Students build life skills in 5-day programme aligned with NEP

Pune: In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasis on experiential and holistic learning, a five-day residential programme at the Life Transformation Centre (LTC) is offering students a classroom-free experience where mobile phones are switched off, days begin at 5am, and learning takes place through daily activities.Introduced by MIT World Peace University for second-year students across disciplines, the programme shifts participants from conventional academic settings to a natural campus in Daund. During the five-day stay, students abstain from digital devices, aligning with NEP's focus on moving beyond rote learning to real-world skills, value-based education, and personal development.Students described the experience as challenging but transformative. Komal Sharma, a second-year business administration student, said, "Initially, staying away from my phone felt uncomfortable. But soon, I became more present. The early routine and physical work improved my focus and energy."Participants follow a structured schedule that includes fitness sessions, yoga, farm work, and group tasks aimed at building discipline and teamwork. Founder of LTC, Rahul Karad, said the initiative complements formal education. "NEP highlights the need for experiential learning. Students must understand life beyond textbooks. This environment helps build clarity, discipline, and a sense of purpose," he said, adding that self-reliance is a core element, with students cleaning their spaces and managing daily chores.The programme also includes team-building exercises, silence sessions, and reflective practices. There are no exams or grades; learning is assessed through participation and feedback.Mayank Sathe said working on farms was a new experience. "We learnt how food is grown. It makes you value what you eat and the effort behind it," he said. Another participant, Shivam Raje, said the routine helped improve discipline and mental strength.Spread across 150 acres, the LTC campus blends natural surroundings with activity-based learning spaces. Shruti Nigudkar, associate dean at LTC, said noticeable changes emerge within days. "Students gradually adapt, engage more deeply, and become more self-aware. That shift is the real learning," she said.The initiative reflects NEP's broader vision of nurturing responsible, self-aware, and purpose-driven individuals.