Some stories leave their mark on us, and we are never the same again. The struggles of one child, masterfully depicted in the film "Taare Zameen Par" changed India's understanding of learning disabilities. It also brought home the realisation that not all children are served by the traditional classroom model of education, and that personalised education can unlock the latent abilities and gifts that every child possesses.
Dr. Bhuvana Vasudevan, the visionary founder of Bridges Learning Vidyalaya, has been crafting a similar symphony of love and learning for years. Her journey is not just about teaching; it's about tuning into the unique melody within each child, especially those with special needs.
In the early chapters of her teaching career, Dr. Vasudevan observed certain children constantly grappling with basic concepts. Instead of simply accepting these struggles as 'normal', she decided instead to try a different, more personalised approach. It was this dedication that eventually led parents to her, echoing a collective plea: "Open a special learning school for our children." And thus, Bridges Learning Vidyalaya was born.
This educational haven is where children with autism, dyslexia, speech impairment, ADHD, acute depression, and other neurodiverse conditions converge to learn and grow. Dr. Vasudevan's philosophy centres on accentuating the strengths of each child. By periodically assessing their unique capabilities and operating from the child's level of understanding, she fosters an inclusive environment where tolerance and acceptance blossom.
Bridges Learning Vidyalaya isn't a school in the traditional sense; it goes far above and beyond. What sets Bridges Learning Vidyalaya apart is its commitment to holistic development. She envisions a future where vocational education plays a pivotal role in her students' lives, ensuring they not only thrive within the school's supportive environment but also become bridges to the larger world.
Dr. Vasudevan's therapeutic techniques have reached over 5,000 teachers, creating a ripple effect of positive change in the education system. The school has successfully remediated over 6,000 students, including neurodiverse individuals, dropouts, and those affected by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the face of the pandemic, when the world grappled with disruptions in education, Bridges Learning Vidyalaya adapted swiftly. The school initiated online learning, reaching special needs children when they needed support the most. This proactive approach showcases Dr. Vasudevan's commitment to her students' well-being and development, transcending physical barriers to ensure continuity in education.
Dr. Bhuvana Vasudevan's dedication and innovative teaching methodologies have left an indelible mark on the lives of her students. As we celebrate the incredible journey of Dr. Bhuvana Vasudevan and Bridges Learning Vidyalaya, it's a poignant reminder that true changemakers can be found in the unlikeliest of places, making a profound impact on individual lives and entire communities.
To honour stories like Dr Vasudevan and Bridges Learning Vidyalaya, AU Small Finance Bank presents Badlaav Humse Hai Season 2, in association with Network18. Just like the first season, Season 2 celebrates 25 stories that showcase changemakers whose unsung work has helped carve out cultural identities for communities, lifted them out of poverty; created access where only barriers existed; shown communities how to work with nature to create true sustainability; changed hearts and minds about othered communities; changed the lives of many through economic, social or educational empowerment, and much, much more.
Watch Season 2 of Badlaav Humse Hai for more stories like this one. You may also catch up on all the wonderful stories from Season 1.
Moneycontrol Journalists were not involved in the creation of the article.
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