A first: ‘Sewa’ curriculum in all Chandigarh schools

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Chandigarh Education Department has announced the rollout of a ‘sewa’ curriculum across all 209 government and private schools in the city, during sewa pakhwara-2025, to be observed from September 17 to October 2.

This new curriculum is aimed at instilling values of selfless service, compassion and civic responsibility in students, making service-learning an integral part of education in Chandigarh, a senior official told The Tribune.

A structured approach to service-learning, the ‘sewa’ curriculum introduces a dedicated “sewa period” for Classes VI to XII, integrating service into the weekly timetable. Each month will focus on a thematic value such as gratitude, kindness, inclusion, environment or digital literacy, encouraging students to not just learn about these values but also practice them through hands-on activities.

Reflection journals, peer recognition programmes and integration with NSS/ NCC and community initiatives will reinforce these lessons and foster a city-wide culture of giving back.

ACTIVITIES TO BUILD EMPATHY, ACTION

Students will engage in a variety of activities designed to combine life skills, empathy and practical action. These include peer tutoring for classmates in need of academic support, digital literacy content creation for senior citizens, gratitude days for support staff and sanitation workers, sessions on teaching reading skills for underprivileged children and inspirational school wall art with positive messages. Cleanliness and fitness drives in schools and community parks will also be held.

Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, said: “Education is not only about academic achievement but also about building character and values. By embedding ‘sewa’ into the learning process, Chandigarh is setting an example for the rest of the country.”

Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma, said “This initiative will help create a generation that not only excels academically but also works collectively towards the vision of a stronger and more inclusive India.”

Emphasising the transformative nature of the initiative, Education Secretary Prerna Puri said, “This curriculum will ensure that students engage meaningfully with their communities and understand the dignity of service.”

Director School Education Harsuhinder Pal Singh Brar said, “The ‘sewa’ curriculum reflects our commitment to holistic education. We are giving them a platform to learn by serving and grow by giving, thereby strengthening the fabric of compassionate citizenship ”

NATION-BUILDING THROUGH EDUCATION

By nurturing values of morality, service and unity, the ‘sewa’ curriculum will contribute to shaping the next generation as responsible and compassionate citizens dedicated to the nation’s progress. This initiative aligns with the vision of building a strong, inclusive and united India, where young people lead the way in creating a more just, empathetic and sustainable society.

A NEW CHAPTER

This curriculum will be rolled out across all Chandigarh schools, including 111 government and 98 private, aided and Central Government-run institutions, in the current academic session, marking a new chapter in experiential and value-based education.