Bloomberg Businessweek’s GameChangers Spotlight

Dr. Pravin Kumar, head of Telangana Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions, shares his journey from law enforcement to education. Inspired by his time at Harvard, he now leads schools for marginalized communities in India. The schools focus on providing equal opportunities, especially for girls, and emphasize the importance of role models. A notable project is the Mount Everest expedition, showcasing the potential of underprivileged students.

What motivated Dr. Pravin Kumar to switch from law enforcement to education?

• Desire for a higher salary

• Pursuit of a political career

• Interest in teaching

• Need for a deeper impact on marginalized communities

What is unique about the residential schools run by Dr. Kumar's organization?

• They provide facilities usually available only to the affluent

• They focus solely on sports

• They are exclusively for boys

• They charge high fees

Why is residential education important for the poorest students?

• It isolates them from their families

• It provides a supportive environment away from toxic ecosystems

• It is a tradition in India

• It is cheaper than day schools

What percentage of students in Dr. Kumar's schools are girls?

• 60%

• 40%

• 20%

• 80%

Why does Dr. Kumar's organization focus more on educating girls?

• Boys are not interested in education

• Girls are more marginalized among the marginalized

• Girls are easier to teach

• It is a government mandate

How do role models help students in Dr. Kumar's schools?

• By teaching them sports

• By inspiring them to achieve success

• By offering free meals

• By providing financial aid

What is a key challenge faced by students from poor communities according to Dr. Kumar?

• Overcrowded classrooms

• Excessive wealth

• Lack of social capital

• Lack of interest in education

What was the purpose of the Mount Everest project?

• To raise funds for the schools

• To promote tourism

• To train students in mountaineering

• To break stereotypes about marginalized communities

What did the girl who climbed Mount Everest want to prove?

• That boys are better climbers

• That girls from underprivileged backgrounds can achieve great things

• That climbing is easy

• That Everest is not dangerous

What was the outcome of the Mount Everest project for the girl involved?

• She moved to another country

• She became a teacher

• She decided to quit school

• She became the youngest female to scale Everest