Luge School in rural Magarlod block of Dhamtari district in Chhattisgarh is proving that a blackboard isn’t the only canvas for learning. In an inspiring initiative led by teacher Ranjita Sahu, students are being introduced to real-world sustainability by integrating vegetable gardening into their academic routine. Equipped with curated kits of high-quality seeds – including drumstick, cucumber, bottle gourd, pumpkin, and leafy greens – the young learners are now turning their backyards into mini farms. Teacher Ranjita Sahu, whose efforts have steadily transformed educational engagement in the region, believes in sowing more than just knowledge.

 

“This small effort brings a big change in children and their families,” she reflects. “It cultivates responsibility, patience, and a deep respect for nature.” Her husband, Tumnchand Sahu, actively supports her in this endeavour, making the project a collective family mission. The outcome of this initiative has been striking. Last year’s harvests, including fresh cucumbers, papayas, tomatoes, and gourds, were not only consumed at home but shared within the community. Parents report improved food security and reduced dependency on market produce, while children beam with pride as they serve meals grown by their own hands.

 

Students participate at every stage – from sowing and watering to watching their plants flourish. This immersive learning helps foster self-esteem, mindfulness, and a love for the environment. At its core, this programme exemplifies how schools can be transformative spaces, where literacy meets life skills, and classrooms extend into nature. “When children begin to understand where their food comes from and realise they can contribute to their household through their own effort, they grow into more grounded, confident individuals,” said the Sahu couple jointly. “Our aim is to instil lifelong values that go beyond exams and textbooks – values rooted in sustainability, responsibility, and self-worth.”