philosophy

Stories give us access to insights and skills needed to live in a pluralistic society like India . Stories can and do help develop active tolerance skills in us, an ability that comes from a greater maturity and understanding of ground realities (as opposed to the passive tolerance that many of us have today). Stories are a vicarious way to learn more about ourselves.

Katha's main aim is to enhance the pleasures of reading for children and adults, for experienced readers as well as for those who are just beginning to read. And, inter alia, to -
 

• Stimulate an interest in lifelong learning that will help children grow into confident, self-reliant, responsible and responsive adults.
• Help break down gender, cultural and social stereotypes.
• Encourage and foster excellence, and applaud quality literature and translations in and between the various Indian languages.
• Enhance the joys of reading for all.

The Katha philosophy has grown organically over the years. Today we work with students - from first to third and fourth generation schoolgoers, especially girls - our future decision makers. And with teachers, from the preschool to higher education continuum. Katha with its many volunteers and passionate teams show that we can make a difference!

We at Katha believe that excellence is fun and that creativity is within everyone's reach. We believe in human dignity and the potential each one of us has, and we strive to help it grow.

Education is Katha's mission. It stresses knowledge that is relevant to life, which spells economic prosperity for the family and greater happiness for all - the ultimate goal of life. LIFE knowledge is skills in -

Literacy to lifelong learning, the basis of self-reliance. It encompasses purna siksha or holistic learning.
Independence . Income-generation. Katha believes in freedom from poverty for all. Creating wealth of ideas, creativity,

Family wellbeing, health, environment, contented living leading to a feeling of seeing the world as family -  Loka samastha sukino bhavanthu.

Empowerment, including gender, equity and equality. An ability to make choices for a sustainable personal and collective future.

The 9Cs . Again a Katha concept  like LIFE, the 9Cs were first discussed in a Katha meeting in 1993 and have been a part of our classroom teaching since then.

The 9Cs at Katha comprises of ideas and activities that help in the formation of character.

Katha's Sustainable Education Philosophy includes:

A Relevant Education Curriculum that gives to the child a liberal, rounded education that brings together scholastic, entrepreneurial and spiritual learning.

Teaching/learning materials that make learning joyful, relevant and creative, increasing and enhancing lifelong learning skills/habits in children.

Empowered students and teachers who know their rights and responsibilities and who join hands to make the system work for the good of all.

Combining traditional Indian practices with new knowledge on all life-related topics, which makes the child a responsive, responsible and happy member of her/his society.

Teacher training that supports sound and creative classroom ideas on gender and other issues, worked sensitively into and in relation to formal, curricular teaching.

Community and parent participation and informed investment in their own and their children's future.

Purna Siksha: Today's education turns out the quality-conscious technocrat/ business manager/ doctor, but often does not develop the person as a responsive and responsible citizen, not just of India but of the world. Mass culture can be disabling. Social change can only happen if education can help make people believe that they can help build a better and more humane world. The Katha Initiatives support the growth and maturing of people as individuals and as confident citizens of not just a multicultural country like ours, but of the world.