Open Learning Repository
A Note to Parents
The information shared on this page is our sincere effort to introduce you to individuals and communities who have been part of the homeschooling and unschooling journey in India for many years. These are people and spaces we believe offer thoughtful and authentic alternatives to mainstream education.
However, please note that any further interaction or engagement with them is entirely your personal choice. PRAJA is not responsible for any outcomes, experiences, or perspectives that may arise from your connection with these individuals or communities.
This is a living repository, and we will continue to add more stories and resources based on our ongoing experiences. We hope this helps you explore and find the path that feels right for your child and family.
Warm wishes on your learning journey.
Experts
Urmila Samson
Urmila Samson is a gentle force from Pune who reimagined what learning could look like. Long before homeschooling was a known concept in India, Urmila chose to unschool her three children—trusting their natural curiosity over structured classrooms. She believed that childhood should be filled with wonder, not walls, and that learning happens best when it flows freely.
Her journey wasn’t just personal—it became a movement.
Urmila co-founded Swashikshan, the Indian Association of Homeschoolers, and has been a guiding light for countless families exploring alternative education
Through workshops, gatherings, and heartfelt conversations, she’s helped parents reconnect with their children’s innate wisdom.
Connect with Urmila @ Swashikshan
Chetan Erande
Chetan Erande is not just an IT professional from Pune—he’s a father who dared to think differently. When traditional schooling didn’t seem to fit his son’s unique pace and potential, Chetan chose a path less traveled: homeschooling.
He became a voice for many parents in Pune, guiding them through the maze of homeschooling. As a member of the Swaadhyaan group, he’s been answering hundreds of queries, offering clarity and encouragement to those seeking alternatives to conventional education
Connect with Chetan on his blog
Dola Dasgupta
Dola Dasgupta is a mother who chose to listen deeply—not just to her children’s words, but to their hearts. Living in Pune, she began unschooling when her daughter was six and her son was just two. Today, her children are thriving young adults, shaped not by classrooms, but by conversations, creativity, and care
Dola’s journey is one of trust. She trusted that children already know—that they are born curious, capable, and complete. Through her blogs, storytelling sessions, and listening circles, she’s helped countless parents reconnect with this truth.
Her sessions, “Unschooling Hangouts,” offer a safe space for parents to explore, reflect, and grow alongside their children.
Connect with Dola @ Swashikshan
Ketika Kasetwar
Ketika Kasetwar is a passionate parent and community builder based in Pune, India. Her journey into homeschooling began with a simple yet profound belief: that every child deserves an educational path that honors their individuality by valuing the process of learning—not just the outcomes.
As an Educational Consultant, certified Gifted Educator, and Special Educational Needs (SEN) Coach, she focuses on guiding gifted, twice-exceptional (2E), and thrice-exceptional (3E) learners and their families explore a wide range of educational pathways that suit their strengths and challenges.
A strong advocate for alternative education—shaped by her own experience of raising a high-ability child—Ketika has become a trusted resource for Indian homeschooling families globally, particularly those navigating the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) or embracing alternate schooling approaches.
Connect with Ketika @ Ability Plus
Mugdha and Sachin Nalawade
Mugdha and Sachin Nalawade from Pune are parents who chose to learn alongside their children. Through their journey, they created Prakriya Co-Learning Space, where learning is led by curiosity, not curriculum.
They focus on nurturing concepts, creativity, and self-awareness—offering a thoughtful, child-centered alternative to traditional schooling.
Connect with them on Prakriya Co-learning Space
Communities
The communities highlighted here are vibrant ecosystems of learning, belonging, and experimentation. Some are physical spaces where families gather regularly; others are virtual networks that share ideas, resources, and support. What binds them is a shared belief in the power of agency, connection, and co-creation in education. These groups have emerged organically across India, each shaped by the local context and the aspirations of the people who sustain them. Whether you’re looking for companionship on your journey or simply want to witness the many ways learning can unfold, these communities offer an open invitation to observe, engage, and grow.
Aarohi
Aarohi is not a school—it’s a living, breathing community where child based education is practiced and offered to any child, specially those not thriving in the conventional education. Nestled near Bangalore, Aarohi welcomes families from across India who believe that education should be joyful, self-directed, and rooted in real life
Here, there are no classes, no exams, no teachers in the traditional sense. Instead, children explore their interests through doing, creating, failing, and reflecting. Parents, mentors, and children co-learn together, forming a vibrant ecosystem of support and growth.
Visit Aarohi's official website
Paripoornam
Paripoornam is a self-sustaining learning community in Karnataka where children grow through real-life experiences—farming, cooking, storytelling, and cultural practices. Inspired by Waldorf and Indian traditions, it blends natural learning with academics like NIOS, all in a peaceful, eco-friendly setting.
Here, families live and learn together, creating a nurturing space where education is joyful, holistic, and deeply connected to nature and values. For parents seeking a slower, more meaningful alternative to mainstream schooling, Paripoornam offers a beautiful path forward.
Visit Paripoornam's official website
Paripoornam's Instagram Channel