In the tribal belt of Madhya Pradesh, a once restless classroom is now filled with eager listeners captivated by stories—thanks to the efforts of three sisters behind Turning Pages Foundation, who have brought books and reading programs to nearly 8,000 children across four states in India.
- Turning Pages Foundation supports nearly 8,000 students and 150 teachers.
- Books and reading sessions transform children’s engagement in classrooms.
- Focus on joy and culture of reading surpasses traditional exam-oriented methods.
What happened
At a free school in Madhya Pradesh’s tribal region, a teacher was struck by the profound silence and focus as thirty children listened attentively to a story— a stark contrast from the previous year when many were disinterested and restless. This change is part of a movement led by Turning Pages Foundation, founded by sisters Bunty and Madhuri Pai and their cousin Nayana Pai. Operating across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh, the foundation runs reading programs in 12 schools, benefiting thousands of young learners.
The initiative has introduced nearly 15,000 books into classrooms that previously had limited or no access to children’s literature. This effort combines classroom libraries, read-aloud storytelling, teacher training, and school-wide reading activities. Children are no longer passive listeners; they actively question, dramatize, and debate stories, making reading a highlight of their day.
Why it feels good
The founders draw from their own joyful childhoods immersed in books, a sharp contrast to the common pressure-filled experience many children face today. Rather than forcing reading as a performance task, the foundation focuses on fostering a whole-school reading culture where books are sources of pleasure and connection. This approach helps children overcome anxiety and disengagement often associated with reading tests and academic expectations.
By emphasizing storytelling’s emotional resonance and creating environments where reading feels natural and exciting, the foundation helps restore children’s innate curiosity and eagerness to explore through books. The positive transformation seen in classrooms—from disrupted to utterly focused—echoes the power of embedding reading into everyday life, not just academic assessment.
What to enjoy or watch next
Readers interested in supporting or learning more about literacy efforts can explore similar initiatives within India’s vast educational landscape, where foundational reading skills remain a critical challenge. Supporting nonprofit organizations like Turning Pages Foundation or advocating for culturally sensitive, joy-focused reading programs can make a meaningful difference.
Additionally, following the foundation’s progress across different states offers insights into how community-rooted, creative educational models can enrich children’s lives. Watching for updates or stories from schools involved might inspire new ideas on bringing reading joy into local or global communities.