Niyati Kanakia, Managing Director, RBK Educational Institutions, on carrying forward a legacy while embracing a more learner-centric, future-ready approach to education.
By Amber Dias
For Niyati Kanakia, education is more than an extension of the Kanakia legacy, it is an opportunity to create an impact that reaches generations. As Managing Director of RBK Educational Institutions, she is focused on balancing the values that have shaped the group with progressive approaches to learning; placing curiosity, well-being, innovation and purpose at the heart of education. Excerpts from the interview…
The Kanakia Group has built a remarkable legacy across industries. What inspired you to take that legacy forward in the field of education, and what responsibility comes with carrying a family vision into a new generation?
For me, taking the Kanakia legacy forward through education is an opportunity to create an impact that extends beyond any single generation. I have always believed that education can shape not only individuals, but also communities and society. Carrying forward a family vision means preserving its core values while having the courage to evolve with the times. In education, this means staying learner-centric, embracing progressive practices and creating meaningful learning experiences. We aim to build institutions where curiosity, compassion, innovation and strong values come together, preparing young minds to contribute meaningfully to a changing world.
How have you balanced preserving the values of the Kanakia legacy while introducing your own vision, and what do you consider your most meaningful contribution to education through your leadership at RBK Educational Institutions?
I believe the best way to carry a legacy forward is to preserve its core values while remaining open to change. At RBK, we have stayed rooted in our commitment to quality education, strong values and holistic development, while introducing a more learner-centric approach that reflects the needs of today’s children. My focus has been on creating environments that encourage curiosity, self-expression, experiential learning, technology and mental wellness, while strengthening partnerships with parents and educators. If there is one contribution I value most, it is helping create a culture where learners are empowered to think independently, embrace change and grow with confidence and compassion.
India’s education system is undergoing significant transformation. What gives you the greatest confidence about its future, and where do you believe there is still scope for meaningful change?
What gives me the greatest confidence is the growing recognition that education must evolve beyond traditional academic measures and focus on developing the whole learner. We are seeing greater openness towards experiential learning, technology, interdisciplinary approaches and skills that prepare students for a changing world. There is still scope to make learning more personalised, learner-centric and relevant to real-life experiences. We need more space for curiosity, creativity, mental wellness and self-expression, while reducing the emphasis on rote learning. The future of Indian education lies in balancing innovation with strong values and purpose.
Do you believe India’s education ecosystem has the potential to become a global benchmark? What strengths set it apart, and what opportunities remain to elevate it further?
Absolutely. India has the potential to become a global benchmark in education, given its strong academic foundations, diverse learning ecosystem and growing openness to innovation. Our greatest strength is our ability to combine rich cultural values with a forward-looking approach to learning. There is also tremendous opportunity to strengthen experiential and personalised learning, technology integration, interdisciplinary approaches and mental wellness. Most importantly, education must remain learner-centric and inclusive, giving every child the opportunity to discover their strengths. By balancing our heritage with innovation, India can create an education model that is both globally relevant and uniquely its own.
Having observed education models around the world, what lessons can India learn from global systems, and what aspects of India’s educational philosophy could the world learn from?
India can learn from global education systems by placing greater emphasis on personalised learning, experiential approaches, interdisciplinary thinking and student well-being, while continuing to build strong academic foundations. At the same time, India has a rich educational heritage that values community, respect for educators and learning as a journey of self-discovery. These are qualities the world can learn from us. The opportunity lies in bringing these strengths together — combining global best practices and innovation with our cultural values — to create learners who are globally aware, grounded and prepared to make a meaningful contribution to society.
As technology, artificial intelligence and changing career paths reshape the future of work, what role should schools play in preparing students not just for employment, but for lifelong success and responsible citizenship?
Schools have a responsibility to prepare students not just for the jobs of tomorrow, but for a lifetime of learning and adaptation. As technology and AI transform the world of work, students need strong foundations in critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and problem-solving, along with the confidence to learn, unlearn and relearn. Equally important is helping them understand the responsible use of technology and its impact on society. Through experiential learning, interdisciplinary opportunities and strong values, schools can nurture young people who are future-ready, empathetic, resilient and committed to being responsible global citizens.
When you think about the future of education over the next decade, what changes do you hope to see, and what role do you envision yourself and RBK Educational Institutions playing in that journey?
I hope to see education become more learnercentric, experiential and personalised, with greater emphasis on skills, well-being and meaningful real-world learning. Technology and AI will continue to transform classrooms, but the human aspects of education — curiosity, empathy, creativity and strong values — will remain equally important. At RBK, we want to be part of this evolution by embracing progressive practices, interdisciplinary learning and innovation, while remaining grounded in our community-first approach. Personally, I see my role as listening, learning and continually evolving with our learners, educators and parents to create an environment where every child can thrive and shape the future with confidence and purpose.
