Ishaan Palicha, a Year 13 student at Jumeirah College in Dubai, has launched an innovative platform called VIDYA.AI to support students in India’s overburdened municipal schools. Inspired by his 2023 visits to classrooms in Pune and Mumbai, where a single teacher is often responsible for over 50 students, Palicha created the tool to provide the personalized learning support that these children frequently miss out on. Since its inception in 2024, the platform has already reached 5,000 students, offering curriculum-aligned notes, interactive flashcards, and progress tracking tailored to the NCERT and Balbharati systems.

The platform utilizes advanced speech-to-text technology and large language models to turn classroom recordings into structured, accessible study guides. A standout feature, "Teach It Back," goes beyond passive reading by prompting students to explain scientific concepts in their own words, with the AI providing instant feedback to bridge any knowledge gaps. While Palicha acknowledges that infrastructure and digital access remain significant hurdles, he is actively collaborating with organizations like the Udaan Foundation to scale his reach to 15,000 learners by 2026. Ultimately, he envisions the project as a way to empower educators and provide underprivileged students with the resources they need to thrive without placing extra strain on their teachers.