How can a school challenge the traditional pillars of education—fear, competition, and comparison—and instead create a system where students and teachers flourish together in a shared environment of curiosity and growth?

Srinidhi Mahishi is an educator at the Krishnamurti Foundation’s Sayadri School, nestled in the serene Western Ghats of India. With a background in ecology and teaching, Srinidhi’s path to Sayadri was serendipitous, drawn by the school’s unique educational philosophy. He has spent nearly five years in this extraordinary residential learning environment, surrounded by biodiversity and a close-knit community of students and teachers.

In this episode, we dive deep into what makes the Sayadri School a beacon of alternative education. Srinidhi shares insights into the Krishnamurti philosophy, which questions traditional education systems’ reliance on fear, comparison, and competition. Instead, the school fosters intrinsic motivation, encouraging students to learn for the joy of learning.

We explore the rhythms of life at Sayadri, from the immersive daily routines to the freedom teachers and students enjoy in shaping their own learning journeys. Srinidhi reflects on how this system nurtures both students and teachers, creating a space where curiosity drives engagement. He also discusses the challenges of maintaining individuality while aligning with a philosophy and the ways students transition from Sayadri’s unique environment to the competitive world beyond.

This conversation offers a window into what education could look like if reimagined as a collective exploration of life’s big questions rather than a race to the top. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or lifelong learner, Srinidhi’s perspective is sure to inspire a rethink of what it means to truly educate.