communities activated, dreams set in motion. It reaffirms our belief that the future is not something we inherit—it’s something we co-create.

What does the symbol of Delta—change and transformation—mean to you personally, and how does it guide the Foundation’s work?

Delta, to me, represents the space between what is and what could be. It’s the courage to imagine beyond the status quo and the discipline to make change real. Personally, it reminds me to keep evolving – always learning, always listening. At the Foundation, it’s our North Star. Delta reminds us to be bold, and to believe that transformation is not just necessary, but inevitable when we act with vision and conviction.

The Foundation has launched initiatives like Think!Jobs Think!Critically. What impact have you seen so far, and what excites you most about what’s ahead?

We’re seeing powerful early signs. Our Think!Critically curriculum is in pilot, and students are already showing increased confidence, curiosity, and clarity of thought. This year, we’re launching the pilot of the Times Critical Thinking Champions with a cohort of schools who will drive this work forward in their schools and communities.

Meanwhile, Think!Jobs has expanded to over 250 centers across Delhi and is now rolling out pan-India with strong support from our corporate partners. What excites me most is the growing momentum – watching young people gain the skills, confidence, and voice they need to step into meaningful jobs and brighter futures.

As a leader, how do you balance strategy and heart in your decision-making? What values do you return to when things get tough?

For me, the best strategy is one rooted in deep listening and moral clarity. I return to three core values: dignity, trust, and courage.

Dignity reminds me to see the humanity in every stakeholder—from the CEO to the frontline youth. Trust asks me to lead with integrity, even when outcomes are uncertain. And courage helps me make the hard calls – to challenge inertia, to hold boundaries, to move forward even when the path isn’t clear. Strategy gives us the map, but heart keeps us honest about why we’re on the journey.

You often speak about systems that uplift and evolve. In your view, what does it truly take to build systems that are inclusive and sustainable?

It takes humility and imagination. Humility to acknowledge the limitations of existing systems, and of our own perspectives. Imagination to envision new structures that center equity, joy, and resilience. Practically, it means co-designing with communities, embedding feedback loops, and investing in long-term capacity over short-term optics. It also requires bridging silos—between government, civil society, and business because no one sector can solve systemic challenges alone. Inclusion and sustainability aren’t just design principles; they’re daily practices that require ongoing attention, alignment, and care.

Who are some of the young people or communities that have left a lasting impression on you through your work at the Foundation?

It’s rarely just one person or moment, it’s the quiet accumulation of voices, questions, and sparks that leave the deepest imprint. What stays with me is not a single story, but the pattern that emerges when young people are truly seen, challenged, and trusted. A shift in posture. A new kind of confidence. A readiness not just to answer, but to ask better questions.

Across classrooms and job centers, urban and rural settings, I’ve seen how potential lights up when given space. Communities often carry a quiet brilliance that doesn’t announce itself but when invited in, it transforms the work. It teaches you to lead not with certainty, but with openness.

The impression they leave isn’t just emotional, it’s structural. It shapes how we design programs, how we define success, and how we remember that the best solutions are co-created. What lasts isn’t just their progress. It’s their presence. And the way it continues to inform everything we do.

What’s one shift in thinking that you believe could unlock massive change for India’s youth today?

That their worth is not determined by marks, degrees, or proximity to power. The real unlock is: You are not here to fit in—you are here to shape what’s next. When young people begin to see themselves not as products of a system, but as designers of it, everything changes. Innovation, courage, and collective progress become possible.

What do you believe is the most urgent shift young people in India need to make—in how they see themselves or the world?

They need to stop seeing themselves as future leaders—and recognize that they are leaders, right now. Leadership isn’t a title or a milestone; it’s a mindset. The most urgent shift is from passive ambition to active ownership. The world isn’t waiting for them to be older, more qualified, or more polished. It’s waiting for them to show up as they are.

What inner quality or value do you think will define the most impactful changemakers of the future?

Discernment. In a world flooded with noise, opinions, and urgency, the changemakers who will lead with clarity are those who can pause, reflect, and choose wisely. Discernment allows for both speed and stillness. It’s the quiet strength behind bold decisions. Coupled with empathy and vision, it will define a new kind of power—one that uplifts rather than dominates.

June 30 2025

Welcome to Times Foundation

melody@thetimesfoundation.org Uncategorized

Welcome To Times Foundation

Why We Exist

We believe in the extraordinary potential within every individual—and in what becomes possible when that potential is seen, nurtured, and unleashed. When young people are empowered to think critically, speak with confidence, and act with purpose, they don’t just change their own lives—they ignite transformation across communities and generations.

At The Times Foundation, we exist to spark that transformation. Our mission is to equip young minds with the mindsets, skills, and opportunities they need to lead, create, and thrive in a rapidly changing world. We see them not just as beneficiaries, but as changemakers – carriers of progress who will shape a more just, inclusive, and vibrant future for us all.

This belief fuels everything we do. And we know we can’t do it alone. We invite changemakers, dreamers, builders, and believers to walk alongside us – to turn this vision into reality, and to co-create systems that empower, include, and evolve.

Because real change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes root in trust. It grows through action. And it endures when we build it – together.

Our Story, Our Values

Every young person stands at a crossroads—full of questions, dreams, and the quiet hope that someone, somewhere, will believe in them. Sometimes, all it takes is one guiding voice, one chance, one open door. That’s where we come in.

Through our flagship initiative, Think! Jobs, we equip young people with the tools to navigate that critical leap into adulthood—English fluency, workplace readiness, mentorship, and job opportunities. But more than that, we walk beside them as they move from uncertainty to possibility, from hesitation to purpose.

Our journey hasn’t been shaped by static ideals, but by values that live through our actions—day in, day out. These values define how we show up, how we lead, and how we partner with young people in building a better future.

Empowerment

We believe in enabling individuals to unlock their potential, creating pathways for growth and self-discovery.

Inclusivity

We are committed to ensuring opportunities are accessible to all, embracing diversity and leaving no one behind.

Sustainability

We focus on creating lasting, transformative change that benefits future generations.

Innovation

We champion creativity and forward-thinking approaches to address challenges and drive progress.

Integrity

We operate with transparency, accountability, and the highest ethical standards, fostering trust among all stakeholders.

Community

We believe in the power of collaboration and shared purpose, fostering progress that uplifts entire communities.

These aren’t just our values—they are our compass, our commitment, and our call to action.

Where We’re Headed

We are builders—not of buildings, but of bridges.
Bridges between potential and possibility.
Between young minds and future-ready careers.
Between hope and action.

In a world growing more uncertain, we offer something steady: a foundation rooted in care, courage, and conviction.

The road ahead is long. And we’re only just getting started.

An Invitation

This space, this blog, this quiet corner of the internet is an open invitation.
To pause.
To listen.
To learn.
To meet the voices and hearts behind our mission.
To be moved by real stories of transformation, from classrooms and boardrooms to remote villages and vibrant city streets.
We hope these stories spark something in you. That they inspire you, challenge you, and remind you that change always begins with belief. And belief, when nurtured with care, courage, and vision, has the power to move mountains.
So take a moment. Stay awhile. Let us walk this journey together.
We are so glad you are here.