We enrich the lives of millions of children in India and beyond through our vibrant hybrid cultural education program.
Our journey to promote arts and culture began in 2004 with an international artists exchange program. Since then, we have organised numerous prestigious festivals, art exhibitions, and theatre performances worldwide, fostering inter-regional tolerance and appreciation for diverse cultures.
In 2010, we launched the Exchange for Change Program, connecting schools in India with neighbouring countries. This initiative began with traditional letter writing and postcard exchanges, followed by oral histories recorded by students based on conversations with their parents and grandparents. The impact of this program has been significant, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation among students and communities. During this time, our team and experts gained valuable insights into schools in India.
After a detailed study in 2016, we discovered that arts and music did not find their due space in the school curriculum. Dance & music was taken as an extracurricular activity with very little importance. This urgent call to action inspired us to act, recognizing that these subjects are vital for nurturing creativity and cultural appreciation. We saw an opportunity to bridge this gap by launching a pilot program in 50 schools, introducing digital learning in performing arts to reach more students, even in remote regions, by setting up smart classrooms. This step to digitize classrooms successfully reignited the passion for arts in young minds while equipping schools with the necessary infrastructure and giving them an opportunity to have a digitalized classroom.
Today, we are humbled to announce that over 24,000 schools and colleges have joined our mission, affecting the lives of more than 20 million students daily. With the introduction of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), the Indian government has made arts a compulsory part of the curriculum and created the perfect environment for our mission to flourish. What was once limited to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) has evolved into STEAM, where ‘A’ stands for Arts. This alignment with government policy has significantly expanded our reach and adaptability. Your support can help us reach even more students and make a greater impact.
Our classes are broadcasted LIVE from our in-house studio, featuring multiple camera angles and live editing capabilities to create an immersive virtual classroom experience. This innovative system allows experts to interact directly with students, facilitating engagement and real-time teaching as students explore the richness of Indian arts and culture. Since we have our in-house tools, software and integration with hardware, we are equipped to create a virtual classroom experience for our beneficiaries, which no other solution provides.
We have an esteemed advisory board, including Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shree awardees, whose disciples deliver daily live, interactive classes from our studio and conduct physical workshops in the schools that go beyond ordinary lessons, immersing students in the essence of Indian arts and culture.
We also ensure that smart classrooms are equipped with cutting-edge tools. Our smart learning spaces feature Interactive Flat Panels integrated with Tata Class Edge’s unique K-12 content library, which includes videos and Q&A, covering everything from core academics to personal development for ease of learning. This partnership with Tata Class Edge has given an equal opportunity to access quality education in schools in remote areas. The use of these advanced tools not only enhances the learning experience but also prepares students for the digital age, ensuring they receive a comprehensive education that includes both traditional and modern learning methods.
At Routes 2 Roots, every child should explore their cultural roots and express their creativity. Our mission is to keep that flame alive through art, music, and the beauty of India’s heritage so that the next generation can carry it forward.
How Does Music Help Children Learn and Grow?
“Music can change the world because it can change people.”
Research shows that by immersing children in music and art, we activate both sides of their brains, enhancing their ability to learn and grow. The emotional connection formed through music creates a supportive environment where children feel understood and valued, much like a warm hug from a loved one.
Learning music can be a powerful way for students to reduce anxiety and stress. When students dive into the world of music, whether through playing an instrument or singing, they find a creative outlet that helps them express their feelings and cope with everyday challenges, especially with studies. The soothing rhythms and melodies can help slow down heart rates and create a sense of peace. Therefore, by integrating music into students’ learning, we are giving them tools to manage stress and build emotional resilience, making them feel more confident and secure in their learning journey.
Alongside our daily classes, we conduct annual hands-on physical workshops, exciting annual interschool competitions, and skill-development subjects like gaming, robotics, and artificial intelligence. This diverse approach ensures that learning is educational but also fun and inspiring!
- Our groundbreaking work has earned us a prestigious spot in the LIMCA Book of Records for operating the world’s most extensive cultural education program,
- We have reached over 24,000 schools, positively influencing the lives of more than 20 million children in India and beyond, demonstrating the significant impact of our work.
- We are the only cultural NGO listed on the National Stock Exchange and registered with the Bombay Stock Exchange.
- Our global footprint extends to over 70 countries, where we share the beauty of Indian art and culture.
- We also collaborate with esteemed institutions like the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, the Centre for Cultural Resources & Training, and significant educational bodies such as Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas to ensure that our programs are widely accessible.
India is a vast country. With our present reach, we have just about touched the lives of less than 10% of the school-going children in India; therefore, we urgently seek your help and support to expand our reach. Your contribution can be the key to unlocking opportunities for these children, helping them discover their potential through the rich tapestry of Indian arts and culture. As we say, “Together, we can light the way for a brighter future.” Your support is crucial for us to continue and expand our mission.
