Bryce Young

Atishi Marlena, often referred to as simply Atishi, is a prominent Indian politician, education reformer, and key member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), primarily known for her significant contributions to transforming the education system in Delhi. Her journey, rooted in activism and public service, reflects a deep commitment to reform, equity, and progressive politics.

Early Life and Background

Born Atishi Marlena Singh on June 8, 1981, into an academically inclined family, Atishi grew up in Delhi. Her parents, Vijay Singh and Tripta Wahi, were both educators and Marxist intellectuals, giving her a strong foundation in critical thinking and social justice from a young age. She inherited their passion for education and societal reform, which would go on to shape her career.

The "Marlena" in her name has been a topic of curiosity and even controversy. It is said to be a portmanteau of Marx and Lenin, a reflection of her parents' leftist leanings. However, in later years, as she transitioned into a more prominent public figure, Atishi dropped "Marlena" from her name, reportedly to avoid unnecessary political distractions.

Atishi completed her schooling at Springdales School in Delhi, known for its progressive ethos. A brilliant student, she went on to study history at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, where she further honed her intellectual and leadership abilities. She later pursued a master’s degree at the University of Oxford on a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. Her academic background provided her with a global perspective, as well as a deeper understanding of India's socio-political challenges.

Early Career and Activism

After completing her education, Atishi could have pursued a more conventional career path, given her prestigious academic credentials. However, her passion for social change led her to grassroots activism. She worked with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on issues of rural development, education, and environment. This experience gave her firsthand insight into the structural problems that plague India's educational system, particularly in rural and marginalized communities.

During this period, she was involved with several progressive movements, advocating for environmental sustainability and equitable access to education. Atishi also engaged in efforts to improve literacy rates and learning outcomes in underprivileged areas, particularly focusing on rural education in states like Madhya Pradesh. This work, combined with her upbringing, solidified her belief that education is the most powerful tool for societal transformation.

Entry into Politics and the Aam Aadmi Party

Atishi’s entry into mainstream politics came in 2013 when she joined the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a relatively new political outfit founded by Arvind Kejriwal, which was born out of the anti-corruption movement in India. The AAP was seen as a refreshing alternative to the traditional political parties, with its emphasis on transparency, accountability, and governance reforms.

Atishi’s decision to join AAP was driven by her alignment with the party’s values and its focus on clean politics, as well as its commitment to improving public services, particularly education and healthcare. She quickly rose through the ranks due to her sharp intellect, policy acumen, and dedication.

Her most significant contributions began when she was appointed as an advisor to the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, in 2015. Sisodia was also handling the education portfolio, and it was in this capacity that Atishi played a pivotal role in one of the most ambitious education reform programs in the country.

Education Reforms in Delhi

Under Atishi’s leadership and vision, the Delhi government initiated a series of groundbreaking reforms in the public education system, which has been hailed as a model for other Indian states. When the AAP government came to power, Delhi's government schools were notorious for their poor infrastructure, lack of basic facilities, and abysmal learning outcomes. Atishi, along with Sisodia, set out to change this.

1. Improving Infrastructure:

One of the first steps taken was to address the issue of inadequate infrastructure. The government invested heavily in building new classrooms, renovating old ones, and ensuring that schools had basic amenities like clean toilets, libraries, and science labs. The goal was to create an environment where students could learn in a dignified and comfortable setting.

2. Teacher Training and Motivation:

Atishi recognized that improving infrastructure was only part of the solution; the real change would come from improving the quality of teaching. Under her guidance, the government initiated extensive teacher training programs, both within India and abroad. Teachers were sent to countries like Finland and Singapore, which are known for their excellent education systems, to learn best practices.

In addition to training, the government also focused on boosting teacher morale. Teachers were encouraged to innovate in their classrooms, and there was a significant effort to reduce bureaucratic interference in their day-to-day functioning. Annual teachers’ awards and other forms of recognition were introduced to celebrate excellence in teaching.

3. Curriculum Reforms:

Atishi was instrumental in introducing innovative changes to the curriculum. The introduction of the “Happiness Curriculum” in 2018 was one of the most notable reforms. This curriculum, aimed at students from kindergarten to grade 8, focuses on emotional well-being and mindfulness, rather than rote learning. The idea behind this was to create more well-rounded individuals who are not just academically proficient but also emotionally intelligent and socially responsible.

In 2020, the government also introduced the “Entrepreneurship Mindset Curriculum,” which aims to foster an entrepreneurial spirit among students and equip them with skills for the real world. Atishi has often spoken about the importance of moving away from a purely academic-focused education system to one that prepares students for life beyond school.

4. School Management Committees (SMCs):

To ensure that reforms were not just top-down but also had community involvement, Atishi played a key role in strengthening School Management Committees (SMCs). These committees, consisting of parents, teachers, and local representatives, were empowered to oversee the functioning of schools and ensure accountability. This initiative helped build trust between schools and the communities they serve and ensured that parents had a say in the education of their children.

5. Focus on Learning Outcomes:

One of the most significant aspects of the education reforms was the focus on improving learning outcomes. Special attention was given to students who were lagging behind through programs like “Chunauti,” which aimed to reduce dropout rates and improve literacy and numeracy skills among students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Under Atishi’s leadership, Delhi’s government schools saw a dramatic improvement in board exam results, with pass percentages often surpassing those of private schools. This was a remarkable achievement, given the dismal state of government schools just a few years prior.

Challenges and Controversies

Atishi’s journey has not been without challenges. In 2018, her appointment as an advisor to the Delhi government was abruptly terminated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, citing technical reasons. This led to a public outcry, with many accusing the central government of obstructing Delhi’s education reforms. Despite this setback, Atishi continued to work closely with the government in an unofficial capacity, demonstrating her resilience and commitment to the cause.

In 2019, Atishi contested the Lok Sabha elections from the East Delhi constituency, pitted against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Gautam Gambhir, a former cricketer. The election was fiercely contested, and during the campaign, Atishi faced a smear campaign that included personal attacks and alleged distribution of defamatory pamphlets. Despite the challenges, Atishi conducted her campaign with dignity and focused on issues of governance, education, and development. Although she lost the election, she earned widespread admiration for her integrity and focus on substantive issues rather than engaging in mudslinging.

Beyond Education: Environmental Advocacy

While Atishi is best known for her work in education, she has also been an advocate for environmental sustainability. She has spoken out on issues related to air pollution, waste management, and sustainable urban development, all of which are critical issues for Delhi, one of the most polluted cities in the world. Her advocacy for green policies is in line with her broader vision of a just and equitable society, where development is sustainable and inclusive.

Personal Life and Identity

Atishi is known for her simplicity and commitment to public service. She has often spoken about the influence of her parents and their values of integrity and social justice on her own life and career. Despite being a public figure, Atishi remains relatively private about her personal life, preferring to let her work speak for itself.

Atishi has also been a strong advocate for women’s participation in politics. In a political landscape that is still overwhelmingly male-dominated, she has carved out a space for herself through her intellect, dedication, and hard work. She serves as a role model for many young women who aspire to enter politics and public service.

Conclusion: A Visionary Leader

Atishi’s contributions to Delhi’s education system have made her one of the most respected and admired political leaders in India. Her focus on governance, transparency, and evidence-based policymaking has set her apart in a political environment often characterized by populism and short-termism.

Her journey, from an academic to an activist and then a politician, reflects her deep commitment to societal change. Whether in education, environmental advocacy, or governance reforms, Atishi’s work continues to inspire hope for a more equitable and progressive India. Her legacy, particularly in the realm of public education, will likely have a lasting impact on generations to come.