DEHRADUN : A number of organisations in the hills are involved in inculcating the love for nature, wildlife and the arts among children along with providing education in a residential set up, all free of cost.Volunteers of these organisations which include among others Shanti Ashram in Kausani, Space for Nurturing Creativity in Rudraprayag and Uttarakhand Jan Jagriti Sansthan in Khadi near Rishikesh teach children about the basics of organic farming, expose them to various forms of wildlife and encourage them to observe and understand nature and hone their skills. These activities are conducted at nominal fee or free of cost. The aim, say volunteers, is to encourage children to observe the world around them in a more informed manner and develop their inherent skills and interests.Basanti Bahan, member of Shanti Ashram who was the force behind conservation of Kosi river valley, forming hundreds of self help groups of women in villages and strengthening the Panchayati system told TOI, “Our ashram make our girls self independent and strong individuals. While studying inside the ashram premises, they learn about Gandhian philosophy. They go out into the villages and participate in the rural community activities, something which Mahatma Gandhi always laid focus on . They learn about the intricacies of biodiversity, conservation of our forests and water resources.”Archana Bahuguna , head of Space for Nurturing Creativity organisation in Khumera village of Rudraprayag said, “I don’t believe in the school system where all the children are made to go through the same syllabus and emphasis is given on scoring marks. Here we teach children different subjects such as science or maths by practically doing things in the field. They are not made to sit in exams till class X. The children are taken to different states of the country on one month’s vacation where they are facilitated exposure on various facets of life.”She said, children are made to learn things as per their choice which include yoga, pottery making , classic vocal and instrumental music. It was a couple of month ago, the children also conducted a survey on the harmful impacts of bombing and tunneling to set up a hydro-power project by going to each households in the nearby villages.Aranya Ranjan who runs Uttarakhand Jan Jagriti Sansthan organization in Khadi village said that the children studying in the premises gain knowledge about the environment by going into the nearby forest and, also spending time in agrarian field, thus learning about soil, water, plant and thus the whole biodiversity. “Children enjoy learning as there is no class-room or set uniform or study pattern but an easy environment to learn things through conversation, song and dance , pictures and story telling.

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