In today’s world, parents are overwhelmed with choices — from expensive coaching classes to fancy gadgets that promise to boost learning. But amidst all the noise, one question stands out: How can I truly help my child become a confident, independent learner? That’s where the ApnaPC and the Teach to Earn initiative come in. Far more than just a computer, the ApnaPC is a complete education solution designed to empower students — especially those from underserved communities — with the tools they need to learn for themselves. In this conversation, Dr. Malpani explains how this simple, affordable PC is helping spark a quiet revolution in education — one child and one learning pod at a time.
Parent: Dr. Malpani, I’ve been reading a lot about your Teach to Earn initiative and the ApnaPC. I love the idea of children learning independently, but I’m still a bit unclear — isn’t a computer just a tool? How is this different from buying a regular laptop or desktop from the market?
Dr. Malpani: That’s a great question — and one I hear quite often. You’re right that at the end of the day, a PC is just hardware. But what makes the ApnaPC truly special isn’t the box — it’s the magic sauce we’ve added to turn it into an Education PC.
Parent: Magic sauce? That sounds intriguing. Can you explain?
Dr. Malpani: Sure. Most people buy computers that are designed for entertainment — social media, YouTube, games. But the ApnaPC is built from the ground up for learning. It’s bundled with specially curated software that puts your child’s education — not distraction — at the center. This includes a Parental Control System that automatically tracks how the PC is being used, documenting your child’s learning journey in real time.
Parent: So you can actually see what they’re learning?
Dr. Malpani: Exactly. No more guessing or fighting about screen time. You’ll have a dashboard showing you what educational tools your child is using, how much time they’re spending, and how their learning is progressing. Plus, there’s an integrated Learning Management System (LMS) that showcases the actual learning outcomes. So it’s not just about time spent — it’s about skills gained.
Parent: That sounds helpful. But doesn’t that kind of system need a lot of maintenance?
Dr. Malpani: Not at all. The ApnaPC runs on a Linux-based operating system, which allows us to push over-the-air updates seamlessly. No need to worry about viruses, licensing costs, or bloated software. It’s light, fast, and purpose-built for education. And since it’s open source, we’re constantly improving it based on feedback from real users like you.
Parent: Okay, I’m beginning to see the difference. But is there any actual teaching involved? I mean, a PC can’t replace a teacher, can it?
Dr. Malpani: That’s where things get really exciting. I’ve been funding a new generation of entrepreneurs who are building AI-powered tutors that deliver personalised learning at scale. These are not just pre-recorded video lectures. These tools interact with students, adapt to their level, provide instant feedback, and make learning fun and engaging.
Parent: That sounds revolutionary. Do you have examples?
Dr. Malpani: Absolutely! Check out nios.eklavya.io — an AI tutor that helps students study for National Institute of Open Schooling exams. Or learnkit.io — a full platform that guides students through concepts step by step. The beauty is that these tools keep evolving. So as your child learns, the AI gets smarter and more helpful. It’s like having a personal coach who never gets tired.
Parent: That’s impressive. But can rural or underserved communities access this kind of technology?
Dr. Malpani: That’s the heart of our mission. The ApnaPC is affordable and built for accessibility. It’s designed to run on low-cost hardware, and works even with limited internet. We partner with community leaders, senior citizens, and local micro-entrepreneurs to set up Teach to Earn Learning Pods, where students can learn in a safe, encouraging space — often right in their own neighborhoods.
Parent: So you’re saying any parent — not just the wealthy ones — can give their child this kind of educational advantage?
Dr. Malpani: Precisely. We’re democratising learning. No expensive tuition fees. No waiting for the government to fix schools. You have the power to act today — to give your child access to world-class learning tools that were once available only to the privileged few.
Parent: But what about motivation? Will kids really use these tools without someone standing over them?
Dr. Malpani: That’s the most surprising and heartening part. When you give children agency, they rise to the challenge. We’ve seen kids who were previously disengaged become enthusiastic self-learners when they’re allowed to explore at their own pace. They take pride in mastering new skills — and often end up teaching their peers.
Parent: That’s very different from the spoon-fed model we’ve gotten used to.
Dr. Malpani: Exactly. Traditional education often kills curiosity. We’re trying to bring it back. Our goal is to create lifelong learners, not just exam-takers. That’s the future we’re building — one child, one pod, one community at a time.
Parent: I’m honestly inspired. This makes so much more sense than expensive coaching classes or rote memorization. How do I get started?
Dr. Malpani: That’s music to my ears. You don’t need permission or a fancy degree. If you care about your child’s future, you can start your own Teach to Earn digital learning pod — right in your own home or community.
Dr. Malpani: 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/