The JourneyProject began as part of a Fellowship, in a remote hamlet Bhato-ki-Dhani in Rajasthan—a region marked by extreme climate, limited educational infrastructure. The local govt. school catered to 150 students but had only 3 rooms for 8 grades, forcing teachers to combine classes and conduct lessons outdoors in harsh conditions. The school lacked play area, spaces for cognitive and physical development.
The social context was equally pressing—the families are laborers working in quarries, with little exposure to education. No resident is educated beyond Class 8. Education isn’t a priority, not because they don’t care, because SURVIVAL TAKES PRECEDENCE. Kids skip school to care for younger siblings and with no engaging environment, no one’s excited to attend.
The initiative was born out of the urgent need to create child friendly, and motivating school environment. This was a need raised by the teachers and community but funding from govt was meagre. As an architect, I saw how even small design interventions could create huge change. Understanding the context and climate we built a classroom, designed a play area using donated tires, and created an amphitheatre for learning and gathering. It wasn’t just about buildings—it was about CREATING JOY, CURIOSITY AND PRIDE IN A SPACE THAT NOW FEELS LIKE A SECOND HOME FOR THE CHILDREN.

The success of this community driven transformation has sparked the vision to expand school infrastructure & accomodate more needs. 

Groundup StoryThis project goes beyond construction and infrastructure; it is EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH DESIGN. Since the first phase, there have been noticeable changes: punctuality has improved, students are excited to attend the school and are proud to call it their own, teachers feel proud to be part of something that stands out from typical govt schools.
Quantitatively, the project directly benefits 150+ students and 6 teachers and indirectly affected 300+ family members of the students. We added a classroom, easing the burden of overcrowded teaching. The play area helps in aiding the cognitive development of the students. The mini amphitheatre which was constructed between the classrooms is being used as a flexible learning space for lunches and events. Besides the school, the community uses it as a gathering place.
Currently the students stand under the scorching heat for their prayers and for classes when rooms are not available. The upcoming phase is to include  classrooms, a library and a central shed to further improve learning conditions, reduce dropout rates, and create a versatile, protected space where students can play, learn, and pray year-round, unaffected by Jaisalmer’s extreme climate.
Qualitatively, the most powerful change has been the shift in ownership. Parents, teachers, and students helped paint tires and set up equipment. What started as a school project has become a source of pride for the whole village, a space they now see as their own.
 Our aim is for a replicable model, provide high quality eduaction for all, irrespective of circumstances.