Pic: Abhilash Matlapudi
Pic: Abhilash Matlapudi
A new school initiative is in the offing in Whitefield. Troubled by huge hikes in school fees, a few Whitefield parents under the name Citizens Gurukul have decided to setup a school. An account of their recent event by founder trustee Abhilash Matlapudi.
When we have good intentions and stay committed, everything will fall in place. This was proven once again, during our 1st-ever Symposium event. We got speakers/panelists, venue, volunteers and required support to pull off a public event like this.
It was a pleasant Saturday morning where about 50 parents predominantly from Whitefield and even from farther parts of Bengaluru attended our symposium on “redefining education”. The event started with our inhouse MC Hiranya Kudva welcoming guests, speakers/panelists followed by brief introduction of the initiative by our founder trustee Abhilash Matlapudi.
Our guest speaker, Preethi Vikram made a key note presentation on development of kids at home and incorporation of leadership in early education and bring innovative thinking. This was followed by panel discussion with academic experts Usha Mohan, Preethi Vikram, Gayathri Vamsi, Sumedha Rao, Citizens Gurukul founder trustees Ashok Kinha, Shameer Mohammed, Arun Kumar S and parents. The panel discussed the challenges in education system where the experts highlighted how ancient Gurukul education was more advanced than the Finland education, how technology is an enabler than an impediment, using play as teaching method, envisioning the future for being future ready.
This was followed by another key presentaiton from Aruna C Anandkumar on Living values education program followed by presentation from Citizens Gurukul founder trustees Jai Prakash Nethala, Suprabhat Mohapatra, Keshav Joshi on pain points on today’s education system, journey of Citizens Gurukul Trust initiative and its vision and mission, how we are different, types of schools/curriculums, our target roadmap, cost model to start a school followed by Q&A session and National Anthem.
Aswin Subramanian from Aacharyaa Music and Arts Conservatory engaged audience with his lively music without expecting any compensation for this truly citizen initiative. One important note about this event is, we got the venue The Whitefield Club for a discounted price, and borrowed projector from an IT company. We also borrowed cutlery at discounted rates from Rent-A-Cutlery making it almost zero waste event. No flex banners were used.
Video/ photography was done by our trustee Manjunath OK. The event was supported by our other trustees Sonia Saneja, Rajashekhar S Raju, Dipankar Khasnabish, Basu Chandrasekhar and other trustees/volunteers. This level of participation will be what will make us deliver higher value than existing schools.
Please share your feedback on the event/initiative!
Note: This is a press note sent by Citizens Gurukul team, and published here with minimal edits, under message forward section meant for nonprofits.
Related Articles
Will school bus safety rules make life better for kids?
Should schools push children to eat healthy?
BBMP schools producing a miserable 33% SSLC passes, here’s why
Government Schools for Daughters, Private Schools for Sons
Private schools should follow school safety guidelines and protect kids: Govt