Parents are spending more than ever on private schooling, coaching classes, and online tuitions—only to see their children stressed, disillusioned, and underprepared for real life. In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Malpani and a concerned parent unpack why so many families feel trapped by a broken system, and how a bold alternative—community-based digital learning pods—can offer real freedom, purpose, and future-readiness for our children.
Arjun (parent): Dr. Malpani, I really appreciated your talk. But I can’t help feeling like we’re stuck in a system with no way out. It’s like the whole education system has become a trap—for us and for our children.
Dr. Malpani: You’re not wrong, Arjun. In fact, I often call it the “perfect storm” in Indian education. Everyone—parents, students, even teachers—feels suffocated. And yet, the system marches on like it’s working perfectly.
Arjun: That’s exactly how it feels. We enrolled our son in a top-tier private school thinking we were giving him the best. The fees are insane, but we stretched ourselves because we didn’t want to compromise on his future.
Dr. Malpani: That’s the heartbreaking part. You do everything you’re told to do—find a good school, pay for all the extras, keep up with tuition classes—and yet, your child isn’t learning, he’s just preparing. For tests, exams, rankings.
Arjun: Yes, that’s all it is—cramming, homework, coaching classes, and now even weekend online tuitions. He’s 13, and he already looks tired all the time.
Dr. Malpani: It’s not education, it’s academic warfare. Textbooks, timetables, tests—every part of the system is about control and compliance. There’s no room for creativity, curiosity, or joy. And when kids rebel or lose interest, parents panic and double down on more of the same—thinking the problem is not enough tuition.
Arjun: And then we’re told that all of this is necessary to get into a good college. So we push them harder.
Dr. Malpani: Yes—and the cruel irony is that even when they make it to college, the disillusionment just grows.
Arjun: That’s true. My nephew just graduated with a BCom degree from a well-known college. Three years of exams, assignments, endless tuition—and now? No job, no direction. He’s depressed. And his parents are even more lost.
Dr. Malpani: Sadly, that’s become the norm. Most Indian college graduates today are either unemployed or unemployable—not because they’re lazy or unintelligent, but because they’ve never learned how to learn. They’ve been spoon-fed information, but never taught how to think.
Arjun: And they have no real-world skills. My nephew can write theoretical answers on business law, but he doesn’t know how to write a proper email or build a basic spreadsheet.
Dr. Malpani: Exactly. Our system produces degree-holders, not problem-solvers. The degree might look impressive on paper, but in real life, employers don’t care about your marks—they care about your skills. And sadly, our schools and colleges don’t teach those.
Arjun: So what’s the way out? I can’t afford to gamble with my son’s future.
Dr. Malpani: You’re right—it’s too important to leave to chance. And that’s why I believe parents like you need to take back control. You don’t need to depend on a broken system. You can create a better one—right at home or in your community—through a digital learning pod.
Arjun (surprised): But how would that work? I’m not a teacher. I don’t want to become one either.
Dr. Malpani: You don’t need to be. A learning pod isn’t about becoming a teacher. It’s about creating a space where your child can learn to learn. All you need is a safe space, a PC with internet, and a few like-minded families. There are thousands of free, world-class resources online—YouTube, Khan Academy, Coursera, MIT OCW—covering everything from coding to storytelling.
Arjun: But won’t my son still need a formal curriculum?
Dr. Malpani: If you want structure, we can align your pod with NIOS or any board you choose. But that’s just the base. The goal is to go beyond the curriculum. To help your child discover their passions, build real skills, and create something of their own—a project, a portfolio, a website.
Arjun: A website?
Dr. Malpani: Yes. Think of it like a digital CV. A personal website that showcases your child’s work—videos, writing, coding projects, even internships—that speaks far louder than a paper degree. Combine that with online certifications from real-world platforms, and your child becomes future-ready—something no school report card can promise.
Arjun: That makes so much sense. In fact, when I hire people for my business, I never ask about their degrees. I ask what they’ve done.
Dr. Malpani: Exactly! The world has already moved on. It’s time our education does too. You don’t have to wait for the system to change—you can start the revolution at your doorstep.
Arjun (nodding slowly): It feels like a big leap. But also… freeing.
Dr. Malpani: It is. And remember, you’re not alone. We’ve created support groups, mentor networks, starter kits—everything you need to launch your pod. You just have to take the first step. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be willing.
Arjun: Thank you, Doctor. I think it’s time I stop outsourcing my child’s future to a system that doesn’t care. Maybe this storm is our wake-up call.
Dr. Malpani: It absolutely is. Take matters in your own hands by starting your own digital learning pod – your children will not get a second chance! 👉 https://www.teachtoearn.in/start-a-teach-to-earn-learning-pod/