The Sanskaar Valley School is a co-educational, day-boarding–cum–residential institution established under the aegis of the Sharada Devi Charitable Trust. The school follows a holistic and grounded approach to education, seamlessly integrating academics with sports, hobby activities, special day celebrations, community service, eco-friendly initiatives, and educational excursions. Its core philosophy centres on nurturing individuals towards excellence within a happy, value-based, and progressive learning community.
The school comprises separate, purpose-built blocks for different age groups: Aadhar for pre-primary, Prangan for the junior school, Sopaan for the middle school, and Shikhar for the senior school. These aesthetically designed buildings are spread out across the campus and are surrounded by abundant greenery. Numerous indoor plants—some growing over twelve feet tall—further enhance the school’s clean, green, and calming environment.
Spread across a sprawling 40-acre campus, the school has been thoughtfully designed to remain in harmony with its natural surroundings. The original topography has been carefully preserved, with no artificial landscaping imposed. Instead, the campus has evolved organically around the rugged terrain, lending it a distinctive character. Speaking about the campus design, Jyoti Agarwal, Director of The Sanskaar Valley School, shares, “The rugged terrain has not been altered; instead, we chose to build around it. Each age group has its own space, with large open areas that encourage movement and allow us to conduct a wide range of outdoor activities.”
While the original vision was to develop a fully residential school, it was later decided to accommodate a larger number of day scholars to ensure that the children of Bhopal could also benefit from the school’s offerings. Today, the school has a strength of approximately 2,600 students, and the management remains committed to maintaining this number, with only marginal increases envisaged in the future.
The Sanskaar Valley School offers a diverse academic framework under the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), and the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), enabling students to pursue learning pathways best suited to their aspirations and strengths.
Holistic Development
There is a lot of emphasis on holistic development of the child. Jyoti Agarwal says, “Almost everyone after Class 12 writes several entrance examinations. At Sanskaar Valley, focus in on nurturing a human being’s intrinsic talents and skilling him or her for life. Our students have been doing well in different disciplines across the country and abroad in IT, Pharma, Medicine, you name it.” She adds, “Apart from engineering and medicine let children pursue even other fields be it art, cinema, biotechnology, civil services. The most important thing is to become a good human being,” she says as she signs off.
Interview
The approach to The Sanskaar Valley School is a journey that soothes both the mind and the soul. Nestled amidst a forested area and spread over 40 acres, the entry is marked by a meandering drive, with bougainvillea in different hues lining either side of the road, welcoming visitors before they enter the campus. On a balmy morning in the first week of January, we met Jyoti Agarwal, Director, The Sanskaar Valley School and Sanskaar Vidhya Niketan —the driving force behind the institution, which is presently celebrating its 20th year. In this candid interview, she shared her journey and her passion, particularly her commitment to working for underprivileged girls.
How and when did the thought of starting a school for underprivileged girls arise?
We firmly believe that educating a girl creates a powerful ripple effect—impacting not only her own life, but also her family and the wider community. Guided by this belief, we decided to establish a school dedicated to educating underprivileged girls and reshaping mindsets through the transformative power of learning.
This vision emerged from a deep reflection on the purpose of education and its potential to transform the lives of underprivileged girls. Observing how education often becomes a process of accumulation rather than understanding led us to question whether it truly empowers those who need it the most. For girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, education must do more than impart knowledge—it must build confidence, nurture independent thought, and enable them to recognise their own worth. Alongside this reflection was a strong desire to contribute meaningfully to society by creating opportunities that would bring about lasting and generational change.
How was the journey?
Promoted by the Dainik Bhaskar Group and The Sanskaar Valley School, Sanskaar Vidya Niketan was founded in 2015 and began its journey with just 104 students and five teachers. The vision was straightforward yet powerful: to support the Right to Education. What started as a modest initiative soon grew into a movement of hope, dignity, and possibility.
Today, Sanskaar Vidya Niketan operates successfully through three branches across the city of Bhopal. Together, these branches educate more than 1,800 girls, supported by a committed team of around 120 teachers. Our aim is to reach out to 10,000 underprivileged girls. To ensure that education reaches as many children as possible, the school functions in two shifts—morning and noon.
Why do you have two sessions, and is lunch provided?
From the outset, the decision to operate in two sessions was guided by the intent to reach and educate a larger number of children. This structure allows us to maximise our impact while maintaining the quality of learning and care each child receives.
With regard to lunch, our philosophy is rooted in dignity rather than dependency. While nutrition is important, we believe that education should empower children and families, not position schooling as an incentive for free provisions. Our focus is on equipping girls with education and life skills that enable them to grow into confident, self-reliant individuals who lead lives of self-respect.
It is deeply fulfilling to see the long-term outcomes of this approach. Several girls currently in Grade 8 have been with us since KG 1, having grown up within a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment. Their journeys stand as a testament to the transformative power of sustained, value-based education.
What is the criterion for admission?
Our admission criterion is guided by need and purpose rather than privilege. Priority is given to girls from the most economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds, with the objective of reaching those for whom access to education would otherwise remain a distant dream.
Each branch of SVN reflects this mission in action. SVN 1 provides free education to approximately 450 girls from nearby underserved communities. SVN 2 supports the learning journey of 620 students, while SVN 3 educates around 770 girls, many of whom are first-generation learners. Together, these campuses stand as a collective commitment to uplifting lives through education and creating pathways for lasting social change.
What is the background of the parents?
The parents of our students largely come from daily-wage and informal work backgrounds—farmers, carpenters, drivers, and labourers at construction sites many of whom have had limited or no access to formal education themselves. For several families, academic achievement is still understood in the simplest terms; I recall a young girl who proudly shared her 87% result with her father, only to be asked one question: “Did you pass?”
Encouragingly, mindsets are gradually evolving. As parents witness their daughters gaining confidence and performing well academically, they become increasingly motivated to support their education. While we do face challenges—such as instability at home, including broken families or issues related to addiction—the resilience, determination, and inner strength displayed by our girls is remarkable. These circumstances, rather than limiting them, often become the foundation of their grit and will to succeed.
Do parents value education? How difficult is it to convince them to send their children to school?
Earlier, survival took precedence over schooling, but today education has taken firm root. Parents from daily-wage backgrounds—once hesitant or unaware of the value of formal education for girls—began to rethink their choices after witnessing visible changes. Gradually, mind-sets shifted from hesitation to hope, from doubt to determination, leading many families to seek school admissions for their daughters.
These girls have become quiet role models in their neighbourhoods. Their ability to speak in English, display good manners, and carry themselves with confidence has deeply influenced surrounding communities.
The biggest change is in their perspective. These girls are taught about simple things such as combing their hair, keeping the surroundings clean, taking bath and taking care of the environment. It rubs off on the parents as well and this in turn helps their own surroundings.
Can you share a few success stories?
There are many. Take, for instance, Kritika Yadav, the daughter of a farmer, whose mother manages the household while raising three children. Vandana and Krishika, daughters of drivers, come from families where education was once uncertain but is now a shared aspiration. Nitika, whose father sells phulki on the streets, and Tamanna, the daughter of a gardener, are well-mannered, understand the importance of keeping their surroundings clean, and all aspire to pursue meaningful careers. Some wish to become civil servants or teachers, while others aim to enter professional courses. Many students who have been with us since Class 1 will be entering Class 9 this year.
What is the attrition rate?
The dropout rate is very low. However, we see it declining with each passing year. The country is changing fast, and people from all sections of society aspire to a better life for their children. Attrition among teachers is also negligible, which is very important as they guide these girls throughout their educational journey.
What skills are taught at SVN?
At SVN, learning extends well beyond academic instruction. Our classrooms are designed to foster holistic development, with equal emphasis on intellectual growth, emotional well-being, and character building. We believe that education must nurture both the mind and the spirit to be truly transformative.
Girls in Grades 6, 7, and 8 are introduced to essential computer skills alongside SUPW activities such as embroidery. These experiences encourage creativity, self-expression, confidence, and the development of practical life skills—qualities that are vital for independent and empowered living.
SVN is a space where potential is recognised, limitations are challenged, and futures are reshaped. Through compassion, consistency, and unwavering commitment, we continue to demonstrate that education remains the most powerful catalyst for social change.
‘I am passionate about culture’
I am passionate about Education, healthcare and culture, says Jyoti Agarwal. The navratri garba event in Bhopal helmed by her is now into its 25th year. Every year, over 5,000 people register for one month training and over 1.5 lakh visit over a period of five days.
What began as a modest initiative with just 340 students has grown into a grand cultural celebration. The Abhivyakti Garba Mahotsav—a vibrant Navratri dance festival—has since transcended boundaries, evolving into a much-anticipated annual extravaganza. Its popularity now extends beyond the city, with participants and audiences from Indore and Jaipur eagerly awaiting the festival each year, as it is proudly celebrated in these cities as well.
In 2025, the Abhivyakti Garba Mahotsav witnessed participation from nearly 9,000 people, and this year, the numbers are expected to comfortably cross 10,000. Abhivyakti is especially close to my heart, having been conceived in the early 2000s, and over the years it has come to occupy a significant place in Bhopal’s cultural landscape.
Behind this large-scale celebration lies meticulous planning and sustained effort. Every detail—from costumes and jewellery to choreography and rehearsals—is carefully curated to uphold the spirit and quality of the festival.
“What matters most, however, is the sense of unity it fosters. People from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate in unison, strengthening social bonds while also promoting physical well-being. It gives me immense satisfaction to know that thousands eagerly await the Abhivyakti Garba Mahotsav each year, making it not just an event, but a shared cultural experience,” says Jyoti Agarwal.
