Bengaluru: As India celebrates Independence Day, the focus on education must extend beyond access and enrolment to ensuring that children from underserved communities are equipped to build independent and sustainable futures, according to Jaison C Mathew, CEO, Christel House India.
India has made significant progress in expanding access to higher education, with more than 4.5 crore students now enrolled across the country. The growing participation presents an opportunity to strengthen the connection between education and employment by equipping students with the capabilities, exposure and confidence required to build sustainable careers.
According to Christel House India, academic learning alone may not be sufficient for students from underserved and first-generation families to successfully navigate the transition from education to the workplace. Mentorship, career guidance, workplace exposure and socio-emotional support can play an important role in helping young people understand their strengths, adapt to new environments and prepare for professional life.
“We often speak about education as a pathway to opportunity. But for children from underserved and first-generation families, its real value lies in whether it can help them build an independent future,” said Jaison C Mathew, CEO, Christel House India.
He added that when academic education is supported by career guidance, mentorship and exposure to the workplace, it can become a stronger foundation for long-term economic independence.
This Independence Day, the idea of freedom can therefore be viewed not only through the lens of access to education, but also through the ability of young people to shape their own futures. For children from underserved communities, sustained support throughout their educational journey can help improve their pathways to employment, strengthen economic security and contribute to intergenerational mobility.
The perspective highlights the need for a more holistic approach to education—one that prepares students not only to complete their studies, but also to enter the workforce with the skills, confidence and support needed to pursue meaningful careers and greater economic independence.