As rightly said by John Lubbock, “Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach us more than we can ever learn from books”.

Nature has a significant impact on the human mind. Amidst the green woods, purity of head and heart make children acquire knowledge to a large extent.

Research has found that learning environments play a crucial role in their success. Children who study in a positive learning environment have been shown to be more motivated, engaged, and have a higher overall learning ability

The first Indian to get a Nobel Prize in 1913 for his work in Literature, Rabindranath Tagore, established Shanti Niketan (abode of peace), as he felt that students can be nurtured well in the presence of mother nature.

I feel, the culture, ethos and environment of a school influences the health and wellbeing of student and their readiness to learn. The physical and social environment in which staff and student spend a high proportion of every weekday may have profound effects on their physical, emotional and mental health as well as affects their attainment. We at Oakridge Visakhapatnam can proudly say that we adopted the great thoughts proposed by our leaders and the very first thought that occurs to anyone who walks into our school is, “Are we dwelling in the woods of Shanti Nikethan!!!”

The green bushes lining besides the paths invite us every day filling hope and happiness all around. The coloured leaves and chirping parrots greet us with joy which rejuvenates all our spirits both emotional and spiritual. The tall trees educate us to be humble and calm, in spite of all the knowledge we acquire. The cool breezes that touch our hearts leave a faint scent of fresh thoughts to overcome all the hurdles.

Who said nature doesn’t speak?

It makes us speechless with its magnificent beauty. Not only the aesthetic atmosphere but we also have significant place for art, music and dance to nurture the interests from the budding stage.

I feel so privileged to be a part of this wonderful organization with lush green environment, teaching here gives an immense pleasure coupled with satisfaction towards my job. I have observed Students who spend enough time in the playground get back to classes with more enthusiasm and freshness.

Here in our school teachers sit with children to know their concerns and inspire them to regain positivity. Lessons go on with cheerful thoughts rendered by the nature all around. Time just passes away from morning till afternoon, with academic classes and fun time spent with students at the vast play grounds. Students flock around us with hope and joy, to seek advices regarding their career and future.

I leave back home with a sense of contentment towards the role assigned to me as an educator.

SreeGeeta Indrakanti,
ICT facilitator Senior Secondary,

Oakridge International School, Vishakapatnam