The Road to School (RTS) programme, pioneered by Ashok Leyland, has grown significantly since its inception. Initially launched in 36 schools in Krishnagiri district, the initiative has now expanded its reach to an impressive 2,400 schools, benefiting over 230,000 students across five states—Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam. The programme has also extended its outreach to regions such as Alwar in Rajasthan and Bhandara in Maharashtra.
Ashok Leyland’s RTS programme, which began with the objective of addressing the challenges of poor learning outcomes in government primary schools located in remote districts of Tamil Nadu, has made remarkable progress. The programme was designed to build a robust educational foundation for young learners by offering remedial classes to address and bridge learning gaps. It focuses on enhancing foundational literacy and numeracy, promoting health and hygiene, and fostering creativity through various art activities.
The success and impact of the RTS programme have not gone unnoticed. It was recently honored with the Changemaker Award in the Chairperson’s Award category by BusinessLine, a testament to its significant contributions to educational development. This accolade underscores the programme’s success in transforming educational experiences for children in underserved areas.
Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ashok Leyland, expressed pride in the programme’s achievements. Reflecting on its growth, Agarwal noted, “The Road to School programme, now in its ninth year, has seen tremendous expansion. What started with just 30 schools has grown to encompass 2,400 schools across six states. We are thrilled to have partnered with over 300,000 students, and our journey continues to inspire.”
Looking ahead, Ashok Leyland has set an ambitious goal to further expand the RTS programme. Agarwal shared, “Our vision is to positively impact one million students by 2030. We have set this milestone as part of our commitment to enhancing educational opportunities. To achieve this, we are considering extending the programme to additional states, including one of the Northeastern states, and focusing on government schools for students in classes I through VIII.”
The RTS programme’s ongoing efforts reflect Ashok Leyland’s dedication to improving education and supporting young learners across India. By addressing educational disparities and fostering holistic development, the initiative continues to make a significant difference in the lives of countless students.
Ashok Leyland is a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer in India, renowned for its innovative automotive solutions. Founded in 1948, the company produces a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, buses, and light commercial vehicles. Committed to quality and sustainability, Ashok Leyland leverages advanced technology to drive transportation excellence and meet diverse customer needs.
