April 7, 2025 | Dehradun
Today marked a significant milestone in the journey of educational transformation in Uttarakhand as the findings of a rigorous longitudinal study under the Kaushalam program were unveiled at the Additional Director conference room of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Uttarakhand. The program, run jointly by SCERT and the Udyam Learning Foundation, aims to nurture 21st-century life skills and an entrepreneurial mindset among students across the state.
The study, conducted by a third-party research team from McGill University, Canada, spanned the academic year 2024–25 and was carried out in seven districts of Uttarakhand. By comparing treatment schools (implementing Kaushalam) with control schools, researchers assessed the program’s impact on Grade 9 students. The focus areas included four core life skills—communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creative thinking—as well as key entrepreneurial traits such as self-awareness, grit, and the willingness to try new things.
The results were promising. The research indicated a measurable and positive improvement in the overall mindset and skill development of students who were part of the Kaushalam intervention. These insights reaffirm the value of embedding life skills and entrepreneurship in the school curriculum, especially for adolescents preparing to navigate a complex and dynamic world.
The meeting was chaired by Padmendra Saklani, Additional Director, SCERT. Shri Sunil Bhatt, State Coordinator of the Kaushalam Program, outlined the program’s vision and journey so far. The research findings were presented by Professor Joseph Levitan from McGill University, along with Kunal Mishra and Asia from the Udyam Learning Foundation, offering data-driven insights and rich narratives from the field.
Members of the SCERT team, including Dr K.N. Bijalwan, Gopal Ghughtyal, Sadhna Dimri, Manoj Shukla, Sudha Painuly, Usha Katiyar, S.P. Shimalti, Dinesh Raturi, Rakesh Gairola, and R Badoni, shared reflections, adding valuable context to the findings. Representatives from Udyam Learning Foundation—Rohit and Arvind—also contributed to the vibrant discussion.
The session concluded with a forward-looking dialogue on strengthening implementation and scaling efforts in the coming academic year. The collaborative spirit and shared commitment to student empowerment were evident throughout the event.
Overall, it was an enriching experience for everyone involved—an opportunity to reflect on the journey so far and gear up with renewed energy and purpose for the road ahead.