Celebrating Over 30 Years: Katha’s Governing Council Unveils Transformative Leadership Restructuring for Enhanced Reach and Sustainability
In a momentous milestone spanning more than three decades, Katha’s Governing Council has introduced a groundbreaking restructuring initiative that sets the stage for an even more extensive reach and enduring sustainability. Aligned with Katha’s steadfast 35-year mission – to bring the gift of quality education to millions of underserved children in India – a trinity of CEOs will now lead Katha’s charge, collectively amplifying its impact.
Ms. Parvinder Kaur, a dedicated luminary within the Katha fold for two decades, will spearhead Katha Kalpvariksham, the Center for Sustainable Learning. With her extensive experience in collaborating with governments and donors, she has played a pivotal role in driving the rapid expansion of Katha’s Education Programs, encompassing the Katha Lab School and Katha Magic Labs, which now span across nine states. The hallmark of Katha’s pedagogy, the StoryPedagogy, immerses students in a captivating learning journey, rendering a lasting imprint. Over its journey of more than 30 years, Katha has empowered first-time learners from marginalized backgrounds through innovative teaching methodologies, significantly shaping India’s educational landscape.
Reflecting on the promising path ahead for Katha’s Education Programs, Ms. Parvinder Kaur enthused, “This is an exhilarating juncture for both Katha and myself. As our footprint expands, so do the challenges. Yet, with each challenge surfaces an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Together, we are resolute in shaping a promising future for the children of our nation.”
Augmenting Katha’s leadership prowess, Mr. Rajesh Soundararajan, leveraging his extensive global corporate experience, assumes the role of CEO for the nascent Katha 300M Initiative. This novel initiative amalgamates Katha’s strengths in publishing and pedagogy to forge stronger connections with millions of students and educators through its innovative technology platform, learn.katha.org, and grassroots partnerships.
Addressing his new role, Mr. Rajesh Soundararajan expressed, “A vast realm of potential lies within the 300 million children awaiting to be tapped, individuals who can contribute to building a robust and resilient India. By sharing our rich and proven content and pedagogical experience with grassroots partners, we can impact millions of children. The 300M platform offers the best of both worlds – child-centric content delivered by facilitators, anytime, anywhere.”
A Fresh Narrative for Katha Vilasam
As part of this transformative narrative, Mr. Ravin Carr assumes the mantle of CEO for Katha Vilasam, the Story Research and Resource Centre, marking Katha’s oldest division. Leveraging his background in marketing, sales, and technology services, Mr. Carr aims to inject renewed dynamism and foster the growth of the publishing arm, an integral facet of Katha’s ambitious expansion blueprint.
Mr. Ravin Carr shared his strategic perspective, “Stepping into this pivotal role is a true honor. Katha’s narratives hold a unique place in the world of children’s literature. With a repository of over 425 titles for children and young adults, Katha stands as a prominent leader in the Indian publishing arena. We take immense pride in the fact that over 70% of Katha’s readers hail from underprivileged communities.”
“We eagerly anticipate extending Katha’s reach, ensuring that its exceptional stories are accessible to every child across India, forging new channels while nurturing existing relationships.”
Executives and council members alike exude fervor for India’s future. Geeta Dharmarajan, Katha’s Executive President and a Padma Shri awardee, views this expansion as a pivotal juncture in Katha’s voyage. “This restructuring beckons us to dream larger, to push boundaries, and magnify our impact. Each of our leaders personifies Katha’s spirit – resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to empowering our children through education. With a sturdy foundation in place, the time has come to collectively shape a brighter future.”
With these strategic appointments, Katha remains steadfast in its mission to educate and empower children throughout India, fostering an environment where every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, can thrive and flourish.
