We have started a weekly Value Education Program at Hombegowda School, Bangalore, with the belief that true education is not only about marks and exams, but about building character, values, and a strong moral foundation in children.
Every Saturday, our volunteers visit the school and spend quality time with the students. These sessions are designed to be friendly, open, and interactive, where children feel comfortable to listen, speak, ask questions, and express their thoughts. We do not teach values like a textbook subject; instead, we live the values with them through stories, discussions, and simple examples from daily life.
The focus of the program is on core life values such as truthfulness, honesty, integrity, respect, discipline, kindness, responsibility, and empathy. We explain how these values apply in real situations — at home with parents, in school with teachers and friends, and later in life as adults. Children are encouraged to think about their actions and understand the difference between what is right and what is easy.
One of the most beautiful parts of this program has been the children’s response. They listen with attention, react with curiosity, and participate with enthusiasm. Many students eagerly raise their hands to share their own experiences — moments where they spoke the truth, helped someone, or faced a moral dilemma. Their eyes light up when they realise that values are not abstract ideas, but practical tools for living a meaningful life.
Value education during childhood has the power to shape the entire future of a person. History gives us strong examples of this truth. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was deeply influenced by the stories of the Ramayana and Mahabharata that his mother Jijabai taught him during his early years. These teachings formed the foundation of his courage, sense of justice, compassion for people, and fearless leadership.
Similarly, Sambhaji Maharaj, at a very young age, was well-versed in both shastra (warfare skills) and shaastra (wisdom, philosophy, and scriptures), showing how balanced education creates strong and wise leaders.
In modern times, Mahatma Gandhi is one of the greatest examples of value-based living. His lifelong commitment to truth, simplicity, and non-violence was rooted in the values he absorbed during childhood. These values later became powerful tools that transformed not just his life, but the destiny of an entire nation.
We believe that today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders. The values they learn now will influence the kind of decisions they make as adults — as professionals, parents, citizens, and leaders. When children grow up with strong moral values, they contribute to a society that is more just, compassionate, and responsible.
This weekly program may seem small in scale, but its impact can be lifelong. By consistently guiding children towards the right values, we are planting seeds that will grow into honesty, courage, and integrity in the years to come. Our commitment is to continue this initiative with sincerity, patience, and dedication, knowing that real change begins in the classroom and in young hearts.
