Foundational learning first, so every child can thrive!

THE DRIVING FORCE

At Madhi, we're driven to solve problems, not just do good. We're committed to tackling deep social inequities, starting with the foundational learning crisis, a vital step toward a more just and equal world. Madhi is led by its Co-founders, Merlia, and Vijayalakshmi, supported by a dedicated team, an engaged advisory board, and visionary funding partners. Together we dream of a world that puts foundational learning first, so every child can thrive!

Our Guiding Principle

A Systems Approach

We address every layer of education, from teaching materials to governance to community awareness & agency building, ensuring solutions are holistic, not siloed. Education doesn’t happen in isolation, and neither should change.

Integrated, Not Isolated

Complex problems need cohesive set of solutions. We break silos by creating pathways where every part of the system works well individually and collectively, for lasting impact.

Tech That Fits

We use simple, context specific technology — from mobile apps to custom tools — designed for impact, not complexity.

Big Picture & Local Impact

Our interventions span all levels: broad state partnerships and direct school and community-led programs create widespread and targeted change.

Data-Driven and Proud

Data guides everything we do. With deep contextual insights, we ensure we’re improving, growing, and driving real change.

Our Journey

Milestones in Transforming Education

One Step at a Time

Our pilot of 3 schools expanded to 15 Greater Chennai Corporation Schools as ‘The Transformational Academic Programme (TAP)’, thanks to our early supporters: CSF, Grundfos, Nalli Silks, and Panimalar Institutions.

2016

Scaling Up and Going Digital

Our focus expanded as we digitized teacher training for greater reach and collaborated on textbook design to enrich learning. In partnership with TNSCERT and Samagra Shiksha, we launched the Literacy and Language Development Programme (LLDP) — an initiative that strengthened teacher practices and significantly improved student literacy outcomes.

2018

Responding to the Pandemic

Determined to minimise learning loss for last-mile students, we launched three initiatives:

1. Foundational Learning over Whatsapp (FLOW): An urban-centric solution to reach students

2. The "Happy Learners" blended model for children without smartphones

3. The State Executives and Educators Development (SEED) programme to build teachers' digital skills for remote teaching and enhance officers’ digital literacy skills

2020

Strengthening Systems and Parental Engagement

We saw the first signs of improvement in Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) at a system level. New technology products like the Palli Parvai and Ennum Ezhuthum apps were rolled out, and we began developing Veedum Vizhupum, a programme that empowered parents as allies of the school system.

2022

A Decade Done, Miles to Go

As Madhi completes a decade of impact, it is recognised as a leading force in driving systemic reform for better learning outcomes. With Ennum Ezhuthum gaining wide support, we now aim to deepen parental engagement in tackling foundational learning inequity. Our pilots beyond Tamil Nadu are beginning to show promise, setting the stage for meaningful national expansion. The next five years are our moment - to scale bold ideas and deliver greater impact, to ensure every child receives the quality foundational education they deserve!

2025

LEADERSHIP

Merlia Shaukath

Founder & CEO

Merlia Shaukath, Founder & CEO of Madhi Foundation, is an alumna of the London School of Economics and University of Oxford. With expertise in policy consulting and education reform, she has led key government projects and is an Ashoka Fellow and Rainer Arnhold Fellow.

Vijayalakshmi Mohan

Co-Founder & COO

Vijayalakshmi leads Madhi’s the People, Culture & Operations (PCO) vertical. A Takshashila alumna with a decade of experience in the education sector, she has played a vital role in shaping Madhi’s journey and nurturing its People and Culture policies since inception.