About Us
VidyaGyan, India's pioneering rural leadership academies in Uttar Pradesh, fills a crucial void by nurturing merit based students from rural areas. Unlike educational institutions which focus on urban elites, we are dedicated to empowering future leaders by providing opportunities for quality education. Through a unique process, we identify talented youth across 12 states in India
These children are provided with a transformative residential education from Grade 6 to 12. The tailored curriculum cultivates leadership skills, aiming to create catalysts for community and progress. VidyaGyan's success can serve as a replicable and scalable blue print for similar initiatives in the Global South and worldwide.
1400 +
Students
1900 +
Alumni
$103 MN
Investment
250 ,000 +
Applications Annually
Trustees & Management
The Management team at VidyaGyan aim to provide focus and expertise in order to ensure the students thrive, not just during their time in school, but also beyond.
Shiv Nadar
Founder
Roshni Nadar Malhotra
Chairperson, HCLTech Trustee, Shiv Nadar Foundation Founder & Trustee, The Habitats Trust
Atul Gupta
Former Chief Secretary Goverment of Uttar Pradesh Member, Board of Management, VidyaGyan
Gowri Ishwaran
Vice Chairman, The Global Education & Leadership Foundation(GELF) Former Principal, Sanskrit School Member, Board of Management VidyaGyan
S K Maheshwari
Project Director & Chief Admission Officer
Bishwajit Banarjee
Director
Swati S Shaligram
Principal, Sitapur
Shashi Banerjee
Principal, Director
Faculty
Our faculty is dedicated to delivering quality education. Highly qualified and trained, our teachers aim to transform lives.
Our Vision
VidyaGyan envisions bridging the urban-rural divide by creating leaders from rural India, who can act as catalysts of change for their communities, villages, and the entire nation.
Our Mission
Create a Leadership Academy providing world-class education to meritorious students from rural communities to shape them into future leaders.
To develop a model of academic excellence replicable in every developing country
Pillars
VidyaGyan Philosophy
In India, our population is our biggest strength, as well as our biggest weakness.
Our core belief sits on four key pillars:
- Merit
- Excellence
- Inspiration
- Aspiration
Nurturing
VidyaGyan offers an inspiring and stimulating learning environment. Through classroom training combined with exposure to the urban schooling environment, ... the fully residential academy makes it possible for students to imbibe leadership qualities, resulting in holistic personality development. The schools follow the Central Board of Secondary Education curriculum.
They Say
VidyaGyan has been transforming lives for many years now. Hear what others have to say about our impact work.
Shri Ram Naik
Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Visits VidyaGyan Leadership Academy in Sitapur
I have always believed that Uttar Pradesh is a powerhouse of talent. After all it is the only State in the country that has given us eight former Prime Ministers. However, to help ensure that a larger pool of future leaders emerges from every corner and strata of the State, we need to ensure access to quality education to one and all. VidyaGyan is doing a wonderful job in selecting and nurturing hundreds of high potential students from rural areas of the State and creating a model that can significantly alter the pace of progress in the State.
Pankaj Singh
MLA, NOIDA
I am delighted to be at VidyaGyan and for this opportunity to interact with the immensely talented group of students at the School. Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state of our country and education models like VidyaGyan show that there are bright sparks even in the remotest corners of our State, regardless of gender and economic background, who are only waiting to be discovered and nurtured. I am truly impressed to see the efforts at VidyaGyan, led by Ms Roshni Nadar Malhotra, to help transform these talented children into change-agents for tomorrow.
2013 Student Grant Reports
Sophia Chua-Rubenfeld is a student of Philosophy at the Harvard University. As part of her 2013 summer internship she visited the VidyaGyan Schools in U.P. She shares her experience and journey in the following article. Read more >>
S. Ramesh Kumar
Professor of marketing at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
At a time when … there is a strong emphasis on corporate social responsibility, it is nice to see a reputed organization heralding a laudable social objective In India. Given the commitment reflected in the very concept, such an attempt will work and perhaps inspire other firms as well. With technology making rapid strides, such initiatives will certainly create a level playing field in a country where around 50% of the population is below 25 years of age.
Dipankar Gupta
Former Professor from the School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.
div I think it is a very good idea. In fact, I had a thought along these lines but could not pursue it. If these schools are able to produce outstanding students who can get to Wharton, IIT, LSE [London School of Economics], IAS [Indian Administrative Services] and so on, that would be fantastic. In other words, the training should be world class, from science and language to deportment and confidence building.
Prof. Raj Reddy and Ms. Anuradha Reddy
Computer Global Scientist – Carnegie Mellon University – 31.07.13
It is wonderful and breath taking experience.
Col. Bindra CO NCC Sitapur
CO impressed the work taken up by VG recommended for NCC – 28.08.13
I am really impressed and motivated by the school.
Mr. Pankaj Kumar DM Sitapur
Walk through review on CS visit – 25.09.13
The atmosphere and energy at VidyaGyan is amazing. I wish the school all the best and success in the future.
Mr. Jitendar Kumar, Secretary Secondary Education
Impressed by the work done by VidyaGyan School – 27.09.13
A commendable efforts, the children are confident and impressive in their interaction and performance. I am impressed.
Sree. Jawed Usmani Chief Secretary
Grand celebration – good exposure for the school by the media – Amphitheatre inaugurated to develop the creativity skills in the students learning outside the classroom – 29.09.13
I am impressed by the commendable efforts done by Mr. Shiv Nadar. All my good wishes for your sustained efforts to bring about an equiable, just society.
Col. AS Rathore CO Sub Area Lucknow
Walk through – review on Lt. Gen Nair’s visit – 18.10.13
It has been a pleasure being here. An eye opener in many ways. My congratulation to the foundation.
Ms. Nair accompanied Lt. Gen Nair
Impressed by the Foundation – Promised to build Obstacle Court at the cost of Army – Career Guidance – 19.10.13
Completely inspired by the concept of this school and its major role in Nation Building. This school is an inspiration and should be taken as a ‘role model’ for other MNCs and Orgs a emulate. We are indeed proud to have been conducted through the school. we wish the school the very best of luck in providing the youth the future of this great Country. our deep gratitude.
Mr. Guy Perrira French Journalist
Visited Primary Schools and Students residents to understand the work done by Shiv Nadar Foundation – 09.11.13 & 10.11.13
I was very honoured to visit VidyaGyan School. Thank you for your hosiptality and all the time you gave me to understand your work and your goal. I should come again in some years to observe the impact of your project on students in rural India. with Gratitude.
Mr. Gulab Chand – Arjuna Awardee
Guest for the Sports Meet – 03.12.13
I am impressed by the school. School will have great athletes in future for the Country. I will support the students in all the possible ways. JORDAN
Shri Ram Naik
Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Visits VidyaGyan Leadership Academy in Sitapur
I have always believed that Uttar Pradesh is a powerhouse of talent. After all it is the only State in the country that has given us eight former Prime Ministers. However, to help ensure that a larger pool of future leaders emerges from every corner and strata of the State, we need to ensure access to quality education to one and all. VidyaGyan is doing a wonderful job in selecting and nurturing hundreds of high potential students from rural areas of the State and creating a model that can significantly alter the pace of progress in the State.
Pankaj Singh
MLA, NOIDA
I am delighted to be at VidyaGyan and for this opportunity to interact with the immensely talented group of students at the School. Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state of our country and education models like VidyaGyan show that there are bright sparks even in the remotest corners of our State, regardless of gender and economic background, who are only waiting to be discovered and nurtured. I am truly impressed to see the efforts at VidyaGyan, led by Ms Roshni Nadar Malhotra, to help transform these talented children into change-agents for tomorrow.
2013 Student Grant Reports
Sophia Chua-Rubenfeld is a student of Philosophy at the Harvard University. As part of her 2013 summer internship she visited the VidyaGyan Schools in U.P. She shares her experience and journey in the following article. Read more >>
S. Ramesh Kumar
Professor of marketing at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
At a time when … there is a strong emphasis on corporate social responsibility, it is nice to see a reputed organization heralding a laudable social objective In India. Given the commitment reflected in the very concept, such an attempt will work and perhaps inspire other firms as well. With technology making rapid strides, such initiatives will certainly create a level playing field in a country where around 50% of the population is below 25 years of age.
Dipankar Gupta
Former Professor from the School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.
div I think it is a very good idea. In fact, I had a thought along these lines but could not pursue it. If these schools are able to produce outstanding students who can get to Wharton, IIT, LSE [London School of Economics], IAS [Indian Administrative Services] and so on, that would be fantastic. In other words, the training should be world class, from science and language to deportment and confidence building.
Prof. Raj Reddy and Ms. Anuradha Reddy
Computer Global Scientist – Carnegie Mellon University – 31.07.13
It is wonderful and breath taking experience.
Col. Bindra CO NCC Sitapur
CO impressed the work taken up by VG recommended for NCC – 28.08.13
I am really impressed and motivated by the school.
Mr. Pankaj Kumar DM Sitapur
Walk through review on CS visit – 25.09.13
The atmosphere and energy at VidyaGyan is amazing. I wish the school all the best and success in the future.
Mr. Jitendar Kumar, Secretary Secondary Education
Impressed by the work done by VidyaGyan School – 27.09.13
A commendable efforts, the children are confident and impressive in their interaction and performance. I am impressed.
Sree. Jawed Usmani Chief Secretary
Grand celebration – good exposure for the school by the media – Amphitheatre inaugurated to develop the creativity skills in the students learning outside the classroom – 29.09.13
I am impressed by the commendable efforts done by Mr. Shiv Nadar. All my good wishes for your sustained efforts to bring about an equiable, just society.
Col. AS Rathore CO Sub Area Lucknow
Walk through – review on Lt. Gen Nair’s visit – 18.10.13
It has been a pleasure being here. An eye opener in many ways. My congratulation to the foundation.
Ms. Nair accompanied Lt. Gen Nair
Impressed by the Foundation – Promised to build Obstacle Court at the cost of Army – Career Guidance – 19.10.13
Completely inspired by the concept of this school and its major role in Nation Building. This school is an inspiration and should be taken as a ‘role model’ for other MNCs and Orgs a emulate. We are indeed proud to have been conducted through the school. we wish the school the very best of luck in providing the youth the future of this great Country. our deep gratitude.
Mr. Guy Perrira French Journalist
Visited Primary Schools and Students residents to understand the work done by Shiv Nadar Foundation – 09.11.13 & 10.11.13
I was very honoured to visit VidyaGyan School. Thank you for your hosiptality and all the time you gave me to understand your work and your goal. I should come again in some years to observe the impact of your project on students in rural India. with Gratitude.
Mr. Gulab Chand – Arjuna Awardee
Guest for the Sports Meet – 03.12.13
I am impressed by the school. School will have great athletes in future for the Country. I will support the students in all the possible ways. JORDAN
Location
Set in beautifully landscaped and idyllic surroundings, the VidyaGyan Schools are located at Bulandshahr and Sitapur in the state of Uttar Pradesh. While Bulandshahr lies in the outskirts of Delhi, Sitapur is closer to Lucknow.