In our last episode of Season 1, Surendra Pratap Shah, dedicated educator and Block Education Officer from Naugarh shares his experiences from over two decades of working at the grassroots level in school education. He speaks about the evolving educational landscape in rural areas, where students from underprivileged backgrounds are not just attending school but also progressing intellectually and socially. With the support of LLF and structured programmes like Structured Language and Numeracy (SLN), he highlights how collaborative practices between ARPs, teachers, and school leaders are improving learning outcomes. Through the conversation, Mr. Shah offers a grounded and hopeful view of foundational learning, one that thrives on community involvement, teacher collaboration, and consistent mentoring. Join us for this inspiring conversation.

In our last episode of Season 1, Surendra Pratap Shah, dedicated educator and Block Education Officer from Naugarh shares his experiences from over two decades of working at the grassroots level in school education. He speaks about the evolving educational landscape in rural areas, where students from underprivileged backgrounds are not just attending school but also progressing intellectually and socially. With the support of LLF and structured programmes like Structured Language and Numeracy (SLN), he highlights how collaborative practices between ARPs, teachers, and school leaders are improving learning outcomes.Through the conversation, Mr. Shah offers a grounded and hopeful view of foundational learning, one that thrives on community involvement, teacher collaboration, and consistent mentoring. Join us for this inspiring conversation.

LLF Speaks

Episode 10: Surendra Pratap Shah, Block Education Officer, (BEO), Naugarh, Uttar Pradesh

In our ninth episode, Sanjeev Srivastava, Regional Programme Manager, LLF, discusses his deep-rooted work in building inclusive, context-driven education systems in India. Drawing from decades of experience, Sanjeev reflects on how education can be reframed not as a system of control but as one of care, dialogue, and co-creation. He discusses the importance of creating safe, joyful, and democratic learning spaces for children, particularly in conflict-prone and marginalised regions. Through his work with LLF and other organisations, Sanjeev emphasises how equity in education starts with acknowledging diversity, listening to teachers, and trusting children’s ability to learn. He also shares practical insights on reimagining school systems, advocating for a shift from rigid curriculum delivery to flexible, localised learning rooted in children’s real lives.Join us for this inspiring conversation as Mr. Srivastava reveals how his work challenges conventional hierarchies in education and offers a humane and collaborative vision for transforming foundational learning in India.

In our ninth episode, Sanjeev Srivastava, Regional Programme Manager, LLF, discusses his deep-rooted work in building inclusive, context-driven education systems in India. Drawing from decades of experience, Sanjeev reflects on how education can be reframed not as a system of control but as one of care, dialogue, and co-creation. He discusses the importance of creating safe, joyful, and democratic learning spaces for children, particularly in conflict-prone and marginalised regions. Through his work with LLF and other organisations, Sanjeev emphasises how equity in education starts with acknowledging diversity, listening to teachers, and trusting children’s ability to learn. He also shares practical insights on reimagining school systems, advocating for a shift from rigid curriculum delivery to flexible, localised learning rooted in children’s real lives.Join us for this inspiring conversation as Mr. Srivastava reveals how his work challenges conventional hierarchies in education and offers a humane and collaborative vision for transforming foundational learning in India.

Episode 9: Sanjeev Srivastava, Regional Programme Manager, Language and Learning Foundation (LLF), Uttar Pradesh

In this engaging eighth episode, Niraj Pandey, a prominent educator and advocate for inclusive education, shares his vision and experiences in advancing foundational literacy across India. Niraj discusses the significant role of community involvement in creating a sustainable learning environment, emphasising the need for educators to focus on building meaningful relationships with students. Niraj highlights the challenges faced by educators, particularly in rural areas, and the transformative power of teacher empowerment and continuous professional development. Through his work, he has seen firsthand how targeted interventions and mentorship can significantly enhance learning outcomes, especially for marginalised groups.

In this engaging eighth episode, Niraj Pandey, a prominent educator and advocate for inclusive education, shares his vision and experiences in advancing foundational literacy across India. Niraj discusses the significant role of community involvement in creating a sustainable learning environment, emphasising the need for educators to focus on building meaningful relationships with students. Niraj highlights the challenges faced by educators, particularly in rural areas, and the transformative power of teacher empowerment and continuous professional development. Through his work, he has seen firsthand how targeted interventions and mentorship can significantly enhance learning outcomes, especially for marginalised groups.

Episode 8: Niraj Pandey, District Academic Coordinator, Chandauli district, Uttar Pradesh, Language and Learning Foundation (LLF)

In our seventh podcast episode, Dr. Kunwar Bhagat Singh, a member of the State Resource Group (SRG) in Varanasi, shares his experiences and approach to supporting foundational education in Uttar Pradesh. His work focuses on creating a cooperative, non-judgmental environment for teachers by conducting school visits, observing classes, and offering constructive, positive feedback. Instead of monitoring, the SRG's role is to support educators through respectful dialogue and guidance. He shares with us a powerful success story in which the use of children's native language in class dramatically increased participation and confidence, illustrating the importance of culturally responsive teaching.Join us for this inspiring conversation as Dr. Singh credits his growth to LLF’s training and expresses deep commitment to improving foundational learning outcomes across schools.

In our seventh podcast episode, Dr. Kunwar Bhagat Singh, a member of the State Resource Group (SRG) in Varanasi, shares his experiences and approach to supporting foundational education in Uttar Pradesh. His work focuses on creating a cooperative, non-judgmental environment for teachers by conducting school visits, observing classes, and offering constructive, positive feedback. Instead of monitoring, the SRG's role is to support educators through respectful dialogue and guidance. He shares with us a powerful success story in which the use of children's native language in class dramatically increased participation and confidence, illustrating the importance of culturally responsive teaching.Join us for this inspiring conversation as Dr. Singh credits his growth to LLF’s training and expresses deep commitment to improving foundational learning outcomes across schools.

Episode 7: Dr. Kunwar Bhagat Singh, State Resource Group (SRG), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

In our sixth podcast episode, Dhiraj Singh, Head Teacher at Prathamik Vidyalaya Hattopur and a dedicated member of the State Resource Group (SRG), Janpath Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh shares his profound insights on the National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN Bharat) and its ground-level impact on transforming foundational education. Dhiraj sheds light on the powerful collaboration with the LLF, which has been instrumental in supporting teachers through structured curricula, professional training, and in-classroom support.Join us for this inspiring conversation as Mr. Singh discusses how these efforts are creating joyful learning environments, equipping teachers with the right tools, and empowering students for a brighter, knowledge-driven future.

In our sixth podcast episode, Dhiraj Singh, Head Teacher at Prathamik Vidyalaya Hattopur and a dedicated member of the State Resource Group (SRG), Janpath Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh shares his profound insights on the National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN Bharat) and its ground-level impact on transforming foundational education. Dhiraj sheds light on the powerful collaboration with the LLF, which has been instrumental in supporting teachers through structured curricula, professional training, and in-classroom support.Join us for this inspiring conversation as Mr. Singh discusses how these efforts are creating joyful learning environments, equipping teachers with the right tools, and empowering students for a brighter, knowledge-driven future.

Episode 6: Dhiraj Singh Bhadohi, State Resource Group (SRG), Janpath Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh

In our fifth podcast episode, Azhar Zaheer, District Programme Manager, District Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, shares insights from his educational journey and how LLF’s structured pedagogy and teacher support are transforming classroom practices. The use of tools like Sandarshika, continuous training, and data-driven strategies are improving student learning outcomes. From traditional methods to structured pedagogy, Mr. Zaheer’s journey reveals how teacher development is key to better learning. Join us for this inspiring conversation

In our fifth podcast episode, Azhar Zaheer, District Programme Manager, District Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, shares insights from his educational journey and how LLF’s structured pedagogy and teacher support are transforming classroom practices. The use of tools like Sandarshika, continuous training, and data-driven strategies are improving student learning outcomes.From traditional methods to structured pedagogy, Mr. Zaheer’s journey reveals how teacher development is key to better learning. Join us for this inspiring conversation

Episode 5: Azhar Zaheer, District Programme Manager, District Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh

In our fourth podcast episode, Komal Rani, Block Resource Person, Shahabad Block, District Kurukshetra, Haryana shares her valuable perspectives on how teacher training and effective teaching practices created a supportive learning community. She witnesses how through joint school visits, access to quality materials, and ongoing mentoring, LLF has built trust among teachers and strengthened the education system. Tune in to this inspiring conversation to hear how collaborations between the government and NGOs like LLF is key to improving learning outcomes.

In our fourth podcast episode, Komal Rani, Block Resource Person, Shahabad Block, District Kurukshetra, Haryana shares her valuable perspectives on how teacher training and effective teaching practices created a supportive learning community. She witnesses how through joint school visits, access to quality materials, and ongoing mentoring, LLF has built trust among teachers and strengthened the education system.Tune in to this inspiring conversation to hear how collaborations between the government and NGOs like LLF is key to improving learning outcomes.

Episode 4: Komal Rani, Block Resource Person, Shahabad Block, District Kurukshetra, Haryana

In our third podcast episode, Umesh Shukla, Principal at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh shares insights on teacher training and foundational learning. He highlights LLF’s contribution through structured teaching materials, regular training, and in-class support that help both pre-service and in-service teachers. He informs that LLF’s approach has made classroom teaching more organised and engaging, significantly improving student attendance, participation, and language skills. Join us for this insightful conversation as Mr. Shukla discusses how teachers are now more confident, share best practices, and actively contribute to achieving NIPUN Bharat goals.

In our third podcast episode, Umesh Shukla, Principal at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh shares insights on teacher training and foundational learning. He highlights LLF’s contribution through structured teaching materials, regular training, and in-class support that help both pre-service and in-service teachers. He informs that LLF’s approach has made classroom teaching more organised and engaging, significantly improving student attendance, participation, and language skills.Join us for this insightful conversation as Mr. Shukla discusses how teachers are now more confident, share best practices, and actively contribute to achieving NIPUN Bharat goals.

Episode 3: Umesh Shukla, Principal at the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

In our second podcast episode, Vinod Kumar, District Elementary Education Officer, Kurukshetra, Department of School Education, Government of Haryana describes his role in overseeing elementary education and implementing key education initiatives. He emphasies that foundational literacy is like the base of a building, crucial for children's future learning and growth. He shares how LLF’s approach, especially the shift from rote learning to joyful, engaging education methods boosts student confidence and teacher-student bonds. He also discusses the importance of acknowledging children's prior knowledge and oral language skills, which were often overlooked in traditional teaching methods. Tune in to hear how these initiatives are shaping the future of education, empowering children with strong foundations for lifelong learning and success.

In our second podcast episode, Vinod Kumar, District Elementary Education Officer, Kurukshetra, Department of School Education, Government of Haryana describes his role in overseeing elementary education and implementing key education initiatives. He emphasies that foundational literacy is like the base of a building, crucial for children's future learning and growth. He shares how LLF’s approach, especially the shift from rote learning to joyful, engaging education methods boosts student confidence and teacher-student bonds. He also discusses the importance of acknowledging children's prior knowledge and oral language skills, which were often overlooked in traditional teaching methods.Tune in to hear how these initiatives are shaping the future of education, empowering children with strong foundations for lifelong learning and success.

Episode 2: Vinod Kumar, District Elementary Education Officer, Kurukshetra, Department of School Education, Government of Haryana

In our inaugural podcast episode, we’re joined by Dr. Parmod Kumar, State Programme Officer at the Department of School Education, Government of Haryana. Dr. Kumar discusses the implementation of the Nipun Mission in Haryana, where the state has committed to achieving the goals ahead of the central government's timeline. He explains that Haryana has given equal priority to R2 along with R1, and solid efforts have been made through teacher training, textbooks, evaluation systems, and ICT to successfully implement the mission. Due to LLF's partnership and its impact, teaching methods in classrooms have shifted, with teachers now providing more participatory, child-centered, participatory, and joyful teaching methods, replacing traditional approaches.  Listen to the full episode now and get inspired by how systemic efforts, community ownership, and teacher capacity-building are laying the foundation for every child’s learning journey.

In our inaugural podcast episode, we’re joined by Dr. Parmod Kumar, State Programme Officer at the Department of School Education, Government of Haryana. Dr. Kumar discusses the implementation of the Nipun Mission in Haryana, where the state has committed to achieving the goals ahead of the central government's timeline. He explains that Haryana has given equal priority to R2 along with R1, and solid efforts have been made through teacher training, textbooks, evaluation systems, and ICT to successfully implement the mission. Due to LLF's partnership and its impact, teaching methods in classrooms have shifted, with teachers now providing more participatory, child-centered, participatory, and joyful teaching methods, replacing traditional approaches. Listen to the full episode now and get inspired by how systemic efforts, community ownership, and teacher capacity-building are laying the foundation for every child’s learning journey.

Episode 1: Dr. Parmod Kumar - Guest Speaker

Welcome to the LLF Speaks Podcast, brought to you by the Language and Learning Foundation (LLF), a system-focused and impact-driven organisation working at scale towards improving the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) outcomes of children in government primary schools in India.Since 2015, we have partnered with 10 state governments, reaching 16.2 million children and 1.08 million teachers. By 2030, we aim to reach 35 million children across India. We are committed to supporting the government's mission to ensure that all children have strong foundational skills. Visit <a href="http://www.languageandlearningfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.languageandlearningfoundation.org</a> to know more.

Welcome to the LLF Speaks Podcast, brought to you by the Language and Learning Foundation (LLF), a system-focused and impact-driven organisation working at scale towards improving the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) outcomes of children in government primary schools in India.Since 2015, we have partnered with 10 state governments, reaching 16.2 million children and 1.08 million teachers. By 2030, we aim to reach 35 million children across India. We are committed to supporting the government's mission to ensure that all children have strong foundational skills. Visit www.languageandlearningfoundation.org to know more.

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LLF Speaks

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