Ekya Schools has introduced Ekya Vana, a pioneering K–12 institution in Bangalore that places nature at the centre of learning. Unveiled at the FIND Festival 2025, Ekya Vana has been conceptualised as a living ecosystem where education unfolds through direct engagement with the natural world. The school aims to inspire curiosity, compassion, and environmental stewardship in every learner.
For more than fifteen years, Ekya Schools, part of the CMR Group of Institutions, has reimagined education through meaningful, experiential learning frameworks. It has consistently integrated global best practices with a commitment to nurturing confident and creative problem solvers. Following the success of Ekya Nava, India’s first purpose-based school for innovation and entrepreneurship, Ekya now expands its purpose-driven model through Ekya Vana.
A School Designed as a Living Ecosystem
Ekya Vana has been envisioned as an environment where students learn through the rhythms, patterns, and principles of nature. The campus features outdoor classrooms, butterfly and herb gardens, composting units, eco-labs and nature workshops. Each space is designed to cultivate care, connection and sustainable thinking among young learners.
The school’s academic framework is built around four core pathways: People and Planet, Earth Care, Living Systems, and Energy and Innovation. These pathways connect global sustainability themes with hands-on experiences, enabling students to understand environmental challenges while learning how to address them with empathy and innovation.
Leaders Endorse a New Direction for Education
The launch brought together leading voices from the conservation and education sectors.
Dr. A. N. Yellappa Reddy, former Secretary of the Department of Ecology and Environment, highlighted that children will become the true guardians of the planet when their curiosity and love for nature are nurtured.
Padma Shri Dr. K. Ullas Karanth, Emeritus Director of the Centre for Wildlife Studies, emphasised that conservation must evolve into a way of life, expressing hope that Ekya Vana’s students will lead a renewed movement of environmental consciousness.
Dr. Biswajit Mishra, Chief Conservator of Forests, commended the school for inspiring young citizens to understand ecological challenges and participate in building solutions.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Tristha Ramamurthy, Founder and Managing Director of Ekya Schools, described Ekya Vana as an educational experience shaped by purpose and driven by real-world relevance. She noted that every element of the school, from masterclasses to immersion camps, is designed to help learners engage deeply with the Earth.
A Movement for the Future
Ekya Vana represents more than an institution. It is a movement toward education that equips young people to sustain the planet while shaping a hopeful and equitable future. With this launch, Ekya Schools reinforces its leadership in transforming the landscape of learning in India.
