Reliance Foundation convenes global educators to strengthen early learning
ADVERTISEMENT
Reliance Foundation on February 7 and 8 hosted the second edition of its early education convening, Building Flourishing Futures with participation from more than 250 education practitioners from India and abroad.
Held at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School, the two-day programme was focused on strengthening foundational learning through dialogue, masterclasses and learning labs. Participants included Anganwadi educators, policy experts, researchers and school leaders, with sessions designed to encourage cross-learning and practical exchange.
The theme of the event was ‘Meeting Learners Where They Are: From Early Childhood to Primary Education’. Discussions highlighted the role of emotional safety, nurturing relationships and inclusive environments in supporting long-term learning and well-being.
Speaking at the event, Isha Ambani, Director, Reliance Foundation and Vice Chairperson, Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School, said, “When education meets children where they are — emotionally, socially, and cognitively — it creates the foundation for meaningful and joyful learning. At Reliance Foundation, our work in early childhood and foundational learning is guided by an evidence-informed, deeply human belief, that children flourish when they feel cared for, warm, safe, valued, and supported.”
February 2026
Despite a challenging global business environment and geopolitical turmoil, MNCs are a major part of the story of Corporate India. As the country moves closer to its Viksit Bharat goal, these multinationals are playing an increasingly pivotal role in shaping that future. Fortune India’s second edition of the MNC 500 list offers a comprehensive look at the performance of the 500 largest multinationals in India. The issue also decodes Budget 2026, highlighting the government’s long-term vision to sustain the economic momentum.
This year’s edition expanded its focus to include primary education, building on learnings from the earlier convening that examined early childhood education’s role in community development.
The programme featured international speakers such as Dr Rebecca Rolland of Harvard University, Prof Marilyn Fleer and Dr Prabhat Rai from Monash University, Fiona Carter of Wellington College, UK, Dr Rita Chawla-Duggan of the University of Bath, and Beatrice Moccia of Raoul Wallenberg International School, Spain.
Indian experts from government, academia and the social sector also participated, including Kailash Pagare, IAS, Commissioner, ICDS, Government of Maharashtra; Dr Preeti Rao of IIT Bombay; Dr Swati Popat Vats of the Early Childhood Association; and representatives from organisations such as British Asian Trust, Central Square Foundation and Peepul.
Sessions were organised around three thematic streams: early learning through play and relationships; strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy; and the use of technology and artificial intelligence in education, with discussions also covering safety and equitable access. The conversations aligned closely with the goals of India’s National Education Policy.
The 20 Anganwadi educators from Maharashtra and Telangana who are part of Reliance Foundation’s capacity-building initiatives also participated in the event. They attended tailored masterclasses and shared classroom practices that could be adapted for Anganwadi settings.
The event also saw the release of a publication titled Pedagogies of Play: Innovations in Early Childhood Education, which brings together experiences from 10 organisations and showcases evidence-based, play-led approaches to strengthen learning outcomes and inclusion.