A first: Chandigarh introduces ‘sewa’ curriculum in all 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 aims to instil 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, ‘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 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.

Benefits for students

The ‘sewa’ period will offer students a unique opportunity to develop empathy and a deeper understanding of social issues; strengthen life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving; build moral values, integrity, and respect for others; cultivate a strong sense of civic duty and contribution to society; promote national unity, encouraging students to work together beyond social and economic divides; gain confidence through active participation in community projects; enhance academic learning by connecting classroom knowledge with real-world application; experience emotional growth, fostering resilience, gratitude and a spirit of service.

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, teaching reading skills to underprivileged children, and inspirational school wall art with positive messages, cleanliness and fitness drives in schools and community parks.

“This holistic approach ensures that students grow into morally grounded, socially responsible and nationally conscious citizens,” the official added.

Hailing the initiative, Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator, Gulab Chand Kataria, said: “Education is not only about academic achievement but also about building character and values. The introduction of the ‘sewa’ curriculum during ‘sewa pakhwara’ is a historic step that will inspire our children to serve society with compassion and responsibility. By embedding ‘sewa’ into the learning process, Chandigarh is setting an example for the rest of the country.”

Education Secretary, Prerna Puri emphasised the transformative nature of the initiative and said, “This curriculum will ensure that students engage meaningfully with their communities and understand the dignity of service. We believe that young minds, when guided towards selfless acts, can create a ripple effect of kindness and civic responsibility that benefits the entire city.”