by anouradha bakshi | Jan 1, 2026 | Anou's Blog
I have written a blog entitled “what a year it has been” where I looked back at the year gone by through my Project Why lens. It was indeed a very special year one that will usher a transformation for Project Why.
But today I would like to take a walk down memory lane and share what 2025 was for me.
The one thing that comes to mind is my health that was abysmal to say the least for the larger par of the year gone by. Several health issues practically grounded me and locked me up within the four walls of my home. This was understandably extremely disheartening as I was unable to visit the Project and interact with the children and my team.
My lifeline to the Project was the WhatsApp group where the teachers diligently share pictures of various activities in all centres. And pictures do speak a thousand words. Regular Zoom calls kept me in touch with the staff and the lead team.
2025 saw sea changes in Project Why thanks to our funder turned mentor AdishJi who helped us address the elephant n the room: the long time sustainability of Project Why. To this end he suggested seminal changes in our way of functioning. Change as he warned us was ALWAYS painful as it entailed giving up comfort zones and embracing the unknown. I watched my staff struggle through the changes and could feel the resistance but hats off to them they soldiered on. I am confident that 2026 will bear the fruits we seek.
2025 did not only usher changes in the management structure that graduated from the mom and pop culture where everything grew organically and somewhat haphazardly. Today we have three verticals: programmes, Administration and Finance and Marketing and PR. The idea is to free Project Why from the shadows it was relegated to, mostly because of my reclusive personality, and showcase its achievements and successes. An aggressive marketing and social media thrust and a series of YouTube films showcasing our success stories were the highlight of the this new avatar. I must admit that even I did not realise how much we had achieved. This sentiment was echoed by many after they watched our silver jubilee celebrations on November 1st. It was an incredible show!
2025 also saw our entry into the digital world of learning with the setting up of our very own state-of-the-art recording studio where lesson were recorded fr most of the subjects of classes 9 and 10. This will launch Project Why to a wider audience.
It was also the year where I finally felt that we had addressed the elephant in the room that loomed large for several years. It finally felt that Project Why will live beyond me and that is all thanks to Adish Jain our donor turned mentor and friend. He ensured that we present a cohesive and trustworthy image to the world. My gratitude to him knowns no bounds.
All in all 2025 was a great year in spite of my health hiccups!
I look forward to 2026.
I will end with the new year wishes I sent this yer:
Let the past rest softly,
let the present breathe deeply,
and let the future unfold with hope.
Wishing everyone a beautiful New Year ✨
by anouradha bakshi | Dec 27, 2025 | Whats new
On November 1st 2025 we celebrated our silver jubilee. Yes believe it or not we are 25
If it were left to me, I would have had a small celebration much in sync with who I am. Those who know me will understand what I mean. But that was not to be. MM our feisty and spirited Board Member felt that we should celebrate big. And big we did!
For many months Project Why was buzzing with activity. Plans were made, programmes finalised, committees formed, logistics worked out all under the able stewardship of Shamika and Kiran. Everyone at Project Why was roped in to give suggestions and ideas. The programme for the event was promptly finalized. It was felt by one and all that we should have a dance drama showcasing 25 years of transformation. The show had to be professional so a choreographer was engaged and rehearsals started in all centres in earnest. Side by side, all other arrangements were made: hall booked, transport organized, trophies ordered, refreshments ordered. All went by like a clockwork orange.
The 1st of November dawned and the excitement was palpable. I reached the venue well in advance and was gob smacked and amazed to see how grand everything was: the flowers, the banners, the backdrop, the stage and the staff fluttering about in identical saris and shirts. I was pleasantly taken aback as I had no incline of this. I must admit that I had been told to take a backseat and that I would be sought in case of need. Needless to say I never was. I was also touched by the big photograph of my parents in a corner of the stage a big brass oil lamp next to it waiting to be lit as it is because of what I learned at their knee that I was able to undertake this journey.
We started on time. The tiny ones enthralled everyone with their welcome song. Two short films about Project Why were projected. But the piece de resistance was the 30+ minutes dance drama showcasing our 25 years journey aptly entitled ‘Saathi’. It was impeccably performed by 93 children from all centres who in spite of having rehearsed together only twice, executed the dance as true professionals without a single mistake. The show was moving, to say the least, and there was not a dry eye in the audience. In case you would like to see the performance click here.
All those who made this amazing journey possible were felicitated: the Board Members, the sponsors of the event, the major donors, and of course the staff. I was surprised to see that there was even a trophy for me.
There were speeches of course and I was asked to give the welcome address. Standing on that big stage with friends, parents and alumni present, I felt elated and humbled. I simply decided to share a memory and a realization. Way back in 1998 when I decided to embark on this journey many tried to dissuade me with the more cynical ones saying “India is replete with so many problems, how can you make a difference?” and my answer simply was: ”If I can change one life, it will be worth it”. Standing on that stage and looking around me I realized I had changed many lives be it the one of the little toddler who accidently fell in a boiling wok and who today stands tall as he lives his dream of making films, to the four boys who have made it to the IIT beating all odds and who were felicitated as they received full scholarships from the Adish and Asha Jain Foundation. That was the memory. Now for the realization. It was simply that miracles happen as Project Why has been a string of miracles. Each time we felt we had reached rock bottom an Angel appeared and conjured a miracle. Angels do not wear wings, they look just like you and me.
2025 had its own share of miracles conjured by yet another Angel – a donor who turned mentor -. He helped us put our house in order as we were a haphazard mom and pop shop that would not survive the demise of the mom! He told us that if we were to survive in the long term then we had to make some big changes to be taken seriously though he also warned us that change can be painful.
Project Why 3.0 had arrived.
The first change was an organizational restructuring. Till date, having grown organically answering one disturbing why after the other, we were running two parallel entities. The fist change was to bring the two together and create three branches: Programmes, Administration and Finance and Communication and Marketing – thus bringing structure to the Project. As our mentor mentioned change is necessary to survive but also difficult. He was right. But things slowly fell into place and by the end of the year we were on track.
The main objective of Project Why 3.0 was to make our children ready for the rapidly changing employment scenario as just teaching the 3Rs was in no way sufficient.T o this end we made some changes to our programmes. It was decided to put emphasis on English and computers. Today all children from class I to XII are learning English every day and have computer classes thrice a week. This has been very successful and appreciated both by parents and children.
Our digital learning programme has picked up momentum with over 300 high resolution videos, of high school lessons uploaded from our state-of-the-art studio to our dedicated YouTube channel Project Why Online. At the close of the year, we had 3700 subscribers. We soon hope to upload all subjects for classes X and XII. Children have also gone on phygital mode thanks to the tablets donated by our generous donors
The other lacuna identified was the quasi lack of communication about our work. To address this, we decided to record stories of transformation on our YouTube Channel Project Why 2000. If you have the time and inclination, please visit our channel. To date over 59 stories have been uploaded. It would be heartwarming if you watched some.
Another groundbreaking project we initiated in 2025 was the talent profiling of 213 students done by ProMytheus. It was amazing how many hidden talents these children have, ranging from performing arts, finance, sports to teaching, art, cooking, healing and many more. Some students got exceptional scores. We intend finding ways of nurturing these talents through workshops led by specialists in each field.
Post Covid the number of children in classes I and II dropped drastically. To encourage small children and motivate their parents in sending the children to the Project, we initiated a nutrition programme. This gave excellent results as the enrolment in these classes increased substantially.
Some staff left and some joined but what was heartwarming was that our 4 IIT boys joined as teachers as for the first two years, their classes are in hybrid mode. They are doing a great job and are also engaged in recording classes for our digital learning platform.
Parents are stakeholders in the education of their children. This is not always the case in underprivileged families. A Parents Partnership Programme was initiated this year and has proven to be a success. Parents committees have been formed in every centre and these dynamic parents have become our ambassadors in the community.
Monsoon 2025 saw the flooding of the Yamuna River. Our Yamuna centre children were forced to leave their homes and camp outside on the road. Thanks to Kabir Suri and Azure Hospitality we were able to provide a hot meal to the families.
In 2025 we got a new big donor. Mr. Mahesh Navani is now supporting the 400+ children of our Khader and Yamuna centres. A new member, Mr. Solanki joined our Board this year.
The year ended on a somber note as terrible pollution hit the city with AQI readings reaching 500 and more. The city choked on this unbreathable air and we remained helpless in the wake of a why we could not answer as we were unable to protect the birthright of every child to clean air.
But all in all, 2025 was an amazing year, that saw the transformation of Project Why into a well- structured entity with a vison for the future.
My gratitude to the children, the team, the donors and my Board who have stood by me steadfastly and believed in my dreams. It is all because of you.
May 2026 bring its share of miracles.
And yes Project Why makes that little difference!
Happy New Year
Anou
by anouradha bakshi | Dec 24, 2025 | Whats new
The Project Why children are busy preparing their Xmas party. At Project Why we celebrate all festivals. That has been so since the very beginning.
Since my illness I have taken a back seat leaving the day-to-day running of the project to my stellar team. I keep abreast by looking at the Project Why WhatsApp group where teachers from all centres post images of the activities of the day. The last few days have been replete with activities linked to Xmas.
What ‘melted my heart’ was the snowman made by the Yamuna children. These are children who a few years back did not go to school and ran around the fields or helped their parents who grow vegetables on the banks of the Yamuna. I guess they celebrated some festivals but Xmas was alien to them. Thanks to Project Why their world opened up and they learnt about the culture of other lands and faith and today they have become pros who know about each festival in details. So come Xmas time drawings of Santa, stars, Xmas trees and bells are made with great alacrity amidst laughter and fun in true Xmas spirit.
This year, these children who have never seen or felt snow, made this absolutely heartwarming snowman that walked straight into my heart and melted it. I looked at it for a long time and memories flooded my mind. What an incredible 25 years journey it has been and how far we have come.
In a world replete with anger, aggression and divisiveness, Project Why was an island of peace and inclusiveness. No matter where you came from, what faith you followed and what beliefs you held, you were welcome in the Project Why family. All differences and worries were left at the door as you entered a place of joy and acceptance. This is for me is our greatest achievement.
And in this island of joy and laughter every child found the space to shine and bloom.
Today, seeing this wonderful snowman standing amidst the fields, I realised that I had achieved what I set out too. I knew in my heart that each and every child entering the hallowed gates of Project Why would not only become a better version of her/himself but would also be able to fulfil his/her dreams. And that is what Project Why is all about.
What a perfect Xmas gift.
I wish everyone who made this possible (my staff, children, parents, Board Members, donors, volunteers, supporters) a very Merry Xmas.
God bless you all!
by anouradha bakshi | Dec 22, 2025 | Anou's Blog
Project Why 2.0 was after the pandemic, when we had to reinvent ourselves, rebuild our donors network and adapt to a new normal.The year was 2021. We limped back to some semblance of normalcy, with some changes but ready to continue our journey notwithstanding the short Covid hiatus.
Our mission was always to ensure our children get the best start in their lives after school. For a long time we believed that what was needed was a good school leaving result as it was essential to get admission in a good college. And we fell back into old patterns though I was not comfortable with this approach. But I had to set my qualms aside as there was larger elephant in the room that need to be addressed and that was: what will happen to Project Why after I leave this world. So before making any sea change in our programmes, we needed to secure our future. Time to. conjure another miracle.
The miracle happened in the form of a donor who promised long term support for one centre and also promised to find out more donors like him. But there was a caveat: we had to accept to change ourselves to meet the demands and challenges of the 21st century. We accepted his advice and slowly transformed our functioning. Last year the elephant in the room was dealt and we could see Project Why living beyond me if we payed the game right.
After a much needed organisational change to make us more efficient of course but also to transform what has till date been an organic sometimes hap hazard structure to one that would gain the confidence of our potential donors. In spite of some hiccups, some resistance and some pain we were able to do so. Today we have a modernised and strong administration that will stand the test of time.
It was rime to address the other elephant in the room: how to prepare our children for the challenges of the 21st century. It was a clear that a simple BA would not get anyone anywhere.
The main objective of Project Why 3.0 is to make our children ready for the rapidly changing employment scenario as just teaching the 3Rs is in no way sufficient.
To this end we began making some changes to our programmes. It was decided to put emphasis on English and computers. Today all children from class I to XII are learning English every day and have computer classes thrice a week. This has been very successful and appreciated both by parents and children. And of course speaking English and having a good grasp of computers are skills needed in the future.
While surfing the Internet to find out what are the skills needed for children today I came across an. interesting article of the World Economic Forum. It states the following Today’s job candidates must be able to collaborate, communicate and solve problems – skills developed mainly through social and emotional learning (SEL). Combined with traditional skills, this social and emotional proficiency will equip students to succeed in the evolving digital economy. Good leadership skills as well as curiosity are also important for students to learn for their future jobs.
The article has a graphic (shared above) that gives details the skills by dividing them into three categories: foundation literacies, competencies and character qualities. A quick perusal of the graphic shows us that what we are teaching children today can in no way prepare them for the future. We need to find a judicious system whereby we teach children the curriculum needed to complete school while integrating the skills they need to gain meaningful employment.
The present education system in India was designed by the British to make ‘babus’,people who would do what they are told and not think for themselves. What is needed in today’s day and age is the absolute contrary. According to the article to succeed today you need critical thinking, creativity communication, collaboration, curiosity, initiative, leadership and so on. Certainly not to do what one is told. What is needed is the ability to think out of the box. The million question dollar question is how?
The answer was provided in the article itself through another graphic,
This graphic outlines the approach that needs to be taken to introduce and perfect these skills within the existing structure. As we can see the idea is to create the right environment for children to grow and bloom.It is suggested to encourage play-based learning and break down learning into small pieces. The child should be allowed time to focus in order to foster reflective reasoning. The child should be allowed to discover topics taking advantage of their own strengths and personalities in an enabling environment where the child is praised.
Specific examples are given for each skill. For eg to develop creativity the child should be given autonomy to make choices or to ameliorate communication one should create a language rich environment. To awaken curiosity encourage questions and to foster critical thinking it is necessary to give constructive feedback. The bottom line is simply that one has to flip the equation and make the child the centre of all activities. This is quite akin to the Socratic method that uses open-ended questions to spark curiosity, critical thinking, and deeper understanding, moving beyond simple answers to explore “why” and “how. Ask More, Tell Less: Instead of giving answers, ask questions that guide them to discover the answer themselves. This boosts critical thinking and problem-solving,
develops communication and listening skills, fosters a love for learning and intellectual curiosity, builds confidence in expressing ideas.
The task is daunting and will require teachers to get out of their comfort zone and change their approach to teaching. The curriculum remains the same, the way of teaching changes. It is a huge challenge but we have never shied away from any challenge and I have full faith that my team will rise to the occasion and do wonders.
Come to think of it, I have always felt uneasy with the way children are taught as . Way back in 2006 and even before I had given my views on education several times an always believed in Jacques Delors 4 pillars of education: Learning to learn, learning to be, learning to do and learning to live with others. Sadly one was not able to incorporate these in our way of teaching.
But today the writing is on the wall and if we do not make the needed change our children will not be ready for tomorrow. So Project 3.0 is just that: changing our approach to education so that Project Why children can think out of the box and shine.
That is the difference we need to make today, so help me God
by anouradha bakshi | Dec 19, 2025 | Anou's Blog
Over the last 25 years we have been able to answer all the why’s that came our way, even the most disturbing ones. But today we stand helpless as Delhi chokes on the most toxic air imaginable. Readings have gone beyond the fathomable, breaking the 500 mark and even going to 1000. Let me remind you, readings should be under 50!
This not the first time this has happened. Over the past two decades or so we have seen pollution rising to alarming numbers. Every year the ruling dispensation goes into crisis management and comes up with a series of measures some more ludicrous than the other with a new one added this year: banning tandoors! When the air quality improves they simply slink back into their comfort zone. They never seem to want to address the situation in the long term,
Come October or November when the pollution strikes the ruling party decrees a series of short time measures: sprinkling water on the roads, banning construction activities, banning cars from outside Delhi and of course closing schools! As always it is the children who get hit first., Online classes are not the solution. Those who come up with such ad hoc solutions do not realise the reality on the ground. Younger children cannot study online on their own and working mothers have to take leave to enable the children to do so. And if you do not have household help, what do you do with your child. But who cares.
Children from privileged homes have staff to take care of them and air purifiers in their rooms, but what about the underprivileged ones? If the school closes they roam about the streets breathing more toxic air. There could be a simpler solution: make it mandatory for schools to have air purifiers in the classroom. But who is listening? (I just heard that the State Education Minister has said in a Press Conference today that air purifiers will be installed in 10000 classrooms across Delhi. Let us see when it happens!)
Construction causes pollution they say! Look around you there is construction everywhere with old houses being knocked down and bigger ones coming up as rules are relaxed to please the construction lobbies. Who will the bell the cat? And what about the labour who loose their livelihood when ad hoc bans on construction are decreed.
It is also believed that cars cause pollution. The car lobby is powerful and with the advent of easy loans everyone is buying a car or a bike. Look around you there are no more cycles on the road. In richer homes they are several cars, one for each member of the family. I know of people who go the same wedding from the same house in several cars. And recently I learnt that some even have cars for their dogs.In Singapore buying a second car comes at a price with stringent rules and makes people think hard before they decide to purchase a second car as taxes and insurance are very high.
Car pooling is almost anathema to the privileged and taking public transport is unheard of! People who happily jump into metros or buses while holidaying abroad would never do so when they are back home and yet this is a solution to the pollution we are always complaining about. So to resolve pollution we need to change mindsets and that in my humble opinion is quasi impossible though it is time to give it some serious thought.
I was a tad amused when an eminent doctor stated that one should simply move out of Delhi! The rich may do so but what about he poor. I know many families have relocated because they can do so. People are rushing to hill stations which are getting overcrowded and not only that but the AQI of a place like Dehra Dun that was once unpolluted is now above 300!
Our city does not have a proper garbage disposal and recycling programme. In parts of Delhi mountains of smouldering garbage release toxic fumes 24/7. I shudder to think about the state of the children’s tiny lungs in those areas. As citizens we are not even able to segregate garbage and dispose of it in a responsible manner.
Potholes abound and roads are cleaned with broom sticks with more dust rising in the air. What about mechanised cleaning of roads.That would be an option.
It was sad to see that though the Parliament spent over 10 hours discussing Vande Mataram, it could not find the time to discuss pollution as the opposition created a ruckus and Parliament was adjourned. Pollution was not important enough to be addressed by those we elect to represent us in Parliament.
Help me breathe say the children of Delhi but their plea goes unheard. What is even more disturbing is a senior politician saying that pollution does not result in lung disease and even death and if that was not enough another added that the WHO numbers do not apply to us. I guess for him we belong to another planet and have steel lungs. It is believed that breathing in Delhi today is like smoking a pack of cigarettes. Imagine what that does to the minuscule lungs of a new born.
Unless we all, government and citizens, are willing to address the elephant in the room and catch the bull by its horns nothing will change. We all will be breathing toxic air and complaining come winter 2026.
As I said in the beginning, we are faced with a why we are unable to answer. We are totally helpless and can just watch our children struggling to breathe as we cannot help them reclaim their right to breathe.
