Contributed By: Kavita Kerawalla, Vice-Chairperson, VIBGYOR Group of Schools
More than a century ago, visionaries like Maria Montessori and Rabindranath Tagore reimagined what education could be. Montessori believed children learn best through exploration and sensory experiences, while Tagore saw education as a way to nurture creativity, harmony with nature, and moral consciousness. Their ideas, once seen as idealistic, are now finding resonance in modern classrooms, where the focus is gradually shifting from just academic scores to nurturing the whole child.
At the very core of this shift lies a simple but powerful belief: education should be about the whole child. In today’s world, apart from knowledge, students also need mental strength, kindness, and the ability to emotionally connect with each other. Holistic education enables this by nurturing every aspect of a child’s growth, while values-based learning gently anchors this journey in ethics, empathy, and social responsibility for students.
1. Social-Emotional Learning at the Forefront
More schools are beginning to recognise that emotional intelligence is as important as intellectual achievement. Social-emotional learning (SEL) helps children manage emotions, build strong relationships and make thoughtful decisions. Practices like mindfulness, wellness check-ins, and emotional literacy sessions are being woven into daily routines. The result? Children who are not just academically prepared but also emotionally grounded.
2. Integrating Values Across the Curriculum
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has given a strong push to embedding values in education, not as a separate subject, but as something that lives in every interaction, activity, and classroom discussion. Today’s schools are helping children grow up with a deeper respect for diversity, a sense of fairness, and an understanding of their role in society. It’s not just about creating responsible students, but well-rounded and mindful individuals.
3. Learning by Doing: Experiential and Project-Based Approaches
Children learn best when they’re actively involved, and education is increasingly embracing this truth. Instead of relying on rote memorisation, students are encouraged to dive into real-world challenges, collaborate on projects and contribute to their communities. This hands-on approach nurtures creativity, critical thinking and a sense of belonging, preparing children to be engaged citizens who care about the world they live in.
4. Rethinking Assessment
The way we measure learning is evolving, too. Holistic education recognises that a child’s growth cannot be fully captured by test scores alone. Teachers are now looking at the broader picture — how students handle emotions, work in teams, lead with kindness and make ethical choices. This view helps children see their unique strengths and fosters a love for learning that goes beyond grades.
5. Emphasising Mental Health and Student Well-being
Mental health is finally taking the place it deserves in education. Schools are creating nurturing environments where children feel safe to express themselves, manage stress and support one another. Programmes focused on self-awareness and peer connection are becoming everyday parts of school life. Because when a child’s mind is healthy, learning naturally flourishes.
6. Preparing Students to Engage with Global Issues
As children grow up in a world grappling with climate change, inequality and digital overexposure, they need more than just textbook knowledge. Values-based learning equips them with the tools to engage thoughtfully with these issues. It also fosters a sense of responsibility, not just as future professionals, but as global citizens.
7. Personalised Learning for Individual Growth
Every child is unique, and education is beginning to reflect that truth. With support from the NEP, schools are offering personalised learning journeys that respect different interests, paces and styles. This approach invites each student to blossom in their own way, encouraging them to find a deeper connection to their passion, learning and self-discovery.
Conclusion
Holistic education and values-based learning are not just educational trends—they’re a heartfelt reimagining of what it means to nurture young minds and hearts. As schools embrace this approach, they are helping to shape students into socially conscious individuals who are ready to navigate our ever-changing world.
