Date: Apr 25 - Apr 27, 2019 Location: Society House, Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry Sri Aurobindo Foundation for Integral Education and Research (SAFIER) conducted a short workshop on Education from April 25 to 27, 2019, for a group of 15 teachers and 15 students from a school named ‘Sri Aurobindo’s School’, Gaddipally, Telangana, at the Society House of Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry. The staff and students were accompanied by their mentors Lakshmy Reddy and Meera. Priti Umamahesvaram and Shivakumar from SAFIER conducted the sessions, which included the basics of Integral Education, as given by the Mother: April 24, 2019 There was an introductory session on April 24, 2019, where the SAFIER team enquired about and held discussions on the needs of the teachers with respect to Integral Education. Their primary needs listed, included: To develop patience and calmness so that they can be effective with the children. To be inspired so that lessons can be more innovative. To enable language development, as although theirs is an English-medium school, all the teachers except the English language teacher were not able to understand or communicate in English. April 25, 2019 On April 25, the session started with an understanding of the different parts of our being through a skit, in which the teachers participated enthusiastically. They were able to comprehend and distinguish between the Physical, Vital and Mental parts of our being (as explained by the Mother) and get a basic understanding of the influence of the Psychic on the other three parts. In the second session, the story of Mahatma Junun and Yusuf (a story told by the Mother in her Friday story classes) was narrated so that the teachers could enact it and imbibe the lesson ‘to know oneself and to control oneself’ and also to learn to communicate effectively through the medium of drama. April 26, 2019 The teachers enacted the skit prepared the previous day in front of the students and one of the students was able to recount the whole story quite accurately. But they needed more guidance on how to use theatre more creatively in classrooms. Thereafter, a few minor games were played with the teachers and the students, where the general response was enthusiastic. The teachers were able to reflect on the purpose of the games which was to enable them to use it in their classroom or on the playground as effective tools to develop alertness, observation, patience, listening, mathematical skills, agility, memory skill, etc. The session ended with bringing their awareness to their breadth and thereby understanding the relationship between our breath and our state of the mind, and thus the need for concentration and just being aware. Last, but not least, the children also were asked what could be done to improve the classroom teaching and they expressed their desire to learn in an experiential way. The teachers were happy and eager to practice their learnings and take it forward with the children in their school.

Date: Oct 03 - Oct 04, 2019 Location: Smart Resourceful Vibrant (SRV) School, Samayapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu - 621112 A 2-day capacity building workshop for middle and high school science teachers was organized by Sri Aurobindo Society and Joy of Learning Foundation in collaboration with SRV School, Samayapuram, Tiruchirappalli. Around 29 teachers teaching Science for grades 6th to 10th belonging to 2 of the SRV schools participated in the workshop. Among the two schools, one school follows the CBSE syllabus and the other school follows the State board syllabus. This school has been actively organizing such workshops for the professional development of the teachers thereby benefitting the children in all ways. The hands-on training was given by the eminent team consisting of: Anshumala Gupta (Project Investigator) Vikas Saini (Co-Project Investigator) Hitesh Khatwani (Resource Person) and Jenil Mehta (Resource Person) The workshop mainly conveyed the teachers how role play can be introduced while teaching some important topics in the classroom. Topics that were explained in detail through role play were Particle nature of matter and Atomic structure and chemical bonding. Only if a student has a strong foundation in these topics, he will feel science to be an interesting subject. This role play will certainly make a dormant session into an active session. At the end of the second day, the teachers felt that they are carrying a lot new ideas with them and these ideas when spread to the student community will certainly have a lasting effect on their understanding of the subject. The activities of the workshop are briefly narrated below: Day 1: Particle Nature of Matter Role Play The particle nature of matter role play deals with interaction of particles of matter in solid, liquid and gaseous state. It brings out the change in interaction among matter particles with change in temperature, pressure and volume and their effect on each other. Phenomenon like melting, boiling / evaporation and Brownian motion were also explained in this role play. Participants played the roles of particles of matter and they also became the closed container. The ribbons were used to show the exchange of heat. The following concepts were covered in this role play: -Arrangement of particles in solid/liquid/gaseous state -Effect of temperature on volume -Effect of temperature on pressure -Effect of volume on pressure and viceversa -Process of melting and evaporation -Brownian motion Day 2: Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding Atomic Structure role play covered the following concepts: -Identity of atom: significance on number of protons -Neutral atom versus charged ion -Formation of isotopes: number of neutrons -Formation of ions -Energy levels (shells) -Arrangement of electrons in different energy levels -2n2 rule -Octet rule -Number of valence electrons versus valency The ribbons in red represent Protons, white Electrons and Blue Neutrons. The innermost circle on the floor represents the nucleus and other outer circles represent different energy levels (shells). 3.2 Chemical Bonding role play basically allowed teachers to play the role of atoms and they used bindis to show their valence electrons. The exchange of electrons were done easily and ionic bonds were also explained in an easier manner. This activity was also used to show covalent bonding by sharing of electrons. Following concepts were covered: -Exchange of electrons -Ionic bonding -Sharing of electrons -Covalent bonding In this 2-day event, the organizers felt that the teachers felt themselves to be students and showed great enthusiasm in participating in the role plays. They also requested more workshops to conduced in the similar lines so that learning and teaching becomes more easier.

Date: May 19 - May 20, 2020 Location: Online Interaction A spiritual retreat was held by Seth M. R. Jaipuria School, Lucknow, for its students of classes 6 to 9 and some of its teachers, where SAFIER took sessions on the topics “Are We Indians?”, “India of Our Dreams”, “Science & Spirituality” and an Open House for Q & A. Shivakumar, Director, SAFIER, took the sessions. About 100 participants were there for each session. Due to the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 Corona virus situation, this year, it has to be held online! But what made up for it was the enthusiasm shown by the students who kept interacting during the sessions regularly. During the session on “Are We Indians”, Shivakumar raised a pertinent question that beyond the legal requirements, what should make us feel as Indians. He brought out the origin of the words India and Bharat and went deeper into the aspiration, the seeking after perfection and mastery of ourselves as the distinct characteristic of Indians. During the session “India of Our Dreams”, he asked the students to come up with ideas of their Dream India. And then he sprang a surprise by asking them that if this Dream India has to happen, what are the learning subjects that they need to include in the present day education! Full video recordings of the interactions during Day 1 are available here: Day 1 Session 1: Day 1 Session 2: The second day was an exploration into the materialistic sciences and their characteristics. This was seen in the light of spiritual science and how this science completes the quest of materialistic sciences. It was heartening to see the students’ response and their enthusiasm during this session. The session also saw the convergence of these two in the lives of two of the greatest scientists from India in the modern times: Srinivasa Ramanujan and Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose. Full video recordings of the interactions during Day 2 are available here: Day 2 Session 1: Day 2 Session 2: A report of the interactions came out in the media too: https://epaper.newindianexpress.com/2682235/The-New-Indian-Express-Chennai/22-05-2020#page/8/2 The Retreat continued with other speakers and more topics and concluded on 23rd May 2020. Here is the Full Report of the Retreat (PDF~2MB)

Date: Sep 29 - Oct 07, 2023 Location: Van Niwas, Nainital, (Sri Aurobindo Ashram – Delhi Branch) For all problems of existence are essentially problems of harmony. - Sri Aurobindo To view the photos of the Camp, visit our page on Facebook Members from Sri Aurobindo Ashram – Delhi Branch, Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Society organised a 9-day ‘Sourcing Our Oneness Annual Camp’ at Van Niwas, Nainital – Sri Aurobindo’s foothold in the Himalayas – from 29th September to 7th October 2023. 73 participants including the organising team attended the camp from all parts of India. The objective of the camp was to work together, looking at the harmony within and with others, in the context of Human Unity and Unity in Diversity, all held under the umbrella of Sri Aurobindo’s Five Dreams: for India, for Humanity and for the World. The first dream of Sri Aurobindo became the running thread to embrace Unity within and without. For the practical application of the First dream, the 12 Qualities and 4 Powers of Manifestation of the Mother through her Symbol were taken up in the framework of Aspiration, Rejection and Surrender. All activities were aimed at opening up and connecting with our inner self as well as the Divinity in our surrounding world. Other than the main sessions, there were daily treks and interactions with Nature, Yogic Exercises, Art & Crafts, Awareness Activities and also opportunities to dive into quiet spaces through Meditation, Chanting and readings from ‘Savitri’. Day 1, 29th September 2023 Welcome and Introduction A brief introduction was given by Jaya of Auroville and Shivakumar of Sri Aurobindo Society and the organising core team was introduced. The schedule for daily activities was briefed by Anju Di Sri Aurobindo Ashram – Delhi branch and then followed a meditation session on Mother’s Music. Knowing oneself and Knowing others Uma of Auroville introduced the participants to a different way of introducing themselves. Instead of using the cliched way of giving our name, occupation and purpose, Uma opened a unique and authentic way of addressing ourselves by asking everyone to state their name and quality they possess for themselves and others. Day 2, 30th September 2023 Every day, the mornings started with a beautiful sunrise view and ATB and Yoga Asana sessions that helped the participants energise themselves and prepare for the day ahead. ‘Awakening the Body Consciousness’ was taken up by Jayanthy of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Delhi branch and Yoga-asanas was taken up by Priti of Sri Aurobindo Society and Priya – a volunteer from the Delhi Ashram. Shramdaan and Mantra-chanting Every day, post breakfast, Shramdaan became a part of Karma-yoga, and was taken up by the participants enthusiastically in a spirit of harmony and as a joyous offering to the Mother. The sessions started with Mantra chanting which created a positive vibe for the whole day. ‘Shining my Light’ by Uma As the psychic being starts manifesting when we go deep inside ourselves, one’s fear merely becomes a name, a shadow and by acknowledging the Divine Light within, the psychic can help in overcoming the fears and then ‘Shining one’s Light’ takes place. This was brought out by a beautiful activity by Uma. ‘Five Dreams of Sri Aurobindo’ by Dr Arati The five dreams that Sri Aurobindo spoke on India’s Independence were read aloud to the participants. Dr Arati of Sri Aurobindo Society with the help of a beautiful presentation then went to highlight the need for Akhand Bharat, by making the participants aware of the horrors of partition, spiritual nationalism and Purna Swaraj. ‘SAVITRI’ Reading and Meditation Half an hour of the evenings was spent in ‘SAVITRI’ reading and meditation Trek to Land’s End All the treks were led by Subhash and Shivakumar. The trek comprised uneven, rocky terrain that was challenging, yet rewarding for most participants. After reaching the point, participants witnessed a breath-taking view of the Sun receding past the horizon. Day 3, 1st October 2023 Working on the first dream of Sri Aurobindo through the lens of Aspiration by Anju Through an interactive session where participants were divided into groups, with the help of the lens of the First dream of Sri Aurobindo which has the aspiration of Unity and the removal of division, inadvertently representing the group’s collective thinking, the participants beautifully presented their understanding. Symbol of the Mother by Jaya Jaya introduced the participants to the details of the symbol of the Mother through a beautiful power-point presentation. ‘Sri Aurobindo: A New Dawn’ - a film by Sri Aurobindo Society Participants were given the opportunity to watch the newly released hand-painted animation film based upon the life of Sri Aurobindo. The movie watching was followed by a Q&A Session panelled by Sivakumar and Priti where it was discussed on why the need of the film and who it was for, why animation and what were the challenges for making the film. Introduction to Journaling Uma introduced participants to the idea of journaling. She explained journaling as an art form that captures the moments of a day lived in lyric. This helped the participants to feel the sense of oneness, harmony and love between each other in a casual unstructured set-up. 4, 2nd October 2023 ualities of the Mother seen through the lens of Rejection by Jaya Participants were divided into 12 groups and each group was given a quality of the Mother. After reading through the first dream of Sri Aurobindo, the participants were asked to ponder upon the questions based upon the notion of rejection. Connecting with 4 Powers of the Mother by Priti and Uma The session was based upon chapter six of the book ‘The Mother’ written by Sri Aurobindo. Priti and Uma (in Hindi) elucidated the nature of the transcending Force permeating the Universe as being Cosmic Shakti. An experiential activity was initiated to feel the four powers of the Mother in an individual manner. Self-development sessions Afternoon sessions of day 4 and 5 helped the participants to dive into our inner being with the help of several activities relating to the body and art/craft. Awareness through the Body (ATB) was taken by Amir and Lina of Auroville The ATB sessions were to aid in bringing the body in close contact with the awareness inherent in everyone. Art and Craft Sessions with the Khushali group Indulging in art work always opens new dimensions in life. This was experienced in the Kushali group's self-development sessions. It included Aipan art and woollen craft by Neha, Sugandha and Chitra from Madhuban, the Himalayan centre of Delhi Ashram. Singing folk songs of Uttarakhand accompanied us while we were learning to make delicate woollen flowers. All together this was a soothing time which opened up the artist in all. Exploring Fine-Art by Shilpi Shilpi invoked the sixty-sixth which is the aesthetic sense sense and helped everyone to project the energy they see within themselves, pictorially over a canvas with the help of crayons and sketch pens. 5, 3rd October 2023 12 qualities of the Mother seen through the lens of Surrender by Jaya On the previous days, the qualities of Aspiration, Rejection had been explored and today was the day of exploring Surrender through the lens of 12 qualities given by the Mother. Each group presented their understanding of the quality of surrender on a chart, which they identified after watching through the lens of the qualities from the Mother’s symbol. Tiffin top Trek Now was the time for a medium trek to Tiffin top. Trek began at 4:30 PM and everyone returned by the time of dinner after viewing the tinkling town of Nainital from the heights. The view was absolute with a view of the setting sun and the whole city beneath. This trek was a trek which helped the participants to prepare for the longer 11 km trek to Naina peak. Day 6, 4th October 2023 Connecting with the Psychic and Be like a Flower by Shivakumar and Priti The day starts with body awareness exercises followed by a session conducted by Priti and Shivakumar on connecting with the inner self through flowers. There was an introduction to living a higher and greater consciousness by getting in touch with the Immanent Divine which is the centre of the Mother’s symbol. Sri Aurobindo called this centre which is present within each one as the Psychic Being. After the discussion where the understanding of what is the Psychic Being and where does one find it and what is the need of finding it, the participants were led to an experiential activity where with the help of flowers they were initiated into a meditation and given a glimpse of the Psychic presence within each one. Shifting Polarity from a space of division to creative development beyond possibilities by Jaya This Evening session brought a new perspective to the limelight, Jaya’s session of polarity. Each group presented on a chart the polarities they hold within, which they identified after watching through the lens of the three qualities from the Mother’s symbol. March Past with Lights of Aspiration Subhash along with the other facilitators took up the charge to guide every participant in manifesting gratitude towards our beloved Sri Aurobindo for being with everyone throughout the camp and holding us together. Every participant held the light of aspiration in front of Sri Aurobindo and promised to march through it. Day 7, 5th October 2023 Naina Peak trek and Visit to Kainchi Dham The most enthusiastic day of the camp. Two groups were formed: One group went for a long trek to Naina Peak and the other group visited Kainchi Dham (Neem Karoli Baba Ashram). Before starting the trek there was a small instruction by Shivakumar to keep our four doors open and keep our fifth door closed in order to have a complete enjoyment of the trek. We should be humble and respect the mountain because it is the mountain that allows us to climb. This long trek was made tireless by the small stories of Shivakumar and Priti in between the short breaks. All reached the peak with no effort at all. All saw the Snow Mountains visible from the Naina Peak. Day 8, 6th October 2023 Conscious Consumerism by Uma Thereby Uma shed some light on conscious consumerism-The Yoga of Shopping, as everyone was leaving for Nainital City for sightseeing and shopping. Conscious consumerism is as Uma said, “A citizen of a country should first prefer buying goods made in our own country (swadeshi)”. Lighting the Flame of Aspiration within The day concluded with a session by Jayanthy on the Flames of Aspiration, the aspiration we need to keep holding on, even after this camp gets over. Day 9, 7th October 2023 The camp had its twilight on 7th October and the time has come to depart, just like a full bloomed flower has to shed one day and depart from its mother tree to fulfil the other needs of mother earth. All were sad to part away but had a joy within of being connected to like-minded souls. No one promised but had a willing notion of meeting each other and connecting physically as all the happy souls are already connected from within. After breakfast the majority of the participants left for a short visit to Madhuban, Ramgarh. Feedback by some of the Participants: “The camp helped me a lot to cross my limits. I was agitated with a lot of Polarities existing in work-place. Now I feel calm within to deal with the world outside.”-Apoorva, A Youth from Gorakhpur In SOOI have spilled mountainsl have filled in starsI have felt comfort in unity and loved the vibeFelt fortunate to have found my soul tribe Progress for the sake of progressGoodness for the sake of good senseA straight-line piercing through my spiral journeySincerity clearing out all that’s dense Un-otheringBeyond age, cast, colour, language, gender to start-Awareness, dancing, acting, singing, painting, trekking, journalingAll from the heart! I have called out to Mother hereAspiring in softest whispers and loudest shoutPraying her grace to create withinAll that I seek without-A poem by Shilpi, Artist, New Delhi “I felt loved and cared for, everyone was so kind to me. I take back the feeling of ‘service to all’ and I’m leaving back my mind which is full of love and tenderness for all. I feel this is my extended family. In all sessions and especially ‘Polarity session’, the facilitator helped extensively in understanding.”-Dr Chhaya Bhavan Mahajan, Educationist, Aurangabad “I have joined ‘Bharti’ as a family name to bring out my Indianness rather than just being called a Brahmin. I feel good that I have done that after hearing Sri Aurobindo's five dreams. It has been my first experience out of Chandigarh and I was feeling scared but have been welcomed with so much love. I was surprised and touched to see vegetables without onion and garlic being prepared especially for me. I am leaving behind the fear of facing an audience and taking back a bagful of values with me.”-Jyoti Bharti, Teacher, Chandigarh “This is a big separation. I have started to feel like a family. Hoping to extend this feeling. From the Polarity session, I looked at the anxiety in my community and would work towards Positive outlook, leading towards Goodwill, leading towards Forgiveness.”-Sonja van Dam, Auroville “I see that my community is very polarised in Auroville. I want to be associated with a community without taking sides. I take back Simplicity and Generosity with me.”-Banumathi, Auroville “Polarity gave me inner wisdom. Gratitude for all the sessions, they were very practical in nature.” - Daniel, Professor, Bengaluru “I learnt what truly is Mother’s symbol. I understood the 1st dream of Sri Aurobindo. In the Polarity session, my two polarities were Fear and Trust. I take back trust with me.” -Shailesh Kotecha, Amreli

Date: Oct 07 - Oct 09, 2023 Location: Rudrapur Shivakumar and Priti of SAFIER, the Integral Educational Wing of Sri Aurobindo Society, and Dr Arati of SACH (Sri Aurobindo Centre for Homoeopathy) visited the Rudrapur branch of Sri Aurobindo Society between 7th - 9th October 2023 and conducted several programmes organised by Shri Ravi Khandelwal ji, Chairperson of the branch. On 7th October, Shivakumar and Priti interacted with 24 children of age group 12-18 years at the beautiful premises of the Rudrapur Branch through an Awareness game. The objective behind playing the game was to introduce the concept of developing stillness in movement, which would help them in getting nearer to their Inner Friend and thus help in awakening the Powers Within. The children responded with enthusiasm and found that they were able to discover their inner rhythm by invoking more and more stillness and went back home with joy after having a delicious snack. On the next day, a meditation and interaction were organised, which was attended by more than 20 children accompanied by their teachers. After a meditation on the Mother’s music and recitation of the Durga Stotram by Sri Aurobindo, Priti spoke to the children on the need of becoming aware of one’s body, emotions, thoughts and the Inner Genius (the Psychic Being) which would help to lead a conscious and beautiful life. Shivakumar reinstated the need of awakening the hidden genius lying within each one in order to lead a life with more power in all the parts of the being. The following quote by the Mother was read out as the conclusion: “There is a genius within every one of us — we don't know it. We must find the way to make it come out—but it is there sleeping, it asks for nothing better than to manifest; we must open the door to it.” Dr. Arati concluded by sharing that the children were very lucky to be a part of this unique and special knowledge shared by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and wished them success in their lives and thanked Shri Ravi Khandelwal ji, Chairperson, and Shri Lalit Singh Bisht, Senior Member, both from the SAS Rudrapur branch, for doing such wonderful work of spreading the message of Integral Yoga. On 9th October, Shivakumar on being invited by the Vice Chancellor of Surajmal University, Rudrapur, Shri H.S. Dhami, and organised by Shri Ravi Khandelwal ji, addressed around 150 - 200 students of Surajmal University on the Topic of “Purna Shiksha: Education for Life”, where he elaborated upon an education that can prepare the students to face life, an education that will help them to live their life to its fullest. With the help of an interactive dialogue filled with interesting stories and anecdotes, Shivakumar helped the students discover the need of invoking the Genius Within (the Psychic Being) to lead a better and inspired life. The students responded with a curiosity to know more about Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, and their approach to education & life. Mini booklets were distributed to all those interested.

REGISTERATIONS ARE FULL Date: 13 Oct - 18 Oct, 2026 Location: Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry ANANDOTSAVA – The Sunlit Path ✨ 🌞 All India Children's Camp 🌞 📅 13–18 October 2026 👬Eligible age: 8 - 12 years 📍 Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry Our much-loved annual Children's Camp is back after a break!! These camps have sowed the seeds of a deep aspiration, love and courage in children have given children a strong foundation to live a joyful life 🌻Here children blossom in the vibrant atmosphere of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, with the help of experienced facilitators from SAFIER, the integral education wing of Sri Aurobindo Society. 📖 Go through the Camp Info Brochure thoroughly: VIEW 📖 Please fill-up the application form directly online here: VIEW ⏳ Last date to apply: 15 August 2026 🎥 Watch glimpses from our previous Children's Camps: https://safier.aurosociety.org/children-camps 📞 For queries, call/message: +91 9312715557 / +91 9787043103

Location: Society House SAFIER has been conducting annual workshops on Integral Education for the last 36 years, in the month of May. Dates & details for the May 2027 Workshop will be announced in February 2027; stay tuned! If you want us to inform you, drop us a message on the WhatsApp number: +91 9312715557 / 9442625637, and we will include you in our database!

Date:19-Aug-2026 Location:Society House A two hour interactive session was conducted by Shivakumar and Priti, facilitators from SAFIER, the Integral Education wing of Sri Aurobindo Society. The dialogue engaged two students of the 11th grade of Seth M.R. Jaipuria School, Lucknow — Sonakshi and Kartik — accompanied by the school Psychologist, Miss Nischala, and Vice‑Chairperson, Mrs. Anjali Jaipuria. This session was a part of the Exposure Visit of these children and their teacher to the ecosystem of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother in Puducherry and Auroville The session explored the theme “Exploring the Aim of Life”, drawing upon the Mother’s guidance that “an aimless life is always a miserable [joyless] life.” Through reflective questions, exercises, and discussions, participants discovered how setting a long‑term aim and mapping short‑term goals can provide direction, clarity, perfection, and joy in daily efforts. Highlights ● Debating the Need for an Aim: Students reflected on whether life should flow naturally or be guided by a conscious aim, concluding that aims help anchor progress. ● Indicators for an Ideal Aim: The group worked with the Mother’s four descriptors — high, wide, generous, disinterested — as guiding indicators to shape a meaningful and elevated aim. ● Life Mapping Exercise: Students created visual maps of their goals, connecting immediate steps to their larger ideals. ● Joy in Effort: The group discovered that fulfillment lies not in reaching the distant aim but in conscious daily effort. Concluding Reflections The interaction opened hearts and minds, inspiring the students and educators to look beyond personal success and embrace a wider, generous, and disinterested vision of life. The Integral Education approach helped them see that true progress lies in conscious effort, self‑perfection, and aligning short‑term goals with a higher purpose. The session left participants uplifted, carrying with them a renewed sense of aspiration and clarity about their journey ahead.

Date: 10 Aug - 13 Aug, 2026 Location: Auro University, Surat School of Integral Education, AURO University organised the 2-day International Conference on “Integral Education: Theory, Practice and Transformation” at its premises, on 10 & 11 August 2026. Around 65 faculty members of Auro University, along with other educators, academicians, researchers and thought leaders who joined online, participated in the Conference. On the first day, the sessions were conducted by long-time practitioners of Integral Education who have been working successfully in implementing Integral Education (IE) at the school level. On the second day, Shivakumar, representing SAFIER (Integral Education wing of Sri Aurobindo Society), delivered a Talk on “The Missing Link: Being An IE Practitioner” and also was part of a discussion panel subsequently. During the Talk, he shared three reasons on why Integral Education approach is very important and needs to be brought into the higher education in the country, and that we are already very, very late in doing this. He concluded the Talk by highlighting the core part of IE, which is the Psychic Education. Overall, each conversation, reflection and shared experience by the panel of experts added depth to the collective understanding of Integral Education and made the conference a truly enriching journey. At the end, the management of the University resolved to carry forward new perspectives, strengthened collaborations and a renewed commitment to furthering the vision of Integral Education. Student Interaction: On 13th August, Shivakumar interacted with about 35 students of the first year of the School of Business and gave an introduction to the ‘Science of Living’ – the writing by the Mother on Integral Education – in a simple, relatable way with practical examples drawn from the life of the students. He asked the question what are the things needed to be developed within oneself, beyond the academics, in order to live a happy and healthy life, and then shared how Integral Education addresses them. At the end, the multi-award winning animation film “Sri Aurobindo: A New Dawn” was shown to the students and Shivakumar explained its context and the background. The students also shared their heartfelt response to the content of the film. Visit to the Sri Aurobindo Society Surat Branch During his stay at Surat, on the evening of 10th August 2026, Shivakumar visited and interacted with the devotees of the Surat Branch of Sri Aurobindo Society at their premise, and shared some of his experiences and learnings on how to work for the Mother. Shri Ajit Sabnis from SAS Bengaluru Branch also interacted with the devotees and spoke on aspects of Integral Yoga. It was a beautiful evening of Satsang, organised by Shri Kaivalyabhai of the Surat Branch.

Date: 27-Jul-2026 Location: IIT Palakkad, Kerala On 27th July 2026, IIT Palakkad, Kerala, hosted an inspiring interactive session by Shivakumar, SAFIER (Integral Education wing of Sri Aurobindo Society), for its first year students as part of their Orientation Programme. About 450 students doing undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across engineering, science, and interdisciplinary fields, including B.Tech, M.Tech, M.Sc, MS, and Ph.D, participated. The event was organised by Dr Sujata Priyambada Palai and Dr Kusum Dhochak of the Yogshala department. Drawing on the natural beauty and unique geography of the Palakkad region—nestled between the Western Ghats and marked by the famous Palakkad Gap—Shivakumar set a reflective tone before turning to a central question: Is academic excellence alone enough for students to thrive in the world beyond campus? Through lively discussion, he guided the audience to recognise the need for additional qualities such as clear communication, resilience, empathy, and the ability to convert a job into a meaningful career. Shivakumar outlined three foundational pillars, organised around the innate genius within every one of us, as essential for becoming happy and successful human beings, in whatever field of action we choose. He also brought out the true meaning of Yoga, and how to convert every activity, from studies to sports to life, can become a form of yoga. The session concluded with an open interaction, leaving students with a practical roadmap for personal growth during their time at the institute.

Date: 03-May-2026 Location: Guru Gobind Singh College Auditorium, Nashik Talk by Shivakumar, on YouTube: Click here. Talk by Priti Umamahesvaram, on YouTube: Click here. To mark a decade of its partnership with Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry, in the field of Integral Education, Bejon Desai Foundation (BDF), Nashik, organized Maharashtra’s first one-day Conclave on Integral Education on 3 May 2026 at the Guru Gobind Singh College Auditorium, Nashik. Conceived as a platform to deepen understanding of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother’s vision of Integral Education, the conclave brought together eminent speakers to share their insights and experiences in the field. The event attracted an enthusiastic gathering of around 270 participants, including school management members, principals, and teachers from Nashik, various parts of Maharashtra, and other states across India. The following were the eminent speakers and their topic, for the conclave: Shivakumar – Director, SAFIER & AuroYouth, Sri Aurobindo Society: National System of Education as envisioned by Sri Aurobindo in 1910 Priti Umamahesvaram – Project Co-facilitator, SAFIER & AuroYouth, Sri Aurobindo Society: The Need of Integral Education in the present times Dr. Jayanthy Ramachandran – Principal, Mirambika Free Progress School, Sri Aurobindo Ashram - Delhi Branch: Free Progress Education at Mirambika Dr. Ajit Sabnis – Member – Executive Committee, Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry and Chairman of Auro Schools, Bengaluru: Integral Education in Mainstream Education in the Light of NEP 2020 National System of Education as Envisioned by Sri Aurobindo in 1910 – Talk by Shivakumar Shivakumar presented Sri Aurobindo’s vision of India as Bharata Shakti, founded on the discoveries of Tat (the Supreme Truth), Yoga, and the Divine presence within each individual. He highlighted Sri Aurobindo’s three tasks for national resurgence and explained how the National System of Education was conceived as a framework for nurturing integral human development and realizing India’s deeper spiritual destiny. After this, he handed over the session to Priti, to explore how the Mother joined Sri Aurobindo to develop this approach into Integral Education. The Need for Integral Education in the Current times – Talk by Priti Umamahesvaram In her talk, Priti Umamahesvaram explained how Sri Aurobindo and the Mother developed Integral Education as an approach that fosters the harmonious growth of the physical, vital, mental, psychic, and spiritual dimensions of the child. Contrasting it with today’s utilitarianism and the industrial mindset of fixed outcome-driven education system, she emphasized the need for a shift in consciousness towards a more holistic and transformative vision of education. Free Progress Education at Mirambika – Facilitated by Dr. Jayanthy Ramachandran Dr. Jayanthy Ramachandran described Free Progress Education as a process of growth guided by the soul rather than external conventions. Drawing on Mirambika’s practices, she demonstrated how beauty, self-reflection, project-based learning, quiet time, and connection with nature help nurture the child’s inner potential and psychic growth. Integral Education in Mainstream Education in the Light of NEP 2020 – Facilitated by Dr. Ajit Sabnis Dr. Ajit Sabnis explored the alignment between the National Education Policy 2020 and the principles of Integral Education. He emphasized the need to shift towards child-centred, inquiry-based, and collaborative learning, while sharing practical insights on implementing five-fold education within mainstream schools. This was followed by a Panel Discussion with the speakers, where the participants were invited to ask questions on implementing Integral Education. The speakers gave appropriate and satisfactory answers. Bejon Desai Foundation felicitated 12 schools with whom the foundation in collaboration with Sri Aurobindo Society has worked on a year-long institutional program in Integral Education, by awarding the school management with a Certificate of Appreciation. Some feedback from the Participants: “The power is within us and we need to identify it and help it grow in our children through this noble profession. Education is not just for earning money, it is for knowing yourself.” – Meenal Dalal, Co-ordinator, Wisdom High International School, Nashik “The 3 aspects that make India, Bharat, Inner soul, the power within.” – Minoo Sharma, Ashoka Universal School, Nashik. “Calling out the power of one’s inner self. Reflective practices, giving opportunities to students to unfold their capacities.” – Twinkle Fernandes, Lilavati Lalji Dayal High School and College of Commerce, Mumbai. “The conclave focused and brought one thing to light that students need to learn about themselves, the student or person who knows himself will lead a better India.” – Athar Shaikh, Srujan Foundation’s G.D. Burkule Institute of Research & Education in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nashik.

Date: 16 May - 26 May, 2026 Location: Sharanam Community Centre & Society House Intensive workshops on Integral Education have been an integral part of SAFIER for over three decades. This year’s workshop, Science of Living: A Path to Inner Discovery, held from 16th to 24th May 2026, was not just a training—it was a lived experience of awakening. Rooted in the vision of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, the nine‑day journey brought together 34 educators and seekers from across India into a space of reflection, practice, and deep connection. Set in the serene environments of Sharanam Community Centre and the Society House of Sri Aurobindo Society, the workshop offered a rare pause—a chance to step away from daily demands and explore what it truly means to be an educator, learner, facilitator, and conscious human being. Each day unfolded like a chapter, guiding participants through practices that awakened the body, stirred the heart, engaged the mind, and invited the soul. Highlights of the Journey 1. Knowing Oneself: Shivakumar and Priti invited participants to look beyond roles and discover the deeper identity of being a good human before being a good teacher. Poetic self‑exploration exercises and soulful sharing created bonds of trust and openness. 2. Exploring Sharanam: A treasure hunt through Sharanam revealed its “soul,” awakening curiosity and wonder. Reflections on current education contrasted industrial, utilitarian models with the child‑centred and soul-centred vision of Integral Education. 3. Inner Explorations: Through yogic-exercises, awareness games, skits, films, and art explorations in nature and many more experiential activities participants explored the Physical, Vital, Mental, and Psychic aspects of the being. Journaling and decoding exercises deepened self‑awareness. 4. Aspiration & Change: Chanting “Om,” reflections on the aim of life, and visits to AuroVanam highlighted harmony, ecological interconnectedness, and the importance of aspiration and self‑mastery. 5. Conscious Hands & Creativity: Origami, Kolam, sound exploration, music and collaborative and expressive art awakened the senses and refined awareness. A mehfil celebrated creative self‑expression in music, dance, and poetry. 6. Special Practices: Daily Yogic exercises guided by Shekhar and Aditi, mantra chanting led by Priti, and collective shramdaan (fruit salads, flower mandalas, and community duties) added depth and joy to the camp, embodying Integral Education as a way of living. 7. Carrying the Flame: Project presentations and collective sharing captured the journey of growth. Participants returned with renewed purpose, deeper faith, and a quiet flame of aspiration to bring something sacred into everyday life. Facilitators The workshop was held with grace and depth by Shivakumar and Priti, supported by Shekhar, Aditi, Kavita, Sushanto, Rathi, Surendhar, Dr. Beloo, Shilpa, Uttama, Shantanu and Arjita — each enriching the journey with diverse sessions on yoga, nature, culture, storytelling, music, and art. Essence Across nine days, hearts opened, habits softened, and a deeper way of seeing took root. Participants carried back not just tools and insights, but a renewed sense of purpose: that true Integral Education begins with self‑awareness and blossoms through connection to one’s deeper self and manifesting the qualities of love, wisdom, power and perfection in day-to-day living. It wasn’t the end of a workshop—it was the beginning of a new way of being. Feedback by some of the Participants: “Thank you for showing the difference between living and surviving.” Maitree Bhattacharya, Assistant teacher and School Counsellor, Sri Aurobindo Institute of Education,Kolkata “What made the workshop especially meaningful was its practical and experiential approach. Through poetry, music, art, reflection and shared experiences, we explored different dimensions of learning. These were not simply activities but moments that touched the heart and revealed how education can inspire, heal and nurture growth in subtle yet powerful ways. I left the workshop feeling renewed and inspired.” Anannya Nandi, Educationist, Future school, Auroville “What I liked the most was the process of connecting oneself within.” Shabana Dayani, Academic head, Sri Aurobindo school of Integral Education, Chandigarh “What I liked most was that through the workshop I could connect with myself deeply and now I know exactly what I will be doing with my children.” Meenal Dalal, Teacher and Co-ordinator, Wisdom High International School, Nasik “The applicability was a strength of the workshop. The core messages were truly experienced and that made it worth it all. I experienced how everything one does can be an offering. The attitude and approach of the facilitators and the energy and the force in the environment were the true teachings and learnings.” Nilima Barde, Teach er Training, Auroville “The workshop helped me understand the true purpose of education and the importance of self-development before teaching others.” Meeta Sharma, Primary teacher, Seth, M. R. Jaipuria School ( Navsrijan ), Lucknow “What I liked the most in the workshop was the genuine compassion, goodwill and attention to minute details.” Sharanya G., Primary teacher, Sambhav vedic school, Mumbai “The workshop deeply influenced my inner clarity. The ‘Science of Living’ concepts helped me understand the balance between physical, vital and mental education. I truly appreciated the reflective quiet moments built into the daily schedule. The environment created by the ‘SAFIER’ workshop team was incredibly welcoming, warm and. The facilitators just didn’t teach integral education, they embodied it. Thank you for your patience and inspiring guidance. The food provided was good, fresh, with great hygiene and all meals were served right on schedule.” Ujjwala Vijayrao Patil, Pre-primary educator, PRAKRITI Pre-Primary School, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra “What I liked the most about the workshop was discovering one-self through nature, art and conscious activities. This is because self-discovery will help the teacher to connect more with the child and their profession too. This workshop has inspired me to continue my journey of self-growth and become a more conscious facilitator.” Chandrashekhar Patil, Principal, Sri Umapati Patil Memorial Montessori School, Raichur, Karnataka.