Date: June 28, 2025
Venue: Matriniketan
As part of the residential programme organized by Uditam: Institute for Integral Healing, Sri Aurobindo Society, Dr. Beloo Mehra, Director, BhāratShakti, was invited to facilitate a group discussion on Saturday, June 28, 2025. As all the participants were teachers from two schools connected with Sri Aurobindo Society, for her session, Dr. Mehra focused on the topic – School as a Place for Teachers’ Progress.
Dr. Mehra began the session by sharing that the Mother insisted that school should be a place of unending progress for both students and teachers. In the light of this, she had planned to explore what unending progress can mean for teachers, especially in the context of their approach to teaching as work, connecting with students and with other teachers.
Dr. Mehra recited a mantra from Taittiriya Upanishad which highlights the shared, common aspiration for growth for both the students and the teachers. A brief discussion on this idea followed. She then asked the participants about some of the key challenges they face when connecting with the students. This opened up a discussion regarding the fast-changing classroom scenario. It was pointed out that a large number of students today are dealing with stressful situations at home/family front, which then impact their performance in school as well as their connections with other children and the teachers.
Some specific practical approaches were pointed out by Dr. Mehra, who also emphasised the need to develop a generous understanding of the situations that children are dealing with. She also added that it was important to have frank conversations with the parents to develop a wider and deeper understanding of the problem before making any recommendations. Several participants shared several related points which made the interaction enriching for everyone.
The second half of the session focused on three inter-related themes. These were: collaboration and goodwill among teachers, how to facilitate a more harmonious work environment, and what is the yogic attitude to cultivate in this regard to enable one’s progress. Several points related to these themes were discussed via an activity whereby each participant was asked to pick a chit which had some inspiring quote from the Mother. They were then asked to share their insight or reflection on that. This brought out many relevant reflections which made possible it for all to be a part of an enjoyable co-creative learning experience.
A few more topics were brought in toward the closing of the session, most important of which was the need to invoke the Mother’s presence when dealing with tough situations and to always call for Her Light and Guidance. The interactive nature of the session was appreciated by all the participants.