The First 1,000 Days and Beyond: Early Childhood Care and Education in India

Join us to know more innovative ways to support and enhance early childhood care and education

At Azim Premji University, we invite you to join a series of impactful conversations on one of society’s most vital areas: Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). Research shows that a child’s first 1,000 days, along with their early years in school, lay the groundwork for their entire life. These early moments are crucial — they foster growth, curiosity, and a lifelong love for learning.

Through this expert-led speaker series, we’ll dive into the challenges in ECCE, exploring how to make the most of current resources while identifying innovative ways to support and enhance early childhood care and education.

  1. Learn from Experts: Gain insights from leading voices in ECCE on the opportunities and challenges in the field.
  2. Discover Practical Solutions: Explore effective approaches to utilize resources and develop sustainable support for early childhood education.
  3. Engage in a Meaningful Dialogue: Connect with others who share a commitment to improving early childhood education and making a lasting difference.
  4. Explore Scope of the Domain: As a nascent field in India, there is much to understand on the scope the domain offers to professionals in the field.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a dialogue that aims to shape a brighter future for children. Together, let’s discuss ideas and solutions that will create lasting impact.

This speaker series is open to educators, policymakers, development professionals, and anyone passionate about advancing Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in India. Whether you’re considering a career switch, starting fresh in ECCE, or currently working in education, community development, or policy, you’re encouraged to join. The sessions will provide valuable insights from experts, highlighting their professional journeys and the untapped potential of ECCE in Indian society. Together, we’ll explore approaches that can support real, sustainable change in this essential field.

Episode 18: 27 May 2026  — Nisha Nair educator, researcher, designer, and founder of ArtSparks Foundation.

Episode 17: 8 April 2026  — Natasha Iype architect and founder of Courtyard Koota

Episode 16: 25 February 2026  — Nilesh Nimkar — Founder Trustee and Director, QUEST

Episode 15: 28 January 2026  — Amukta Mahapatra — Director, Schoolscape, Centre for Educators

Episode 14:10 December 2025 — Dr. Shekhar Seshadri — Professor (Health) Azim Premji Foundation

Episode 13: 29 October 2025 — Zakiya Kurrien - Co-founder and Director Emerita of the Centre for Learning

Episode 12 :10 September 2025 — Dr. Venita Kaul — Professor Emerita (Education) at Ambedkar University Delhi

Episode 11: 23 July 2025 — Mandira Kumar - Director, Sutradhar

Episode 10: 28 May 2025 - Dr Swati Popat Vyas - President, Early Childhood Association, Podar Education Network

Episode 9: 5 March 2025 — Arshleen Kalra — Head of Academics, KLAY Preschools and Daycare

Episode 8: 19 Feb 2025 - Dr Tara M S, Public Child Nutrition Expert and Former Regional Director, National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD)

Episode 7: 29 Jan 2025 - Sunisha Ahuja — Education Specialist (Early Childhood Education and Foundational Learning), UNICEF India

Episode 6: 15 Jan 2025 — Hrishikesh Parthasarathy, Azim Premji Foundation 

Episode 5: 8 Jan 2025– Mangal Pandey, Key Education Foundation

Episode 4: 18 Dec 2024 - Dr Indumathi Rao, Regional Adviser for the Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Network, Bangalore University, Karnataka

Episode 3: 4 Dec 2024 - Dr Satish Pandya, MD (Ped.) | PGDAP | PGDGC Consultant Pediatrician, Adolescent Expert and Counsellor

Episode 2: 20 Nov 2024 - Dr Jigisha Shastri, PhD., Early Childhood Care and Education Specialist

Episode 1: 13 Nov 2024 — Uma Mahadevan, ACS, Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka

Explore our Programme in ECCE

Organisers: