Thakur: vocabulary development message

– Dipta Joshi (Mumbai)

Dr. Farida Thakur is co-founder and academic director of LexiQuest (estb.2017), a Mumbai-based edtech company that provides children gamified, AI-powered learning experiences to develop vocabulary and communication skills, often missing in traditional curriculums.

Thus far, the LexiQuest programme has reached over 5 lakh students in 700 schools, including VIBGYOR High Group of Schools; New Horizon Group; Universal High Group; DAV Schools; Doon International School, Dehradun; Rajkumar College, Raipur, and JBCN International, Mumbai.

Newspeg. In early July, Thakur announced the 5th edition of the annual LexiQuest 3-level contest. These are pen-n-paper vocabulary tests based on age-appropriate learning material provided to participating students. A grand awards ceremony to felicitate the Vocabulary Champions of India is scheduled for July 2027.

History.  An English literature postgrad of Ujjain University, awarded a Ph D in sustainability and innovation in educational infrastructure by Sabarmati University, Ahmedabad, Thakur acquired over two decades of teaching-admin experience in DPS, Bopal (Ahmedabad) and Sister Nivedita School, Hyderabad. Subsequently, she signed up for training as a special educator/ counsellor at the Garodia International Centre for Learning, Mumbai to deepen her knowledge of inclusive education.

In 2017, she co-founded Spell Quest (rebranded LexiQuest in 2025) with the objective of enabling school students to develop vocabulary and communication skills.

Direct talk. “When I briefly moved to London in 2016 while my children were in higher education, I observed that academically gifted Indian students possessed strong analytical skills and creativity, but struggled to express themselves effectively verbally and in writing. Even MBA postgrads sought external assistance with assignments. This made me aware of how limited vocabulary can adversely impact communication skills and confidence. I realised this problem began at the school level, where vocabulary development is usually just another subject rather than the foundation of learning. LexiQuest was born out of the need to help children develop speech clarity, vocabulary and communication skills to build confidence. Over the years, LexiQuest has evolved into a structured, age-appropriate, multi-level programme,” says Thakur.

Future plans. Encouraged by positive public response to LexiQuest’s programmes, Thakur has drawn up ambitious plans for the future. “Next on our agenda are year-round language enrichment and teacher professional development programmes for government, aided, rural and semi-urban schools. We are already in talks to sign up partnerships with government schools and non-profits to ensure every child can unlock the transformative power of words,” says Thakur.

Way to go, Sis!