"Not all weight is measured in kilograms — some is carried in silence. Anxiety, pressure, fear. Let’s make classrooms a place where feelings, not just facts, find a home."

Dr. Trupti Agarwal, Chairperson of the Vishwakarma Group of Schools, has long stood at the forefront of educational innovation and holistic learning. With a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and decades of experience in nurturing young minds, she brings both scientific insight and heartfelt vision to her leadership. Her approach redefines schooling—not as a race for academic scores, but as a journey toward developing emotionally grounded, socially responsible, and intellectually agile individuals.

Her leadership spans institutions such as Vishwakarma Vidyalaya, Wisdom World Schools (Wakad and Hadapsar), and Universal Wisdom School (Balewadi), each of which reflects her deep commitment to child-centric education, sustainable values, and emotional well-being.

What Else Do Children Carry to School?

A child’s school bag may carry books, notebooks, and a lunchbox, but it also often holds invisible weight—worry, self-doubt, unspoken fears, and lingering emotional conflicts. If unacknowledged, these silent burdens can grow heavier with time.

Dr. Agarwal believes this overlooked “emotional baggage” needs to be addressed urgently and sensitively. In an age of relentless stimuli, social media comparisons, and academic pressure, students grapple with far more than meets the eye. They are navigating not just algebra and grammar, but anxiety, loneliness, and the pressure to fit in. It is here that mental health in education must be acknowledged more than ever, evolving traditional approaches to treat emotional development as central to a child’s growth.

The Emotional Crisis of the Connected Generation

While digital access has democratized information and connectivity, it has also introduced new psychological challenges. Children are increasingly exposed to curated realities, peer validation metrics, and the dopamine loop of likes and shares. This digital dependency, coupled with academic pressure, is leading to a surge in mental health concerns: increased anxiety, declining attention spans, and weakened emotional regulation.

Dr. Agarwal emphasizes that these are not fringe issues; they represent a structural crisis that demands a structured response. Schools must rise to the occasion—not by shielding students from the world, but by equipping them with the inner tools to navigate it.

Social-Emotional Learning: The Essential Curriculum

At Vishwakarma Group of Schools, social emotional learning (SEL) is not treated as an afterthought. It is intentionally built into the curriculum through a comprehensive and evidence-based SEL framework. SEL helps children understand themselves and others, regulate emotions, develop empathy, and make responsible decisions. Dr. Agarwal sees SEL as essential as literacy or numeracy. “We cannot expect children to thrive in the 21st century with 20th-century mindsets,” she notes. “Emotional literacy is a survival skill. It teaches children how to be human in an increasingly automated world.”

Following the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020 emotional learning), Vishwakarma Group of Schools integrates SEL through practices like:

• Circle Time: Safe, structured sessions for open conversations and emotional sharing.
• Mindfulness Exercises: Enhancing self-regulation and presence.
• Teacher and Parent Workshops: To create emotionally aware ecosystems around students.
• Classroom Dialogues: Encouraging daily reflection, kindness, and collaboration.

These methods are not occasional add-ons—they are woven into the fabric of the school day, supporting holistic student development with a SEL framework in schools.

Whole Hearts, Whole Education

Dr. Agarwal often says, "education should feel like a warm hug, not just a report card.” This vision stems from her understanding of how emotional safety in education and psychological belonging lay the foundation for authentic learning.

In her view, schools must be sanctuaries of both intellect and compassion. The Vishwakarma model fosters an environment where students are encouraged to speak up, listen actively, and remain curious academically, emotionally, and ethically. Emotional strength is viewed as integral to academic success, rather than separate from it.

By nurturing emotionally secure students, schools are also preparing socially conscious citizens—young people who can lead with empathy, resolve conflicts peacefully, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Equity Begins at School

Inclusion is more than a policy; it is a way of life. Dr. Agarwal believes that every child, regardless of socio-economic status, learning ability, or background, deserves to be seen, heard, and supported. Emotional wellness initiatives are designed with accessibility in mind so that every learner has a pathway to thrive.

This commitment to equity is evident across the Vishwakarma Group. From launching Maharashtra’s first Atal Tinkering Lab to adopting globally benchmarked curricula at Universal Wisdom School, the group creates diverse student growth and development entry points. The focus is on creating opportunity ecosystems—where potential is nurtured, talents are celebrated, and emotional resilience is cultivated. This philosophy's core lies a simple but profound truth: children learn best when they feel safe, respected, and emotionally engaged.

Supporting the Adults Too

Emotional education doesn’t stop with students. Teachers and parents play an equally critical role in modeling and sustaining teacher emotional training and supportive environments. Under Dr. Agarwal’s leadership, regular training programs are conducted to help educators and caregivers understand the emotional landscapes of children.

Teachers are trained to identify early signs of emotional distress, practice empathy in discipline, and create inclusive classrooms. Parents are also invited to SEL workshops focusing on mindful parenting, effective communication, and managing digital exposure. “Empowering the adults around the child is just as important as empowering the child,” Dr. Agarwal explains. “A strong support network creates consistency, and consistency builds trust.”

Education for a Compassionate Future

As the world faces increasingly complex social and emotional challenges—from climate anxiety to digital addiction to identity conflicts—education must evolve to prepare children for more than just careers. It must prepare them for life, which demands resilience, self-awareness, and compassion.

Dr. Agarwal's vision is clear: emotional learning isn’t the “other curriculum.” It is the real curriculum that shapes who children become. When schools prioritize both heart and mind, they don't just produce scholars; they nurture human beings capable of healing, leading, and creating a kinder world.

Conclusion: A School That Feels Like Home

Under Dr. Trupti Agarwal’s guidance, the Vishwakarma Group of Schools continues redefining excellence through grades and the lives its students lead beyond the classroom. Her educational philosophy affirms that academic knowledge may get students through exams, but emotional intelligence for students will carry them through life.

By allowing emotions in education, we make room for humanity. In doing so, schools cease to be just institutions of learning—they become homes of understanding, compassion, and growth.