Dr. John Hoffmire:  Hello Samina.  It’s good to be back in touch and I’m honored to get to ask you some questions about your work.  I’ll start as I usually do by asking what inspired you to leave a successful career in management consulting and dedicate yourself to social change in education?

Samina Bano: Thank you, John.  You probably remember this, but I have always had a deeply ingrained desire to create systemic impact and address inequities in society. While working at Deloitte, I realized that my skills in strategy and analytical problem-solving could be leveraged for greater societal good. Education, for me, is the cornerstone of an equitable society. The decision to leave my career in consulting and focus on inclusive education was rooted in the belief that every child deserves equal opportunities, regardless of their socio-economic background. This vision led to the establishment of RightWalk Foundation.

John:  The RightWalk Foundation has been pivotal in implementing Section 12 of the RTE Act in Uttar Pradesh, which requires private schools to reserve at least 25% of their entry-level seats for children from disadvantaged and economically weaker sections (EWS). The goal of this provision is to create a more inclusive education system and provide equal opportunities for all children. Could you share more about this achievement and its challenges?

Samina: That’s right. Implementing Section 12(1)(c) does mandate 25% reservation in private schools for children from Economically Weaker Sections and getting it amended and implemented in Uttar Pradesh has been a challenging yet transformative journey. Initially, the admissions under this provision were alarmingly low—just 108 across Uttar Pradesh in four years. Through advocacy, legal battles, and capacity building, we have facilitated over 800,000 admissions to date. Overcoming resistance from private schools and addressing government inertia required persistence and collaboration. We also developed innovative solutions like the RTE Online Portal to streamline the process. The fight wasn’t easy, but the impact on the lives of children and families has been incredibly rewarding.

John: How has your background in consulting influenced your work at RightWalk Foundation?

Samina: My consulting experience at Deloitte honed my ability to analyze complex problems, devise strategies, and implement solutions efficiently. These skills have been instrumental in navigating the multi-faceted challenges of policy advocacy and systemic reform. For example, I applied structured frameworks and data-driven decision-making to identify gaps in RTE implementation. Additionally, my experience working with diverse teams helped me build consensus among stakeholders—be it government officials, school administrators, or communities.

John: Beyond education, RightWalk Foundation envisions systemic change in other sectors like healthcare and livelihoods. Could you elaborate on your broader mission?

Samina: At RightWalk Foundation, we aim to create an equitable, inclusive, and socially just society. While our primary focus is education, we recognize that access to quality healthcare and dignified livelihoods are integral to societal well-being. Our mission is to drive large-scale social change through public policy interventions that address systemic inequalities. This involves engaging with lawmakers, system leadership, and communities to design and implement policies that deliver tangible outcomes across these sectors.

John:  You’ve recently been part of the 100x Impact Accelerator at the London School of Economics (LSE). How has this experience shaped the future of RightWalk Foundation?

Samina: The 100x Impact Accelerator has been a game-changer for us. It provided a global platform to refine our strategy and scale our impact. Interacting with world-class mentors and leaders at institutions like LSE and the University of Oxford has broadened our perspective and given us invaluable tools to think bigger. This experience has not only validated the work we do but also inspired us to aim higher as we strive to transform education and other key sectors in India.

John:  You were awarded a Chevening Gurukul Fellowship at Oxford in 2023.  Tell me about your time at Oxford and what kind of impact it has had on your work and, perhaps, your life?

Samina: Being part of the Chevening Gurukul Fellowship in 2023 was an incredible journey for me. The 12-week program at Oxford was a perfect mix of learning, exploration, and reflection. From sessions with esteemed professors and leaders on topics like geopolitics, policy, and public health to engaging discussions on culture and society, every moment was enlightening. Field visits to places like the UK Department of Defense, the Indian High Commission, and universities in Edinburgh and St. Andrews gave me a firsthand look at the UK’s approach to governance, diplomacy, and education.

My project on basic income was a highlight of the fellowship. Having a dedicated professor as a mentor was invaluable—his guidance and access to Oxford’s rich library resources elevated my research in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Beyond academics, the fellowship helped me build meaningful relationships with a diverse group of peers and professionals, expanding my global network. The lessons I learned and the perspectives I gained continue to influence my work in India. It was truly a transformative experience that I will carry with me for a lifetime.

John:  Samina, it has been a joy for me to follow your career since you left Oxford. I so enjoyed seeing you at LSE recently and being part of the celebration of you being honoured. I wish you the best of luck, and every success.

 

Samina Bano is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of RightWalk Foundation and a Chevening Gurukul Fellow, Oxford University, 2023.

John Hoffmire is a Research Associate at the Oxford Centre for Mutual and Co-owned Business