In the quiet valleys of Udaipur, something extraordinary is happening. Children are learning not inside classrooms, but beneath trees, beside goats, and through laughter that echoes across bamboo courtyards.
This isn’t a traditional school. This is Azadwadi, a “valley of freedom,” built by a man once dismissed as a failure by Azad.
When the System Failed, He Reimagined Learning
Azad’s story is not one of rebellion, but of resilience. After dropping out of seven schools and two colleges, he was told he would never make it. But Azad saw the truth: it wasn’t him who was broken, it was the system.
A passionate boxer, he found solace in sports, even reaching the national level. But a severe injury forced him to pause and reflect. Seeking purpose, he spent years living among tribal communities where he discovered something powerful:
“Real learning doesn’t happen in classrooms. It happens in the forests, in the fields, and in the stories of people.”
This realization became the seed that grew into Azadwadi, a place where freedom and learning coexist.
Azadwadi: A School Without Walls, Built on Love and Nature
At Azadwadi, children learn by not memorising. They grow vegetables, build mud homes, paint murals, and learn math through farming. Here, lessons are not recited; they are lived.
“No child should learn through fear,” says Azad. “Education should help children find joy in who they are.”
With his partner Emily, Azad built this forest school from scratch, turning every obstacle from financial struggles to skepticism into motivation. Today, the campus hums with life: animals graze, villagers share stories, and children learn by living in harmony with nature.
A Community of Growth and Dignity
For families, Azadwadi has become more than just a school, it’s a community of hope. Parents and children work hand-in-hand, rediscovering what it means to learn, grow, and care for the Earth together.
Through eco-kitchen workshops, storytelling sessions, and partnerships with the Global Eco-Education Network, Azad continues to show that education can heal both people and the planet.
From being labelled a dropout to becoming a visionary educator, Azad proves that sometimes, freedom is the greatest teacher of all.
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