While surfing the net, I came across a photograph showing a class room. This may look like a scene from a period film by Steven Spielberg.
I like that single seat and desk system and the earnest look on the children’s face, all ready to answer the question.
But in Pune there is a school in which the classes are held in the bogie of a train.
The story goes that due to lack of funds, these bogies were bought at an auction held in Bombay and then carted down to Pune where it was given a face lift and converted to class rooms.
Had visited this school some years ago and had clicked some pictures there. As seen above some kids were all ready to pose. One wanted to show off her swinging skills on the make shift swing.
The teaching method too is quite different from the normal school, and hence the school was appropriately named as Gurukul. The land was donated (on a temporary basis) by the Agriculture college so the view from the school too is fabulous.
The physical training class in progress (the movements were that of a mix between dandia and legim)
Nothing like a game of kho kho to hone up your skills on reflex action
The kids have the meal that is provided by the school and I observed that each student washed their own plates after the meal.
Here is a view of the “Drawing Class” that is being held in one of the “Class rooms”
Later on with contributions, a proper school building was erected but they build it over the train, maybe as a reminder of the humble beginning.
Teachers at the lunch break in one of the bogies:
The desks in the class room too were designed in such a way that they formed a hexagon when assembled together, by which the students sat facing each other for group discussions.
They even had a sign board (like on a railway station) indicating the height from the mean sea level.
Thought for the day on one of the black board: click on the picture to see the complete writing.
Some of the girls were bashful and coy when I clicked them.
By the way, how many of you visit your old school once in a way? If you don’t, please do and see how it rejuvenates you.
