Amid the vast saffron fields of Pampore in Pulwama, Kashmir, stands a humble, single story school built of mud and bricks. The school, with only two rooms has embraced the wetlands, forests and saffron fields as its classrooms. The school serves as a beacon of hope for the environment by fostering environmental awareness, teaching sustainable practices, and inspiring a sense of responsibility towards nature in its students.
Behind the initiative stands Nadeem Qadri, an environmental lawyer and the visionary founder of Nature School (Pampore) who belongs to district Pulwama in Kashmir. Qadri, driven by his profound passion for the environment, had embarked on a journey of safeguarding it. The genesis of Nature School took shape in 2016 when Qadri deliberated on the concept with experts. Together, they laid the foundation for the school, marking the inception of a meaningful venture dedicated to environmental awareness and conservation.
Nature School is an informal educational institution operating without formal management and without charging fees for its students. The teachers in the school are volunteers who do not receive monthly salaries. Classes take place around wetlands, in forests and saffron fields, where students receive education from these passionate educators on environmental conservation and wildlife protection. There is non-grading of classes and there is no age limit for students, making the school accessible to anyone interested in being part of this unique learning environment.
Almost on every Sunday, students participate in educational walks through forests, saffron fields and around wetlands, gaining insights into the importance of environmental protection.
Distinguishing itself from conventional educational system, the Nature school did not rely solely on traditional textbooks and long lectures inside the enclosed concrete structures. This intentional departure from the traditional teaching system and the distinctive infrastructure reflect the school’s innovative approach to education.
The Nature school has effectively fostered increased environmental awareness among many individuals particularly the younger generation. With the genuine engagement of students with nature, the school emerges not only as an educational institution, but as a beacon, illuminating a sustainable path forward for generations to come.
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Saqib Mir is an independent journalist based in Kashmir. His work has appeared in various national and international news organizations.
