Nanditha Das

Nanditha Das’s public work grew from an observation she made while volunteering with a community learning programme: many young people had ability and ambition, but lacked someone who could help them see what their next step might be. Her early involvement focused on informal learning and mentoring, particularly for young women who were uncertain about returning to education or beginning work.

She helped organise small study and skills groups in which participants could ask practical questions about education, training and early employment. Over time, the work expanded beyond tutoring. Nanditha became interested in the circumstances that determine whether an opportunity is actually usable — travel, family responsibilities, confidence, access to information and the ability to ask for help.

A turning point came when a programme that appeared successful on paper began losing participants. Rather than treating the drop as lack of interest, she spoke to the young people and their families. The reasons were ordinary but important: timings, transport and uncertainty about what would happen after the initial programme. The experience changed the way she designed community initiatives.

Her work now connects young people, women’s groups and local community organisations around education and participation. She particularly encourages young women to take responsibility for small projects rather than waiting until they feel completely prepared.

Nanditha’s own interests include reading, mentoring younger students and spending time with community groups outside formal programme settings. She values conversations in which people are able to speak about uncertainty without feeling that they have failed.

At 32, she sees her work less as creating a single flagship initiative and more as building confidence and continuity. Her larger hope is that young people who receive support today will become the people who create opportunities for others tomorrow.