Aarati Savur is a remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to the field of education, driven by a passion for empowering students and communities. As the CEO of Parisar Asha – Centre for Educational Research and Training in Mumbai, she has been at the forefront of a transformative journey, developing strategies and introducing innovative practices that are shaping the future of education, the environment and the emotional well-being of people.

With a rich experience of over 32 years in the education and corporate sectors, Aarati Savur has honed her skills as a visionary leader, motivational speaker, and life coach. She holds a Master’s degree in Science (Botany) and a Master’s in Drawing and Painting, a testament to her diverse interests and expertise.

Parisar Asha

Founded by the Late Gloria de Souza, Parisar Asha is a Mumbai-based non-profit that helps schools provide a delightful 21st-century learning method by integrating the environment and art. Aarati Savur gave up her flourishing corporate career and joined the philanthropical institution Parisar Asha as the CEO to fulfil the last wish of the founder Lt. Gloria de Souza. The group’s motto, “Right to Right Education for All,” sums up its dedication to guaranteeing that everyone has access to high-quality education, irrespective of caste, community, gender, or socioeconomic standing. It works on the guidelines of the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs). In the last 11 years, these programs benefitted 3500 schools, 5 lakh students, 4 lakh families and 15000 teachers.

Programs undertaken in Parisar Asha under Savur-

Under Aarati Savur’s guidance, Parisar Asha has implemented a range of innovative programs that have had a significant impact on the communities they serve.

1. Eco-tech World School Program aims to create awareness about environmental sustainability and empower students to become agents of change. Through this program, Parisar Asha has been working with schools to integrate eco-friendly practices, renewable energy sources, and holistic learning approaches that foster a deep appreciation for the natural world.
2. Free Parenting Helpline is another groundbreaking project introduced by Aarati Savur, which addresses mental health issues by connecting families with mental health professionals. This initiative has been particularly crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic when the need for mental health support has become increasingly prevalent.
3. Parisar Asha has also been offering innovative workshops for students, led by expert trainers, as well as capacity-building workshops and training programs for teachers. These initiatives are designed to empower educators and equip them with the necessary tools and strategies to provide a holistic and engaging learning experience for their students.
4. Parisar Asha started many free online initiatives to continue education for the lower income group students such as free Spoken English, study circle, art and theatre enrichment, and reading club.
5. On the 11th of January 2024, Parisar Asha along with the support of Capgemini launched a web portal called Parisar Asha Centre for Emotional Well-being. With the help of this web portal, any individual from all age groups can avail free counselling and all kinds of professional mental health support for themselves or their loved ones easily.
6. She also introduced special webinars on mental health during the Pandemic. Such as the Ask the Expert- Thursday series on Facebook and YouTube. She has curated many social projects for girl child and women empowerment.

Recognition and awards won by Aarati Savur-

Aarati Savur has been involved in shaping educational policies and curriculum at the national level. She was a member of the Experts Resource for the Board of NCERT’s Art and Aesthetics department, where she played a crucial role in creating and rolling out a teacher’s training package on Arts Integration. She was also featured in the Times of India’s Coffee Table book called WINGS- Women Inspiring Next Generation Stalwarts as one of the National Women Achievers. Her expertise and insights have been invaluable in ensuring that the education system evolves to meet the demands of the 21st century.

Aarati Savur’s impact on the education sector has not gone unnoticed. She has been honoured with numerous prestigious awards, including

• “Maharashtra Guru Gaurav” award.
• “Women Achiever Award” from the Indian Convention Centre in Delhi.
• “Women Leadership Excellence Award in NGO and Philanthropy” by CMO Asia in Singapore.

• CAIT Women Entrepreneurship Award by the Federation of All-India Traders in 2021.

• Leadership Award 2020 from Jamanalal Bajaj Management Institute.
• Women in Business Award by Indo Global SME.

These awards recognize her significant contributions to the area of education and her relentless efforts to improve the lives of students and communities.

Aarati Savur’s multifaceted roles and achievements-

• She was the ex-executive chairperson of the “Women’s Movement for Peace and Prosperity” (WMPP) initiated by the Times Group and was actively involved in projects that promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. She was a member of Anti sexual harassment committee for women and children in the Maharashtra Police State Intelligence Department and Thadumal Shahani Engineering College, Bandra.
• She has also been presented with the Amity University Women’s Excellence Award in 2022 and the Indian Achievers Club for 99 Indian Women Achievers Award in 2021.
• Aarati Savur has also been active in the corporate world, serving on the advisory board of the Global Chambers, Mumbai chapter, and as an invitee member of the CFBP (Council for Fair Business Practices).

This diverse experience has allowed her to bring a unique perspective to the table, blending the best practices from the corporate and educational realms.

Aarati Savur’s commitment to social impact extends to her personal endeavours as well. She maintains a blog, “Aartytude,” where she shares her thoughts, insights, and experiences, inspiring others to embark on their own journeys of personal and professional growth.

Awards won by Parisar Asha

Under Aarati Savur’s leadership, Parisar Asha has been recognized with several prestigious awards

• “Reimagine Learning Challenge Pacesetter” by the LEGO Foundation and Ashoka Changemakers.
• “Global NGO Award 2016” by the World CSR Congress for outstanding contribution to education for sustainability.
• “The Global Giving Award” in the category of Innovation in Education at Dubai.
• India Sustainability Leadership Award in 2018.

Aarati Savur’s vision for the future of education embraces continuous innovation, sustainability, and empowerment. She firmly believes that to bring about positive change in society, there is an urgent need to revolutionize the education system. Through her work at Parisar Asha, she has been at the forefront of this transformation, implementing cutting-edge programs and initiatives that are reshaping the way students learn and engage with the world around them.