(The forthcoming book: From the Principal’s Desk – A Journey of Lessons)
Dr. Arun Prakash
Lavanya sat on the balcony of her Bengaluru apartment, sipping her ginger tea. The aroma of freshly bloomed jasmine from the pots around her was soothing, but her mind raced with questions. Her three-year-old daughter Lavi, a bundle of unending energy, was building castles with blocks in the living room. The time had come—Lavi was ready for preschool. But which one? How to choose? Lavanya felt a weight of responsibility on her shoulders. This was not just about finding a school; it was about shaping her daughter’s future.
The Seeds of Determination
Lavanya’s own childhood had been far from ideal. Her parents’ constant arguments and lack of emotional support had left her feeling like a shadow in her own home. It was the dance that had saved her, giving her joy and recognition. But even her passion for dance had been dismissed by her parents. Their solution to everything? Early marriage. Thankfully, Mayank, her husband, had turned out to be a kind and supportive partner. In the bustling chaos of Bengaluru, Lavanya had found her sanctuary—a stable life, and most importantly, Lavi.
As Lavi giggled at her collapsing block tower, Lavanya vowed silently: “I will give her everything I never had—the right start, the freedom to dream, and the tools to thrive.”
The First Steps: A Family Conversation
That evening, Lavanya brought up the topic with Mayank. Over dinner, while Lavi was busy trying to steal an extra piece of mango, she said, “Mayank, we need to decide on Lavi’s school. There are so many options, but I want us to find the one that’s truly right for her.”
Mayank nodded thoughtfully. “You’re right. But how do we figure out what’s best? Should we look for the top-rated schools or something closer to home?”
Lavanya hesitated. “That’s the thing. It’s not about ratings or distance alone. It’s about understanding Lavi—what kind of environment would help her grow. I’ve been reading about child-centric schools and alternative education systems.”
Mayank leaned forward. “Let’s make this a team effort. You’ve been doing all the research; I’ll join you on school visits. We’ll figure it out together.”
Conversations and Observations
Lavanya knew that to choose the right school, she first needed to understand Lavi’s personality better. It wasn’t just about conversations—it was about noticing the little things.
One afternoon, as Lavi was drawing on the floor, Lavanya casually asked, “Lavi, if you could play all day, what would you like to do?”
Lavi grinned, her cheeks dimpled. “I want to tell stories, Amma! Like you do with my animal books.”
Lavanya’s heart swelled. Lavi’s fascination with stories was evident, but this little conversation confirmed it. She made a mental note: a school that emphasized creativity and storytelling might be ideal.
Another day, Lavanya and Lavi went to a park. While other children rushed to the swings and slides, Lavi lingered by a patch of flowers. “Look, Amma, the butterfly is dancing!” she exclaimed, mimicking the butterfly’s fluttering wings. Lavanya knelt beside her and asked, “Do you think the butterfly is happy?”
“Yes, Amma, because it has so many flowers!” Lavi replied.
Lavanya smiled. This love for observing small details and imagining stories around them was a clue. Lavi was naturally curious and imaginative—traits that needed nurturing.
One evening, as Lavanya cooked dinner, Lavi trotted into the kitchen with a question. “Amma, why do onions make you cry?” Lavanya, surprised by the curiosity, turned it into a playful experiment. Together, they peeled onions, sniffed them, and even Googled to find the answer. By the end of it, Lavi announced proudly, “So, it’s the gas! But it’s still funny!” Her giggles echoed in the kitchen.
Lavanya noted how much Lavi enjoyed hands-on learning. She realized that a rigid, desk-bound classroom might not suit her daughter’s exploratory nature.
The Mirambika Inspiration
Lavanya couldn’t help but recall her interactions with the legendary writer Amrita Pritam during her younger years. Amrita Ji had once said, “Mine is a combined family of individuals. We live in one house, but we don’t surrender our identities.” That philosophy of respecting individuality resonated deeply with Lavanya.
Amrita Pritam’s grandchildren had attended the Mirambika school in Delhi. Lavanya had visited the school during her volunteering days and had been mesmerized. The school’s approach, inspired by Sri Aurobindo, was based on three principles:
- “Nothing can be taught”: The learner must discover knowledge.
- “The mind must be consulted in its growth”: Every child grows at their own pace.
- “From near to far”: Learning begins with what is familiar.
She remembered Mirambika’s vibrant classrooms, where children explored without rigid curriculums. Lavanya wished Lavi could experience such freedom. Unfortunately, Mirambika was in Delhi, far from Bengaluru. But she remained inspired by its philosophy.
Expert Advice
Determined to find a similar approach locally, Lavanya set up a meeting with Dr. Meera Narayan, an educationist specializing in early childhood pedagogy.
Dr. Meera smiled as Lavanya explained her concerns. “You’re already on the right track,” she reassured. “Parents often overlook one crucial aspect: listening to the child. Your observations about Lavi’s storytelling, curiosity, and love for hands-on exploration are invaluable. The right school will amplify these traits.”
Mayank chimed in, “But how do we measure that? Schools can be so good at marketing these days.”
Dr. Meera laughed. “True. Ask to observe a class in action. Talk to parents of current students. Schools that genuinely care will have nothing to hide.”
The Maze of Choices
Lavanya and Mayank began their visits. They toured schools that boasted sprawling campuses, international affiliations, and even swimming pools for toddlers. Some schools had glossy brochures with long lists of achievements, while others emphasized academic rigor from day one.
At one particularly elite school, Lavanya was struck by the sight of young children hunched over desks, filling out worksheets. “Is this what we want for Lavi?” she whispered to Mayank.
“Definitely not,” he replied. “She’s too young for this kind of pressure.”
They were beginning to see a pattern. Many schools catered more to the parental ego than to the child’s actual needs.
A Lightbulb Moment
One evening, after yet another school visit, Lavanya watched Lavi trying to balance on a stool while placing a book on a shelf. Mayank steadied the stool while Lavi giggled, “I can do it, Papa!”
The scene made Lavanya realize something crucial. “Mayank, what we’re looking for is a place that lets her try, stumble, and find her balance—just like she’s doing now. We need a school that nurtures this spirit, not stifles it.”
The Final Choice and Reflection
After weeks of exploration, Lavanya and Mayank found a school that resonated with their philosophy. It wasn’t the most famous or the most expensive, but it celebrated individuality. The classrooms were filled with art projects and storytelling corners. Teachers spoke to children at eye level, encouraging their curiosity. There was no rush to achieve; the focus was on learning through play and exploration.
As Lavanya filled out Lavi’s enrollment form, she reflected on the journey. It had taught her invaluable lessons. Turning to Mayank, she said, “I’ve realized something. Choosing the right school isn’t about rankings or proximity. It’s about understanding your child—what they love, what excites them, what makes them laugh—and finding a place that amplifies that.”
She paused and added, “Parents often forget that schools aren’t just about academics. We need to look beyond the glitter and ask: will this school nurture my child’s curiosity? Will it allow them to fail and rise again? Will it respect their individuality?”
That evening, as the family sat down to dinner, Mayank raised a toast with Lavi’s milk cup. “To Lavi’s new adventure!” he said.
Lavi giggled, not fully understanding but happy to be part of the celebration. For Lavanya, it wasn’t just about choosing a school—it was about choosing a journey of growth, love, and learning. And in her heart, she knew this was the start of something beautiful.