When Mysuru Became a Classroom Without Walls
Sunday mornings are sacred. They belong to slow wake-ups, quiet cups of tea, and a little extra rest that the week rarely allows. Yet, on this particular Sunday, long before the sun rose, we stepped out into the shivering cold—sleep in our eyes, warmth in our hearts—and made our way to Namma Mysuru Palace, near the serene Kote Anjaneya Swami Temple.
The darkness slowly gave way to golden sunlight, and with it unfolded a sight that instantly warmed the soul.
Little children—colourfully dressed, eyes sparkling with excitement—ran around in the cold, hugging themselves, laughing, asking the same question again and again:
“Ma’am, how will we dance? It’s so cold!”
The answer came naturally, with a smile:
“Once the music starts, you’ll forget the cold.”
And that is exactly what happened.
When Music Played, Magic Followed
The days leading up to this event were filled with daily dance practices—sessions that didn’t feel like preparation, but celebration. Teachers, children, choreographers—each one of us lived those moments fully.
When the music finally played, the children didn’t just dance—they soared.
Barefoot on the cold ground, they performed continuously for 21 minutes, completely unaware of the chill around them. Their synchronization, dedication, joy, and sheer enthusiasm left everyone spellbound. Sitting there, clapping along, my heart danced with them. Pride, gratitude, and an overwhelming sense of blessing filled the air. The sequence of performances was thoughtfully curated—from the divinity of Ganesha Vandana, Hanuman Chalisa, and Aigiri Nandini,to the warmth of Kanta, Love You Mysuru, and Mysore Se Aayi Woh, finally rising into a powerful patriotic crescendo with Barisu Kannada Dim Dimava.
As the final lines echoed—
“Yelladaru iru, yentadaru irru, yendendigu ni Kannada vaagirru”—
eyes turned moist, hearts swelled with pride, and silence spoke louder than applause.Every performance was nothing short of wow.
Heritage, Nature, and Divine Grace
Watching children dance freely in an open space, surrounded by nature, right in the heart of our heritage city—while the majestic presence of Jai Shri Ram Hanuman Ji’s Temple stood behind them—felt surreal. It was as though Mysuru itself was blessing the moment. What unfolded there was not just a performance; it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience—made possible by divine grace and the collective effort of teachers, students, and coordinators. Even now, words struggle to capture the happiness that moment brought.
A special appreciation must go to the anchoring—the mother-daughter duo who held the crowd with grace, warmth, and energy. They added a beautiful emotional rhythm to the morning.
A Treasure Hunt That Found Hearts
Namma Mysuru Heritage Treasure Hunt—conducted for the very first time in the city—was more than an event. It was an experience carefully planned and seamlessly executed. From registration counters to clue tracking, from guidance desks to coordination across locations—everything flowed smoothly. It truly became an unforgettable journey for children, parents, and teachers alike.Standing at the counter, I witnessed moments that touched me deeply. Parents walking hand in hand with their children.
Discussing clues.
Planning routes.
Laughing.
Thinking together.
It was bonding in its purest form.
Teachers guided participants, distributed instruction sheets, issued chest numbers, and patiently explained the process. The air buzzed with excitement, curiosity, and joyful chaos. When certificates were finally handed over, the sense of fulfillment was indescribable. Every parent and child carried the same expression—pure happiness. Many parents shared that this Sunday had become truly special, a memory they would cherish for years. That alone made every effort worthwhile.
Learning Came Alive
Across Mysuru, teachers were stationed at various heritage points—armed with clue cards, seals, and signatures. As children arrived—sometimes running, sometimes breathless, always excited—those locations came alive with energy. Later, teachers shared how thrilling it was to witness children confidently presenting clues, discussing answers with parents, getting stamps, and moving forward with pride. The clue cards themselves deserve special appreciation—vibrant, creative, and thoughtfully designed. Each card blended puzzles, visual clues, questions, observation tasks, and thinking challenges. They didn’t merely guide participants; they invited curiosity, teamwork, discussion, and joyful learning. For the first time, many of us witnessed a treasure hunt where children and parents truly participated together. Honestly, it made one wish such experiences existed during our own school days.
As a social science teacher, it was deeply satisfying to see how aware children and parents were about Mysuru—its heritage, culture, landmarks, and stories. This was learning beyond textbooks—organic, joyful, and meaningful.
When everyone returned, the air was filled with joyful chatter:
“I was so close!”
“That clue was tricky!”
“I learned so much today!”Celebrating Proud Moments
The event had its proud moments too.
First Prize – Hridyaa U B
Second Prize – Aarohi Singh S
—both from our school, filling us with immense pride.
A very special mention goes to the Third Prize winner Rutvi Vihana—the uncle–child duo.
The young girl, a 5th standard student from Vasavi Convent, amazed everyone with her confidence, enthusiasm, and sharp thinking. Their coordination and joyful participation truly embodied the spirit of the treasure hunt.
More Than an Event—A Philosophy
This was not just an event; it was a reflection of what education can truly be.At Purna Chetana, we believe in offering children and parents experiences rooted in Bharatiya identity, while seamlessly integrating 21st-century skills and experiential learning. Moments like these reaffirm why such initiatives matter.Being part of such journeys is not just professionally fulfilling—it is emotionally enriching.On a personal note, heartfelt gratitude goes out to every individual who contributed to this beautiful experience. From conception to execution, the effort was truly commendable.
A big salute to Purna Chetana—for creating an inspiring, meaningful, and unforgettable memory that will remain etched in many hearts for years to come.
