In a world where education often focuses on outcomes over processes, Mission Lehar, a project by the Bodhmarga Foundation, is charting a path of transformation. Its mission is simple yet profound: to empower marginalized and underprivileged school children by connecting them with compassionate mentors who foster self-leadership, confidence, expression, and resilience.
One of the shining testimonials of this project comes from Mrs. Mariyam Petiwala, an experienced educator and the founder of Children’s House International Montessori Preschool in Kandivali, Mumbai. Her inspiring journey and engagement with Mission LeHar reveal the transformative power of this initiative.
Mariyam ma’am’s love for the Montessori method began decades ago. Trained in the United States, she spent 20 years shaping young minds before returning to India to establish her preschool. Her belief in Maria Montessori’s philosophy – one rooted in touching the soul and transforming oneself before teaching children – has been her guiding light.
But even with this rich foundation, Mariyam ma’am found something extraordinary in her collaboration with Mission Lehar.
“I had already done the Montessori course, but it was more theoretical back then—about reading and explaining. When Bodhmarga came in, they deepened the experience, making the basis of the teaching, its philosophy come alive. It became about understanding how our emotions and self-awareness directly affect our ability to teach.”
The Power of Self-Understanding in Education
One of the key insights that Mariyam ma’am gained was that educators must first understand themselves before they can truly understand their students. The sessions organized by Bodhmarga were not just about teaching techniques; they were about soulful learning—exploring how emotions and self-awareness influence the classroom environment.
She observed, “If we don’t step out of the frame of the literal—just reading material—we miss the opportunity to create a real shift with children. Following the child is where the magic happens. The child leads us to the goals we envision for them.”
A Call to Teachers: Teaching as a Mission, Not a Job
Mrs. Mariyam Petiwala passionately calls on educators to embrace teaching as a mission of the heart and recommends this project Mission LeHar as a primary catalyst in that journey. She believes that those who approach teaching solely as a job miss out on the deeper purpose of education.
“Look, understand yourself first before you try to understand the child,” she urges. “When you truly understand the child, success will follow. What a beautiful gift we can give them if it comes willingly, rather than forcing them into things.”
Through Mission Lehar, Mariyam ma’am saw how this philosophy could be instilled in teachers, helping them realize the profound impact they can have when they lead with empathy and self-awareness.
The Ripple Effect of Transformation
The most moving aspect of Mrs. Mariyam Petiwala’s testimony is her recognition of the ripple effect that such initiatives create.
“If even one teacher transforms, 25 children benefit. Then the next 25. Imagine the difference we can make in the world—how much peace and learning we can bring, especially in today’s environment where children are bombarded with distractions like the internet and phones.”
A Revolution in Education
Mariyam ma’am credits the Bodhmarga Foundation for blending Montessori’s revolutionary philosophy with self-awareness and soulful teaching. She describes their work as visionary and essential, praising their ability to ignite change in educators and, by extension, in the children they serve.
“This will make a difference. It’s not just education; it’s creating a peaceful place in the world, starting with the learning environment.”
Conclusion: Mission Lehar—A Beacon of Hope
Mission Lehar is more than just an initiative; it’s a movement towards a compassionate, thoughtful, and transformative approach to education. Mrs. Mariyam Petiwala’s experience highlights its power to nurture not just students but also teachers, who, in turn, shape the future.
As she says, “Teaching is not just a job; it’s so much more. And with Mission Lehar, we’re reminded of the soul of education—one that changes lives, one student, one teacher at a time.”
Join the Mission
Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or someone passionate about making a difference, Mission Lehar invites you to be a part of this transformative journey. Together, let’s empower the next generation with resilience, confidence, and compassion
