Just like the spaces where learning first began, our name carries this spirit forward.
Our story began with a bold belief: that joyful, engaging classrooms inspire children to learn.
What's in our name?
Historically, Peepul trees have served as natural classrooms, their generous shade offering space for communities to gather, share knowledge, and grow together. It is believed that Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under a Peepul tree, making it an emblem of wisdom and learning.
As an organisation named after the Peepul tree, we aim to be exactly that for children, a steadfast presence around which they can thrive, discover, and learn.
Meet our founders
Kruti brings over 23 years of leadership and management experience across multiple sectors. Her career spans globally renowned organisations, including CEB (India and Washington D.C.), McKinsey & Company, The World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
She holds an MA in Development Studies (with Distinction) from the London School of Economics, an MA in Economics from the University of Maryland, and a BA in Economics (with Distinction) from Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi.
Kruti’s contributions to education and social impact have been recognised nationally and globally. She was honoured as the Founder with Exceptional Leadership at the Super 40 Digital Summit 2024 and received the Fortune Leadership Award 2024 – Most Impactful NGO (Education). She has also been recognised by NITI Aayog as one of India’s Top 100 Women Leaders, by the Women Economic Forum for Excellence in Leadership, and in Business World’s 40 Under 40 List.
She has represented Peepul at the London School of Economics 100x Impact Accelerator Program at the prestigious Marshall Institute. Kruti is also a Mulago Fellow (one of only 10 selected globally each year), a DRK Foundation Entrepreneur, and serves on the boards of Mighty Ally and the AVPN India Foundation.
With over 35 years in education, Urmila has been a tireless advocate for ensuring every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Inspired by her mother, who established schools for underprivileged children, Urmila has always seen education not just as a profession, but as her calling.
Her career spans roles as an educator, school leader, teacher trainer, Drama in Education (DIE) practitioner, and English Language Teaching (ELT) consultant. She taught for two decades at La Martiniere, Kolkata and The Shri Ram School, New Delhi, where she also served as a school leader, before transitioning to the social sector. Her expertise has shaped teacher development programmes at the Ahvaan Trust for Education and scholarship initiatives at The Tiara Charitable Foundation.
Urmila holds a master’s degree in English Literature from Jadavpur University, a B.Ed. from Calcutta University, and a CELTA certification from Cambridge. Her work and insights have been featured in leading publications, including the Times Education Supplement (UK), Forbes India, Business Standard, The Times of India, Reader’s Digest, and The Hindu.
Her belief is simple yet profound: when we invest in children, we invest in a better future.
Engaged classrooms. Improved learning.
Peepul helps improve government school education by empowering teachers, creating high-engagement classrooms & strengthening school administration and the system. Join us in providing quality education to children and building brighter futures.
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