About the event

Join us for a panel discussion on The Unsung Foot Soldiers by S. V. Manjunath, an insightful exploration of Karnataka’s public-school education system, its governance, and the gap between policy and practice. The evening begins with a keynote by Chiranjiv Singh, followed by a discussion featuring Rajashree S., Hariprasad G. V., Nomita Sikand, and the author. Drawing on themes from the book, the panel will examine the realities of school education, frontline experiences, language and knowledge in education, and the collaboration needed to strengthen public schools. The session concludes with an audience interaction.

Keynote speaker

Chiranjiv Singh is a former Ambassador of India to UNESCO in Paris. An Indian Administrative Service Officer of the 1969 batch, he retired in 2005 as the Development Commissioner of Karnataka and Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka. After his retirement, he has been associated with numerous non-governmental organisations working in the fields of rural development, environment, and culture. He was awarded the Rajyothsava Award by the Government of Karnataka for his achievements in 2005. 

About the author

S. V. Manjunath has over 35 years of experience across corporate, education and literature, including 17 years with the Azim Premji Foundation and University. A bilingual Kannada – English author, he has written extensively on public education and authored Janasampada (2009), Sakha-Sakhi (2011), Kaliva Shaaleya Halavu Mukhagalu (2021).  With his latest book, The Unsung Foot Soldiers (2026), he draws on the extensive field engagement with Karnataka’s public education system and explores the relationship between education, culture and social change.

About the panellists

Rajashree S joined Azim Premji University in 2010 as its first faculty member, helping launch its academic programmes. She serves on the Curriculum and Pedagogy Committee, teaching child development and teacher education, with doctoral research from TISS on families and disability.

Dr Hari Prasad G V is Deputy Director at DSERT, Bengaluru, with 25+ years in education administration and curriculum development. A former Headmaster and NCF contributor, he has trained 40,000+ teachers and is also a published poet and writer.

Nomita Sikand is a social entrepreneur and Co-founder of Gubbachi Learning Community, serving underserved migrant families near Sarjapur Road. She champions education equity and grassroots changemakers, while building ethical, people-centric organisations throughout her career.