Ritinjali
About Us
Who Are We?
Founded in 1995 by educator Mr Arun Kapur, Ritinjali is a Delhi-based non-profit organisation working at the intersection of education, livelihoods, community development, and peacebuilding. Our name, meaning ‘helping hands’ in Sanskrit, reflects the values of dignity, care, inclusion, and collective growth that continue to guide our work. What began as a volunteer-led initiative has grown into a multi-programme organisation working across regions in and outside India with children, youth, educators, and disadvantaged communities.
Over the years, Ritinjali has developed a range of programmes that respond to diverse and evolving needs. Our work spans second-chance education, skilling and livelihoods, community development, youth leadership, relief and rehabilitation, and dialogue-based initiatives that promote peace, understanding, and resilience. Through these efforts, we seek to create pathways that expand access to learning, opportunity, and participation.
At the heart of Ritinjali’s work is the educational philosophy of Mr Arun Kapur, shaped by decades of experience across public and private education systems. We believe education must go beyond academic achievement to nurture the whole person. Our approach is rooted in wholistic development, recognising that confidence, wellbeing, exposure, relationships, and a sense of identity are equally important in enabling individuals to grow and thrive.
Through integrated support that combines learning, skills, wellbeing, exposure, and leadership development, we work to help individuals overcome social, economic, and educational barriers. We hope to enable children and youth to build confidence, dignity, and self-reliance, while strengthening their ability to participate meaningfully as responsible and capable citizens.
“How to learn is much more important than what to learn.”
- Arun Kapur
Mission & Vision
Mission
To provide wholistic education that nurtures empowered, responsible citizens who can provide for themselves and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Vision
To foster inclusive, self-reliant, and sustainable communities where individuals, irrespective of class, gender, ability, or circumstance, are able to actualise their potential, live with dignity, and work together for the common good.
Values
Respect for Life
Sensitivity
Team Work
Creativity
Openness
Quality
Bridging the Gap Between Potential and Opportunity for Lifelong Growth
In India, millions of young people and adults remain locked out of education and employment pathways. In 2024–25 alone, an estimated 11.7 lakh students dropped out of school. Many are first-generation learners or migrants, navigating poverty, unstable living conditions, and low confidence. Without recognised educational credentials or documentation, they are often excluded from formal education systems, skilling programmes, and access to dignified livelihoods, deepening cycles of vulnerability and limiting their ability to realise their potential.
Short-term training or conventional education models alone are insufficient to address these layered challenges. What is needed is a long-term, integrated pathway, one that combines formal education, life and work readiness, livelihoods, and psychosocial support. This wholistic approach not only enables access to opportunities but builds the stability, confidence, and resilience needed to break cycles of exclusion and move towards a secure, dignified future.
Our Approach
Actualising Potential through Wholistic Development
At Ritinjali, we believe that every individual has the ability to grow, contribute, and build a meaningful life when given the right support, opportunities, and guidance.
Our approach goes beyond addressing education or employment gaps in isolation. We see education as a process of developing the whole person enabling learners to think clearly, understand themselves, build healthy relationships, develop practical skills, and move forward with confidence and purpose.
Inspired by the philosophy articulated in Leading Out: The True Purpose of Education by our Chairperson, Mr Arun Kapur, Ritinjali's work is grounded in five interconnected areas of development: cerebral, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual. These areas help learners strengthen not only academic and work-related abilities, but also resilience, discipline, empathy, self-awareness, and a sense of direction.
Our programmes are designed as a continuum of care. We integrate formal education pathways with life- and work-readiness programmes, vocational and technical training, and support for mental health, wellbeing, and identity-building. Each intervention is shaped around the learner's strengths, context, and aspirations, helping them take steady steps towards dignified, self-reliant futures.
Five Areas of Development
Cerebral Development
Strengthening academic foundations, critical thinking, and digital and financial literacy.
Spiritual Development
Nurturing values, reflection, and a sense of purpose and inner strength.
Emotional Development
Building confidence, self-awareness, and the ability to navigate personal and professional challenges.
Physical Development
Supporting health, nutrition, and overall wellbeing to enable consistent learning and participation.
Social Development
Developing communication, relationships, and a sense of responsibility within communities.
Where We Work
While Ritinjali’s core programmes are primarily based in Delhi and Rajasthan, the organisation supports learners and communities from diverse regions across India, including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Northeast India, through partnerships, outreach initiatives, and residential programmes.
It also engages participants from neighbouring countries such as Bhutan and Nepal, as well as refugee communities, through peacebuilding and leadership initiatives that foster dialogue, collaboration, and cross-cultural understanding.
Our Board
Arun Kapur
Chairperson
Chairperson
Arun Kapur is a distinguished educator with over four decades of experience across public and private education. A graduate of St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi, he began his career at The Doon School before founding Vasant Valley School in Delhi in 1990.
He is the Chairperson of Ritinjali and has led several pioneering education initiatives, including Pallavan Schools and Pallavanjali.
Currently Director at the Druk Gyalpo’s Institute in Bhutan, he continues to shape global education discourse. His philosophy of wholistic development and self-directed learning underpins all his work.
A.P. John
Trustee
Trustee
A.P. John is an experienced school administrator and a founding member of Ritinjali. A science graduate from Berhampur University, Odisha, he has served as Head of Administration at Vasant Valley School since 1992. He played a crucial role in establishing and managing the school’s operations. His deep understanding of education systems strengthens Ritinjali’s institutional framework. He remains committed to advancing access to quality education.
Dipika Nanjappa
Secretary
Secretary
Dipika Sawhney Nanjappa is a dedicated social worker and one of the earliest members of Ritinjali. An alumna of Miranda House and Loreto Convent in Delhi, she has led impactful community initiatives. She played a key role in the Tihar Jail project, supporting children of incarcerated women through education and care. Her work reflects a deep commitment to dignity, compassion, and second chances. She continues to guide Ritinjali’s outreach with empathy and purpose.
Digender Sidhu
Member
Member
Digender Sidhu is a pioneer in organic agriculture with over 40 years of experience. An alumnus of St. Stephen’s College and Mayo College, Ajmer, he has built a strong legacy in sustainable farming practices. He is also a hotelier, known for running bespoke hospitality ventures. He has been closely associated with Ritinjali, offering strategic guidance over the years.
Gurpreet Singh
Member
Member
Gurpreet Singh is an accomplished architect and co-founder of Aakar Design Consultants, Gurugram. A graduate of CEPT University, Ahmedabad, he has contributed to several landmark public and institutional projects. His work includes the Guru Tegh Bahadur Memorial in Delhi and the Golden Temple Entrance Plaza in Amritsar. He is known for his commitment to sustainability, design excellence, and heritage preservation. At Ritinjali, he brings valuable insight into building meaningful and inclusive spaces.
Sanchita Singh
Member
Member
Sanchita Singh is a visionary architect and founding partner at Aakar Design Consultants, Gurugram. A graduate of CEPT University, Odisha, she has designed progressive educational and cultural spaces in India and internationally. Her notable projects include Vasant Valley School and The Royal Academy in Bhutan. Her work emphasises inclusivity, sustainability, and community-centred design. She brings this perspective to her role at Ritinjali.
Benu Khanna
Member
Member
Benu Khanna is an educational consultant with over 35 years of experience in school systems and leadership. A founding member of Ritinjali, she has played a key role in establishing and strengthening educational institutions. She has contributed to the ICSE Council, shaping school evaluation and management practices in India. Her expertise spans curriculum design, teacher training, and infrastructure planning. Through her work, she continues to support schools in achieving excellence and wholistic development.
Our Team
Reports And Financials
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A second chance can change an entire future. Help children, youth, and communities access education, opportunity, and the support they need to thrive.