dreaming out of syllabus
Talented is an employee-owned creative agency headquartered in Church Street, Bengaluru.
We partnered with Makkala Jagriti to create 'Dreaming out of Syllabus' after being humbled by their impact over the last two decades, and after sensing we both shared a mission to change the status-quo in our respective fields of work.
We wish them great luck, and we wish you a great read.
Project Coordinator: Kshitij Munjal
Writer: Malvika Thirani
Head of Production: Neil Mathew
Photographer & Designer: Spandan Mahajan
Children dream in one-word jobs.
True, isn’t it?Doctor, Teacher, Writer, Cricketer… every child’s dream job is usually one-word-long. After all, it is hard to dream in hyphenated designations.
“Vice Senior something something?”
“Group executive something?”
All answers, diverse as they may be, only further underline the importance of the question, “What will this child grow up to be?”
Our dream at Makkala Jagriti has been to help children of all backgrounds learn how to dream better for themselves.
Because let’s face it. It isn’t that easy. Dreaming, like learning, needs a framework. An environment. And most importantly, access to holistic development.
Only then can a child be in touch with their own competence and brilliance. Only then can they see a world outside of ‘Doctor’ and ‘Engineer’.
That’s what we do, and have been doing for the past 20 years.
We help children fetch the far-fetched. We help them dream out of syllabus.
and Managing Trustee
I grew up in Bengaluru, living in a colony of 25 diverse families. Which means, I witnessed first-hand various caste and class dynamics. As I kept growing, I became more and more aware of an unjust environment. Where attempts made by underprivileged people to educate their children were ridiculed. Where attempts to seek a living beyond domestic chores were hindered.
But most importantly, I became aware of the person I was growing into – someone who challenged inequality stemming from prejudice and bias. Why this belief that underserved individuals must be happy with minimal education? Our ‘bare minimum’ can never be ‘whole’ for them. Dance, art and craft, sports are just as important for them as they are for us.
And so, with this drive to bring about a social movement, Makkala Jagriti – “Children‘s Awakening” in Kannada – came to be in 2003. It represents our vision of an equitable society where every child has access to holistic learning and isn’t afraid to unlock their own brilliance.
Over the last 20 years, we've focused on programs for different age-groups within children and youth. Because where you're born should not limit how far you can go.
Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
Quality early education goes a long way for a child's health and development. With this program, we enhance preschool learning opportunities at Anganwadis for children between the ages of 3 and 6.
Holistic Development and Learning for Children (HDLC)
This program creates holistic development opportunities in government schools through our flagship SPICE model - a curriculum that caters to the Socio-emotional, Physical, Intellectual, Creative, and Ethical development needs of children. We also equip teachers and parents with best practices to aid the child.
We empower youth (ages 16 to 25) from disadvantaged communities with leadership, digital skills, and other 21st-century skills to enhance their employability.
Child Care Institutions (CCIs)
These are home to children who have been victims of abuse or lack of parental care. By providing them with holistic development opportunities and psycho-social care, we prepare them for life in mainstream society.
Community Transformation
We also work in communities with all age groups (3 to 25 years) and facilitate age-appropriate holistic learning opportunities, while collaborating with community stakeholders like parents.
This is not a piece of chalk.
This is brittle proof of a rock-solid commiment.
This is what remains after having reached 80,000 children, 1000+ teachers, 350+ anganwadis, and 90+ government schools over 20 years.
A legacy built on chalk dust often scripts history in ink. Of that, we have a few examples.
didn’t grow up with a role model.
did grow up into one.
Today, I’m a Taekwondo World Championship bronze medallist. But it all started with Joy ma’am asking years ago, ‘Why don’t you try it?’
I was introduced to Makkala Jagriti as a student in 2005. The facilitators at my learning centre were very polite and friendly. When I lost interest in studies and dropped out after class 10, none of them scolded or judged me. I wanted to do something else, so I joined Makkala Jagriti as a Sports Coordinator. We decided to introduce Taekwondo for children’s self-defence, but I was encouraged to try it too. Soon, I started competing at the district, state, and national levels. I represented India at the World Championship in Korea in 2017, and won 2 bronze medals. India had never won in 40 years.
Currently, I teach 3000+ kids across schools in Bangalore. I didn't get to hear our national anthem in 2017. But I’m sure, one of my students will.
scholarship letters can't.
marriage proposals can wait.
When my family’s financial condition was bad, I wanted to help in some way. So I voluntarily dropped out of school after class 10.
Since I was at home, marriage conversations started. I didn't know if I was ready. My mother has always supported my studies, so she convinced me to enroll in Makkala Jagriti's Yuva Cafe. After going there, I started attending classes on personality development, spoken English, and problem-solving. Doss sir (the facilitator) encouraged me to go back to school, so I started saying no to marriage proposals. This time, without any doubt or fear. Currently, I am doing a correspondence course in the National Institute of Open Schooling, and working full-time as a telecaller.
If I could, I would spend 90% of my life at Makkala Jagriti [chuckles] It's where I've learned what independence means. And that it means a lot to me.
learner
in spirit. teacher in practice.
Go back! Sit down! Keep quiet!
Like all teachers, I used to start my class like this. And like all teachers, I was due some learning.
Growing up, I saw my parents work as farmers but I always wanted to teach - a seed sown by my science teacher, Shashidhar sir. I had been teaching at the Ramagondanahalli Anganwadi Kendra for 8 years when I first heard about Makkala Jagriti. They decided to help our Anganwadi and train teachers twice a month. That’s where we learned about a child’s brain development in the early years, and why we shouldn’t scream at them. I now make them sit in a circle instead of separate rows. To face them at all times and understand their needs better.
I once used to teach what was only in the book. But today, I use the toys and building blocks that Makkala Jagriti gave us. Like children, teachers learn from their mistakes too.
now, owns it. he used to draw it.
mahesh, 31
Regional Training Manager, Titan Makkala Jagriti 2005
“When I entered Makkala Jagriti in 2005, I think I saw freedom for the first time. Kids dancing, some singing, some reading books.
In school, there were too many rules. Computers that we could only see, not touch [laughs] Pin-drop silence to be maintained at all times. But at the learning centre, there used to be a white cloth spread across the floor and we would sit around it with colours and paints. That was our time to vent and express without holding back. Today, I'm 33, a Training Manager at Titan and yet, I regularly express my goals in my sketchbook.
In 2016, I drew a Royal Enfield on my notebook with a small message: 'I will get you soon'. And in 2018, I did. Every time I see it parked outside my house, I cannot help but smile. Because of a simple activity I learned at Makkala Jagriti, I dream my dreams twice.
not all opportunities knock on doors.
some sit on shelves.
18
“Since Makkala Jagriti is not a government organisation, I thought they wouldn't really pay attention to us [laughs] But I was wrong. They’re the ones paying my school fees now.
They offered to help after my mother lost a lot of money to a chit-fund scam. Like many other students, I couldn’t afford private tuition. So during our class 10 exams, the Valluvarpuram learning centre got us textbooks and a Wi-Fi connection to study on computers. In class 12, I was very weak in accounts. I even failed the subject the first time. But after they arranged an accounts teacher and other academic materials for me, I scored 80 out of 100! My goal now is to keep studying, get a job, and ultimately buy my parents a new house.
Yes, that's something I can’t afford right now. But I also can’t afford not trying
some find the right path.
some, the right steps.
Choreographer, Computer Science Student
Makkala Jagriti 2014
People think dance is just an activity. But for me, it's a life skill. It is what has given me direction in life.
My father left us when I was 8. I don’t know why. But I knew I had to help my mother. So I took up part-time work — packaging, sales, construction work — to earn my school and college fees. It was very challenging and I kept dropping out because of different problems. But Makkala Jagriti helped me re-enroll every time and even offered me a part-time job as a dance teacher at the organisation. Thanks to that, I have been a back dancer for Dance Kannada Dance and even been an assistant choreographer to Sherif.
Things are going well now. Apart from choreography, I am doing my diploma in computer science because of Makkala Jagriti. My dad couldn’t become a Software Engineer, but I will. Once I make enough money from that, I want to pursue acting too. I have too many dreams, yes [laughs]. But I see them as life’s bus stops — I don’t want to wait at just one.
English Teacher
Makkala Jagriti 2022
“Since we are three siblings, I wanted to help my family financially. I agreed to get married early and had my first child at 18.
But things changed when my father suffered a brain haemorrhage. He was the only earner, which made relatives say, 'Having a son would've helped'. That was very hurtful. I started going to Makkala Jagriti's computer classes with only one goal – financial independence. Going there at 24 felt like going back to the days of my childhood. People judged me for leaving my kids behind and going out. But my facilitators encouraged me to continue my education, so I enrolled myself in Mysore University. They even offered me a job as an English teacher at Makkala Jagriti.
Earlier, I wanted to leave this community because of its narrow mindset. But now, I want to stay and change it. I want to do it for my children.
now dances like no one’s watching. would dance when no one was watching.
13
Class 9, Morning Star School
Makkala Jagriti 2018
“Being shy, I’ve always found it difficult to make friends in school. It’s also because they treat me differently, for some reason.
This used to upset me a lot. But at Makkala Jagriti, I learned to work on my emotional skills. Sugandhi ma’am (the facilitator) said that I should cry only if something’s my fault. So I stopped crying because of my father’s alcohol problem - it wasn’t my fault. I finally got over my stage fright and started dancing more freely. Now whenever I’m home, I only dance around the house. My mother doesn’t like it but I refuse to listen. After attending Makkala Jagriti's communication and life skill classes, I’ve also started speaking up more.
My English is still not fluent but I'm working on it. I learned the meaning of the word ‘ambition’ here. Spelling also I know now. [smiles proudly]
s me run towards it.
some work towards a goal.
Exercise & Sports Science, Mesa Community College
Makkala Jagriti 2008
I had TB as a child, so my parents never let me play or go outside. But currently, I’m studying in Arizona, US to become an athletic trainer! You can tell it's been a journey [laughs].
Ever since I was in school, I have loved football. And in 2008, I started going to Makkala Jagriti’s football classes. It was a safe space where I could share anything — even my feelings after a bad match. They bought me my very first jersey and new shoes. In 2011, I got to represent India at an NGO-level tournament in Paris. As the Vice Captain of my team, I scored 8 goals, but we lost the finals.
My dad had always been against football. It wasn’t like being a doctor or engineer. But after I came back from the tournament, he came to pick me up at the station for the first time. He even carried my bag for me. That felt like a real win.
These people aren’t just dreamers. They are changemakers.
They are role models.
Because they’ve set a benchmark for those around them.
For Murali’s students and Girish’s batchmates.
For Simran’s parents and Shreya’s classmates.
They’ve set an example.
For Mahesh’s colleagues and Asfiya’s kids.
For Anjali’s friends and Sri Kanth’s relatives.
For some, they’ve made dreaming easier.
For some, they’ve become the dream.
We’ve started dreaming too – of the next 20 years. We aim to scale government partnerships, influence the public education system, challenge biases in communities, and become knowledge partners on our holistic development approach.
Imagine if kids were asked, “Hey you, why aren’t you daydreaming in class?”
What would that look like?
Selvan, Dancer Class 8
Dreaming out of syllabus takes courage. So we left the last page for you to show some.
Doesn't matter how old you are. Or what life stage you're in.
Just sharpen your pencil. Whip out your paintbrush. And fill in the future.
Remember, there are no rules. Until you make them.