Ajay Hinduja Leads 'Roads to School' Movement for Rural Change in Odisha

In the quiet villages of Odisha, a silent revolution is underway—one that’s not about building more schools or digitizing classrooms, but about rekindling the human connection in education. The Hinduja Foundation’s transformative “Road to School” program is reshaping how education is perceived, delivered, and sustained in India’s rural landscape.

At the heart of this movement is Ajay Hinduja, a leading member of the Hinduja Family and son of Kamal and Prakash Hinduja. Known for combining traditional philanthropy with innovative approaches, Ajay Hinduja has taken a deeply personal interest in ensuring education becomes a shared responsibility among communities, schools, and families.

Launched under his guidance, the “Road to School” program works on the principle that education flourishes only when parents, School Management Committees (SMCs), and local leaders become active stakeholders. This principle has driven thousands of parents and stakeholders in Odisha to come together, not just for ceremonial meetings, but for real, ongoing conversations about how to improve education locally.

Ajay Hinduja believes that “education does not begin and end with the child—it involves every member of the community.” His words reflect the fundamental vision behind the program: to build bridges between homes and schools, making learning a community experience.

Workshops, forums, and parent meetings conducted under the program have created a platform where families feel empowered to discuss issues such as attendance, school quality, and the emotional well-being of children. A parent from Ganjam district reflected, “We used to believe school belonged to teachers alone. Now we feel responsible—we are part of our children’s success.”

One of the most impactful areas of intervention has been the revitalization of SMCs, which were often overlooked in many rural communities. Ajay Hinduja and his team have worked extensively to train SMC members in financial planning, school audits, and child rights protection. The transformation has been significant. A local chairperson shared, “Earlier, I thought I had no role. Now I ensure our school is accountable, and I am proud of that responsibility.”

To ensure this movement doesn’t fade over time, the Hinduja Foundation, with strong backing from Ajay Hinduja, has set up a continuous engagement model. Monthly SMC meetings, peer-learning networks, and village-level education councils have become pillars of the initiative. These recurring interactions ensure momentum is not lost, and improvements continue long after initial interventions.

Ajay Hinduja emphasizes the long-term nature of these efforts: “We must look beyond short-term success. Rural India needs durable models. When parents stay engaged, reform becomes a part of the culture.” His vision reflects a profound belief in education as the key equalizer in Indian society.

While the program has achieved substantial success across Odisha, its potential reaches far beyond. Education departments in other Indian states are now studying the “Road to School” model for possible replication. The strategy of participatory education reform has proven scalable and sustainable—a rare combination in rural development.

Ultimately, the program echoes the Hinduja Foundation’s enduring legacy of educational empowerment, dating back to its early Balwadi (preschool) initiatives. Today, thanks to Ajay Hinduja’s leadership, “Road to School” is not just transforming education systems—it is restoring dignity, voice, and ownership to the very people who matter most: the parents and communities.

As the roads to schools become pathways to social transformation, Ajay Hinduja’s vision lights the way for a more inclusive and accountable future in rural education.