My students and I recently visited Anjana Vidya Kendra, nestled in the rural outskirts of the ever-expanding Bengaluru/Bangalore city. Started as a philanthropic endeavour with deep personal meanings for its scientist-founders, the school continues to enshrine its early values even as it welcomes all those who wish to be a part of its affectionate world.
We landed there on a Monday morning, 23 students of Design and an educator amazed by what people make possible for others. "Why are we here?" asked one of my students as we stepped into the school. I had ideas such as 'experience' and 'immersion' in mind, but I just said, "Let's find out". Joy took over the group as we freely wandered about the small campus with stone and wood structures, cheerful green, hosts who greeted us with hot tea and biscuits, and smiling students who addressed everyone as "teacher". For a bit, I think we forgot it was some kind of study tour.
An interactive session followed, with us blending into groups of 12-year-olds who were drawing and chatting excitedly. Their creativity amazed us, and their enthusiasm at lapping up everything we had to offer left us very touched and just a little sheepish.
The school also houses a special "goshala" for rescued calves, a small piece of farmland from where fresh produce is sourced to ensure the children's nutrition and a solar drier to dry the produce.
Meeting the warm people who held together Anjana was a memorable experience in itself. Their dedication was more than evident in the way they attempted to convey to us what the school was meant to be and how it had grown over time. Their earnest dreams for the children and the families they come from are a fine reminder of why we create human systems and what makes them worthwhile.
P.S. Happy to share updated details with those who would like to make a small contribution to this initiative.
