Get to know me

Hello! I’m Reddy Koushik Konapalle, the founder of SustainEd Initiative. My journey with teaching began when I was in the ninth grade. I had the opportunity to teach my classmates mathematics for two weeks when our teacher was absent. This experience revealed my natural ability to explain complex concepts to peers and sparked a passion that would shape my future.

While pursuing Computer Science at NIT Calicut, one of India's premier institutions, I continued teaching mathematics and physics at my former school during holidays. These teaching experiences revealed a concerning pattern: many students were not able to understand concepts logically. They were simply memorizing answers to pass exams. This made me question the value of such an education system that only focused on rote learning, leaving students with good grades but no real skills.

During my UPSC preparation, I gained a deeper understanding of India's educational challenges. Our country's approach to education since independence has focused heavily on higher education, establishing prestigious institutions like IITs, while primary education received less attention. This "top-down" approach, combined with historical inequalities in access to education, has limited our nation's progress compared to countries like China.

This realization led me to found SustainEd Initiative. My NGO's mission goes beyond traditional academics – I focus on equipping young minds with essential life skills and practical knowledge. I believe that meaningful education should empower students to:

• Think critically and solve real-world problems

• Make informed decisions about their finances, health, and future

• Understand and engage thoughtfully with media and political discourse

• Contribute positively to their communities

Through SustainEd Initiative, I'm working to transform education using a "bottom-up" approach. By focusing on foundational skills and practical knowledge, I'm not only helping individuals, but also contributing to building a more equitable and prosperous India. I believe that when we empower young minds with the right tools and knowledge, we create a ripple effect that can transform entire communities and, ultimately, our nation.

My story is not just about teaching; it's about reimagining education as a force for societal change. Through SustainEd Initiative, I'm turning this vision into a reality, one student at a time.