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A life of true learning
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A pioneer in Montessori method of teaching, Vanitha Bhushan, former director of Lumbini Montessori House of Children passed away recently
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Pioneering educationist Vanita Bhushan
With the passing away of Vanitha Bhushan, former director of Lumbini Montessori House of Children, on December 24, 2007 after a long and painful illness, Hyderabad has lost one of its pioneering women educationists. More specifically, a woman totall
y devoted to the Montessori method of teaching. In the midst of ever-burgeoning ‘state of the art’, rather well-equipped schools of `international’ standards, Vanitha Bhushan’s school, in true Montessori tradition, nurtured a small niche with a handful of highly dedicated teachers, amidst a home-like ambience. Vanitha Bhushan started the Lumbini Montessori House of Children in 1968, with three children (the number growing to eight soon) at the borrowed space of the then Gaganmahal Co-operative Society. When the building was no longer available, her husband, artist, late Vidya Bhushan, suggested she move it to their own residence, in 1975. And, there it has remained, till date. Lumbini school retains the Montessori spirit, where learning is made sensitive to the needs of children. Today Lumbini has around 250 children and 18 teachers, most of the latter selected by Vanitha Bhushan, more for their love for children and a desire to learn than for their academic credentials. Shanta Rameshwar Rao, founder of Vidyaranya school says, “Mrs. Bhushan was a very brave and straightforward woman with a high sense of integrity. Her’s was a totally honest initiative, and an honest school.” "
Chrisolite who has taught at Lumbini for the last 15 years, says, “What kept me in this school for so many yearswas Mrs. Bhushan’s commitment. . She helped me grow as a teacher and encouraged me to complete my studies while I was still a teacher here.”
Says Rasna Bhushan, her daughter and art historian, “My mother connected with children at their level. There was never a day when she would come home for lunch without a few children tagging along. Lumbini has had underprivileged students learning free of charge. And, every year, proceeds from our annual children’s crafts and paintings exhibitions go to the Old Age Home or to the street children’s home.”
Kanchan, director in-charge, , Lumbini school, says, “For the last 15 years Mrs. Bhushan was more like a friend, philosopher and guide than a ‘boss’. The important thing I learnt from her was that learning never ends. She used to tell me, “if you give selflessly to children, you will get back much more than you can tell.” Even in pain, in the last months, she always said she was fine.”
The physical presence of Vanitha Bhushan may no longer be there but her spirit of dedication to a cause and her inspiration to a life of true learning remains the guiding force for Lumbini school as well as for her family who inherit this legacy.
R. UMA MAHESHWARI
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