An art-science educational intervention is to be unveiled soon. Numerous scientific studies have pointed out that the formative years of an individual hold the building blocks to a fulfilling life. It is in the early years that a child showcases his or her creative and experimentative side to the world. But such potential can only be fully realised in a proper environmental setting. It is with this mission to a holistic approach to learning that the Swami Dayananda Centre for Learning will be set up in Manjakkudi under the Swami Dayananda Educational Trust (SDET).

As a mark of affection to the children of Manjakkudi, acclaimed Carnatic musician, Bombay Jayashri Ramnath has come forward to raise awareness about this project and partner with Milaap to bring in contributors for this cause. She has dedicated a lullaby from the Moonchild album to the children of Manjakkudi. Jayashri has been teaching music to the students who come to study at the three educational institutions in Manjakkudi and Sembangudi, for whom it is now a part of the curriculum.

“Children in India, especially in rural areas must be encouraged to imagine and dream, to listen to beautiful narratives, explore hands-on and express, without restrictions. I firmly believe that a child’s emotional, social and intellectual development starts with the first lullaby heard. Just as how the lullaby soothes the child to drift into sleep, every child deserves a loving environment that nurtures and nourishes learning and opens up a world of beauty within,” she says.

It is heartening to note that 95% of the students who are set to benefit from this fundraiser for an art-science intervention are first-generation learners. Their home environment is not conducive to holistic learning. To bridge the gap, the Swami Dayananda Centre for Learning that will be unveiled next academic year (2020-2021), will provide a space where teachers and educators will instill and motivate children to learn via the mediums of art, science, music and value education classes. At the Atal Tinkering Lab, they will have a space to think out of the box, explore and experiment.

The project cost is estimated at Rs 30 lakhs and spanning over 3,500 sq.ft. “I take this opportunity to thank the students at Manjakkudi. From the context of a rural child, my experience has shown that musical education can be a great equaliser. It gives me immense pleasure and satisfaction to be deeply involved in this transformation process and witness the real change among the changemakers of tomorrow,” adds Jayashri.