Secretary General of Commonwealth Nations, Patricia Scotland, recently visited Heartfulness International School in Hyderabad, where she emphasized the importance of instilling environmental consciousness in students at an early age.
A Sustainable Focus for Future Leaders
On February 17, 2025, Patricia Scotland visited the Heartfulness International School at Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad, as part of the two-day ‘Sustainability in Classroom’ initiative. The event, hosted by Heartfulness Institute, highlights the school’s commitment to training students to think critically about sustainability and environmental issues from an early age.
The visit, which was accompanied by Anna Rajkumar, the principal of Heartfulness International School, included a guided tour of the campus, known for its strong emphasis on sustainability. The school integrates the principles of environmental awareness into its curriculum, ensuring students understand the impact of their actions on the planet.
“When children are exposed to sustainability concepts at an impressionable age, it stays with them for a lifetime,” Patricia Scotland remarked during her visit. She added that teaching kids about sustainability at a young age shapes them into leaders capable of addressing the challenges of the future.
Heartfulness International School’s Unique Approach to Sustainability
Heartfulness International School stands out for its commitment to sustainability in education. The school fosters a learning environment where students not only acquire knowledge but also understand the significance of their role in preserving the environment.
- The campus itself is built with eco-friendly practices in mind, ensuring energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water conservation.
- Teachers focus on imparting lessons related to sustainable living, environmental science, and climate change.
- The students participate in hands-on activities designed to instill values of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
These initiatives form the core of the school’s educational framework, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to preparing the next generation for leadership in the fight against climate change.
Connecting Tradition with Innovation: Sanskrit’s Role in Modern Education
During the visit, Scotland also interacted with students, who welcomed her with traditional Sanskrit shlokas. The primary students performed diverse dance forms, including Gujarati and Kenyan styles, reflecting the cultural inclusivity of the school.
Anna Rajkumar, the school principal, spoke about the importance of Sanskrit in contemporary education. She highlighted how the school integrates Sanskrit not just as a language, but as a tool for teaching values that are crucial for future leaders. According to Rajkumar, “We aim to produce grounded leaders who learn values through a treasure trove of Sanskrit language.”
This unique blend of sustainability and tradition sets the Heartfulness International School apart, aligning global environmental goals with the deep-rooted cultural values of India.
The Global Vision for a Greener Future
Patricia Scotland’s visit underscores the growing importance of sustainability in education worldwide. As the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Nations, Scotland continues to advocate for greater environmental awareness among the younger generation, recognizing that today’s students will be tomorrow’s leaders.
Through her involvement with initiatives like ‘Sustainability in Classroom,’ Scotland emphasizes that creating environmentally conscious students today is crucial for addressing global challenges like climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. The Commonwealth Nations are already collaborating on several sustainability initiatives, and Scotland’s visit to Hyderabad further strengthens this global push.
The event at Heartfulness International School serves as a reminder of the critical role educational institutions play in shaping the attitudes of future generations. By fostering an environment where sustainability is at the forefront, schools like Heartfulness contribute significantly to the fight against environmental degradation.
