‍A conversation with author Yamini Aiyar and Avanti Fellows' Co-CEO Akshay Saxena

In September 2025, Avanti Fellows, in collaboration with Oxford University Press, hosted a compelling discussion on "What does it take to institutionalize education reform in India?" at the India International Centre in New Delhi.

The Conversation

The session featured Yamini Aiyar, author of "Lessons in State Capacity from Delhi's Schools", in conversation with our Co-CEO Akshay Saxena. Together, they explored critical lessons from Delhi's education reforms and examined the broader challenge of building state capacity to drive systemic, equitable change in public education.

Yamini Aiyar is a public policy scholar and currently serves as Visiting Senior Fellow at the Saxena Center for Contemporary South Asia and the Watson Institute at Brown University. Her book centers on the often-dismissed voices of India's frontline officers—those charged with delivering a vast array of public services to citizens. By focusing on these voices, she reveals the complex ways in which bureaucratic hierarchies, processes, and belief systems shape state capacity, challenging the common narrative that views these officers as simply corrupt, apathetic, or incompetent.

Key Insights

During the discussion, Yamini emphasized that lasting education reform depends on political will, administrative continuity, and strong institutional frameworks. She noted that while Delhi's experience offers important lessons, it also reveals the inherent complexities of sustaining change at scale.

Building on this foundation, Akshay shared reflections from Avanti Fellows' work across multiple states. The conversation also featured Robin Keshaw, who has worked closely with the Delhi government in various capacities. Robin highlighted the critical importance of consistent communication and relationship-building in the education sector. He spoke about designing public-private partnerships that respect the state's unique role while encouraging innovation and accountability to drive meaningful results.

A Rich Dialogue

The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders—including policymakers, educators, researchers, practitioners, and Avanti Fellows alumni Ankur G. and Khushnuma Perween—for an enriching dialogue on building sustainable models of reform across India's diverse education systems.
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This event is part of Avanti Fellows' ongoing Speaker Series, fostering thought leadership and dialogue on critical issues in Indian education.