In Mansaya village of Kalapipal block in Shajapur, Madhya Pradesh, seven-year-old Vaishnavi sits at home, chatting happily with her mother after finishing her homework. A Grade 2 student, Vaishnavi’s relationship with school has transformed in a way that reflects not just her own growth, but a larger shift in how learning is being experienced in her classroom.

For Vaishnavi, school no longer feels like a routine she has to follow—it feels like a place she belongs to. With a bright smile, she shares, “We don’t feel like we come to school. Our teacher, Kavita Madam, teaches us in a fun way while playing. Earlier, I did not feel like going to school on some days. But now, I wish that there are never any off days from school!”

This change has been shaped by her teacher, Kavita Parmar, a 35-year-old educator at the government primary school in the village. Her classroom has evolved into a space where learning is no longer limited to textbooks, but is brought alive through activities, games, and interaction.

Reflecting on her journey, Kavita shares, I like to make interesting things that will help my students learn better. Earlier, I used to tell them to read books right away, but now we begin with games and activities. It’s much more exciting, and they enjoy it a lot. It’s all about doing things, not just reading books. This is what Mission Ankur also advocates.

Her approach has not only changed how children learn in school, but also how they engage with learning at home. Kavita notes,

“Parents have noticed the change in their kids. Earlier, they used to struggle with homework, but now they do it happily. They even have a study corner at home where they study.”

Back in her home, Vaishnavi is a reflection of this transformation. Homework is no longer a task to be completed—it is something she looks forward to. Her excitement for school, her eagerness to learn, and her joy in the process highlight the impact of a classroom where learning is engaging and meaningful.

For Kavita, this shift has been deeply fulfilling. “It’s great to see students excited about coming to class and not wanting to miss it,” she says. “Being a teacher has become more than just a job to me. It’s a source of happiness and fulfillment.”

In Mansaya village, stories like Vaishnavi’s show how a joyful, activity-based approach to learning can spark not just academic growth, but a genuine love for school—one that children carry with them both inside and beyond the classroom.