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 Principles
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.
Grounded in Evidence
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
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
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.
Where Our Team Comes From
Our Team
ADVISORY BOARD
KAVITA RAJAGOPALAN
Programme Director, Global Schools Forum.
RANGANATH N.K
Former MD/CEO, Grundfos Pumps India Pvt. Ltd.
AMUDHAVALLI RANGANATHAN
Director, E-commerce & New Initiatives, CavinKare Pvt Ltd.
JENAAN LILANI
Head of Impact, The Family Business Network.
ABHA THORAT SHAH
Director, Global Engagements, The Convergence Foundation
RAMESH MANGALESWARAN
Senior Partner, Emeritus with McKinsey & Company
partners and supporters
(past and present)
