We believe that children, youth and women must be equipped with future-ready skills
For more than 4 decades now VIDYA has been working with children youth and women to prepare them for a more empowered future
About Vidya
In 1985, Mrs. Rashmi Misra began teaching five young girls from her home on the campus of IIT Delhi. What started as a small initiative was driven by a simple yet powerful belief: education has the power to transform lives, and empowering girls and women creates lasting change for families and communities.
That belief became the foundation of VIDYA – Integrated Development for Youth and Adults.
Built on the spirit of volunteerism, VIDYA grew from a home classroom into a nationwide movement dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through education, skill development, and community empowerment. Over the years, our work expanded to include Bal Vihar School, NIOS education, community learning centres, government school partnerships, digital skilling, vocational training, and women’s livelihood programmes—creating opportunities for children, youth, and women to learn, earn, and thrive.
At VIDYA, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom. A child’s success depends on the strength of the family and the community around them. That is why our holistic approach empowers not just learners, but entire families, creating sustainable pathways to education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate 40 years of impact, we continue to look towards the future.
Our next milestone is the VIDYA Discovery & Innovation Hub in Gurugram—a future-ready centre that will nurture innovation, entrepreneurship, and emerging technology skills. Equipped with advanced labs, maker spaces, incubation support, and collaborative learning environments, the Hub will empower young people to become innovators, problem-solvers, and job creators.
From education to employability, from livelihoods to leadership, our mission has remained the same for four decades:
To educate, empower, and transform lives by enabling every individual to realise their full potential.
The journey began with five girls in a home classroom.
Today, it continues with millions of lives transformed—and many more to come.
Our Vision
To be the fountainhead for empowering and transforming lives. through education
Our Mission
To optimize the potential of children, youth and women by providing holistic education through schools, partnerships and community initiatives.
Our Values
Excellence Every Day
We believe in going above and beyond what’s expected, adding initiative to ownership.
People first
We believe in the inherent goodness of people and their power to impact change.
Integrity in action
All our actions are initiatives aligned with our integrity compass. We believe in doing the right thing under all circumstances.
Think Forward
We strive to recognize and act for progress, self-improvement and inclusion, at every given opportunity. We need to use our power of anticipation to start creating a positive future which will transform lives.
Global Citizenship
We strive to recognize and act for progress, self-improvement and inclusion, at every given opportunity. We need to use our power of anticipation to start creating a positive future which will transform lives.
Our Journey
A timeline of milestones and growth
Rashmi Misra begins teaching five girls at her home in IIT Delhi
Registration under the Societies Registration Act
West Zone operations begin in Mumbai
Bal Vihar established, Panchsheel Park – VIDYA's first school project
VIDYA School, Gurugram opens
South Zone operations begin in Bengaluru
Laying foundation of Discovery and Innovation Hub
Become a volunteer
Help make a difference in the lives of the less privileged.
Join the VIDYA family of like-minded people who are committed to making a difference in the lives of children, youth and women from underserved communities.
Volunteering with VIDYA is more than just donating your time – it’s an opportunity to transform lives, inspire young minds, and contribute to a brighter future for India. Whether you have a few hours to spare or can commit to a long-term mentorship, your contribution will make a lasting impact.