Living In Harmony With Compassion: RP Devgan

What is Education?

Mr. Arthur E Foot, the first Head Master of The Doon School in 1935, explained education as follows:

If, at the time of graduating from school, the student cannot differentiate between what is right and what is wrong, they have had no education.

In today's world, where children chase success and marks, they tend to forget the very basics of education, which are human values and being good human beings.

Success comes to those who are kind and compassionate. We need to be considerate and respectful of our peers and the people around us. We often tend to be very selfish and only care for ourselves. Our first service should be to the community. We need to be grateful for what we have. Very often, gratitude is missing, and we end up complaining about everyone and everything.

I feel there is no excuse for rudeness or obnoxious behaviour; there is no need to insult or shout at others.

One must learn to be tolerant and respect the opinions of others. We live in a secular society, and we must have the patience and understanding to respect the culture and beliefs of everyone. Just because others' opinions and beliefs don't match ours, there is no need to be aggressive or intolerant. For example, a person who is a vegetarian is no better or worse than a non-vegetarian. Diversity is our country's strength, and we are proud of it—something we have always been proud of.

Achievements in academics, games and extra curricular activities are very important but just as important is being kind and generous to others. To live in harmony inspite of all our differences we may have in our cultures, religious beliefs and eating habits.

Our present situation can be summed up by taking the metaphor from the Piano:

You can make music with the white keys, and you can make music with the black keys, but to make music in complete harmony you need the black and the white keys.

RP Devgan is the Chairman of Learning Forward India, a long-serving teacher, and the head of schools worldwide.

Learn Like Sherlock: Priming Your Brain for Smarter Learning

In the world of detective fiction, Sherlock Holmes never walks into a room aimlessly. He enters with a clear goal, scans for clues, and deduces what matters. In doing so, Holmes is priming the case—just as learners should prime their brains before diving into a complex problem.

Solve the Case: Accounting Problem

Step 1: Prime Your Brain – Set the Case

Before diving into the passage, read the question at the end first.

“Prepare Profit and Loss Appropriation Account and Partners' Capital and Current Accounts.”   

That’s your case summary.

Just like Holmes asking, “What am I solving?”, you are now telling your brain:

➢ Recall the formats.

➢ Focus on data relevant to P&L Appropriation, Capital, and Current Accounts

Your brain is now primed—alert, focused, and ready to pick out what matters.

Step 2: Scan the Clues

Skim the passage like a detective scans a crime scene.
What are your clues?

• Capital & Current Balances
• Salary to Varun: ₹5,000 × 12 = ₹60,000
• Commission to Vivek: ₹30,000
• Interest on Capital @ 8%
• Interest on Drawings @ 6%
• Drawings pattern for each partner
• Net Profit: ₹1,20,000

Your primed brain now starts highlighting , categorizing, and organizing information—automatically.

Step 3: Piece Together the Timeline

• Start with the Profit and Loss Appropriation Account
 - Debit side: Varun’s Salary, Vivek’s Commission, Interest on Capital
 - Credit side: Net Profit
• Use this to calculate their final profit share
• Adjust Current A/cs for all income and drawings
• Update Capital A/cs with opening balances and final figures

Outcome: What Changes?

• Reduced mind-wandering
• Focused search
• Improved attention
• Higher accuracy
• Structured thinking

Sherlock Holmes: “Elementary, my dear Watson — the case is solved!”
“It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data.”

That’s exactly why priming works.

It tells your brain what data matters- before it begins. 

Learning strategy draws inspiration from the book Productive Failure by Manu Kapur.

Merging Forward and Backwards Thinking in Education

Institutions are created with a bigger purpose. And it must serve a transformative purpose. But how. It should follow a comprehensive approach - Merging Forward and Backwards Thinking in Education.

Backwards Thinking: Start with the Nation, End with the Child

• Start with Nation: What Citizens Do We Want?

The first step is to envision the kind of citizens the nation needs to be. What skills, values, and character traits should they possess to contribute to the nation's goals, whether it be economic growth, technological advancement, social harmony, or sustainability? 

• Move to Society: What Role Will Citizens Play?

Once we have a clear vision of the ideal citizen, we then consider how these individuals will serve society. Education must equip students not only with academic knowledge but also with social responsibility, community service, and civic engagement. 

• Design the School: How Will Education Foster These Goals?

The next step is to design an educational system that supports these larger societal and national visions. Schools must foster an environment that nurtures intellectual, emotional, and social development. 

• End with the Child: Tailoring Education to the Individual

Finally, backwards thinking brings the focus to the child. The educational system should be designed to cater to the diverse needs of students, ensuring that each child receives the tools, skills, and knowledge needed to thrive in the world. 

Forward Thinking: Start with the Child, End with the Nation 

• Start with the Child: Equip for Real-World Challenges

Schools must prepare students not just academically but also for the challenges they will face in society.  This includes developing critical skills like adaptability, communication, and collaboration. 

• Move to the School: Implementing the Framework

Once students are equipped with the right mindset and skills, the school must adapt its curriculum to meet future needs, embracing innovative teaching practices, and ensure that schools provide an inclusive environment where students can thrive. 

• Focus on Society: Preparing Students to Contribute

Schools must engage students in community service, global citizenship, and projects that address local and international challenges, ensuring that they are not only ready to succeed but also to make meaningful contributions to the world.

• End with the Nation: Building a Workforce for the Future

The final goal of forward-thinking is to ensure that students are prepared to contribute to the nation's future success. 

To conclude, an institution must adopt an integrated approach that combines backward thinking (planning) and forward thinking (implementation), placing the child at the centre. As Shomie Das, the man who saw tomorrow, said, the meaning of education can be summed up in five words: the child at the centre, whether you look backwards or forward.

Transforming Schools: Smart Teachers vs. Technology

 

Meeting Summary

Purpose:

To explore the significance of smart teachers over smart classrooms in enhancing learning outcomes, and to introduce new reading materials for upcoming sessions.

Key Highlights

• Smart teachers play a more pivotal role than smart classrooms in practical education.

• The group will begin reading "What Did You Ask at School Today?" by Kamala Mukunda.

• Future sessions will open with reflective stories from Rumi, setting a thoughtful tone.

• Participants are encouraged to invite fellow educators, students, and community members to join the initiative.

Discussion Points

Smart Teachers vs. Smart Classrooms

• Technology enhances learning, but it cannot replace the impact of skilled, passionate educators.

• Effective teaching thrives on creativity, even in modest environments with minimal tech.

• Investment in human resources—allocating over 60% of school operational budgets to teacher salaries—is essential.

• Empowering teachers leads to better student engagement and deeper learning.

Traits of Exceptional Teachers

• Deep humility and a lifelong learning mindset.

• Strong desire to inspire and support student growth.

• Continual effort to innovate and improve classroom experiences.

My Good School Curriculum

• Prioritises personal and social development alongside academics.

• Emphasises 10 core attributes, including:

  • Identity formation

  • Decision-making

  • Communication and employability skills

  • Citizenship and environmental responsibility

• Encourages balanced focus on service, skill, sport, and study.

Upcoming Reading Plan

• Main Book: "What Did You Ask at School Today?" by Kamala Mukunda

  • Topics include brain function, learning, memory, motivation, child and moral development, and more.

• Reflection Pieces: Stories from "The Book of Rumi" to be shared at the beginning of each session.

Next Steps

• Begin reading "What Did You Ask at School Today?" in preparation for the next session.

• Begin each meeting with a story from The Book Of Rumi 105 Stories And Fables, for reflection and discussion.

• Encourage broader participation by inviting teachers, students, parents, and community members to join.

• Join the upcoming Sunday session on communication skills featuring guest speaker Mr. Kartik.

We'd love to hear your reflections and key takeaways from today's session! Please share them with us at mk@learningforward.org.in.

Leadership, Governance and Decision Making at School

🎯 Meeting Purpose

To explore school leadership and governance through key concepts from My Good School, with a focus on decision-making and stakeholder engagement.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Decision-making is a vital life skill and a core educational outcome, promoting growth and thoughtful risk-taking.

• Effective school leadership requires active participation from all stakeholders, including board members, staff, students, parents, and the broader community.

• High-performing schools emphasise student-centric learning, strong academic and emotional foundations, community engagement, and inclusive practices.

🧠 Topics Covered

🧭 Decision-Making in Education

• Essential for students' personal and academic development.

• Encourages self-awareness, focus, and reflection amid distractions.

• Strengthened through practical experiences and embracing risk.

• Involves thoughtful evaluation of consequences, influencing future choices.

🏫 School Governance and Leadership

• Good governance sets exceptional schools apart from average ones.

• Inclusive boards with alumni, community members, and professionals add valuable perspectives.

• Transparency, trust, and strong stakeholder relationships are key.

• School Management Committees (SMCs) enhance decentralised, participative governance.

• Teachers play a leadership role beyond the classroom.

🤝 Stakeholder Engagement in Schools

• PTAs foster collaborative relationships for student development.

• Student participation in clubs and creative outlets builds leadership and responsibility.

• Alumni associations sustain institutional ties and offer mentorship or support.

• Community partnerships enhance a school's social footprint and reputation.

🌟 Characteristics of Good Schools

• Student-first approach

• Strong academic and life-skill foundation

• Supportive, engaging learning environments

• Passionate and skilled teachers

• Active parent and community involvement

• Emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and belonging

• Strong leadership at every level

📚 Next Steps

• Read the chapter "Smart Teachers Make Smart Classes" before the next session.

• Reflect on the conclusion: "My Good School: Where Passion Meets Education."

• Review shared articles and video resources.

• Consider the distinction between instruction-based vs. direction-based leadership in your school context.

✨ We'd love to hear your reflections! Please share your key takeaways from the session by commenting below our post or emailing them to mk@learningforward.org.in. Your insights help enrich our collective learning experience.

Exploring Journeys Through Art, Poetry, and Music

 Meeting Purpose

To explore the theme of "Journeys" through creative lenses, including poetry, art, and music.

Key Takeaways

• Creative works can reflect literal and metaphorical journeys.

• Technical skill enhances, but shouldn't suppress, artistic creativity.

• Primitivism values raw, simple forms in both visual and musical expressions.

Discussion Highlights

Poetry on Journeys
Brinda Ghosh shared three impactful poems:

• "Roads go ever on" by J.R.R. Tolkien – Blends physical and metaphorical travel.

• "The Journey" by Mary Oliver explores themes of self-discovery and personal transformation.

• "Night Drive" by Seamus Heaney – A physical journey that evokes emotional reflection.

Art Composition Techniques
Mr. Ghosh emphasised:

• The importance of fitting the subject harmoniously within the frame.

• Avoiding awkward edge cuts and balancing negative space.

• Creating unified, intentional compositions.

Primitivism in Art and Music
Jatin Soni introduced primitivism:

• Celebrates unsophisticated, elemental styles.

• Influences: Picasso, Rousseau (visual); Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring (musical).

• Characteristics include rhythmic emphasis and inspiration from tribal motifs.

Next Steps

• Continue exploring "Journeys" in upcoming sessions.

• Invite broader participation.

• Potential summer break next week due to vacations.

Please share your takeaway, such as a composed poem, artwork, or musical reflection, at mk@learningforward.org.in. Creativity has the power to bring people together, spark meaningful conversations, and energise us with fresh perspectives.