Inquiry
Understanding Ourselves and the World Around Us
At the core of Shishukunj school lies the act of inquiry. This Inquiry is about questioning life, the way we live, the way we relate with various things including property, people, ideas. This inquiry does not require any prior knowledge or information but rather starts from our observations of the world. For the Inquiry to really take deep roots, a space free of fear and judgement is necessary. Inevitably Inquiry will reveal contradictions in one’s life and facilitators need to be aware of this so everyone feels supported. The Inquiry is a live process for both the educator and the learner, since the questions raised will be equally pertinent for both. We have created spaces like inquiry classes, Shabadshala, class teacher time where students can engage with serious questions without being judged on their responses but invited to become aware of their thinking.
The world is in a crisis; ecological destruction, extinction of species, degradation of nature and pollution, wars and displacement of people, global warming and the threat it poses to people’s livelihood, economic inequalities, hatred between groups of people erupting in violence and the list is endless. And at an individual level there is anxiety, fear, frustration, anger, envy, greed, jostling for power and status all stemming from deep rooted insecurities. It seems that these inner insecurities are creating the crisis in the world.
Shabadshala
Preserving India's Oral Traditions and Timeless Wisdom
India’s oral traditions passed down through story telling,hymns and recitation have long preserved the nation’s spiritual and cultural essence. Folklores sung as Bhajans, had profound lessons of love , peace and harmony, teaching people to live with compassion and empathy. Mystic poetry by saints like Kabir deepens these values inspiring spiritual connections beyond caste, creed and language.
If these oral traditions aren’t preserved, this timeless heritage of wisdom and communal harmony risks being lost , diminishing the diversity that we all cherish. The Shabadshala project, initiated by Shabnam Virmani through the Kabir projected hosted in Shrishti school of arts has been running in Shishukunj from its inception.
Shishikunj School has tried out various ways to connect mystic poetry and folklore through various subjects. Questions raised by the mystic poets are discussed and reflected upon. We have visiting mandalis through the year which engage the middle school children in this tradition.
Every year this culminates in a children’s festival’ AJAB GAZAB BAZAAR ‘ where they interact with students from 40 other schools across India and exhibit aspects of their learning, singing together and playing various games that bring forth the nuances of mystic poetry.