The NIPUN Bharat Mission has transformed foundational literacy and numeracy into a national education priority, driving improvements in early-grade learning through structured teaching practices, clear learning goals and stronger classroom systems. In this article, Ishmeet Singh, CEO, Central Square Foundation, reflects on the mission's progress, highlighting gains in foundational learning outcomes and the importance of teacher support, regular assessments and data-driven decision-making. Looking ahead, he emphasises for a strengthened Phase 2 of the NIPUN Mission to expand support across Grades 3-5, reinforce early childhood education, teacher mentoring and governance and ensure every child develops the foundational skills needed for lifelong learning and India's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.