Spearheading a silent revolution in social development, Sundeep Talwar, CEO of IGF India, believes that empowerment begins with belief—and action. In a candid conversation, he reveals how the ‘Infinite Possibilities’ initiative is more than just a program—it’s a movement that uplifts the underserved through inclusive education, tech-enabled skilling, and community-first solutions. From remote tribal villages to urban settlements, IGF India is turning policy into progress, with real stories of resilience and transformation leading the way.
What inspired IGF India’s ‘Infinite Possibilities’ initiative, and how does it reflect your broader mission of inclusive, community-led development?
“Infinite Possibilities” was born from the belief that every life holds untapped potential, waiting to be seen, supported, and celebrated. At IGF-India, we’ve witnessed stories that defy odds—stories that remind us that transformation begins when someone believes in you.
Take the live story of Ms. Pooja Chowdhury. She once dreamt of becoming an actor. But a tragic railway accident changed her life forever—she lost both her legs and stranded for more than 12hrs on the railwayline. For many, that would have been the end of the road. But not for Pooja. With immense courage and the support of IGF India, she stood tall again—this time on a Neo wheelchair provided by IGF-India. Through the training and placement support, she joined Zomato and now earns over ₹50,000 a month. Her story is not just about survival—it’s about resilience, dignity, and rediscovered dreams.
“Infinite Possibilities” is a tribute to heroes like Pooja—individuals who rise above adversity when given the right tools and trust. It reflects our broader mission of inclusive, community-led development, where we don’t impose solutions but co-create them with the people we serve. From affordable healthcare and digital literacy to skilling and employment, our programs are designed to empower from within.
The initiative, urges us to look beyond limitations and see the infinite potential in every corner of India. With the right support, every Pooja, every dream, every community can thrive.
We are proud to walk this journey with partners like Bajaj Finance, Thomson Reuters and H&M Hennes, and we invite more changemakers to join us. Because when we believe in people, infinite possibilities become reality.
Education is often seen as a universal right, but IGF has emphasized its importance for women, youth, the elderly, and people with disabilities. What makes this approach central to your social mission?
At IGF India, we believe education is not just a right—it’s a lifeline. But for millions, especially women, youth and people with disabilities, this lifeline is often out of reach. That’s why our mission begins where others often overlook—at the margins.
We’ve seen firsthand how a single opportunity can change everything. A young woman in a rural village, once told her dreams didn’t matter, now teaches digital skills to others. An elderly man, once isolated, now reads stories to children after learning to read himself. A differently-abled youth, once dependent, now earns with pride through skill training and employment support.
These aren’t just stories—they’re proof that when education is inclusive, it becomes transformative.
Our approach is rooted in dignity and design—we tailor learning to fit the learner, not the other way around. Whether it’s digital classrooms or apps, sign language-enabled sessions, or tech-based skilling for youth, we ensure that no one is left behind.
Education, for us, is not about ticking boxes. It’s about unlocking human potential. It’s about giving someone the tools to rewrite their story. And when that happens, communities don’t just grow—they thrive.
This is why education is central to our mission. Because when the most vulnerable are empowered, the entire nation rises.
Can you share a transformative story from the field that captures the essence of what IGF’s education programs are achieving on the ground?
The Story of Mamta Dharputre – Rising Beyond Limits
In the heart of Butibori, Nagpur, lives Mamta Dharputre, a woman whose journey reflects the true power of transformation. Mamta once believed her life was meant to be lived in the shadows—limited by circumstance, silenced by lack of opportunity. But everything changed when IGF-India’s Rise Up program reached her community.
Mamta joined the training sessions with hesitation. She had never used a computer, never spoken in public, and never imagined herself as a professional. But with the support of IGF’s trainers, she learned digital skills, communication, and financial literacy. She discovered confidence, purpose, and a voice she never knew she had.
Today, Mamta is not only employed—she’s empowered. She supports her family, mentors other women, and stands as a beacon of hope in her village. Her story is one of resilience, dignity, and rediscovered dreams.
And Mamta is one of many.
Through the ANGEL program, IGF has touched lives of over 100,000 nurses Anganwadi & Aasha Workers through upskilling Program. In parallel, IGF India has empowered 42,000+ beneficiaries across the country—women, youth, the elderly, and people with disabilities—giving them the tools to learn, earn, and lead through Rise Up program.
This is not just education. It’s transformation at scale.
At IGF India, we believe that when education reaches the unreached, it doesn’t just change lives—it redefines futures. Because when people like Mamta rise, entire communities rise with them.
How is IGF India leveraging technology and cross-sector collaborations to enhance the reach and impact of its education and skilling efforts?
At IGF India, we believe that technology is not just a tool—it’s a bridge. A bridge that connects the underserved to opportunity, and transforms education into empowerment. Our approach is rooted in innovation, inclusion, and collaboration.
Through initiatives like ANGEL and Rise Up, we’ve deployed tech-enabled learning platforms with partners like Microsoft, Medvarcity enabling the reach to remote communities, allowing women, youth, and people with disabilities to access digital literacy, vocational training, and life skills. From smart classrooms to AI-powered learning modules, we ensure that education is accessible, adaptive, and relevant.
But technology alone isn’t enough. That’s why we’ve built cross-sector collaborations with corporates, government bodies, and civil society organizations.
As part of its ongoing school rejuvenation drive, IGF India recently launched a volunteering campaign to distribute school bags, stationery kits, and digital literacy handbooks to students in Nashik district. But these weren’t just bags—they were bundles of possibility. “We’re not just giving out supplies. IGF-India rebuilding futures,” said one IGF volunteer, handing a bag to a smiling student. “Every child deserves a classroom that inspires learning”.
Key components of the school rejuvenation effort: Smart Classrooms, Digital Awareness Infrastructure Repair
By weaving volunteering into every step—from distribution to digital enablement—IGF India is proving that when communities come together, education doesn’t just return—it evolves.
- As you look ahead, how do you envision the evolution of IGF India’s education programs — both in terms of scale and depth of impact across new geographies or vulnerable populations?As India steps boldly into a new era of education reform under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2025, IGF-India is already on the ground, turning policy into progress. With a shared vision of learner-centric, inclusive, and tech-enabled education, IGF India is not just responding to the NEP—it’s helping bring it to life.
In tribal villages and rural belts in Maharashtra, where children once sat on cracked floors, IGF India’s School Rejuvenation Drive is transforming classrooms into vibrant, digital-first learning spaces. With support from corporate partners and volunteers, schools are being repainted, repaired, and reimagined—equipped with smart classroom technology, digital content, and joyful learning environments.
And we’re not doing it alone.
Corporate partners are stepping up—not just with funds, but with heart. Volunteers from leading companies are rolling up their sleeves, painting school walls, mending furniture, and installing digital tools in forgotten classrooms. What once were dark, broken rooms are now vibrant learning environments buzzing with possibility.
During latest school kit distribution drive, IGF witnessed something beautiful: A child in a remote Vidarbha village clutching a new school bag said, “Now I feel like going to school every day.” That’s the spark IGF-India aim to ignite everywhere.
IGF-India roadmap ahead includes:
- Expanding reach across new geographies, especially tribal and underserved zones in northeast and central India.
- Scaling smart classroom ecosystems with interactive content, offline-first apps, and teacher training.
- Supporting teacher training aligned with NEP’s emphasis on professional development.
- Restoring the soul of schools by investing in infrastructure—furniture, clean water access, safe toilets, and fresh paint that turns buildings into beacons of hope.
- Providing scholarships and learning continuity, so children aren’t forced to drop out due to poverty or lack of access.
Because education is more than a classroom—it’s the foundation of a just and thriving society. And IGF India is committed to being the torchbearer of that future.
