“It is essential that a child grows up to be a compassionate human being. At the same time, it is essential that they learn to shoulder their responsibilities at an early age. We counsel students on various aspects of life, like standing for one’s rights, handling peer pressure, saying no to drugs,” says Punita Singh, a counsellor at Carmel Convent School.

The aim behind introducing life skills in schools is to capture the true essence of adolescence. The circular issued by CBSE states: “Adolescence is a time of immense creative energy, self-discovery and a desire to explore the world. Children can be fraught with feelings of isolation, loneliness and confusion. Lessons in life skills help in the holistic development of children and its significance cannot be ignored.”

Schools are organising various activities under joyful living to make students aware of the values and make them socially responsible.

Rather than keeping a separate period for the lessons, schools have incorporated these skills in the daily chores of students. “Students decorate their classrooms whenever there is a cleanliness drive in the school. We also hold regular lectures in moral education so they imbibe the right values. They are also told not to lie,” says Aruna Bhardwaj, principal of Gurukul School.

“Celebrating festivals with underprivileged children also forms part of life skills. It teaches students to share their things apart from making them aware of the principle of equality,” says a teacher of Bhavan Vidyalaya.