Alvares, Rahul

About the author

Rahul Alvares is an Indian writer and education reform advocate whose work, particularly Free from School, challenges traditional paradigms of classroom-based learning. While details about his formal background remain limited, Alvares has garnered attention for articulating a personal and practical case in favor of more organic, interest-driven education. Written in an accessible style, Free from School recounts how Alvares bypassed conventional schooling in favor of a self-directed approach, shaping his intellectual and personal growth in ways that rarely find validation in standardized curriculums.

Much of Alvares’s argument arises from his own experiences exploring nature, acquiring hands-on skills, and interacting with mentors in specialized fields rather than merely memorizing textbooks. In his narrative, he credits this open-ended environment with fueling genuine curiosity, instilling confidence, and encouraging him to learn at his own pace. Alongside personal anecdotes—such as unconventional biology lessons gleaned from direct animal care or extended travels in rural areas—Alvares underscores how alternative educational pathways can prioritize depth and enjoyment over routine test preparation. By illustrating how a child’s natural inclination to explore can become a robust learning process, he hopes to spur readers, especially parents, to reevaluate uniform academic tracks.

Furthermore, Alvares contextualizes his approach within the broader conversation about “unschooling” and homeschooling in India. Though some critics question the feasibility of a wholly child-led model—pointing to socialization needs or future career pathways—Alvares responds that strong community ties, mentorship structures, and practical skill-building can address these concerns. He also highlights the relevance of local traditions, folk knowledge, and indigenous methods of imparting wisdom, suggesting that a cultural mosaic of learning often outperforms a narrow, exam-centric framework. The success stories he describes, in which self-directed learners pursue higher studies or entrepreneurial ventures, bolster his case for a more flexible and inclusive definition of education.

Today, Rahul Alvares remains a less conventional, yet influential figure among advocates of alternative education in India. His candid recollections and the guiding principles of Free from School have provided an accessible blueprint for families seeking to follow personal passions and real-world experiences, rather than confining young minds to rigid curricula. In a global climate increasingly questioning the scope and scale of formal schooling, Alvares’s work stands as a testament to the idea that creativity, resilience, and intellectual engagement can flourish when learners are truly free to explore their interests on their own terms.