Welcome to my incredible journey through India in the summer of 2023! I traveled all by myself to explore the diverse educational landscape of this vibrant country and had the privilege of visiting schools that catered to the unique needs of different student communities. From a school dedicated to helping physically and mentally challenged children, to an institution focused on supporting dyslexic learners, and even a modern Vedic school, my tour opened my eyes to the remarkable educational initiatives shaping young minds across India.

In addition to these enlightening experiences, I also had the extraordinary opportunity to interview two teachers from a Krishnamurti Foundation School, adding an even deeper dimension to my exploration.

But my adventure didn't stop there. In a powerful meeting, I had the honor of engaging with an NGO, the Society for Rights of All Women with Disabilities, which is an inspiring organization that champions the empowerment of women with disabilities all across Tamil Nadu. With getting a chance to meet over 20 members of the organization and an incredible leadership team, the discussions we had were both eye-opening and transformative, focusing on the of members abilities rather than their disabilities.

Join me as I share the meaningful experiences, heartwarming encounters, and invaluable insights gained from my immersive journey into the educational and social landscapes of India. Together, let's celebrate the spirit of inclusivity, empowerment, and the remarkable individuals dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.

I would also like to thank my grandfather, Sundaram Subharatnam, and his sister, Kalyani Chandramouli, for making this all possible.

Tour Stops

Visiting Shrutiram Gurukulam Vedic School

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Avvai Academy's School For The Physically And Mentally Challenged Children

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Visiting The School KFI And Interviewing Janani And Meera (Two Educators Who Teach At The School KFI)

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Visiting The Diksa Learning Center For Dyslexic Children

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Meeting With Society For Rights Of All Women With Disabilities (SFRAWD)

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07/08/23 - Meeting With Society For Rights Of All Women With Disabilities (SFRAWD)

I had the privilege of meeting with 20 remarkable members from the Society for Rights of All Women with Disabilities (SFRAWD). This incredible organization, boasting over 50,000 strong members with the main focus of empowering women with disabilities to achieve their rights in Tamil Nadu, generously granted me the opportunity to engage with a select group of over 20 individuals. Joined by Arunadevi, the founder of SFRAWD, we commenced the meeting with a brief introduction. I made it clear from the start that the purpose of our gathering was to celebrate their remarkable abilities, rather than focus on their disabilities.

One by one, each participant took the stage, introducing themselves and sharing their respective professions. What followed was a remarkable display of talent and creativity as they presented their astonishing works—beautifully crafted bags, captivating paintings, intricate crafts, and much more. Witnessing their abilities firsthand left me fascinated with their work. I was taken shocked by the level of talent and skill they possessed, a reminder that greatness knows no boundaries or limitations. It was a completely new experience for those present that someone of my age would be genuinely captivated by their endeavors and would be interested in meeting them. With great enthusiasm, the members of the Society for Rights of All Women with Disabilities (SFRAWD) expressed their desire for me to capture photographs of them alongside their exceptional creations. Recognizing the importance of showcasing the talents and abilities of women with disabilities, I wholeheartedly agreed to their request.

As the presentations concluded, we exchanged ideas, creating an atmosphere of collaboration and growth. The collective wisdom and unique perspectives shared by each member contributed to an enriching and meaningful discussion. I was genuinely touched by their openness and willingness to share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations.

To demonstrate my heartfelt support for SFRAWD's cause, I took the opportunity to engage in a conversation with the organization's leaders. I got to know about how they promote the rights and abilities of women with disabilities.

This encounter with SFRAWD and its remarkable members left a permanent mark on me. It served as a reminder that disability does not define a person, but rather their abilities, resilience, and the remarkable contributions they make to society. I am honored to have met these inspiring individuals and to have had the chance to share their stories. Through collaboration and unwavering support, we can work together to create a world that values and embraces the talents and potential of every individual regardless of their circumstances.

Click here to learn more about the Society For Rights Of All Women With Disabilities (SFRAWD):

https://www.sfrawd.com

Image Caption: Captions will be shown below all images.

07/05/23 - Visiting The Diksa Learning Center For Dyslexic Children

Step into the world of The Diksa Learning Center, a transformative school dedicated to empowering dyslexic children and developing their academic growth. When I first walked in, I was invited to observe a one-on-one session with a student who was about the same age as me. The student's task was to write down passages from a book while the teacher, Sudha, read it aloud. As I observed, I could see the difficulties this person, who was similar in age to me, faced while struggling with even the simplest words.

Curiosity prompted me to talk to Sudha and inquire about whether the student applied proper punctuation when copying down the passages. Sudha responded that they are still grappling with spelling and emphasized that one must master spelling these simple words before progressing to grammar. This exchange shed light on the challenges dyslexic individuals encounter in their educational journey.

Furthermore, I had the opportunity to meet two other teachers, Anuradha and Namagiri, who shared their experiences working with dyslexic children. They discussed the social, emotional, and academic struggles these students face on a daily basis. This resonated with me deeply, as I have friends with dyslexia and have also worked with students in math who have faced similar difficulties.

By observing the 1-on-1 session and engaging with the dedicated teachers at The Diksa Learning Center, I gained an understanding of the obstacles dyslexic children encounter in their educational pursuits. It reinforced the importance of providing support, patience, and tailored learning strategies to help these students overcome their challenges and thrive academically and socially.

Click here to learn more about The Diksa Learning Center For Dyslexic Children:

https://diksa.co.in

Image Caption: Vedh stands proudly next to Sudha, Anuradha, and Namagiri, who are all educators at The Diksa Learning Center.

07/04/23 - Visiting The School KFI And Interviewing Janani And Meera (Two Educators Who Teach At The School KFI)

In respect of privacy to The School KFI and the Krishnamurti Foundation, no photos were taken during this interview and visit.

These questions were answered by both Janani and Meera, educators at The School KFI, with credit to Sundaram Subbharatnam for summarizing their responses.

Listed below are the questions I asked the educators in the interview and their responses:

The School KFI Interview - Vedh Krishnan

Click on this link to learn more about The School KFI:

https://www.theschoolkfi.org

07/03/23 - Visiting Avvai Academy's School For The Physically And Mentally Challenged Children

Avvai Academy, a well-known social cultural organization in North Chennai, has recently expanded its services to include a school for physically and mentally challenged children. During my visit, I had the pleasure of meeting Sivaprakash, the manager, who showed me around. The activities and programs I witnessed were truly inspiring, aimed at preparing these children for real-world jobs. Let's dive into the wonderful work being done at Avvai Academy.

Avvai Academy creates a nurturing and inclusive environment for special needs children. The ages of these children ranges from pre-school to late teens and the skills imparted are suited for their age. Their dedicated school provides tailored education to meet the unique needs of these children, ensuring they receive equal opportunities for growth and development.

I was amazed by the variety of activities available for the children. They engaged in tasks like identifying letters, numerals, and mobility exercises such as opening and closing jars. These activities promote cognitive and physical skills, preparing them for future challenges.

One of the standout activities was running a pretend store, designed for older children. Through this role-playing exercise, they gain practical skills like inventory management and teamwork, helping them transition into the real world and potential job opportunities.

Avvai Academy's dedication to empowering special needs children is admirable. By providing a supportive environment, engaging activities, and promoting community involvement, they are preparing these children for a brighter future. Their work serves as an inspiration for creating an inclusive society where every child can thrive.

Image Caption: Vedh, standing next to Sivaprakash, the manager of Avvai Academy, in one of the school facilities.

06/20/23 - Visiting Shrutiram Gurukulam

I had the pleasure of visiting Shrutiram Gurukulam, a modern Vedic school situated on the outskirts of Bangalore, and I simply had to share my wonderful experience! This remarkable visit came highly recommended by my grandfather.

During my time there, I had the opportunity to engage in a nice conversation with one of the students. This particular student, of Indian descent but born and raised in the United States, made the decision to return to India with their family nine years ago. Together, we discussed our respective encounters with the U.S. education system and the enriching experience offered at Shrutiram Gurukulam.

You might be surprised to learn that Shrutiram Gurukulam offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes Math, Science, and English. I had the chance to delve deeper into their math curriculum, and let me tell you, it's not about Vedic mathematics as one might assume. I was absolutely shocked to discover that they also have an impressive calculus program that's on par with the renowned AP Calculus BC curriculum. It's truly impressive!

What impressed me even more was the exceptional performance of the students in standardized tests. They even take the SAT and excel in both the English and Math sections, earning them acceptance into numerous American universities. It's truly remarkable to witness the achievements of these bright minds.

While the campus may not be huge, it is the brilliance of the students that truly sets Shrutiram Gurukulam apart. The dedication and intellectual skills exhibited by the students are simply inspiring.

For those seeking an extraordinary educational experience that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, I highly recommend visiting Shrutiram Gurukulam. It is a place where academic excellence flourishes, leaving a lasting impact on all who pass through its doors.

Click on this link to learn more about Shrutiram Gurukulam:

https://www.facebook.com/ShrutiRamGurukulam/

Image Caption: Vedh, standing confidently outside the beautiful Shrutiram Gurukulam campus, immersed in the peaceful surroundings.

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