Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Khelghar: A Safe Learning Haven in Pune
Khelghar is a special place in Pune, India, where children from poor neighborhoods can go to learn and grow.
It was started by a kind woman named Shubhada Joshi in 1996.
At Khelghar, children like Roshini, who used to be scared to speak, can now read, write, and even recite poems without fear.
The teachers are very nice and never punish the children.
Instead, they help them learn through games, stories, and fun activities.
Khelghar also teaches important life skills, like how to stay safe and make good decisions.
Many children who go to Khelghar do well in school and go on to college or get good jobs.
Some even help their families and communities.
Khelghar shows that when children are given love, support, and a safe place to learn, they can achieve great things.
Khelghar, founded in 1996 by Shubhada Joshi, is a child-centric learning space in Pune, India, supporting 200 marginalized children annually.
The center focuses on joyful, pressure-free learning, emphasizing life skills, academic support, and emotional well-being.
Khelghar's methodology includes games, discussions, and activities, with teachers trained in positive discipline and joyful learning.
The initiative has seen significant impact, with 80% of students pursuing higher education and 95% avoiding anti-social behavior.
Khelghar extends its reach through teacher training and mentoring organizations across India, promoting safe and joyful learning spaces.
- Who
- Khelghar, founded by Shubhada Joshi, supports 200 marginalized children annually in Pune, India.
- What
- Khelghar is a child-centric learning space that provides safe, joyful, and pressure-free education.
- When
- Founded in 1996, Khelghar has been operating for over 27 years.
- Where
- Located in Laxminagar, Kothrud, Pune, India.
- Why
- To create a safe learning environment where children from marginalized communities can thrive, build confidence, and pursue higher education.
- Founder
- Shubhada Joshi
- Location
- Pune, India
- Year Founded
- 1996
- Children Supported
- 200 annually
- Teachers
- 12
- Volunteers
- 4-5 at a time
- Funding Sources
- Tata Trusts, Wipro Cares, CSR initiatives, family and individual donations
- Impact Metrics
- 80% pursue higher education, 95% avoid anti-social behavior