Why Cultural Education Matters in Indian Schools
In the structured world of Indian education, creative expression often takes a back seat. Yet, when cultural education programs make their way into schools, they breathe new life into young minds. For students in government, JNV, KV, and Army Public Schools, Routes 2 Roots (R2R) a well-regarded art education NGO in India brings an experience that goes beyond textbooks. These aren’t just art classes. They’re pathways to self-discovery, confidence, and community.
The Power of Physical Workshops
Route 2 Roots physical workshops are rooted in the belief that every student deserves access to the richness of Indian culture. Unlike online programs, these face-to-face sessions allow children to interact directly with trained artists. Whether it’s learning the rhythm of tabla, the grace of Bharatanatyam, or storytelling through theatre, students get a hands-on experience that builds both skill and self-esteem.
Reaching Underserved Communities
Many cultural NGOs in India face the challenge of reaching remote or under-resourced areas. R2R solves this by directly partnering with schools across regions of rural Himachal, tribal Odisha, and border towns of Jammu & Kashmir. These grassroots interventions break the notion that arts education is only for the elite or urban student. Through their workshops, R2R ensures cultural learning becomes a right, not a privilege.
Building Confidence, One Performance at a Time
Art has a quiet way of unlocking confidence. A shy student, hesitant to speak up in class, might find their voice on stage. In group rehearsals and performances, children learn to express emotions, work as a team, and step into leadership roles. For many, this becomes their first taste of applause not just from the audience, but from themselves.
Real Stories, Real Impact
In a school in Uttarakhand, a student named Shreya, who had never seen live dance, found herself performing a classical piece after a month-long R2R workshop. In a KV in Assam, theatre classes helped bridge communication gaps between students from different backgrounds. These moments don’t just light up a day, they light up futures.
The Role of Teachers and Community
Teachers often become co-travelers in the R2R journey. Many report noticeable changes in student engagement, discipline, and interpersonal skills after these workshops. Some educators even start incorporating folk songs or theatre exercises into regular lessons. It turns the classroom into a collaborative cultural hub.
Friendship Through Shared Culture
The arts bring people together like few other things can. When students from various states learn a dance or perform a skit together, they build bonds across language and regional divides. Cultural learning becomes a shared celebration, cultivating pride in both diversity and unity.
Preserving Culture Through Participation
What makes R2R unique as a listed NGO in India is its dual goal: to educate and preserve. Every dhol beat, every thumri sung, and every folk tale enacted is part of India’s intangible heritage. By introducing these to students early, R2R ensures these traditions are not just archived, but actively lived.
A Scalable Model for Change
R2R’s physical workshops are proof that quality cultural education can be inclusive, impactful, and scalable. As an NGO for art and culture, they offer a replicable model that other regions and institutions can learn from. With each school they partner with, they create a ripple of creativity and cultural awareness.
