Everything about Head Start Montessori (Koramangala) is amazing - from those humble beginnings in a garage, the years of struggle to keep afloat and now, to the present day in a building they can call their own. Head Start Montessori has come a long way since 1984. Amazing!

Head Start Montessori didn't come about with lots of big bucks, government support, bank loans, cash cows or some such thing. It was born out of passion; a passion to develop the child's wisdom and intellect, his or her emotional strength, create a thirst for learning and build a caring community. Dr. Maria Montessori, who founded the Montessori Method, had an innovative approach, which was that "Education should no longer be mostly imparting of knowledge, but must take a new path, seeking the release of human potentialities." Worldwide, it came to be known as 'the discovery of the child' and the realization that mankind can hope for a solution to its problems.

Head Start Montessori was founded in 1984 with a Pre-Primary Montessori programme for children in the age group of two-and-half to six years. The Primary programme started in 2005 aimed at six to nine year olds. All sounds so hunky-dory, but very few realize the struggle Samina Mahmood, her son, Riad, others in her family, and a bunch of dedicated teachers had to go through. Not to forget the impetus from the children and unflinching support from parents.

Head Start Montessori continues to be inspired by the ideals and philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori - to discover the child's potential and interests through extra-curricular activities, by creating opportunities to display their skills and unleash their creativity. The idea is to inculcate a feeling that it isn't all just work, let's have fun too. Someone once said, "We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he or she is someone today." The problem is that most people forget that there are things in the world that can help children become smarter while not disrupting the lives of those around them. Simply put it means, don't limit a child to your own learning, for he or she was born in another time.

And in today's time, the focus is on all-round development. Head Start Montessori held the 'Friendship Games' in 2006 and invited two schools to participate along with children of Head Start Montessori. In 2007, the second 'Friendship Games' has enlarged to accommodate six school, including Head Start Montessori. In early February of 2007, there was this 'Science Fest' and the children went through a scientific learning experience in Botany, Zoology, Physics and Nutrition, the Solar System, etc.

And as a finale to the academic year, Head Start Montessori's first 'Music Fest' had children from five schools sing and dance into the warm March night. It was a memorable evening, not just for the kids, but also for parents, teachers, and well-wishers. As the children sang, danced and indulged in dramatic play, it demonstrated their enthusiasm and a tremendous ongoing energy to discover and celebrate their own individual talent.

In today's dog-eat-dog world, where education has turned into a murky business largely due to government policies concoted by mostly the uneducated, these children showed us all that there is more room for fun, frolic and education and lot less room for politics. Well done, Head Start Montessori. And may your tribe increase. The child's world needs vision such as yours.