You’ll also engage with community-based organizations, including those that serve seniors, children, and other vulnerable populations. This is a rare opportunity to go deep, to observe every day lives of every day people with a cohort and guide who will help you understand the context as you form your own insights.
At the same time, this is not just a travel experience. It is led by an Indian American professor with deep ties to Gujarat and extensive experience in community engaged research and education, so there is a real academic layer built in without it feeling like school. You will reflect, ask questions, and make sense of what you are seeing and learning in ways that actually stick. There is also the possibility of academic credit, depending on your school, and it gives you something real to draw on for applications, interviews, and future opportunities.
What would it mean to experience India in a way that goes beyond visits or tourism and into real connection with real people, communities, and everyday life across Gujarat and Rajasthan?
Have you ever sat with a first generation college student in a village in Gujarat, someone your age, with your same ambitions, and just talked? About what you want, what got in your way, what you’re building toward?
Pragati India takes you into rural and urban communities in India and connects you with Nanubhai Scholars, many of whom are the first in their families to pursue higher education. These young women are becoming doctors and engineers against real odds. As you visit their colleges and family homes and get to know them, you’ll compare notes on what your lives actually look like. And if you let it, that conversation will change something in you.
What would it mean to experience India in a way that goes beyond visits or tourism and into real connection with real people, communities, and everyday life across Gujarat and Rajasthan?
Have you ever sat with a first generation college student in a village in Gujarat, someone your age, with your same ambitions, and just talked? About what you want, what got in your way, what you’re building toward?
Pragati India takes you into rural and urban communities in India and connects you with Nanubhai Scholars, many of whom are the first in their families to pursue higher education. These young women are becoming doctors and engineers against real odds. As you visit their colleges and family homes and get to know them, you’ll compare notes on what your lives actually look like. And if you let it, that conversation will change something in you.
You’ll also engage with community-based organizations, including those that serve seniors, children, and other vulnerable populations. This is a rare opportunity to go deep, to observe every day lives of every day people with a cohort and guide who will help you understand the context as you form your own insights.
At the same time, this is not just a travel experience. It is led by an Indian American professor with deep ties to Gujarat and extensive experience in community engaged research and education, so there is a real academic layer built in without it feeling like school. You will reflect, ask questions, and make sense of what you are seeing and learning in ways that actually stick. There is also the possibility of academic credit, depending on your school, and it gives you something real to draw on for applications, interviews, and future opportunities.
Experience real India in a meaningful, ethical, and authentic way.
December 27-January 1
Southern Gujarat
Meet and get to know young women who are earning college degrees on scholarship. Visit their family homes and campuses as you connect and learn more about their challenges and future plans. Spend a day in the Dangs district meeting Scholars who have overcome both economic and environmental hurdles to shape their own destinies through access to education. Meet additional organizations supporting Aadivasi community development.
January 1 – January 3
Ahmedabad
Explore Ahmedabad’s historical significance by visiting the Gandhi museum or the step well (a UNESCO World Heritage site), or digging into Gujarat’s incredible textiles (both the history and current goods). Learn about modern nonprofits dedicated to women’s empowerment. Celebrate and reflect on the first half of the program as you transition to Udaipur.
January 4 – January 9
Udaipur
Continue meeting Scholars and spend a day in the Dungarpur district as you interrogate the intersection of traditional Rajasthani culture and the initiatives to evolve it. Visit heritage sites and meet community advocates.
January 9 – January 11
Jaipur
Debrief in the pink city. Relax, reflect on your journey, and take in some of India’s most famous historical sites. Celebrate the end of your journey with a farewell dinner on the 11th, then begin the journey home on the 12th.
What would it mean to experience India in a way that goes beyond visits or tourism and into real connection with real people, communities, and everyday life across Gujarat and Rajasthan?
Experience real India in a meaningful, ethical, and authentic way.
December 27 – January 1
Southern Gujarat
Meet and get to know young women who are earning college degrees on scholarship. Visit their family homes and campuses as you connect and learn more about their challenges and future plans. Spend a day in the Dangs district meeting Scholars who have overcome both economic and environmental hurdles to shape their own destinies through access to education. Meet additional organizations supporting Aadivasi community development.
Explore Ahmedabad’s historical significance by visiting the Gandhi museum or the step well (a UNESCO World Heritage site), or digging into Gujarat’s incredible textiles (both the history and current goods). Learn about modern nonprofits dedicated to women’s empowerment. Celebrate and reflect on the first half of the program as you transition to Udaipur.
Continue meeting Scholars and spend a day in the Dungarpur district as you interrogate the intersection of traditional Rajasthani culture and the initiatives to evolve it. Visit heritage sites and meet community advocates.
Debrief in the pink city. Relax, reflect on your journey, and take in some of India’s most famous historical sites. Celebrate the end of your journey with a farewell dinner on the 11th, then begin the journey home on the 12th.
January 1 – January 3
Ahmedabad
January 4 – January 9
Udaipur
January 9 – January 11
Jaipur
Dr. Rupal Parekh
Dr. Rupal Parekh is an Assistant Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. With over 15 years of clinical social work experience, her teaching, research, and community-engaged work focus on promoting health, well-being, social connectedness, and equity across diverse populations.
Dr. Parekh’s commitment to global engagement began during her junior year of college when she participated in a service-learning project in Kolkata, India. That experience shaped her professional path and inspired a lifelong commitment to serving communities both locally and globally. As a social worker, educator, and researcher, she is particularly passionate about creating opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive.
Born in Zambia, raised in the United States, and deeply connected to her Indian heritage, Dr. Parekh is excited to lead the Gujarat portion of the Pragati program. She looks forward to helping students experience India through authentic cultural immersion, meaningful relationships, and a deeper understanding of the people, traditions, and communities that make the country so vibrant and dynamic.
Mohit Bhansali
As an artist, Mohit knows the power of education – it allows students to dream, express themselves, and find happiness in life. Mohit joined the Nanubhai Board of Directors in 2012 to lend his mastery of social media and fundraising to furthering Nanubhai’s mission.
Outside of Nanubhai, he was a member of the rock quartet Deadbeat Darling, was an equity trader with Tradescape (acquired by E*Trade), and currently holds leadership roles at EquiDeFi, and Nant Global Finance.
When he isn’t transforming rural education, rocking the stage with his band, or running his businesses, he makes the best cup of chai, ever. He’s currently helping their young daughter, Chandni, start her own social entrepreneurship company, ChandChai. ChandChai advocates and raises funds for better public school playgrounds for elementary school children.
Mohit maintains strong ties with his home state of Rajasthan and looks forward to helping the Pragati cohort see Udaipur and Jaipur in a different, more nuanced light.
Dr. Rupal Parekh
& Mohit Bhansali
About Rupal
Dr. Rupal Parekh is an Assistant Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. With over 15 years of clinical social work experience, her teaching, research, and community-engaged work focus on promoting health, well-being, social connectedness, and equity across diverse populations.
Dr. Parekh’s commitment to global engagement began during her junior year of college when she participated in a service-learning project in Kolkata, India. That experience shaped her professional path and inspired a lifelong commitment to serving communities both locally and globally. As a social worker, educator, and researcher, she is particularly passionate about creating opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive.
Born in Zambia, raised in the United States, and deeply connected to her Indian heritage, Dr. Parekh is excited to lead the Gujarat portion of the Pragati program. She looks forward to helping students experience India through authentic cultural immersion, meaningful relationships, and a deeper understanding of the people, traditions, and communities that make the country so vibrant and dynamic.
About Mohit
As an artist, Mohit knows the power of education – it allows students to dream, express themselves, and find happiness in life. Mohit joined the Nanubhai Board of Directors in 2012 to lend his mastery of social media and fundraising to furthering Nanubhai’s mission.
Outside of Nanubhai, he was a member of the rock quartet Deadbeat Darling, was an equity trader with Tradescape (acquired by E*Trade), and currently holds leadership roles at EquiDeFi, and Nant Global Finance.
When he isn’t transforming rural education, rocking the stage with his band, or running his businesses, he makes the best cup of chai, ever. He’s currently helping their young daughter, Chandni, start her own social entrepreneurship company, ChandChai. ChandChai advocates and raises funds for better public school playgrounds for elementary school children.
Mohit maintains strong ties with his home state of Rajasthan and looks forward to helping the Pragati cohort see Udaipur and Jaipur in a different, more nuanced light.
Total Cost (both segments): $2,950
Gujarat only (Dec. 27–Jan 3): $1,225
Rajasthan only (Jan 3–Jan 11): $1,725
Here’s what’s included in your Pragati fee:
- Lodging & meals for 15 days
- Transportation within India
- Interpreters, entrance fees and tour guides for cultural/historical sites
- Curricula to deepen your understanding and provide context as you learn
- Guides who know and love India and will support your experience
Not included in the Pragati India cost:
- Airfare to and from India
- Visa costs
- Travel insurance (required)
- Pre-travel immunizations (optional)
Partial scholarships, including support for airfare, are available for students who demonstrate financial need.
A portion of the total cost is tax deductible and a tax receipt will be provided.
Ready to join the journey?
Priority application review will begin on July 31st.
Ready to join the journey?
Priority application review will begin on July 31st.
Pragati India cohorts are intentionally small (usually less than 10 students per cohort). Spots are limited and students are carefully selected based on maturity, academic rigor, and motivations for travel.
- Click on the Apply button at the top of the page to access the form. An information sheet regarding the application can be found here.
- Complete and submit your application (it should take roughly 2-3 hours).
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a brief interview (about 30 minutes, online).
- Pragati India will notify you whether you’ve been selected.
- If selected, complete the payment to secure your spot.
About Nanubhai
Since 2005, the Nanubhai Education Foundation (NEF, a 501(c)3 registered nonprofit) has been rooted in rural Gujarat. Born from one Indian-American’s commitment to give back to his father’s hometown, what started as a personal mission has grown through years of education-programming experimentation into something much larger. Today, NEF supports a college scholarship program that has given more than 1,400 young women across 10 districts in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh the opportunity to earn a degree and change the trajectory of not just her life, but her entire family’s.