Ignited Minds

The post is dedicated to the book titled “Ignited Minds” by Dr. Kalam. It is certainly an eye opener and presents some of our own formative ideas about India with so much clarity. A must read for anybody interested in creating a stronger Indian society. Through this book, Dr. Kalam talks of creating strong spiritual and moral values in our children in addition to the current textbook knowledge.

It is something we have been attempting at our school (www.sahajinternational.in), and thoughts in the book give a better and clearer perspective. Our educational curriculum is focused on basic (fact based) knowledge, with a recent addition of a subject “Environmental Studies”. However, the pedagogy is still textbook education and classroom examinations. However, we believe we can spend some more time on specific personality traits like Punctuality, Sincerity and Honesty, strong work ethics, sports and respect for rules in a civil society, respect for fellow human beings, appreciation for social work, thinking beyond short term selfish gains to a larger pan-India perspective.

We at Sahaj Schools are still in the process of incorporating these traits of education in our DNA. The local masses are only slowly realizing the importance of such holistic education, and hence gaining their trust and support (for continued education at home) is also a slow but sturdy process.

We will be very happy to receive suggestions on pedagogy and volunteers willing to work with our faculty and children to train them in these very relevant areas of education.