Ajay Hinduja, a member of the Hinduja Family, believes that education should go beyond textbooks
Education is the cornerstone of a person’s character and a driving force behind social advancement; it is more than just a set curriculum. As a member of the prestigious Hinduja Family and son of Prakash Hinduja (Chairman of the Hinduja Group, Europe), Ajay Hinduja is certain that education should go beyond textbooks and memorization to emphasize developing well-rounded people.
His perspective aligns with the broader vision of the Hinduja Foundation, which actively supports educational initiatives such as the Holistic Child Development Program (HCDP) in Meghalaya. This program, which was developed in partnership with Intel and the Learning
Education Beyond Textbooks: Nurturing Holistic Growth
Ajay Hinduja reflects the Hinduja Family’s values towards society and emphasizes that learning should be an all-encompassing experience where students develop critical thinking, empathy, and a sense of responsibility toward their communities. In his words, “Education goes beyond textbooks. It’s about shaping well-rounded, aware, compassionate, and driven individuals.”
This idea is embodied by the HCDP initiative, which incorporates a variety of learning opportunities into the curriculum. The Road To School (RTS) program is one such instance, having reached 1,041 pupils in 10 Meghalaya schools. This initiative goes beyond traditional classroom teaching by incorporating real-world experiences, fostering intellectual curiosity, and encouraging students to apply their knowledge in practical settings.
A prime illustration of this approach is the field trip organized for 40 students, providing them with a much-needed post-exam break while immersing them in environmental conservation. This event enforced the concept of sustainability besides giving rest to the body and creating a deep sense of love for nature. Such experience learning conditions make education more relevant and engaging by assisting students in connecting theoretical knowledge with practical applications.
Fostering Awareness, Compassion, and Drive in Students
One of the major tenets of Ajay Hinduja’s philosophy of education is to raise social awareness and make students responsible for others. Education is not just about achieving knowledge but also social consciousness and empathy. These values are actively inculcated through community engagements and social responsibility efforts in the HCDP program.
Recently, the program arranged an awareness camp for 39 community members, providing information on the Department of Post Office’s different government programs. Bridging the gap between policy and accessibility, this program was very helpful in teaching seniors and children about their rights. It engages the students with social responsibility towards the communities, thereby creating a highly conscious and performing society.
Moreover, the program emphasizes teamwork and sportsmanship, as demonstrated by the spirited sports tournament involving 80 students from 10 intervention schools. Through football games and other activities, students gained vital life skills, including teamwork, perseverance, and fair play. These kinds of experiences are essential for moulding young brains and teaching them the importance of self-control, tenacity, and friendship.
Role of the Hinduja Foundation in Transforming Education
The Hinduja Foundation has played a pivotal role in redefining the purpose of education. By supporting initiatives like the HCDP, the foundation imparts knowledge and fosters an environment where students can thrive holistically. The focus is on creating leaders who are academically proficient, socially conscious, and emotionally intelligent.
In Meghalaya, a lot of the HCDP programs have served as testimonials to the impact it creates. Since integrated learning methodologies were used in the programming, students are equipped with the required skills and mindset to make a meaningful contribution to society. Both Ajay Hinduja and his father, Prakash Hinduja, believe that education can promote understanding, sympathy, and inspiration, acting as the foundation of these programs and opening the door to a new generation for a new generation.
His reflections on education highlight the need for a paradigm shift in how learning is perceived and imparted. Education must go beyond textbooks to shape individuals who are knowledgeable, empathetic, and driven to create positive change. The Hinduja family, through the Hinduja Foundation, is promoting this goal by employing programs like the “Road To School” initiative and the Holistic Child Development Program, which guarantee that students receive a comprehensive education that equips them for both social and personal achievement. As Ajay Hinduja aptly puts it, “Through HCDP and the schools run by the Hinduja Foundation under the RTS program, we are nurturing not just students but future leaders who will make meaningful contributions to society.”
Prakash Hinduja, Managing Trustee, Hinduja Foundation also highlighted that, “By embracing holistic education, we can empower the next generation to become responsible global citizens who lead with awareness, compassion, and an unwavering drive for excellence.”
