A powerful and introspective session titled “Why Are We Being Educated?” was held for Grades 11 and 12 students at Loreto Convent Tara Hall, Shimla, challenging them to rethink the essence of education. The session was facilitated by Kalpana Sharma, a distinguished alumna and former Principal of BSN Shimla, now associated with the Rajghat Besant School under the Krishnamurti Foundation of India.
Returning to her alma mater, Kalpana Sharma shared her delight in engaging with the next generation of Loretoites. She led the students through a reflective conversation that examined the crucial difference between acquiring literacy and achieving true education—an education rooted in awareness, empathy, and purpose.
At the heart of the discussion was Loreto’s guiding principle of Hearts and Hands, which inspired students to explore how education can be a means of living more fully, consciously, and compassionately. The session invited them to recognize the sacred in the ordinary and to approach daily life with mindfulness and gratitude.
Documentaries shown during the session highlighted themes such as the disparity between needs and wants and the ripple effect of consumer choices on vulnerable communities. One poignant example was a Lakme Fashion Week event celebrating cotton fashion while juxtaposed with the grim reality of cotton farmers’ struggles, including incidents of suicide. This contrast sparked deep discussions on sustainability, privilege, and ethical consumption.
Kalpana Sharma also introduced the concept of Ikigai, a Japanese philosophy that encourages individuals to find their unique intersection of what they love, what they are good at, what the world needs, and what they can be paid for. Students were encouraged to begin their own journey of self-discovery by reading the book Ikigai and identifying their personal purpose.
Principal Ritu Sharma expressed heartfelt thanks to Kalpana Sharma for facilitating a session that went far beyond the classroom, inviting students to reflect on who they are, what they value, and how their choices shape the world. The session left a lasting impact, encouraging students to view education not just as a path to success, but as a means to live with intention, compassion, and integrity.
These reflective sessions also stand as a silent tribute to the visionary Late Usha Sharma, founder of BSN Shimla, whose legacy continues to ignite meaningful conversations in education.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
