“In this region, children are often raised with the expectation of becoming monks or nuns at the monastery, as it is viewed as a significant sacrifice and a noble pursuit. However, this cultural norm can instill fear in the hearts of the children. Many have told me - ‘Please don’t let them send me away’. I want them to get educated instead. and choose their own path when they’re bigger.” - Portia Putatunda, Founder & Director, Planet Spiti Foundation.

Portia Putatunda never imagined that of all the places in the world, she would plan to settle down in a high-altitude region of the Himalayas known for its extreme climates and living conditions. But fate brought her back to Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh after a life-altering event - her dear father’s death.

“I first visited Spiti Valley twice preceding my father's passing. Once in 2013 and then in 2018, as the valley resonated with me in a profound way. It was unlike any place I had ever experienced. Following the loss of my father, I underwent two years of therapy. Determined to embark on a transformative journey, I chose to return to Spiti, intending to spend my birthday there.”- Portia

When she came back for the third time, she had originally planned a week-long stay.  Portia found herself stranded for one-and-a-half months due to unexpected heavy snowfall. Cut off from civilization with no access to money due to a closed ATM and no network connectivity, she faced a cashless predicament.

Learning the challenges of the region

“In a stroke of serendipity, I began teaching local children to make ends meet. The homestay I was residing in graciously offered free accommodation in exchange for my teaching services. Despite the challenges, the experience unfolded as unexpectedly beautiful against the backdrop of the snow-clad landscape.” - Portia.

As she became more engaged with the local children and immersed myself in the community, she began to uncover underlying issues. It became evident that tourists often only witness the surface charm of the destination, the picturesque and Instagram-worthy aspects, without delving into the deeper challenges that the local community faces.


The challenges here extend beyond the captivating facade, encompassing profound issues such as poverty and economic struggles, particularly given Spiti's agrarian economy. Portia found that the community grapples with low literacy rates and a lack of education, coupled with a general lack of awareness. Unfortunately, the educational landscape is further hindered by the insufficient training and commitment of teachers, depriving the children of access to quality education.

“I had promised the locals that I would come back to teach the children, for a longer period of time, and that’s exactly what I did. I established my organisation, Planet Spiti Foundation, in 2021 with the aim of providing all-round education to tiny tots in Spiti Valley. Initially it was not a boarding school, but now it is. The children live, eat, stay and play with me.” - Portia

Teaching them everything, from A to Z

She imparts basic English skills and life skills to the children. Over the course of three years, including two years dedicated to the boarding school, the children, ranging from as young as 2.5 years old, have acquired an understanding of elementary English questions and commands.

“Embracing the philosophy of 'catch them young,' I am determined to shape their learning journey right from nursery age. Our youngest student is only 2.5 years old. The oldest is about 10. We had 15 children enrolled in the first year, but many of them had to drop out after their villages got washed away in the recent floods. Although our capacity is limited to expanding only up to class 5, there are plans to collaborate with a high school to ensure a seamless educational transition beyond that level.” - Portia

A different learning approach

Currently, Portia juggles multiple roles as the caretaker, cook, teacher, principal, and manages networking and fundraising for the school. However, starting this year, with an anticipated increase in the boarding school's enrollment, she is planning to hire additional staff.

“Our curriculum follows the ICSE syllabus, recognizing that the kindergarten phase is fairly consistent across all boards. We emphasize a fun and interactive learning approach, moving away from traditional classroom methods. Taking the children outdoors, we incorporate practical experiences, such as teaching colors through hands-on activities. Additionally, we also include music, dance, and ukulele lessons to foster creativity. For our 7 and 10-year-olds, we have also introduced French language instruction and computer classes. ” - Portia

She plans to adapt to an international curriculum, integrating it with gardening classes to provide a holistic educational experience in the future.

She built the school using up all her savings

“To accommodate the growth, we are seeking funds for crucial expansions, including another dormitory, additional classrooms, a kitchen, dry toilets, an animal farm, and a vegetable farm. These developments aim to enhance the overall infrastructure and facilities for the betterment of the students and the sustainability of the school,” says Portia, adding, “These kids deserve the world, and I embarked on this journey using my personal savings.”

The boarding facility was initially set up in an old building with six rooms. In 2021, we undertook the project of renovating it, and the renovation process unfolded throughout 2022. With a strategic approach, we transformed the space gradually. Originally located in Kaza, a touristy area, the boarding school incurred high expenses, prompting a relocation to our current site in Komic, situated at a higher altitude of 15,500 feet.


As of now, their facility includes two classrooms, Portia’s living quarters, a kitchen, a designated bathing space featuring a glass ceiling to capture and retain heat, two dry toilets, and a dormitory. There is a small library too.

A lack of funds is hindering her school’s growth

Looking ahead, Portia also has plans to renovate storage rooms for added functionality. Moreover, in recognition of the community's religious inclinations, she aims to construct a meditation-cum-prayer room too. But she is in urgent need of funds for this purpose.

“Our goal is to achieve sustainability, considering the challenging conditions we face. After a personal accident carrying water cans uphill, we recognize the need for a safer alternative. The absence of proper roads and the harsh climate make manual transportation difficult. As a result, we aim to establish an underground piping system to alleviate the burden.” - Portia

In the long term, the Foundation also envisions a rooftop greenhouse garden to cultivate vegetables.

“This initiative not only provides a sustainable source of food for our boarding school but also serves as a demonstration for local farmers. Encouraging them to explore vegetable cultivation, we aspire to pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future in an area where greenery and trees are scarce. The harsh climate, causing nosebleeds, further underscores the urgency of creating sustainable solutions.” - Portia

Portia wants only the best for her ‘children’

“Transitioning to an international curriculum, specifically the Cambridge Early Years program, offers greater flexibility in terms of education and learning in areas like this where the children can’t go to school nine months in a year like other children in the country”, says Portia.

Her approach extends beyond traditional education, and she wants to incorporate practical skills such as food preservation and rainwater harvesting, with active participation from the children. She also wants them to choose what they want to be - not forced to become nuns or monks as many children are, in the area even before they turn six!


This is why she believes that her school stands out as a unique institution, providing students with the freedom to explore and choose their paths, fostering a holistic and individualized approach to education that goes beyond conventional norms.

“If I get enough support from Good Samaritans like you, I’d be empowered enough to completely change the fate of this region and its kids.” - Portia

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