Dreams to Direction: How EDGE is shaping Future Leaders

Today, education has evolved far beyond the chalk-and-board approach, embracing innovative methods that promote inclusion and equip students with the skills they need for higher studies. Still, in many rural schools, students nurture career aspirations without a clear plan to transform those dreams into reality.

EDGE (Empowering Dreams through Goal-setting Effectively), eVidyaloka’s national-level student engagement program, seeks to bridge this gap by helping students explore 21st-century skills, identify their interests, and discover leadership qualities. Designed to go beyond traditional learning, the program incorporates real-world relevance, social-emotional learning (SEL), and NEP-aligned skill development, while remaining inclusive and accessible to students across India.

This year, EDGE empowered students across India to translate their aspirations into actionable SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals for their futures.

At a school in Telangana, a young and determined student, Nayan Sri, quietly nurtures a dream that is as bold as it is inspiring: to become a software engineer who creates technology that improves lives. Unlike many who choose careers only for financial gain or social status, Nayan’s ambition is deeply rooted in purpose. She aims to develop solutions that address real-world problems, support local communities, and make meaningful contributions to society’s progress.

Her interest in mathematics and social studies shaped her early curiosity. Math strengthened her problem-solving mindset, while social studies showed her how communities function and what challenges people face daily.

When she learned that software engineers create systems that can automate tasks, solve real-world problems, and support innovation across fields like health, education, agriculture, and governance, she knew this was her path.

As part of eVidyaloka’s EDGE program, Nayan created a detailed SMART goal, outlining her path to becoming a capable engineer. Her project became more than a worksheet; it became a roadmap for her career and a reflection of her determination to grow beyond limitations.

At a school in Jharkhand, Lochan Rajwar’s curiosity often stretches far beyond simply playing games on the phone. He finds himself wondering how these games are brought to life, characters are made, worlds are constructed, and challenges are designed to keep players engaged.

From an early age, Lochan has been captivated by patterns, numbers, and logic. His love for math naturally fuels his fascination with puzzles, gradually shaping a dream of becoming a content creator and virtual game designer. He envisions creating game-based content that not only entertains but also challenges young minds, sparks creativity, and makes learning enjoyable. But Lochan knew something important: “To design worlds, I must first understand my own.”

Through eVidyaloka’s EDGE program, he finally had an opportunity to turn his dreams into a clear, actionable plan. He identified the key skills that were needed to excel as a content creator and game designer: storytelling, logic, presentation, creativity, and communication skills. Lochan now hopes to spend more time sketching game layouts, exploring video editing, and strengthening his math skills. He understands the importance of asking questions, discussing ideas with classmates, and seeking feedback to improve his work. Over the next two years, he aims to make a start towards his dream of enabling children to learn, play, and grow through the games and content he creates.