Ankurana Learning café
A space where learners take ownership of their learning
Ankurana Learning Café
A space where learners take ownership of their learning
“Ankurana” means the process of sprouting — a metaphor for our core philosophy. Just as a seed grows naturally in an enabling environment, we believe a student learns naturally when the right conditions are provided. Learning need not be forced or taught continuously; learning happens on its own when students are given the right environment. With this intention, we are working to create a nurturing and compassionate space where students can discover themselves through a self-directed learning journey.
Understanding the Gap
In academic institutions, students spend nearly 20,000 hours from schooling till graduation following instructions given by others. Yet industries expect the same students to make independent decisions, think critically, take ownership, and solve problems on their own.
How can students take ownership when they are trained to follow instructions for almost 20 years? To address this gap, we decided to create an environment where students take complete ownership of their learning.
Our Prototype
We offered a short course on “Phase 1 — Ownership Mindset and First Principles Thinking”.
A batch of 60 students from Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering opted in voluntarily, and the transformation we observed across eight themes was remarkable.
Voices of Transformation
8 themes“I realised I don’t know anything. When I started questioning myself, that was the beautiful phase of my life.”
— Varsha Wali
“I have started to take ownership of myself, my decisions, and my directions.”
— Vismita
“I got a clear shift from accepting standard solutions to actively questioning assumptions.”
— Tarun
“I found out who I am and what I need, what do I need in life.”
— Varun G
“I am trying to become something that can manage both parents, family, society and everyone by being myself.”
— Umme Aiman
“Most of us are scared to question our beliefs even though most of those beliefs are not ours, we are fearing to question it.”
— Prakhyath
“Now I am able to think like, why I have to follow like everyone.”
— Manjunath B R
“I am really curious about knowing things only after attending your session. I got the confidence and the thought of exploring.”
— Bhavani
Early Industry Response
After observing the transformation in these students, Google showed interest in engaging with them, provided industry case studies, and offered consistent mentoring support.
Future Roadmap
We are currently prototyping a long-term course that can be embedded into any academic degree program — addressing the employability crisis among youth and the talent shortage in industry, without affecting the existing system.
Mentorship
We have received mentorship from IIT Madras alumni of the 1977 batch, whose wisdom and guidance continue to shape our philosophy and direction.
Are you from an academic institution ?
Would you like your students to take ownership of their learning?
Would you like your students to take responsibility for their own placements?
A self-directed learning journey that equips your students to get placed or become entrepreneurs by taking complete ownership of their learning.
Partner with us by providing a time slot for students to work on real industry requirements. We will create an enabling environment where they take complete ownership of their learning, develop expertise through proof of work, and take responsibility for their own placements.
Reach out to us about the first steps for early benefits.
Contact UsAre you from Industry ?
Looking for productive talent who can contribute from day one?
Talent that can significantly reduce training and hiring costs.
Self-directed learners who have taken complete ownership of their learning and demonstrated their capabilities through proof of work by solving industry-relevant problems while pursuing their degrees.
Partner with us by sharing your industry requirements. We will help students develop relevant expertise while pursuing their degrees. In return, you gain access to a talent pipeline of self-directed learners who have demonstrated proof of work and can contribute effectively from day one, significantly reducing hiring and training costs.
Reach out to us about the first steps for early benefits.
Contact UsAre you a Student ?
Looking for opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career?
Want to gain practical experience and build proof of work while still in college?
A self-directed learning journey that helps you discover your strengths, develop clarity of purpose, and build real-world expertise — all while pursuing your degree.
Hands-on experience solving actual industry problems, so your portfolio speaks louder than marks when you face placements.
Direct mentorship from industry professionals and the confidence to take complete ownership of your own learning and career.
Opt into the SWABODH program at your college and step into an enabling environment where you ask the right questions, explore diverse fields, and develop expertise through proof of work. No prior skills required — just the willingness to take ownership of your own growth and placement.
Ready to take ownership of your learning and career?
Get in TouchSWABODH
A self-directed learning journey for students
A four-phase learning journey that can be embedded into any academic degree program — helping students develop ownership of their learning, build proof of work, and contribute meaningfully to industry and society.
Learning to Question
Encourage learners to take ownership of their learning by asking first-principles-thinking questions grounded in their daily realities, career aspirations, and industry scenarios.
Sept 2025 – June 2026 · 60 students at Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering opted in voluntarily after college hours.
Exploration
Explore diverse contexts and build a strong portfolio that demonstrates proof of work aligned with real industry requirements.
Phase 2 prototype completion: Dec 2026
Developing Expertise
Begin developing expertise by solving industry problems through immersive internship or apprenticeship experiences.
Phase 3 prototype completion: Dec 2027
Creating Impact
Contribute to industry and society using their expertise and be a lifelong learner.
After observing the transformation in Phase 1 students, a Lead Product Manager from Google showed interest in engaging with them, provided industry case studies, and offered consistent mentoring support.