Integral Education and Experiential Science Workshop
1-7 December 2024

The Delhi Branch of Sri Aurobindo Ashram organized a 7-day workshop on Integral Education and Experiential Science, designed for 26 rural and underprivileged school teachers. These participants represented 16 rural schools from various regions, including Telangana (School 2, teacher 3), Odisha (School 4, teacher 6), West Bengal (School 5, teacher 10), Assam (School 3, teacher 4), Maharashtra (school 1, teacher 1) and Leh (School 1, teacher 2).

Tara Didi, the Sri Aurobindo Ashram-Delhi Branch Chairperson, and Dr. Aparna Roy inaugurated the workshop. The ceremony began with the lighting of a Diya before the images of The Mother and Sri Aurobindo, symbolizing the divine presence and guidance throughout the program. Tara Didi addressed the participants, emphasizing the importance of discipline in personal and professional life, setting the tone for the entire workshop.

The workshop effectively integrated both theoretical and experiential learning. Dr. Aparna Roy led insightful theory sessions on the life of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, as well as on the philosophy of Integral Education. These sessions provided a strong intellectual foundation for the participants. The practical experiences, which took place throughout the day, were centered around various hands-on activities, particularly in the realm of science, which contributed to the development of the mind. However, the majority of the time was devoted to experiential activities, allowing participants to fully engage with and immerse themselves in the practical application of Integral Education principles. This balanced approach ensured a holistic learning experience.

Yogasanas by Anuradha and Basanti provided physical and mental relaxation, while sports and games designed by the Hira promoted creativity and teamwork. The workshop also integrated daily meditation sessions, each lasting 30 minutes, which helped participants cultivate peace and calmness. Additionally, the teachers participated in 45 minutes of Shramdaan (community service) every day, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and community engagement.

After the workshop, each participant received a certificate of participation, a set of books, and a set of science equipment, supporting their ongoing personal and professional development.

The majority of the time, approximately 6 hours each day, was dedicated to experiential science activities. These activities included exploring the universe, solar system, and observing the night sky through telescopes, guided by Baren Raul and Harshit. Additionally, Mahak and Bhargav led numerous hands-on experiments and model-making activities in physics, chemistry, and biology, allowing participants to grasp complex scientific concepts in a practical, engaging manner. This immersive approach not only deepened their understanding but also fostered a strong connection to the material through active participation.

As part of the cultural experience, the participants enjoyed a Delhi Darshan tour, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Qutub Minar, India Gate, Science Center and Akshardham Temple, which enriched their understanding of India's heritage and spirituality.

Overall, the workshop successfully integrated the principles of Integral Education with practical exercises that nurtured the overall growth of the participants, empowering them to return to their schools with a deeper understanding of holistic education and physical fitness.