Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | NXg | Friday Review | Cinema Plus | Young World | Property Plus | Quest |

Big dreams for ‘little people’

PHOTO: R. RAGU

EDUCATION… AND BEYOND Latha Rajinikanth

It’s like good old times again. The ashramas of the past are back. And Latha Rajinikanth hopes to give a new direction to pedagogy with inspiration from the ancient system. As she speaks with rare passion about their relevance in today’s world, one thing is clear — learning is about liberating.

Rigid schedules, zero-tolerance policies, accomplishing academic pursuits at a frenetic pace…these are issues that have filled her mind for over two decades. And her search for answers is apparent in “Anandhavana”, her dream school for “little people”.

In the tidy office at her Poes Garden residence in Chennai, tradition and modernity coalesce — the way it does in her well-nuanced approach to education. “Our puranas and shastras have spelt out the methods. But somewhere down the line, there’s been a major shift in perspective — probably due to the invasion of cultures or changes in the system. Sadly today, we focus only on career-oriented education. But there’s no assurance that a well-educated person has life skills. Otherwise, why would a techie shoot himself or, a student commit suicide? Is education killing our children?” she asks.

Approaching children’s education with love and logic, Latha initiated reforms through The Ashram, which she founded in 1991. “We have to think parallel, yet remain in the mainstream.” So she designed her own model, TASSC (The Ashram School Specialised Curriculum), to help children handle the different phases in their lives with ease, and without the emotional jolts that come with the sudden transformation that they undergo.

“I don’t understand why we treat children like adults. Why can’t we just let them be? At Anandhavana , we have a session called ‘Just Be’ where kids are allowed to do whatever they feel like,” she explains.

Continuing in reminiscent mode, the wife of matinee idol Rajinikanth says her moorings made her take up the cause of education. “My parents were philanthropists. My home was open to whoever needed help. It was one big happy family with relatives and the entire neighbourhood. Today’s gadget-centric children fail to interact with people around them. We buy them branded toys and take them to posh restaurants. But something very simple is missing in their lives — people. And of course, the sheer joy of childhood. Some children have decided that academics is everything. They are stressed out and have forgotten to smile! It’s here parents need to step in — teach the child time management and support the child through other activities of interest. I know parents who stop children from music classes because of the Board examinations. If a child is allowed that one hour for sport or the arts, he’d probably fare better in academics!” A firm believer in the fact that the onus is on parents to enrich the lives of their young ones, she says, “Listen to the child. Look at things from his/her perspective. What is locked up now will manifest itself as personality problems later. It’s sad we feel less and think more these days. It’s important to give children a strong emotional foundation so that they’ll be able to handle all their future roles.”

THE 'S' FACTORS

SUPER FIVE A superstar husband, two famous daughters and a star sonin- law. "It's God's grace. We follow our own paths, yet complement each other. Home is a lively place."

SUPERSTAR He's the topper at home - a wonderful learner. In fact, one of the best I've ever known. He's evolved, sculpting himself. We share common spiritual and philanthropic goals.

SOCIAL SERVICE "No, I call it social care. We support a lot of philanthropic activities relating to children and senior citizens through our Dayaa Foundation. Our motto is to `Care, Share and Be Aware'. The "ARM" project under Dayaa brings together skilled craftsmen under one umbrella for retail.

SPIRITUALITY It makes me feel anchored - gives me a tremendous sense of balance. It's faith that's helped me play different roles in life. And I want to continue playing these roles. It makes life complete. Lord Krishna is my CEO!

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail