On the rooftops of sunny Delhi, children exchange notebooks for pots. When tiny sprouts appear, they absorb knowledge about food, nature, and responsibility in ways that cannot be taught only in a classroom.
Pragati Chaswal did not initially aim to change the education system. Her initial goal was for her son to eat more vegetables. However, a small home garden gradually turned into something much larger.
Everything changed when she watched her son care for the plants. She notes: 'He began to feel a connection to the soil, watching the plants grow and understanding that plants, just like him, need care. It was a world of learning that textbooks could never teach.'
Inspired by this experience, Pragati founded the 'SowGood Foundation' and developed a three-year curriculum. Today, 78,000 children in 28 schools are learning the principles of urban farming.
Children do not just read about composting or climate change; they grow food daily, prepare compost, and gain practical experience in sustainable development. Pragati emphasizes: 'The experience of interacting with nature is learning in its purest form.'
Any unused space—from hallways and rooftops to classroom windows and recycled bottles—can become a healthy learning garden. She reminds schools: 'There is always a way to find a place.'
Fast-growing crops such as microgreens, mint, and spinach maintain children's interest. They harvest fresh produce, cook it at home, and proudly share their experiences in class.
The gardens become living classrooms where lessons in science, mathematics, and language come alive. Measuring plots, tracking growth, and keeping observations give meaning to every lesson.
As children water, compost, and tend to their plots, they begin to make decisions and solve problems together. Pragati explains: 'When children feel that the farm belongs to them, they start taking responsibility.'
For Pragati, the ultimate goal is not a single gardening event but long-term change. She believes that schools should start small but remain committed to the cause, making farming a permanent part of education.
Aryan Gupta and Panshul Bansal shared the anger and sense of injustice of thousands of NEET-UG applicants after the exam held on May 3rd was cancelled due to a material leak. They believe that students had every right to protest.
Instead of participating in demonstrations, they decided to distance themselves from the noise, restore their determination, and prepare for the re-examination, which took place on June 21st. Both candidates scored 715 out of 720; Gupta ranked first in the merit list (AIR 1), and Bansal second according to tie-breaking rules.
They are currently advocating for the implementation of computer-based testing, strengthening security measures, and providing applicants with two attempts at the NEET per year to prevent situations like the one that occurred this year.
Gupta noted: 'Although it was unfair, it was not only unfair to me. It was unfair to everyone.' He added that he viewed the retake as an opportunity to improve his results. As reports of leaks and protests multiplied, Bansal stopped following the news for almost two months because it caused him 'negative thoughts.'
Both defended the right of students to express their opinions. Gupta stated: 'Protest and dissent are fundamental rights of a citizen. They are necessary for democracy.' Bansal emphasized that his job is to study, while the responsibility to fix the system lies with the government.
The Minister of Education acknowledged the presence of errors during the conduct of the first phase of national exams. In this regard, new shortcomings in the national testing system were noted.
Fernando Alexandre noted that the observed increase in anxiety is 'excessive panic.' Furthermore, police representatives expressed confidence that 'the worst is behind us' and that 'equality is guaranteed.' Within the investigation concerning connections with the police, it was stated that it is not 'strict' to conclude on release from investigation.
It was reported that a decision was made to establish an investigative commission regarding the mandates of Luís Nevesha in the police. It was also learned about the death of singer Luís Represas at the age of 69.
The Minister of Education guaranteed that all necessary efforts are being implemented to ensure that the second phase of the exams proceeds without any setbacks.
Regarding the national exams, Fernando Alexandre classified current concerns as 'exaggerated alarmism'. On the other hand, a representative of the Maritime Police expressed confidence that the worst moment has passed and that equity in the process is duly protected.
Despite the assurances, new errors have emerged in the national exams. In another area, a legal entity stated that it is not necessary to be rigorous in concluding that it was removed from the inquiry about the attached party. Additionally, Chega admitted the possibility of advancing with an inquiry committee regarding Luís Neves' mandates in the Maritime Police.
