PW invited parents of India’s Ivy League girls boarding school Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya, Gwalior to share their insights on how they ensure their children engage with nature

“During a recent family trip to Phuket, our daughter Yashita (class VII) had a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature through a first-time snorkelling experience on an excursion to Phi Phi Islands. Though hesitant, she found the courage to take the plunge, inspired by the thought that her younger brother was watching her. Seeing his sister overcome her fears encouraged him to venture into the water as well. Since she joined SKV in 2025, she has grown in confidence and is keen to embrace new experiences. Her progress reminds us that children often discover their courage when given the freedom to explore, experience nature firsthand and step beyond their comfort zones. Such moments nurture curiosity, resilience and a deeper appreciation of the natural world” — Bhavina Awad, administrator, Orchids Higher Secondary School

“We almost cancelled our Sri Lanka holiday, wondering whether it would suit our daughters — Ahana (class IX), an SKV student, and eight-year-old Yana. But at Mirissa Beach, both bonded over collecting and sorting shells, completely absorbed by nature. For hours, they needed neither phones nor entertainment. Watching them explore together, we realised that nature creates connections that everyday routines often cannot. Our evenings became peaceful moments of observation and discovery. The lesson we learned was simple: let children experience nature without overplanning activities. Sometimes, sea, sand and shells are enough. Today, their separate collections remind us that meaningful engagement begins with presence, curiosity and shared experiences” — Neha Nigam Agarwal, entrepreneur

“Our family holiday in Switzerland became a journey of discovery, resilience and self-belief. Surrounded by the majestic Alps, pristine meadows and breathtaking landscapes, our daughter Shivanshi (class VIII) discovered nature’s ability to inspire courage and perseverance. The highlight was her decision to engage in paragliding, despite her longstanding fear of heights. Watching her overcome her apprehension and embrace the experience filled us with pride. She learnt that conquering fear is more rewarding than conquering mountains. We believe Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya, through its emphasis on self-reliance, leadership and independent thinking, has strengthened Shivanshi’s confidence to embrace challenges, trust herself and discover new possibilities” — Unnati Jain, Partner Swastik Polymers

“Coming from a rural background, we believe children should grow up with mud on their feet, sunshine on their faces and curiosity in their hearts. We encourage our children to spend time in fields, observe birds and plants, and discover the joys of wildlife. Farm visits and jungle excursions offer valuable lessons in patience, hard work and gratitude. Now that Shivanjali (class VI) has joined boarding school, we encourage her to remain curious about nature and explore the outdoors. We are glad that the SKV campus provides opportunities to nurture this connection. Nature is truly the finest teacher, inspiring curiosity, responsibility and respect for the environment through everyday discoveries” — Pallavi Singh, social worker