Pune, Maharashtra, India

This entry is actually for our stay in Pune, July 15th -18th.  That was when I was having trouble with the internet connection at the hotel, so I wasn't able to post anything.

On the 16th of July, we visited a school named Aman Setu School, "Bridge of Peace". The school was begun by a handful of idealistic teachers who had a dream that world peace is actually attainable.  The students attending the school come from varying economic classes, religious and caste groups.  At Aman Setu, the kids work, play and live together in harmony.  The students are surrounded by plants and animals.  They learn in an experiential way through a specially designed curriculum.  Each project/topic/subject is linked to real life.  The school has a commitment to an eco-sensitive lifestyle visible through their choice of building materials and the way the curriculum is organized.

                           Linda Mondol speaking to some students from the school.

This is a student from the school that was sweet as can be.  He didn't talk much, but he was always close by.

The kids at the school seemed very happy, open and well-adapted.  My "escort/guide" (the little girl with the pink shirt in the first picture) was very bright.


So, one of the joys of being in Pune was walking into a music classroom at Abhinava Vidyalaya School and hearing Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" being sung by kids.  Of course, it took me no time to join in!  Aaahhhh, the small pleasures of life!