KaReFo Profile

Karky Research Foundation

Karky Research Foundation (KaReFo), established in 2013, is a non-profit educational research organisation with a primary focus on language computing and language literacy. KaReFo is dedicated to helping people from all backgrounds develop the skills needed to improve their communication and understanding of language in both spoken and written forms. We are committed to providing free access to high quality educational resources related to language learning, as well as engaging students, teachers and researchers in meaningful dialogue about the field.

Our Vision for 2030

At Karky Research Foundation (KaReFo), we envision a world where language barriers dissolve through the harmonious integration of technology and education, creating pathways for seamless global communication and cultural preservation. We see a future where every individual, regardless of their background, has access to innovative language learning tools that adapt to their unique needs and learning styles.

Core Vision Elements

Language Technology Innovation

We strive to be at the forefront of language computing innovation, developing cutting-edge tools and methodologies that transform how languages are learned, taught, and preserved. Our vision encompasses creating intelligent language learning systems that understand and adapt to each learner's journey, making language acquisition more intuitive and effective.

Universal Language Literacy

We envision a world where language literacy is recognized as a fundamental human right. Through our research and educational initiatives, we aim to create accessible pathways for language learning that transcend geographical, social, and economic boundaries, enabling individuals to participate fully in an increasingly interconnected world.

Cultural Heritage Preservation

In our vision, technological advancement goes hand in hand with cultural preservation. We see language not just as a communication tool but as a living bridge to cultural heritage. Through our work in language computing and education, we strive to preserve and revitalize languages, ensuring that traditional knowledge and cultural expressions remain vibrant in the digital age.

Educational Transformation

We envision transforming language education through personalized, technology-enhanced learning experiences. Our goal is to create educational environments where traditional wisdom meets modern innovation, fostering dynamic learning spaces that adapt to individual needs while maintaining the richness of human interaction.

Global Collaboration Network

We see ourselves at the center of a global network of educators, researchers, and language enthusiasts, collaborating across borders to advance language education and technology. This network will facilitate the exchange of ideas, methodologies, and resources, creating a collaborative ecosystem for language learning innovation.

Impact Areas

Research & Development
  • Pioneering new approaches in language computing and artificial intelligence
  • Developing adaptive learning systems that personalize language education
  • Creating innovative tools for language assessment and evaluation
  • Conducting research on effective language acquisition methodologies
Education & Empowerment
  • Providing free access to high-quality language learning resources
  • Empowering teachers with modern teaching tools and methodologies
  • Supporting students through personalized learning pathways
  • Facilitating cross-cultural understanding through language education
Community & Collaboration
  • Building partnerships with educational institutions worldwide
  • Creating platforms for knowledge sharing among language educators
  • Fostering communities of practice in language education
  • Supporting grassroots initiatives in language preservation
Technological Innovation
  • Developing open-source language learning tools
  • Creating accessible platforms for language assessment
  • Innovating in natural language processing applications
  • Designing interactive language learning environments

Our Commitment

We commit to:
  • Maintaining the highest standards of educational research and development
  • Ensuring accessibility and inclusivity in all our initiatives
  • Fostering innovation while preserving traditional language learning values
  • Contributing to the global body of knowledge in language education
  • Supporting sustainable development through language empowerment

Looking Forward

As we move towards 2030, Karky Research Foundation envisions being a global catalyst for positive change in language education and technology. We see our role as not just developing tools and methodologies, but as nurturing a worldwide movement that recognizes the power of language learning in creating a more connected, understanding, and empowered global community.

Through our continued dedication to research, innovation, and education, we work towards a future where language skills enable every individual to participate fully in the global dialogue, preserve their cultural heritage, and contribute to the rich tapestry of human expression.

Innovative Language Learning

Our team consists of individuals from various backgrounds such as linguists, computer scientists and educators who use their varied expertise for developing projects that aim at providing people with innovative ways of learning languages. Our volunteers not only provide support for various projects but also share their expertise through workshops, seminars and other events organised by us regularly.

Mission Statement

Karky Research Foundation is dedicated to advancing language literacy through innovative research, technology development, and educational programs. We strive to:

  • Pioneer cutting-edge language computing solutions that enhance learning effectiveness
  • Provide inclusive access to high-quality language education resources
  • Preserve and promote linguistic heritage through modern educational approaches
  • Foster a global community of language learners, educators, and researchers
  • Drive continuous innovation in language assessment and evaluation methodologies

Mission-Driven Decision Framework

School Programs Implementation

Our mission guides school program development through:

Access & Inclusivity
  • Programs designed to accommodate diverse learning needs
  • Flexible scheduling options to ensure broad accessibility
  • Multi-level entry points based on learner proficiency
  • Financial support mechanisms for underserved communities
Quality Assurance
  • Regular program evaluation aligned with mission objectives
  • Continuous feedback integration from stakeholders
  • Professional development programs for educators
  • Systematic outcome measurement and analysis
Innovation Integration
  • Regular incorporation of research findings into programs
  • Technology-enhanced learning environments
  • Adaptive learning pathways based on student progress
  • Cross-cultural learning opportunities

Curriculum Design Alignment

Our mission shapes PAYIL curriculum development through:

Foundational Principles
  • Integration of traditional and modern teaching methods
  • Balance between cultural preservation and innovation
  • Focus on practical language application
  • Emphasis on comprehensive skill development
Implementation Strategy
  • Structured progression through 16 Payil levels
  • Integration of technology at every learning stage
  • Cultural context embedded throughout curriculum
  • Regular assessment and adaptation cycles
Key Features
  • Personalized learning paths
  • Interactive content delivery
  • Cultural immersion components
  • Real-world application focus

Testing Standard Development

The AAZHI Testing Framework reflects our mission through:

Assessment Philosophy
  • Comprehensive evaluation of language proficiency
  • Cultural knowledge integration
  • Technology-enhanced assessment methods
  • Continuous progress monitoring
Implementation Approach
  • Eight distinct proficiency levels
  • Multiple assessment components
  • Digital literacy evaluation
  • Cultural competency assessment
Quality Measures
  • Regular standard review and updates
  • International benchmark alignment
  • Stakeholder feedback integration
  • Continuous validity assessment

Funding

We are presently funded by our founders and generous donors. We fund our research activities via our collaborations with various organisations on different language computing projects. We also fund our research and development via the online courses conducted by us.

Trustees

Madhan Karky
Nandini Karky

Communication Address

New 23 10th Cross Street
Indra Nagar, Adyar
Chennai 600020

Registered Address

22 4th Cross Street
Trustpuram Kodambakkam
Chennai 600024

PAN

AACTK1527E

Registration No

303/2013

80G Documeny ID No

AACTK1527EF2021401

12A Document ID No

AACTK1527EE2021401

GST Number

33AACTK1527E1Z4

Darpan UID No

TN/2017/0177972

80G Provisional Reg No

AACTK1527EF20214

12A Provisional Reg No

AACTK1527EE20214

25

Members

21

Projects

6

Courses

49

Publications

Our Team Linguists Programmers & Designers

Madhan Karky

Research Head

Nandini Karky

Finance Head

Chezhiyan

Researcher

Rajapandian

Developer

Shanmuganathan

Developer

Kanniyammal

Linguist

Manju

Linguist

Dr Swathi

Linguist

Anandhi

Linguist

Keerthika

Data Entry Assistant

Divya

Data Entry Assistant

Sumathi

Course Manager

Lizzy

Language Tutor

Dr Keerthana

Language Tutor

Sai Rajeswari

Language Tutor

Imaiyavramban

Language Tutor

Sruthi Bhaskar

Language Tutor

Kiranya

Language Tutor

Janani

Language Tutor

Sindhuja

Illustrator

Muralidharan

Illustrator

Shruthi

Office Secretary

Dr Subalalitha

Research Consultant

Suriyah

Research Consultant

Karthikeyan

Programmer 2009-2010

Aarthy

Programmer 2014-2020

Anitha

Programmer 2014-2022

Akhilesh

Programmer2015-2016

Neelakandan

Programmer 2021-2022