CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The Shikshagraha movement, a nationwide people-powered effort to improve all one million public schools in India, took a significant stride today as the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS) formally joined the movement at Shiksha Samvaad, a convening hosted at the Bangalore International Centre.
With this, CWS becomes a lead contributor to advancing environmental consciousness as an essential dimension of education quality, climate readiness and children’s well-being. The move signals growing recognition that preparing India’s young citizens for the future requires strengthening their relationship with nature, wildlife and the ecosystems they depend on.
Highlights from Shiksha Samvaad
The event brought together educators, conservationists, policymakers and school system leaders to reflect on how environmental consciousness can become a defining component of education quality in India. The Samvaad marked the launch of several movement-wide assets:
Centre for Wildlife Studies officially joins the Shikshagraha movement, advancing shared efforts to embed environmental consciousness in education.
Educator Guidebook (Vol.I) released for implementation within Karnataka’s curriculum. The Wild Shaale Educator’s Guidebook is a simple, activity-based resource that helps teachers bring environmental learning into everyday classroom practice. Built through years of field experience, it offers easy, hands-on activities that encourage children to explore nature, ask questions, and connect with local wildlife. Designed for educators of all backgrounds, it supports small yet meaningful actions that build environmental awareness as a natural part of school culture.
The Education Toolkit includes detailed Standard Operating Procedures for the Modular Asset and Solution Design frameworks, offering clear guidance to teachers and facilitators using the Educator Guidebook for effective implementation.
“These resources will strengthen not only classrooms but also the communities that surround them. Environmental consciousness isn’t just about conservation, it’s about building sustainable livelihoods, responsible citizenship, and a deeper connection between young people and the ecosystems they depend on. When we invest in environmental education, we’re investing in the resilience and well-being of entire communities,” said Shruti Shibulal, Permanent Trustee, The Shibulal Family Philanthropy Initiatives (a co-builder of the Shikshagraha Movement) and Executive Vice Chair, Tamara Leisure Experiences.
A movement for environment-first schooling
Shikshagraha’s core belief is that no single actor can drive systemic change alone. The movement brings together communities, civil society organisations, educators, governments and social innovators to collectively improve public schools.
By joining Shikshagraha, CWS will contribute its decades of conservation science, community engagement and environmental education expertise to strengthen the movement’s work across districts, states and partner networks.
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