In this interview, Mrs Gulshan Kaur, Principal, Bhavan Vidyalaya, Panchkula, offers invaluable insights into the guiding principles of her school. She enumerates the legacy and core philosophy of the school, which blends Indian cultural values with modern education. Mrs. Kaur discusses how Bhavan Vidyalaya fosters holistic development through diverse programs, technological integration, and community outreach initiatives. The interview also touches on the school’s innovative approaches, such as the Changemakers Project, and its efforts to prepare students for the challenges of the modern world while nurturing responsible global citizens. Let’s dive in!
Q. What is the legacy and core philosophy of Bhavan Vidyalaya, and how does it shape the education provided?
The legacy of Bhavan Vidyalaya is deeply rooted in the values established by the Late Shri Kanhaiyalal Maneklal Munshi, who embodied the ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the belief that the world is one family. The school’s motto, Aa No Bhadra Kratvo Yantu Vishwatah, invites noble thoughts from every direction, shaping its educational ethos.
Located in Panchkula, Bhavan Vidyalaya is committed to reintegrating Indian culture and upholding core values such as RITA, SATYA, YAGNA, and TAPAS. Our core philosophy emphasizes that education must facilitate learning experiences that nurture each individual’s unique potential. Late Sh. Kulwant Singh, the founder chairman and former Chief Secretary of Haryana, envisioned a comprehensive system aimed at the holistic development of individuals, ensuring peace and happiness in life. He believed that a cultured mind is vital for realizing one’s full potential—mentally, physically, and spiritually—in both personal and social contexts.
At Bhavan Vidyalaya, we foster this development by instilling reverence for learning, humility in achievement, and devotion to duty. Our educational approach enriches the curriculum and fosters harmony between individuals and their physical and social environments. We aim to create diverse learning experiences that address various domains of growth and development, facilitating holistic learning.
This approach helps children grow into well-rounded individuals who are physically fit, mentally alert, emotionally balanced, spiritually connected, socially adaptive, creatively engaged, linguistically strong, academically excellent, effective communicators, environmentally sensitive, technologically enabled, and globally aware.
Q. Can you elaborate on the various initiatives and programs Bhavan Vidyalaya offers to promote holistic development?
Bhavan Vidyalaya offers a wide range of initiatives and programs aimed at fostering personal growth, creativity, leadership, and social responsibility. The school has vibrant clubs dedicated to sports, literary activities, visual arts, performing arts, legal literacy, digital literacy, financial literacy, and food production & hospitality, allowing students to explore diverse interests and develop a well-rounded skill set.
The school also emphasizes social responsibility through programs like NSS (National Service Scheme), NCC (National Cadet Corps), and Scouts and Guides, which engage students in community service and social work, nurturing a sense of civic duty and leadership. To instil good habits and discipline, Bhavan Vidyalaya implements the 5-S Principles, teaching values of organization, cleanliness, and efficiency in students’ daily lives. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are developed through the Students’ Quality Circles, where students work together to identify and address issues to enhance the school environment.
In addition to these programs, the school actively promotes social consciousness through initiatives like the Changemakers Project, where students work on solving real societal challenges by creating and implementing practical solutions. Students are also involved in the Evening Paathshala, ‘Chetna Vidyalaya,’ where they assist underprivileged children with their studies, and they participate in donation drives and collaborate with organizations like Help Age India, Rotary Club, and Interact Club. Awareness-raising activities, such as cycle rallies and walkathons, further reinforce students’ engagement with important social causes.
To strengthen project-based learning, Bhavan Vidyalaya has also collaborated with KRUU, an initiative that enhances critical thinking, creativity, and team-building skills in students. This partnership ensures that students engage in hands-on, meaningful projects that cultivate these essential 21st-century skills.
The school provides ample opportunities for students to showcase their talents through annual events such as the Annual Day, Science Exhibition, Innovation Incubation Cell activities, inter-house events, and inter-school competitions. These events offer platforms where students can demonstrate academic excellence while developing creativity, leadership, teamwork, and a sense of community service. Through these comprehensive initiatives, Bhavan Vidyalaya ensures that students not only excel academically but also grow into well-rounded individuals with the skills, values, and social awareness needed to make meaningful contributions to society.
Q. How does Bhavan Vidyalaya integrate technology in education to enhance student learning?
At Bhavan Vidyalaya, we recognize the pivotal role technology plays in fostering a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Our state-of-the-art computer labs and dedicated e-library provide students with extensive access to digital resources, enabling independent research and enriching their learning experiences.
To enhance students’ mathematical abilities, we utilize AI-Based MindSpark, a self-paced, computer-based tool that tailors questions according to each student’s pace and ability. This diagnostic tool promotes a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts by allowing students to track their progress, challenge themselves, and help teachers refine their intervention strategies. Additionally, the Eduten Program, a Finland-based AI assessment system, equips students with skills that align with international standards in numerical literacy. Our school also employs the ASSET and DA assessments, which cater to diverse academic needs, providing valuable insights into students’ progress across various subjects.
To prepare students for the demands of the 21st century, Bhavan Vidyalaya has established an AI Lab and a Robotics Lab, offering hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology. These labs foster essential technical skills and encourage innovation and critical thinking. Moreover, our digital recording studio allows students to record and edit projects, cultivating their technical and creative abilities. Through these technological advancements, Bhavan Vidyalaya equips students not only for academic success but also prepares them to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Q. How does Bhavan Vidyalaya encourage community outreach and environmental consciousness among students?
Community outreach and sustainability are integral to Bhavan Vidyalaya’s philosophy. The school’s commitment to community service is exemplified through initiatives like the evening paathshala – ‘Chetna Vidyalaya’, where students provide educational support to underprivileged children. Additionally, students participate in donation drives and collaborate with organizations such as Help Age India, the Rotary Club, and the Interact Club. They also engage enthusiastically in social awareness campaigns like cycle rallies and walkathons to promote important social causes. Bhavan Vidyalaya also emphasizes social responsibility through programs such as NSS (National Service Scheme), NCC (National Cadet Corps), and Scouts and Guides, all of which involve students in community service while fostering leadership and a sense of civic responsibility.
Environmental consciousness is equally emphasized in the school’s ethos. Through initiatives like the Changemakers Project, students actively address societal challenges by developing and implementing practical solutions. A recent project focused on making the school a “Zero Aluminium Foil Zone,” where students educated their peers and staff on the harmful effects of aluminium foil, extending the initiative to their homes as well. The school has also collaborated with an NGO to promote the use of environmentally friendly sanitary pads, with further sustainability efforts underway.
Furthermore, Bhavan Vidyalaya has partnered with ‘GoSharpner’, a global youth networking platform that empowers students to solve real-world problems. Under this collaboration, students work on creating sustainable solutions to address pressing global issues, enhancing their awareness and engagement with environmental and community challenges. The school is also home to a 50KW solar power plant, which not only generates clean energy but also educates students on the importance of renewable energy. Additionally, rainwater conservation efforts are in place to help replenish groundwater levels, and a paper recycling machine teaches students about effective waste management. The nutrition garden, where students engage in sustainable agriculture, further strengthens their understanding of local food systems and healthy eating.
Other successful initiatives such as paudhagiri, sapling distribution, and gifting planters to visiting dignitaries showcase the school’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Through these diverse efforts, Bhavan Vidyalaya ensures that students not only become environmentally conscious citizens but are also empowered to be proactive contributors to their communities, adopting sustainable practices that benefit both their immediate surroundings and the larger world.
Q. Can you tell us about the Changemakers initiative and its impact on students?
The Changemakers initiative at Bhavan Vidyalaya is a distinctive program designed to engage students with real-world challenges. Through various projects—such as promoting Zero Aluminium Foil Usage, advocating for mental health, supporting the use of environmentally friendly sanitary pads, and participating in donation drives—students develop essential skills in leadership, problem-solving, and empathy. This initiative encourages them to look beyond academic pursuits and make meaningful contributions to society.
By actively participating in the Changemakers program, students cultivate vital life skills, including effective communication, teamwork, and critical thinking, all of which are crucial in today’s interconnected world. This initiative aligns seamlessly with our holistic education philosophy, empowering students to become socially responsible leaders of the future.
Q. What is your view on the modern education system, and how does Bhavan Vidyalaya address the challenges it presents?
The modern education system in India, while having made significant strides, remains largely anchored in its colonial past and often overlooks the importance of holistic development. At Bhavan Vidyalaya, we are committed to bridging this gap by implementing a curriculum that transcends academics, fostering moral, ethical, and spiritual values in our students. In a world increasingly challenged by imbalanced progress and the rapid onslaught of amoral technological advancements, it is vital to adhere to eternal global values such as RITA (truth), SATYA (righteousness), YAGNA (sacrifice), and TAPAS (austerity).
Our Founder chairman aptly noted the challenges posed by modern education, reflecting the sentiment of an American author John Naisbitt who stated, “We are drowning in information and starved for knowledge.” In response, Bhavan Vidyalaya offers a comprehensive solution, championing Sanskrit and Sanskriti. We promote the principle of Sarva Dharma Sadbhav (harmony among all religions) and the global vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family), nurturing young minds with Indian culture and timeless core values. Within a secure, inclusive, positive, and eco-friendly environment, we foster holistic growth through a diverse range of curricular and co-curricular activities, enabling students to become conscious, curious, creative, and confident global citizens, ready to meet the complexities of the modern world.
