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Masoom is an NGO founded by Nikita Ketkar in 2008. It aims to fulfill the educational dreams of self-motivated working students who have fallen off the formal education system due to family or financial constraints.
In 2006, Nikita initiated a research project on the night schools in Mumbai, sponsored by Partners for Urban Knowledge Action and Research (PUKAR). Her report, titled "To Understand Educational Needs of Night School Students and Developing Methods to Overcome Them," was released in 2007. The report highlighted the challenges faced by night schools, which were neither meeting the educational needs of students nor enabling them to reach their full potential. The findings indicated the need for improved resources and infrastructure, such as notebooks, textbooks, science lab materials, a library, evening nutrition, counseling services, and career guidance. As a result of the research, it became clear that action was necessary to improve the night school system. This led to the conception of Masoom and its flagship Night School Transformation Program.
Masoom was registered as a Charitable Trust on January 14, 2008. It is presently working in 100 night schools in Mumbai, Pune, and other districts of Maharashtra, focusing on night schools and supporting educational infrastructure. Masoom has since added three verticals. These are the Evening Learning Centers, the Tech on Wheels buses, and the Career Cell. The Evening Learning Centers enable out-of-school individuals to pursue academic aspirations, Tech on Wheels buses impart a Science and Technology curriculum, and the Career Cell provides career counseling, guidance, vocational skills training, and placements to students.
Research Paper
“To Understand Educational Needs of Night School Students and Developing Methods to Overcome Them”
Read the full research paper and explore our findings.
Nikita Ketkar: Pioneering Educational Equity for India's Marginalized Youth
Nikita Ketkar is the Founder and CEO of Masoom, an award-winning NGO that has transformed night school education in India since 2008. Her journey was shaped by diverse experiences in journalism, academia, social work, and public service. After qualifying for the prestigious UPSC, she served at the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Air Headquarters, and NCC Directorate. A pivotal social project exposed her to the deplorable conditions of night schools—a revelation that inspired her to establish Masoom and dedicate her life to championing underprivileged and working youth.
Under Nikita's leadership, Masoom operates through four strategic verticals impacting thousands of students. The Night School Transformation Program reaches 100 schools and 84,000+ students across Maharashtra with an 80% SSC pass rate. Evening Learning Centers serve 6,500+ youth across 29 centers in three states, achieving a 74% pass rate. The Career Cell has counseled 21,000+ students, placing 2,500+ and enrolling 4,600+ in skilling courses. Tech on Wheels has reached 9,500+ students through 6 buses, providing digital literacy training.
Nikita's work has earned prestigious recognition, including the Ashoka Fellowship (2021), 'Chakra for Excellence' (2009), Mumbai Mayor's Award (2011), 'Star Award' (2014), 'Lifetime Achievement Award' (2016), and 'Udgam Women's Achievers Award' (2023). A postgraduate in Political Science from Mumbai University and member of the EU Chambers Education Committee, her philosophy that "every school dropout's right to learn" is fundamental drives Masoom's mission to challenge systemic inequities and create pathways to dignity and opportunity for India's most marginalized youth.
Our Guiding Principles
- Our Vision
Our vision is that every school dropout has the right to complete 10th and 12th grade with skilling & livelihood opportunities to shape a better future for themselves and the world around them.
- Our Mission
Enroll 30 million school dropouts across India by giving them access to Evening Learning Centres (ELCs) that help them to pass 10ᵗʰ and 12ᵗʰ grades and facilitate skilling and livelihood opportunities for them by 2040.
- Problem Statement
Night schools do not have access to quality education, and dropout youth and adults do not have a platform to complete their grade 10 education.
- Theory of Change
Masoom has strengthened the night schools by providing academic and skilling support through its Night School Transformation program in Maharashtra and setting up Evening Learning Centers across the country as an alternative model, enabling school dropouts and adults to complete their Grade 10 education.
- Endgame
All 30 million dropouts have access to ELC platforms to complete the 10th grade, as well as opportunities for skill development and employability.
Masoom plans to implement an open-source option that will provide direct access to night schools.
Franchise Model: Through this option, Masoom aims to partner with NGOs, community organizations, individuals, and social entrepreneurs to replicate its successful model.
Masoom also intends to collaborate with state governments to adopt the ELC model and partner with NCERT to promote ELC-like models at the national level through the education department.
Board Members
Ms. Nikita is a postgraduate in political science from Mumbai University. She has an exciting and varied background. She worked as a journalist, a lecturer, and a social worker before qualifying for the Indian Civil Services. Nikita led a two-year intensive, participatory research project into the educational challenges faced by night school students, which laid the groundwork for the birth of Masoom. She worked with several NGOs in the educational sector before establishing Masoom in 2008.
Mr. Atul has a M.Sc. in Statistics and a Masters Ph.D. in Population Studies from the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai. Atul comes with over 15 years of experience in the development sector. Before joining EdelGive Foundation as a COO, he worked with organizations like Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Pathfinder International, and TISS on programs supported by USAID, BMGF, and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria in the areas of public health. He has also supported several organizations in developing M&E plans, designing computerized MIS applications, and conducting baselines and mid-term or end-line evaluations.
Mr. Ashish Chowdhry's journey encompasses decades of experience in film, brand development, and infrastructure growth. With over 35 films, 100 commercials, and leadership roles across various industries, he has made a significant impact in both business and entertainment. His background includes launching ventures that challenge conventional limits and supporting India's rapid infrastructure development, all while advocating for causes he deeply cares about. Ashish's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering change closely aligns with Masoom's mission, making his contributions invaluable to the organization's efforts in empowering young minds through education.
Mr. Vineet is a Chartered Accountant who worked with numerous corporate organizations before establishing his own practice. He has been invaluable in establishing and developing Masoom's accounting systems.
Dr. Bangargi is a medical health practitioner. He offers a wealth of experience and support regarding health issues.
Mr. Suryakant works with Navneet Publications as an academic consultant. He is the former headmaster of KMS Night School, Parel in Mumbai.
Priti Nair, Founder of Curry–Nation, is a creative leader deeply proud of India’s rich culture and diversity. A Bachelor of Arts graduate, she brings to Masoom her vision, empathy, and commitment to social equity. Passionate about health, animals, and supporting underprivileged children, Priti combines creativity with compassion. As a Trustee, she contributes her strategic insights and strong belief in authentic, positive change to advance Masoom’s mission of transforming night schools.
Our Team
Masoom is committed to providing quality education in night schools. By collaborating with the Education Department of the Maharashtra Government, Masoom is moving closer to its vision of transforming night school education in India. Currently, the Masoom family includes 56 team members and 96 teachers working at the school level. The support from these team members has been essential in helping Masoom make progress toward achieving its goals.
