What if school was about joy, not pressure? That’s what Muneet Dhiman, an ex-techie who left his IT job in Germany, has built in Bengaluru. His school, Vidyakshetra, offers free education to 157 children—without exams, fees, or competition.

Here, mornings begin with music, weaving, or farming, not bells or heavy bags. Children learn mathematics after kneading dough, debate Sanskrit grammar after working on looms, and study science alongside pottery and handloom weaving. Marks are not the measure of success, yet students consistently score above 85–95% in board exams.

Muneet and his wife Preethi returned to India in 2006, determined to reimagine learning. After visiting 26 alternative schools, they opened Vidyakshetra in 2016 with 13 students. Today, nearly 1,000 families apply each year. Admissions aren’t based on money but on shared values. The school survives on donations and community support, keeping learning free for all.

The curriculum blends Indian knowledge systems with modern subjects—shaping hand, heart, and head. From weaving and farming to science experiments, children discover their passions. For them, education is not about chasing ranks—it’s about growing roots, finding joy, and learning to live with purpose.