“Education with Purpose: Loreto Students Reflect on Deeper Meaning of Learning”
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Shimla, 3 June 2025 — In a rare and deeply reflective session held at Loreto Convent Tara Hall, Shimla, students of Grades 11 and 12 were invited to contemplate a fundamental question that transcends textbooks and examinations: Why are we being educated?
The session was led by Kalpana Sharma, former Principal of BSN Shimla and currently associated with Rajghat Besant School under the Krishnamurti Foundation of India. A proud alumna of Loreto, Sharma returned not just as a facilitator but as a guide encouraging young minds to seek the essence of true education.
The dialogue opened with a powerful distinction between literacy and education, challenging students to view learning as a transformative force rather than a mechanical process. Rooted in Loreto’s core values of “Hearts and Hands,” the discussion urged students to recognize the sacred in everyday life — to live consciously, compassionately, and with deep gratitude.
Through thought-provoking documentaries and storytelling, students explored ethical consumerism, particularly through a jarring comparison drawn from Lakme Fashion Week – where the glamor of cotton fashion stood in contrast to the suffering of cotton farmers. The question lingered: “Is my want impacting someone else’s need?”
Students were also introduced to the Ikigai framework – a Japanese philosophy integrating passion, profession, mission, and vocation – to help them reflect on purpose and meaning. They were encouraged to read the book Ikigai and embark on a personal quest to discover their own reason for being.
Principal Ritu Sharma thanked Kalpana Sharma for reigniting the spirit of reflection and depth that lies at the heart of true education. The session not only resonated with Loreto’s holistic vision but also empowered students to become thoughtful, responsible, and purpose-driven individuals.
