INDIA: Mud hut school in Jamnager trying to implement a blend of modern and ancient principles of education

Record ID: 1380933

  • Title: INDIA: Mud hut school in Jamnager trying to implement a blend of modern and ancient principles of education
  • Date: 19th August 2006
  • Summary: (L!1) JAMNAGAR, INDIA (AUGUST 12, 2006) (ANI) EXTERIOR OF SCHOOL, SCHOOL VAN STANDING OUTSIDE HUTS CHILDREN GOING INTO HUT CLASSROOMS STUDENTS ROLLER-SKATING PASSAGE BETWEEN THE HUTS HUT CEILING OF HUT, ROTATING FAN STUDENTS INSIDE THE CLASS TEACHER TAKING CLASS WINDOW MORE OF THE CLASS (SOUNDBITE) (Hindi) RAJIV. S. MISHAN, PRINCIPAL, LITTLE FLOWER SCHOOL, SAYING: "The m
  • Embargoed: 3rd September 2006 19:06
  • Keywords:
  • Location: India
  • Country: India
  • Topics: Lifestyle
  • Reuters ID: LVA7COF6BCBKEUNZFDYXVHYG6ONJ
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3
  • Story Text: Ensconced in the hustle-bustle of modern day living in India's western Jamnagar city lies a serene campus of learning, a campus that sets itself apart from a neat alignment with mud and straw-roofed huts.
    The mud huts are actually classrooms, trying to implement a blend of modern and ancient principles of education.
    Inspired by the ancient Hindu system of learning, "Gurukul", where students lived in proximity with nature and their teachers and studied as equals, the school carries those traditions forward.
    "The main intention was to revive our culture which is fast getting lost in modern times. We have taken inspiration from the Gurukul medium of education and this is in fact an attempt to bring it back. So we thought why not build a school that is like an ashram (hermitage) that also follows the regulations that were followed in the ancient era. Besides, education we could inculcate a strong bond between the teacher and the taught," said Rajiv S. Mishan, principal of Little Flower School.
    Besides regular educational contents, the school provides all modern learning aids to its students - from internet-enabled computers to music lessons. The school even has a swimming pool in one of the bigger huts.
    Yet, the emphasis on ancient techniques is also evident. Yoga is mandatory, and school officials believe the ancient Indian form of exercise greatly improves concentration and general well being. Besides, the children are also encouraged to follow outdoor activities and taken out on regular walks and treks.
    For the children, the school has become much more than just a place to study.
    "Here the atmosphere is different. Initially, we took time to adjust to the school. But now we are enjoying time in the school. All the students like it here," said Gopi Jinjuwadia, a student.
    Though initially, the concept of a school in huts was not very appealing to local residents, the devastating Gujarat earthquake in 2001 was enough to shake everyone.
    The earthquake killed more than 30,000 people, including some students who were killed when their school and college buildings collapsed on them.
  • Copyright Holder: ANI (India)
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