Leading education experts from India and around the world came together at Reliance Foundation’s second edition of ‘Building Flourishing Futures’, a two-day convening focused on early childhood education and primary learning. Held on February 7 and 8 at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School (NMAJS) in Mumbai, the event brought together over 250 education practitioners, including Anganwadi educators, policymakers, researchers, and school leaders.
The platform encouraged open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration to strengthen foundational learning, promote innovation, and create inclusive education systems for long-term impact.
A Shared Vision for Flourishing Futures
The convening reflects the vision of Smt Nita M. Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, who believes that every child holds immense potential. This year’s theme, “Meeting Learners Where They Are: From Early Childhood to Primary Education,” focused on the importance of nurturing relationships, emotional safety, and belonging during the early years of learning.
Speaking at the event, Ms Isha Ambani, Director of Reliance Foundation and Vice Chairperson of NMAJS, said that meaningful learning begins when children feel cared for, safe, valued, and supported. She emphasized that education should address children’s emotional, social, and cognitive needs, creating joyful and inclusive learning environments.
Expanding Focus: From Early Years to Primary Education
Building on the success of the previous edition, which highlighted the role of early childhood education in community development, the 2026 convening expanded its focus to include primary education. The goal was to ensure a smooth and effective transition across early and foundational learning stages, aligning with the objectives of India’s National Education Policy (NEP 2020).
The programme included masterclasses, learning labs, and interactive discussions designed to promote cross-learning and innovative practices in education.
Global and Indian Education Leaders Participate
The event featured distinguished international experts such as:
- Dr Rebecca Rolland, Harvard University
- Prof Marilyn Fleer and Dr Prabhat Rai, Monash University
- Ms Fiona Carter, Wellington College, UK
- Dr Rita Chawla-Duggan, University of Bath, UK
- Ms Beatrice Moccia, Raoul Wallenberg International School, Spain
Prominent Indian voices included:
- Shri Kailash Pagare, IAS, Commissioner ICDS, Government of Maharashtra
- Dr Preeti Rao, IIT Bombay
- Dr Swati Popat Vats, Early Childhood Association
- Mr Bharat Visweswariah, British Asian Trust
- Representatives from Central Square Foundation, Peepul, and Cyberlite
These experts shared research-driven insights and practical solutions to enhance foundational literacy, numeracy, and holistic child development.
Key Themes and Learning Streams
The convening featured three parallel thematic streams designed to address key aspects of early and primary education:
1. Foundations of Curiosity: The Art of Early Learning
Focused on the role of play-based learning, positive relationships, and well-designed environments in nurturing curiosity and deep engagement during early childhood.
2. Count, Read, Grow: The Cornerstones of Success
Highlighted innovative and developmentally appropriate methods to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy skills, ensuring joyful and effective learning experiences.
3. Teaching and Learning Reimagined: AI as a Partner in Education
Explored how technology and artificial intelligence in education can support teachers and students while ensuring safety, inclusion, and equitable access.
Showcasing Innovation at NMAJS
Participants toured the modern facilities at NMAJS and the NMAJS Early Years Campus (EYC) to experience firsthand how flexible, child-centered environments support personalised learning. The school demonstrated how it nurtures each child’s talents while fostering a lifelong love for learning.
A notable highlight was the participation of 20 Anganwadi educators from Maharashtra and Telangana who are part of Reliance Foundation’s capacity-building initiatives. These educators attended specially designed masterclasses and shared grassroots teaching practices that can strengthen early childhood learning in Anganwadi centres.
Launch of ‘Pedagogies of Play’ Publication
During the event, Reliance Foundation launched a new publication titled ‘Pedagogies of Play: Innovations in Early Childhood Education’. The report features insights from 10 organizations and highlights evidence-based, play-driven approaches that enhance learning outcomes, promote inclusion, and support holistic child development.
This publication reinforces the Foundation’s commitment to building a stronger education ecosystem that empowers educators and improves early childhood and primary education in India.
Strengthening India’s Education Ecosystem
‘Building Flourishing Futures 2026’ created a dynamic space for collaboration between global experts, policymakers, school leaders, and grassroots educators. By combining international best practices with local experience, the convening supported the broader goals of quality education, foundational learning, and inclusive growth under NEP 2020.
Through initiatives like this, Reliance Foundation continues to invest in early childhood education, teacher development, and innovative learning models, helping shape a brighter and more equitable future for every child.
