Himalayan Public Smart School

Naya Gaon is where we are based, just on the edge of Chandigarh. It is a bit of a climb to get up here sometimes, but the air feels a little different than it does in the main city. We call it a smart school because we have those electronic boards in the rooms, though we still use plenty of paper and pens every single day. The building isn't fancy; it’s just a practical space with big windows that let in the light. In the winter, it gets quite cold in the mornings, and you see all the students wrapped up in their heavy sweaters and scarves. We start the day early, and the sound of children walking up the street is how the neighbors know it’s time to wake up. There is a lot of back and forth between the teachers about the schedule, especially when it rains and we have to keep everyone inside. The playground is a bit uneven, but the kids don't seem to mind when they are playing tag or football. We have a small office where the mail gets delivered and where parents come to ask about the fees. It is a straightforward place. We don't have much time for anything other than teaching and making sure the building stays in one piece. Most of our staff live nearby, so we see each other at the market on the weekends. It’s a simple life for us here.