When Pranav’s mom saw him sitting cross-legged after dinner, eyes closed and breathing deeply, she was surprised. “It’s just five minutes,” he smiled, “our teacher says it helps before homework.” No grades, no pressure—just self-awareness in action.

Across India, schools are making a quiet but powerful shift: teaching emotional well-being, focus, values, and health as part of the daily timetable. The goal? Not just smarter students—but stronger, kinder, calmer humans.

A Curriculum That Builds the Whole Child

India’s National Education Policy 2020 (NEP) doesn’t just mention academics. It urges schools to nurture fitness, nutrition, yoga, relaxation, mindfulness, empathy, and character. This isn’t an “extra”—it’s part of every subject now (Embracing Wellbeing in Education: India's Evolving Curriculum).

• In math, students do breathing exercises to calm anxiety.

• In PE, they learn teamwork, not just how to dribble a ball.

• In social science, family values and patience are up for discussion.

• In science labs, classroom jobs teach responsibility and pride.

Even first aid, sleep hygiene, and digital safety are now embedded into what kids learn daily.

Learning to Focus, Feel, and Flourish

Research from WHO and UNICEF says the skills children need most today are:

• Self-awareness

• Empathy

• Problem-solving

• Emotional regulation

Indian schools are listening. Some start the day with gratitude circles, others end with reflection: What did you learn about yourself today? Even tech is used well—apps that guide breathwork or teach mindfulness are part of many classrooms now.

Students also learn how to set goals, deal with peer pressure, and handle stress before exams—not after the meltdown.

Art, Ethics, and Everyday Kindness

Holistic education means including creativity and conscience:

• Music and art projects help kids channel emotion.

• Literature discussions explore a character’s feelings.

• Business classes ask not just “how to profit,” but “how to help.”

• Ethics is no longer a separate period—it’s woven into every decision students make.

This is “learning by living”—and it’s inspired by Indian values. As one educator put it:

“Education without values is a complete waste.”
(Apeejay Newsroom)

What Can Parents Do at Home?

Here’s how to support your child’s inner curriculum:

• Ask: What did you learn beyond academics today?

• Build routines: a 2-minute stretch before study, or a gratitude journal

• Discuss news stories with a lens of values—what’s right, what’s kind

• Let your child fail and reflect—resilience grows from trying again

Reflection: Did You Learn These Skills in School?

👉 Think back to your school days. Did anyone teach you how to manage stress or name your emotions? Now imagine if your child graduates knowing how to breathe through a challenge, speak with kindness, and stay grounded in values.

At Wizkids Gurukul, we believe education must nurture the heart and mind equally. Let’s raise children who are not just brilliant—but brave, balanced, and beautiful inside.