What if children were not just learners, but active voices in shaping the world around them? This question formed the heart of the 3rd edition of “Celebrating Dr Anandalakshmi – Conversations on Education,” held on 4th April 2026, with Reimagining Learning for Children: Voice, Culture, and Context as its theme. The annual seminar series honours the enduring contribution of Late Dr Anandalakshmy, a towering figure in Education and Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), whose association with Bala Mandir continues to inspire conversations that enrich teachers, educators and the wider community.
The programme brought together diverse perspectives on how children learn not only from classrooms but also from people, culture and the world around them. Ms. Sumitra Gautama, Principal, Pathashaala (PCFL-KFI), explored how children can become active participants in their own learning; Dr. V. R. Devika, Founder, The Aseema Trust, Chennai, highlighted the role of traditional stories and art in child development; and Ms. Vidya Shankar Chakravarthy, Educationist and Chairperson, Relief Foundation (Trust), reflected on how everyday environments and communities can become powerful learning spaces.
Another important event this year was the release of a book titled Pillai Thamizh, written by Ms. Lakshmi Gopal and released by Justice Prabha Sridevan (Retd.).
