Disha India Education Foundation is striving towards redefining education and learning based
on the principles of Experiential Learning and Nai-Talim, thereby facilitating the reinvention
of schools and our country’s education system at large. The big idea is to construct a theory
and practices of Experiential Education that use real-life experiences from the child’s local
context as a pedagogic medium for developing knowledge, skills and character. The underlying
assumption is that learning through real and contextual experiences has the potential of truly
making education personalized for each and every child. Secondly, teaching through real life
experiences leads to an integrated and systemic understanding of the curricular goals and context,
which prepares children for life.
Disha India is setting up its first community school in village Padha, Karnal, Haryana with the
vision to understand and re-invent Gandhian principles of Nai-Talim in today’s context. We are
designing an experiential curriculum based on natural farming and local crafts as a pedagogic medium
for developing the required curricular goals and contextual understanding. We are also working with
Anand Niketan, a Gandhian school, in Sevagram, Wardha to deepen our understanding of Gandhian principles
of education.
For more than fifteen years now, Disha India has worked intensively with The Heritage Xperiential Learning
School, Gurgaon on the design and implementation of experiential curriculum and pedagogy in the elementary
program and international school. We have designed integrated learning expeditions based on the curriculum
and contextual needs.
Disha India through its open program, Courage to Lead - a certified program in Experiential Education - works
with educators and organizations across our country to develop their capacity to design and implement
experiential curriculum and pedagogy in their context. Courage to Lead was launched in the year 2008.
Every year around 50 educators participate in the program and Disha India works with them intensively.
The vision is to build a community of EL designers and coaches.
Disha India designs and facilitates KHOJ Learning Expeditions for children, based on curriculum needs,
children’s interests and life skills. Every year around 1200 students experience KHOJ as part of their
curriculum. Some of the schools that have participated in KHOJ are The Heritage Xperiential Learning School,
Gurgaon, Bombay International School, Mumbai, American International School, Chennai, Daly College, Indore,
DPS Surat, etc.
Disha India Education Foundation is a non-profit social organization registered under section 8 of companies act, 1956.
