In a historic initiative towards bringing world-class education within the reach of all, the Adani Foundation, in partnership with GEMS Education, has pledged an initial donation of INR 2,000 crore to open a chain of high-quality and affordable schools across India. This is a milestone achievement in the Foundation’s commitment towards making society more equal by extending quality education to the underprivileged communities.

The initiative, which will build “temples of education” in the nation, will target both metro and Tier II to IV cities, so that even far-flung and underserved areas have access to world-class education infrastructure. The first among these schools, the ‘Adani GEMS School of Excellence,’ is expected to open in Lucknow during the 2025-26 academic year, with a minimum of 20 schools planned for opening over the next three years. These schools will follow the K-12 curriculum, incorporating the best from international education systems along with the Indian education system, including the CBSE syllabus.

In a move to make sure the initiative touches those in dire need, the association has committed to providing 30% of the spaces in each of the schools under the CBSE curriculum free of cost to underprivileged and deserving children. This pledge goes in line with the larger vision of developing a model education with a sustainable and inclusive approach that can empower the future generation of leaders and agents of change.

Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, which established the Adani Foundation, was deeply convinced of the role of education in bringing social change. Speaking of the initiative as part of the Adani Group’s overall vision, Adani said, “This initiative reflects our commitment to making world-class education affordable and widely accessible.”. By embracing the world’s best practices and creative digital learning with our collaboration with GEMS Education, we look to empower the next generation of change-makers to become socially conscious leaders in India.”

The Adani Foundation, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) wing of the Adani Group, has been a leader in promoting social development activities in India for many years. Its activities have ranged across health, nutrition, sustainable livelihoods, and climate action. By connecting these activities to the international Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Foundation is well-positioned to leave an enduring impact on the lives of millions of children and communities across the country.

Sunny Varkey, Founder and Chairman of GEMS Education, also commented on the collaboration, noting the potential to bring life-changing education opportunities to parts of India that are diverse in nature. “Our aspiration has always been to make quality education available to all learners, independent of their socioeconomic status,” said Varkey. “The association with the Adani Foundation will empower us to increase our scope and influence, bringing our global educational experience to learners and teachers in various parts of India.

The Adani-GEMS partnership will leverage the strengths of both organizations to build a scalable, affordable, and sustainable education model. The Adani Group’s extensive infrastructure capabilities, combined with GEMS Education’s expertise in private K-12 education, will ensure that these schools provide not only state-of-the-art facilities but also a curriculum that equips students with the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape.

The schools will provide a mix of international curricula and Indian educational systems, providing a setting that enables students to get a balanced education. The schools will also focus on the development of teaching capabilities, backed by research institutions that are innovative in developing and improving education practices. This will facilitate the schools to create well-rounded individuals who not only possess academic excellence but are also socially conscious and able to contribute meaningfully to society.

The Adani Foundation’s dedication to providing free education to 30% of students in these schools is a reflection of its commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility. Through the provision of quality education to children from different backgrounds, the Foundation seeks to create a reservoir of highly competent, value-based talent that can contribute to India’s growth in diverse sectors, ranging from governance to business and more.

Ever since its establishment in 1996, the Adani Foundation has remained committed to the empowerment of marginalized communities throughout India. Spanning more than 6,769 villages in 19 states, the Foundation has touched the lives of more than 9.1 million people. With its work in the areas of education, healthcare, sustainable livelihood, and community development, the Foundation remains a major contributor to the socio-economic revolution of the nation.

As the Adani Foundation gets ready to implement this ambitious education program, it is committed to making sure that all children, irrespective of their background, have equal access to the tools and resources they need to succeed. The partnership with GEMS Education is a huge step toward making this a reality, as it brings international expertise together with local experience to deliver a genuinely transformative educational experience.