Education, to me, has always been more than classrooms, textbooks, and exams. It is about shaping human beings-nurturing minds that are curious, hearts that are compassionate, and hands that are ready to contribute to the world. My motivation to open a school in Dharmanagar came from closely observing our local education system. While there were several schools in the area, I felt something essential was missing - a deeper focus on quality learning that shapes well-rounded individuals, not just academically capable students.
With this vision, I wanted to bring a reformative model of education to Dharmanagar - one that blends the timeless principles of Montessori and Waldorf learning. This approach values creativity, self-directed exploration, emotional intelligence, and respect for each child’s natural pace of development. I believe this combination will give our children the academic skills, confidence, and empathy they need to thrive in the modern world, while staying deeply rooted in human values.
Although I already held a Master’s degree and a PhD in Life Sciences, I knew that a strong foundation in education was essential before opening a school. That’s why I pursued and completed another Master’s degree in Education - to ensure that my understanding was not only from a scientific perspective but also grounded in sound pedagogical practice.
For me, a school is not merely an institution; it is a place where the future citizens of India are shaped. My vision has always been to nurture children who are compassionate, caring, and committed to giving back to their community.
And in today’s world, where climate change and ecological degradation are realities our children will inherit, I have made nature-based education a core part of the curriculum. This ensures our students grow with a respect for the environment, a sense of responsibility towards our planet, and the awareness to live in harmony with nature.
Education is more than just books and classrooms; it is about shaping young minds to be curious, compassionate, and culturally rooted individuals. At Sparsh Dharmanagar, we believe in an education system that blends academic learning with hands-on experiences, cultural enrichment, and a deep understanding of the natural world.
Over the past year, Sparsh Dharmanagar has established itself as a vibrant learning space that fosters creativity, independence, and a love for learning. Our approach incorporates Activity-Based Learning (ABL) and Nature-Based Learning (NBL), ensuring that children not only grasp concepts but also experience them in real life.
Celebrating Culture and Traditions
Cultural values are an integral part of our school philosophy. We have celebrated various festivals and events to instil a sense of belonging and appreciation for our roots. Bengali New Year (Nobo Borsho) was an opportunity to introduce students to traditional biodiversity knowledge, such as the importance of neem and turmeric baths for cleansing and the benefits of seasonal foods like drumstick leaves and raw mango lentil soup. Rabindra Jayanti saw our young learners engaging in a "Sit and Draw Rabindranath" activity, exploring the literary giant’s legacy through art.
Our celebration of Mother’s Day was marked by a heartfelt Matri Pujan, where mothers were felicitated with Gamusa, and a special ‘Make a Sweet Dish’ activity brought joy to both children and their mothers. Father’s Day was equally exciting, with children donning moustaches like their fathers and engaging in interactive sessions.
Festivals such as Durga Puja, Diwali, and Makar Sankranti were celebrated with great enthusiasm. Students created floral rangolis, painted diyas, and gifted them to residents of the Prantik old age home, spreading joy beyond the school walls. Through Makar Sankranti, they learned about various traditional Bengali pithas and the significance of ingredients like teel and sungapitha.
Hands-On Learning and Environmental Awareness
Nature-Based Learning (NBL) is a cornerstone of our curriculum, allowing students to connect with the environment in meaningful ways. On World Soil Day, students learned about soil composition by preparing soil mixes and planting marigold flowers, which they nurtured with care. Our ‘Leaf Hunt’ activity encouraged children to explore their surroundings and create beautiful artwork from collected leaves.
Winter brought an exciting ‘Best Out of Waste’ project where students repurposed orange peels to craft mushrooms, reinforcing the value of sustainability. Cooking sessions focused on non-fire recipes, ensuring children learned practical skills while having fun.
Enriching Experiences and Professional Development
Our dedication to holistic education extends to continuous professional development for teachers. Sparsh Dharmanagar educators underwent a week-long CPD program at Sparsh Guwahati, equipping them with modern teaching strategies. Additionally, invited talks enriched our academic environment, including a session by Sudipto Dey on understanding learning challenges in early education and a workshop by Anamika Gupta on Activity-Based Learning.
Unique Policies for a Progressive Learning Environment
Innovation is at the heart of Sparsh Dharmanagar. Our No-Bell Policy replaces the traditional school bell with self-managed time, fostering responsibility and reducing stress among students. The Barrier-Free School approach ensures flexible learning spaces where students can explore subjects beyond rigid classroom structures. Mixed-Age Classrooms, inspired by Montessori principles, allow peer learning and individualized pacing. Additionally, our Hourly SIP-SIP Policy encourages mindful water consumption through engaging activities.
As we step into another year of growth and learning, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to parents, teachers, and students for their unwavering support. Together, we continue to create an environment where young minds flourish, dreams take shape, and learning becomes a joyful journey.
