Principal Chirag School, Anjali Krishna

About Me

I, Anjali Krishna, joined Chirag School as Principal in May 2024. The maturity of this young school and its teachers took my breath away. I am here to learn, as much as to contribute my mite. I have worked in the Krishnamurti Foundation India schools at Varanasi, Pune, and Bangalore for about thirty years, and yet am astonished at what the teachers here at Chirag School achieve, with their patience, depth of caring, and skill. My task is to strengthen their hands, and to help make this a school worthy of the little ones we are blessed to serve.

Since 1994, I have been teaching English, conducting culture classes, running book clubs, directing children's plays, editing school magazines and newsletters, and, above all, building authentic relationships with children, devoid of pretence and role play. I have been keenly interested in J. Krishnamurti's teachings ever since I can remember; his is a voice of sanity in a chaotic world. I am a free thinker, and my only religion is to cause as little harm to living beings as possible in this life.

Appeal

We at Chirag School warmly invite you to be part of our story.

Chirag School took birth in rural Nainital, in the lap of the Himalayas, in 2006, when Kanai Lal's vision of providing quality primary education to the children of the local community materialised. Today, 116 children from the most disadvantaged homes have a happy space here, built on caring, trusting relationships with their teachers and the freedom to inquire. Inspired by the teachings of the seer J. Krishnamurti, Chirag School offers children a childhood free of fear, comparison, authority, and the pressure to conform.

Our chief assets are our experienced and committed teachers, who watch over and understand children, and develop a warm, trusting relationship with each one, never raising their voices. In the space created by this relationship, children thrive. The teachers are well versed in facilitating learning in child-friendly ways, integrating play, activities, art, craft, drama, and dance with the delivery of curriculum, enabling students to grasp concepts. Our students learn to read, and to enjoy reading.

The school is run by the NGO CHIRAG. Students contribute Rs 150 a month, but the school is mainly sustained by contributions from well-wishers and collaborators. At the moment, Chirag School is expanding, adding an entire middle school section, from classes 6 to 8. For this cause, as well as for the maintenance and functioning of the school, we seek your support. Every little bit counts, and we are immensely grateful for it.

Please do become part of our story at Chirag School.

PHOTOS / VIDEOS

MESSAGES