Since launching his mission in 2010, Dr. Karthik Narayanan has contributed to changes in India’s educational landscape. Over the past 15 years, his dedication and innovative approach have touched the lives of millions, addressing challenges and contributing to the development of rural education across India.
From his base in Dallas, Texas, USA Dr. Karthik has worked to uplift government schools and underprivileged students. His personal journey, rooted in his own humble beginnings in a government school, has led to a large-scale initiative aimed at enhancing the reach of quality education in underserved areas.
A Personal Mission Rooted in Indian Roots
Dr. Karthik Narayanan was handpicked and mentored by the late President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam—an iconic visionary who believed deeply in the power of education. Having himself graduated from a government school, Dr. Karthik intimately understands the struggles faced by millions of students who lack access to basic facilities and resources. His own school days, marked by limited infrastructure, ignited a passion: no child’s potential should be confined by circumstances.
Driven by this personal connection, he founded Lit Skills Learning with a bold vision—to make education engaging, accessible, and effective. His flagship initiative, Project English, aims to elevate language and communication skills among students in the most remote regions, preparing them for a brighter future.
A 15-Year Journey of Impact and Innovation
Since 2010, Dr. Karthik’s organization has achieved key milestones:
Over 50,000 government and rural schools covered across PAN India.
More than 30,000 teachers trained through workshops and certification programs PAN India
Impacted the lives of more than 6 lakh students, inspiring confidence, skill development, and success.
Beyond these numbers, what remains notable is his continued personal involvement since 2020—his pledge to coach and mentor Class 10 and 12 students from poor and rural backgrounds every year. This year represents an important milestone.
A Notable Year: Reflecting on Efforts and Development in 2025
2025 is a Notable year—the fourth consecutive year that Dr. Karthik has personally led a massive nationwide effort to uplift underprivileged students. This year alone, 11,118 students from government schools have undergone intensive, free coaching sessions. This year, all participating students reportedly scored above 90% in their exams, with many earning distinctions.
711 students achieved above 97.8 %, and
9 students secured All India Rankings, achievements rarely seen among government school students—an inspiring testimony to what dedicated mentorship can achieve.
This success story is powered by a huge networked, well organised volunteering team of 1,800 volunteers—highly educated graduates and working professionals—who volunteer their weekends and dedicate three months of intense training to prepare these students for exams. These volunteers, part of Dr. Karthik’s initiative—which started in 2012 under the name Anbudan Foundation, to serve home-cooked meals to the needy—work, driven solely by their love for education and service. In 2019, Dr. Karthik was awarded the highest civilian honor in the House of Lords, British Parliament, recognizing his CSR work through Anbudan Foundation.
Starting with just two people, this movement has now expanded into a nationwide phenomenon, reaching thousands of students and impacting the lives of over 6 lakh students over the years. Their efforts prove that genuine change comes through heartfelt action, not social media noise.
Expanding Reach and Laying the Foundation for a Bright Future
Since August 2022, Lit Skills Learning has partnered with the Governments of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh to extend their reach further. Their goal: to impact over 1,00,000 teachers and 10,00,000 students across India, providing affordable, effective education tools aligned with NEP 2020.
The organization is also collaborating with reputed institutions across India to develop skill-based programs for engineering graduates, focusing on employability and industry readiness—addressing India’s urgent need for skilled professionals.
A Legacy of Humility, Action, and Impact
Dr. Karthik’s journey reflects a consistent and sustained effort over time. His no-nonsense approach—cantered on action and humility—has earned him respect across the nation. Unlike many, he believes true change arises from dedicated service, not flamboyance or social media posts.
Mentored by icons like Late President of India Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Dr. KN embodies perseverance and unwavering dedication. Another deeply influential figure close to his heart is Actor and Motor Sports Racer / Padmashree Dr Ajith Kumar from South India, whose philosophy of "Live and Let Live" has been a guiding principle in Karthik's journey. Inspired by this ethos, Karthik has championed a movement rooted in humility, action, and sincere service—Making a meaningful impact on lives beyond the numbers. His initiatives reflect a drive for achievement and a commitment to nurturing human potential, proving that authentic change is born of compassion, perseverance, and selfless dedication. Today, his work continues to inspire millions, contributing to a more inclusive future for India’s youth.