Shimla: In a significant step towards strengthening the emotional and mental well-being of schoolchildren, Himachal Pradesh Samagra Shiksha has expanded the implementation of the Social, Emotional and Ethical (SEE) Learning programme across schools in the state. The initiative, being implemented in partnership with the Piramal Foundation, aims to equip students with emotional resilience, ethical values and social awareness alongside academic learning.
As part of the expansion, a three-day SEE Learning Educators’ Workshop was organised in Rekong Peo under the joint aegis of Samagra Shiksha, Piramal Foundation, Emory University (USA) and Chos Khor Ling Buddhist Service Association, Kinnaur. Around 60 principals, teachers and trainee educators from DIET, along with representatives from government and private schools, participated in the workshop.
The programme focused on familiarising educators with the SEE Learning framework, its practical applications and strategies for integrating social, emotional and ethical competencies into classroom teaching. Experts from Piramal Foundation and Emory University conducted training sessions and interactive discussions.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche said SEE Learning is rooted in India’s ancient wisdom traditions and reflects the vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to integrate compassion and ethical values into modern education systems. He said the programme plays a crucial role in making education more humane and value-based.
Dr. Lobsang Tenzin Negi, Executive Director of the Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics at Emory University, said Himachal Pradesh holds special significance as the residence of the Dalai Lama. He noted that effective implementation of SEE Learning in the state would help promote compassion, empathy and ethical thinking among future generations.
Kinnaur Deputy Commissioner Amit Sharma lauded the initiative, stating that programmes focusing on emotional balance, ethical development and holistic growth are essential in today’s rapidly changing world.
₹50 Lakh Budget Approved for SEE Learning
State Nodal Officer of Samagra Shiksha, Varsha Sood, said the programme is being implemented with full commitment across the state. She revealed that approximately ₹50 lakh has been approved for SEE Learning activities during the current financial year to ensure its effective implementation.
“Developing responsible, sensitive and emotionally aware citizens is the need of the hour, and SEE Learning is an important step in that direction,” she said.
Ishan Sharma, Director of Piramal Foundation, said the foundation is currently implementing SEE Learning in seven states and is working to scale up the programme further.
The workshop was attended by several distinguished guests, including Dr. Lobsang Tenzin Negi, Ishan Sharma, Yuki Imoto, Gyabung Tulku Rinpoche, Kuldeep Negi, Sushil Sharma, Varsha Sood, Ranjana Chauhan, Rajendra Thakur and Dr. Tenzin Nima Negi.
The three-day training programme is expected to help educators integrate social, emotional and ethical learning into everyday teaching practices, making education more compassionate, inclusive and holistic.
