Empowering Future Generations: Cultivating Environmental Awareness in Students from an Early Age

Hyderabad: H.E. Rev. Hon. Patricia Scotland, the Secretary General of Commonwealth Nations, visited the Heartfulness International School at Kanha Shanti Vanam during a special event focused on sustainability in education. Accompanied by Ms. Anna Rajkumar, the school’s principal, she toured the campus, which is dedicated to teaching students about environmental awareness from a young age.

Ms. Scotland was impressed by how the school encourages children to become future leaders in sustainability while also providing a strong academic foundation. During her visit, the students welcomed her with traditional Sanskrit chants and performed diverse dances from Gujarat and Kenya, showcasing their rich cultural heritage.

Speaking about the importance of early environmental education, Ms. Scotland said, “Introducing sustainability concepts to children at a young age shapes them into lifelong guardians of our planet.” She praised Heartfulness International School for its practical approach to teaching sustainability in classrooms.

Ms. Rajkumar highlighted the school’s commitment to Sanskrit, saying, “We strive to develop grounded leaders who learn valuable lessons from the Sanskrit language. This not only unites our students but also improves their clarity of thought.” Additionally, students engage in journaling activities to observe and document their experiments with plants and the environment.

The Heartfulness International School stands out for its sustainable infrastructure and its focus on environmental values. Students learn through innovative projects like AgriTecture, Hydroponics, Nature Farming, and Microgreen Labs, allowing them to apply scientific methods to real-world sustainability challenges. The curriculum incorporates global sustainability efforts, emphasizing the urgent need to address climate change.

By fostering future leaders who understand the importance of environmental stewardship, the school partners with organizations like the Ministry of Education (Government of India), the United Nations, ICRISAT, AICTE, and ICAR to further enhance its educational mission.