Pratibha Narayanan

Dr Pratibha Narayanan, a neuroscientist turned educationist, is the co-founder of Involve, where she champions student agency as the key to transforming India’s education system. With a PhD from the Max Planck Institute and experience as a Teach For India Fellow, she has pioneered peer-based learning programmes that reach approximately 1 million students across states. Recognised as an Acumen Fellow and Agency Fund Social Impact Fellow, Pratibha is a leading voice on student-led pedagogies and systemic education reform in India.

Areas of expertise

Education, SEL, student leadership and agency

Currently working at

Involve Learning Solutions Foundation, Co-founder

Articles by Pratibha Narayanan

A group of schoolchildren sit on the floor in rows, wearing uniforms in blue and green, facing a stage area where teachers and staff stand. One student holds a microphone and speaks while others listen. The background has colorful educational wall paintings, including science formulas, yoga poses, and a large tree mural with green leaves. Several teachers sit on chairs along the wall, watching the event. The setting appears to be a school assembly or interactive session under a covered courtyard_makkala grama sabhas

Advocacy & Government

August 21, 2025

Giving children a real stake in local governance

An experiment in Karnataka shows that students can meaningfully participate in local governance. But institutionalising this requires a shift in adult mindsets.

by Pratibha Narayanan, Vikas Ratanjee | 7 min read

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