“The first lesson began with nail cutters”: How an 82-year-old educator brought school to a Tamil Nadu tribal hamlet and helped 50+ children dream beyond farm labour

In a Kodaikanal tribal settlement, education began with an unexpected lesson: hygiene and self-care before books. The “School on Wheels” initiative, started by educator Padmini and My School Satya Surabhi in 2024, reached children who had limited access to regular schooling. Teachers first built trust with families, taught children about cleanliness and nutrition, and then introduced reading, writing and maths. What began with around 25 children has now reached more than 50 first-generation learners, with 20 to 25 later joining full-time school. The Better India reported the inspiring transformation.