79 Days of Yatra: Our Journey into Alternative Learning and Living

hree years ago, my 10-year-old son and I made the bold decision to leave the traditional education system behind. We embarked on a journey to explore new ways of living and learning.

Our quest for knowledge led us to delve deep into the world of homeschooling, unschooling, and worldschooling. We connected virtually with like-minded families and educators, drawing inspiration from the works of Peter Gray, Sir Ken Robinson, and many others.

We were convinced that children need the freedom to explore and pursue their interests to truly build skills and foster a love for learning.

This year, we embarked on a 79-day learning yatra (journey), where we visited various alternate learning spaces and communities.

Our travels took us through Nepal, Delhi, Gurgaon, Tirthan Valley in Himachal, Solan in Himachal, Salig in Himachal, Dharamkot in Himachal, Bir in Himachal, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Gujarat.

Along the way, we met homeschoolers, unschoolers, and individuals who have developed remarkable skills irrespective of their formal education.

Here are some key takeaways from our journey:

1. Free Exploration is KeyChildren thrive when given the freedom to explore their interests. Structured learning often limits their creativity and curiosity. Our experience reaffirms that learning can happen naturally when driven by an internal quest rather than external pressure.

2. Diverse Learning CommunitiesWe discovered vibrant communities of learners who have chosen alternative paths. Each place we visited had its unique approach, but the common thread was the emphasis on self-directed learning and skill-building.

3. The Power of ConnectionConnecting with other families and educators who share our beliefs was incredibly empowering. Sharing experiences and resources enriched our journey and provided valuable insights into different learning methodologies.

4. Embracing the JourneyTraveling and experiencing new cultures and environments provided a rich tapestry of learning opportunities. Our journey through the diverse landscapes of Nepal and various parts of India offered my son real-world experiences that no classroom could replicate.

5. Encouraging IndependenceOne of the most significant benefits of our journey has been witnessing my son’s growth in independence. By stepping back and allowing him to take charge of his learning, he has developed a strong sense of responsibility and self-motivation.

Our Itinerary: A Learning Yatra

• Nepal: We started our journey in Nepal, immersing ourselves in the rich cultural and natural beauty of the region. We attended the Ecoversity Asia Gathering, where we met alternate educators and people creating alternative learning spaces.
• Delhi and Gurgaon: Our exploration of urban alternative learning spaces provided a stark contrast to the traditional education system. We visited Azawadi, Creativity Adda, and Manzil, which are creating alternative learning spaces for kids and young people, helping them acquire essential skills.
• Tirthan Valley, Himachal: Nestled in nature, this serene location offered us the chance to connect with nature-based learning communities. We had the opportunity to see after-school activities by the Start Foundation.
• Solan, Salig, Dharamkot, and Bir, Himachal: These picturesque towns introduced us to diverse approaches to unschooling and skill-based learning. In Solan, we attended a program called Manthan, where we met farmers and families exploring learning in different fields.
• We stayed with an unschooling family in Dharamshala, witnessing their self-directed learning approach. At the Deer Park Institute in Bir, we experienced alternate learning programs focused on meditation, body movements, and more.
• Jaipur and Udaipur, Rajasthan: We delved into the historical and artistic richness of Rajasthan, meeting local unschooling families. We visited a center called Dhun, which is creating a learning environment for kids in both villages and urban areas.
• In Udaipur, we visited Swaraj University and Shikshantar, where families and young people learn to build skills and discover their interests and passions.
• Gujarat: Our final destination was Gujarat, where we attended a program on Osho and met friends. We also visited a school in Gandhinagar where amazing learning activities are taking place.

Our journey has been an eye-opening experience, proving that there are countless ways to live and learn. We have seen firsthand that education does not have to be confined to a classroom.

By creating opportunities for free exploration and connecting with diverse communities, we can nurture a lifelong love for learning in our children.

Don't stop your kids from experiencing life; don't limit yourself or set standards imposed by the system. Be open to their creativity, slow down to observe them, and stop comparing your kids with others. Understand their individuality.

If you are interested in providing your kids with alternate learning experiences, let me know. Embrace the journey, and you’ll discover a world of learning beyond the conventional path.

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