– Dipta Joshi

More than 250 education practitioners from India and around the world gathered in Mumbai for the second edition of ‘Building Flourishing Futures’, a convening focused on strengthening early childhood and primary education. Organized by Reliance Foundation, the two-day event (February 7–8) held at Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School (NMAJS) brought together educators, policymakers, researchers and grassroots practitioners to exchange ideas on improving foundational learning.

This year’s theme – ‘Meeting Learners Where They Are: From Early Childhood to Primary Education’ focused on the need to create supportive and inclusive learning environments as a response to children’s emotional, social and cognitive needs during their early developmental years.

The theme also reflected the vision that Reliance Foundation has been encouraging unequivocally. Nita M. Ambani, the founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation has been a staunch advocate of promoting foundational learning as the basis for lifelong development.

Isha Ambani, Director of Reliance Foundation and Vice Chairperson of Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School too lay emphasis on education systems adapting to the needs of children rather than expecting children to fit pre-ordained rigid structures. She believes meaningful learning occurs when children feel secure, valued and encouraged, thus highlighting the role of nurturing relationships and supportive environments in shaping young learners.

The event featured panel discussions and keynote addresses that delved into an analysis and exchange of global research and classroom practices related to early education.

Dr. Swati Popat Vats, Dr. Rebecca Rolland, Harvard University, USA, Laureate Prof. Marilyn Fleer, Monash University, Maryam Al Muftah, Dadu Children’s Museum of Qatar, Dr. Rita Chawla Duggan, Associate Prof. (Senior Lecturer) in Education, University of Bath, Abhimanyu Basu, Dean & CEO, Dhirubhai Ambani International School & NMAJS, Mamtha Dalal, Head of Student Life, NMAJS, Dr. Vanita Sharma, Advisor, Strategic Initiatives, Reliance Foundation and Monita Sen, Head of Early Childhood, NMAJS and Kaushik S, Program Head, ECCE, Reliance Foundation, were amongst the many national and international experts steering the conversations with educators. Shri Kailash Pagare, IAS, Commissioner for Integrated Child Development Services, Government of Maharashtra shared the state government’s vision for early childhood development.

Participants attended masterclasses and hands-on learning labs that explored various themes including the art of play-based learning, strategies to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy and the role of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence to enhance teaching in safe environments.

The event also had Anganwadi educators associated with the Reliance Foundation’s extensive training initiatives in Maharashtra and Telangana attend sessions emphasizing practical experiences and adoption of innovative practices for community-based early learning centers.

The highlight of the event was the release of a new publication titled, ‘Pedagogies of Play: Innovations in Early Childhood Education’. The publication documents the evidence-based approach adopted by 10 leading educators, foundations and practitioners using play as a tool to foster learning, inclusion and holistic development. The book showcases innovative programs practiced across India in anganwadi learning labs, pre-schools that integrate classrooms as ‘third teachers’ and through community-driven initiatives which leverage parents and local stakeholders to create vibrant, playful learning environments. Furthermore, it highlights the integration of technology and cross-sector partnerships to bridge gaps in access, quality and engagement with young learners.

The Reliance Foundation aims to strengthen the education ecosystem by enabling collaboration amongst educators and institutions committed to improving foundational learning and teaching pedagogies.

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