When Mr. Brian Jenkins, Principal, Sholai School, Kodaikanal, invited me to visit Sholai School, I could not refuse. I had read about the school and wanted to see it, since it is a school unlike any other. This school is not connected to the Grid and uses renewable energy.
The campus is 100 acres. There is a river passing through the land and the flow of water is used to run a hydro electric generator. The energy is stored in cells. There is a bridge across the river built by students.
Biogas is used for cooking. Solar cells and Solar Water Heaters tap the energy from the Sun. There are animals and vegetable farms. Students help in farming and other work. The food is vegetarian and most of it is grown on the campus.
In the hostel room, I noticed that there are glass panes in the roof to allow the light in.
Mr. Jenkins was earlier at Brockwood Park School in the UK, which was founded by Jiddu Krishnamurti. He had met Krishnamurti and was influenced by him.
In the afternoon, I visited Elephant Valley, where Mr. Jenkins is using the land for organic agriculture. I traveled with him in his 1920 Austin car, which he had brought from the UK at great cost. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me.
After a late lunch at the school with Mr. Jenkins, it was time to say goodbye and leave for Kodaikanal City. Sholai School left a deep impression on me with its alternative way.
