In a world where access to quality education remains a distant dream for many, a few visionary initiatives are stepping up to bridge the gap, offering hope and opportunity where it’s needed most. Education, often touted as the great equalizer, has the power to transform lives, yet so many children are deprived of this fundamental right. What if there was a school that didn’t just teach but also nurtured, empowered, and connected its students to something larger than themselves? What if this institution could provide the same opportunities that children from privileged backgrounds often take for granted, and give them a chance to truly thrive? 

This vision comes to life at Nandha Gokulam Life School (NGLS), an extraordinary all boys residential school with international school standards that is redefining education for underprivileged children. Under the inspiring leadership of Nisha Bhakar, NGLS is a transformative ecosystem where children not only receive an education but are also encouraged to grow emotionally, socially, and environmentally.  

Shaping Attitudes and Building Confidence 

Nandha Gokulam Life School (NGLS) stands as the third educational institution supported by its chairman, Mr. Chinta Sasidhar, from its inception for the underprivileged. The core philosophy behind establishing a premier school for underprivileged children lies in the belief that education serves not only as a powerful equalizer but also as a transformative force to shape attitudes and build confidence. 

While many schools cater to the underprivileged, NGLS aims to provide a comprehensive ecosystem where children can thrive and compete on a global scale, free from limitations or inhibitions. By combining state-of-the-art wifi enabled,  air-conditioned infrastructure, progressive classroom teaching methodologies, and learning experiences designed by trained professionals, the school ensures that students emerge as confident individuals ready to face the world. 

Enhancing the Accessibility of Quality Education 

Nandha Gokulam Life School (NGLS) stands out as India’s first premier residential school established by a business house exclusively dedicated to educating underprivileged boys from across the country. What sets NGLS apart is its self-reliant funding model, with the initiative entirely financed by its founding company, without reliance on external donations. The school’s mission is to provide opportunities for learning and growth equivalent to those available to children from economically privileged backgrounds. 

A unique feature of NGLS is its emphasis on connecting students with nature. By fostering an ecosystem where children nurture plants and animals, the school instills values of empathy, sensitivity, and environmental consciousness. Each student is encouraged to adopt and care for an indigenous cow or bull reared on campus, and they participate in organic farming as part of their weekly routine. This holistic engagement is complemented by future plans to introduce a senior living facility, allowing students to connect with and learn from the elderly. 

Transcending Conventional Boundaries 

Rooting students in Indian civilization and cultural heritage is a focused effort at NGLS. The library, which serves as the heart of the school, boasts an extensive collection of books and forms the foundation of the school’s unique approach to education. Instead of traditional textbooks, students develop language skills and critical thinking through library resources and dedicated reading circles shared with teachers. A project-based learning model challenges students and teachers alike to explore and innovate beyond conventional boundaries. 

NGLS is also deeply committed to the professional development of its staff. An annual calendar ensures regular upskilling for teachers and staff, and the school is in the process of forming meaningful partnerships with national and international educational organizations. Beyond academics, NGLS emphasizes a well-rounded development through a structured sports curriculum and recreational facilities such as horse riding and go-karting, ensuring students have diverse opportunities to enjoy and learn during weekends. 

Overcoming Educational Obstacles 

Nandha Gokulam Life School (NGLS) faces several challenges inherent to its unique mission and location. Being situated in a remote area, attracting the right talent for teaching and staff roles is often difficult. Additionally, the language barrier poses another significant hurdle. While most enrolled students primarily speak Telugu, teachers are recruited from across the country, bringing linguistic diversity but also requiring tailored efforts to bridge communication gaps. 

The academic foundation of incoming students, aged 9 to 12 in the first year, often falls far below grade-level expectations, particularly in language and mathematics. Addressing these gaps requires extensive effort to bring them up to par with the learning outcomes appropriate for their grade. 

Convincing underprivileged families, particularly from other states, to enroll their children in a residential school has also been challenging. Many parents harbor doubts about the intentions behind establishing a premier school for the underprivileged and fear sending their children far from home. 

To overcome these obstacles, NGLS organizes regular parent orientations and meetings conducted in the local language, fostering trust and understanding within the community. These initiatives aim to reassure families of the school’s commitment to their children’s growth and well-being while building a strong foundation for a brighter future. 

Technological Integration for Safer and Collaborative Learning 

At NGLS technology is seamlessly integrated into both the curriculum and the overall campus environment to enhance learning and ensure safety. On the safety front, the residential campus employs Swiss technology-based safety locks, providing a secure environment for all students. 

Project-based learning, which forms the core of the school’s educational philosophy, relies heavily on technology for research and self-directed learning. Various digital tools are utilized to support students in subjects like mathematics and languages, helping them grasp concepts more effectively. As a Microsoft School, NGLS ensures its facilitators receive regular training to stay updated with the latest technological advancements, enabling them to create dynamic and engaging learning experiences. 

Recognizing that many parents are not tech-savvy or financially equipped to engage with online platforms, the school prioritizes in-person meetings held at regular intervals. These sessions aim to build a connection between the school and the parents while keeping them informed about their children’s progress. 

Given the residential nature of the school and the limited educational background of most parents, the responsibility for advancing students’ learning primarily rests with the school. However, through consistent communication and engagement, NGLS ensures that parents remain informed and involved in their children’s educational journey to the best of their ability. 

Fostering Well-Rounded Individuals 

At NGLS, extracurricular activities are an integral part of the students’ education, treated with the same importance as academic subjects. These activities—spanning sports, art education, theatre, dance, and more—serve as essential tools to help children build confidence, express themselves, and form meaningful relationships. 

The school has partnered with a Mumbai-based organization to implement a structured sports curriculum, ensuring professional guidance and comprehensive development in athletics. Additionally, the dance studio focuses on teaching classical dance forms, providing students with an opportunity to connect with cultural heritage while enhancing their creativity and discipline. These co-curricular programs are designed to holistically develop students, fostering well-rounded personalities and life skills. 

Expansion of NGLS Roots 

Nisha Bhakar’s message to students striving for excellence is simple yet profound: embrace the joy of childhood and immerse yourself fully in the experiences offered to you. She emphasizes that no experience is ever wasted, as each one contributes to growth and learning. Additionally, she encourages students to keep the channels of dialogue and communication open with everyone they engage with in life, fostering understanding, connection, and lifelong curiosity. 

The future plans for Nandha Gokulam Life School (NGLS) are centered on ensuring that students achieve foundational literacy and numeracy skills in the coming year. The school is exploring meaningful partnerships in both curricular and co-curricular areas to bring in experts who can enhance the learning experience. Looking ahead, NGLS intends to expand its reach by starting more schools across the country and continuing its mission to provide high-quality education to underprivileged children.