Prepared by members of the Institute for Cultural Action (IDAC) team, this book, in comic-book format, is a must-read for parents, teachers and pupils about the way schools typically are today. 

Though based on examples taken from the Western European context, the questions raised here have a broader reach, since they also concern the educational systems in other parts of the world, which have all been influenced by this Western European model.

This book shows how the people who struggled to implement this new educational model deepened their understanding of topics such as play, conversation, and democracy. The talks were collected in this wonderful book which packs a big punch in a little volume. It is particularly valuable for parents considering the Sudbury Model of education for their children. 

Education' has its roots in `e' and `ducere', which together mean: `to draw out'. School derives from `skhole' or leisure. But what is this human potential to be leisurely drawn out? Marjorie Sykes, the great educationist, points out that wise planning in education depends upon a clear understanding of the nature and goal of the human individual; and of the nature and values of the society of which he is a part. The purpose of the essays in the book is not to supply answers, but to indicate the nature of the questions involved.

Marjorie Sykes came to India, while still young. She worked with Gandhi, and was deeply influenced by the thoughts of Tagore, Gandhi and Vinoba Bhave on education. She is also the author of ‘The Story of Nai Talim’ – outlining Gandhi’s vision of education. 

A collection of essays discussing various aspects of the educational philosophy underlying Sudbury Valley School, and vignettes illustrating its atmosphere. An excellent introduction to the life and style of the school.  

Identifies the problems associated with the present system of education in India, particularly the examination system. It also points out the peculiar social features, such as the izzat factor, the idea of prestige, which lie behind these problems.

More importantly, it proposes an alternative system of education, SERVE (Students’ empowerment, Rights and Vision through Education) which seeks to make the student better equipped to handle life in general and is more in sync with Indian society.