The story of Shikshantar - By Minoti Didi - Kindergarten

Celebrating Shikshantar’s journey on its 22nd birthday, Minoti didi interacted with children in Kindergarten, sharing the story of ‘Shikshantar’. She took the children through an inspiring and engaging story of how the idea of Shikshantar came to the three friends - Minoti didi, Sanjay bhaiya & Sunil bhaiya.

Through her storytelling, Minoti Didi wove a connection to her own experiences such as her visits to Shantiniketan. She also shared the significance of the tree (Alstonia) in the logo that still lives on and we call it ‘The Shikshantar tree’. Her decision to build a school with plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces for the children to explore came under the shade of this tree, a personal touch that resonated with the children.

After listening to the story attentively, the children were filled with curiosity and enthusiasm, revealed through the questions they then asked. “Shikshantar mein sabse pehle kya bana tha?”, “Kya fish pond ko aur bada kar sakte hain?” These questions were answered with great care by Minoti Didi. When asked by the children about the time Vanar Vatika was built, she shared that it was made later to provide a challenge to the children and another space for their creativity to flourish.

This was a wonderful way of celebrating Shikshantar’s legacy! The take away for the children was a deep appreciation for their surroundings and encouraged them to think critically about their environment. It also enabled the children to understand the roots of their learning space.

Her reflections on joy, peace, and the beauty of nature are powerful sentiments that will stay with the children as they explore their own learning journeys.