82-Year-Old Educator Launches 'School on Wheels' for Tribal Children

An 82-year-old educator in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, has launched an outreach initiative called 'School on Wheels' to reach children in the Kombai-Perungadu tribal settlement. Since its start in 2024, the program has brought over 52 first-generation learners into a classroom setting, offering an alternative to a life of farm labor. What began with simple lessons on hygiene has grown into a broader educational effort that encourages children to value their studies. Padmini’s long career in teaching and her creative methods are now helping to change the path for these students.

Until 'School on Wheels' arrived, many children in the settlement, including 5-year-old Karnika, saw little reason to pursue formal education. Lessons often felt removed from their reality, and the pressure to work in the fields made it unlikely they would ever enter a school. Padmini’s work has changed this by making learning both accessible and engaging. For families who could not afford the cost of transport to distant schools, the program provides a solution by bringing the classroom directly to their village.

Padmini began her teaching career at the age of 19 and has spent the decades since working with underserved communities. She established My School Satya Surabhi in 1999, which offers free education to local children. Her approach relies on integrated learning, where different subjects are connected to make the material more meaningful for her students. This philosophy grew out of her time teaching in the slums of Delhi and in Nigeria, where she saw the stark gaps in who has access to an education.

The design of 'School on Wheels' is practical, with two teachers traveling to the village every Saturday. This schedule respects the needs of families who may still require their children’s help with farm work during the week. By working around the community's existing demands, Padmini has built trust with both parents and children, encouraging an interest in learning where there was none before. Beyond academics, the teachers also focus on hygiene and personal care, helping to improve the general health of the settlement.

The effects of the program are becoming visible as the initiative expands within the Kombai-Perungadu settlement. Padmini’s steady commitment and her specific strategies are opening up opportunities for quality learning for future generations. As she looks toward further expansion, she aims to reach a point where every child in the community has the chance to study. Through these efforts, she continues her work of providing the tools for children to build better lives for themselves.