A new initiative that combines the strengths of the ancient Gurukul system with modern science-based teaching methods is going to be launched in Karnataka. Astrid World School will be formally inaugurated on 15th November 2026, and nine educational institutions will be set up at different locations. It is being introduced as a progressive learning model that goes beyond textbooks and examinations. Curiosity-driven education, emotional development, moral values and leadership skills are to be developed among students.
The inaugural function will be held at Shangri-La Hotel (Artezzia) in Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru. A.R. Nayak, Founder Chairman and Director of Astrid Group of Schools, said that the new initiative is being developed as an education-focused institution with educationists and entrepreneurs who want to contribute towards improvement of the education sector.
Under the Astrid World School initiative, nine institutions will be set up for quality education through an integrated academic approach combining traditional learning principles with contemporary educational practices.
The nine schools proposed for location are North Yelahanka, East Sarjapur, South Kaggalipura, West Makali, Girinagar (Uttara Kannada district), Manki-Murudeshwar, Attibele, Hoskote and Kanakapura. With these locations, the organisation hopes to get into different parts of Karnataka (Bengaluru and surrounding areas) with its educational presence.
All nine schools will follow the CBSE curriculum, so students will have a recognised national-level academic framework. This will give families more opportunities to pursue an alternative learning environment where emphasis is given both on academic achievement and personality development.
One of the major attractions of Astrid World School is its focus on how to take the positive aspects of the Gurukul education system into modern schooling. The Gurukul model has traditionally been based on discipline, values, close interaction between teacher and student, practical knowledge and holistic development.
Astrid seeks to translate these principles into modern education by combining them with scientific learning methods (not memorisation; completion of textbooks; examinations preparation). Students will be expected not only to learn but also to understand concepts; ask questions; explore ideas and develop independent thinking skills.
Curiosity-based education, concentration, emotional development and ethical values will be given special attention in the proposed learning model. The school wants to develop students’ organisational mindset as well as their ability to work together: by making children think independently and creatively about challenges, the school intends to develop skills that can help them succeed in an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing world; emotional resilience, inner clarity and social responsibility are also identified as important elements of educational philosophy. Children should develop not only academically but emotionally, socially and intellectually too.
Speaking on the vision of the institution, A.R. Nayak said Astrid World School is about building a positive foundation to shape children into responsible and capable individuals. “We will have meaningful educational experiences, emotional development, higher values and a questioning mindset,” he said, adding that the intention was to help every child recognise and use their full potential. “Academic excellence alone cannot prepare children for the future; students also need confidence, clarity, leadership qualities and the ability to contribute positively to society.”
The school wants to provide opportunities for practical training and learning experiences which can develop leadership skills and prepare students for future responsibilities. Bringing academic knowledge and practical exposure together will make learning more relevant to everyday life (academic knowledge is not education). The organisation’s wider vision is to equip students so that they can face future challenges confidently but with strong ethical and social values; encourage collaboration, independent thought and greater responsibility among young learners.
The management board of Astrid World School is A.R. Nayak, Lokesh N., Vanitha Lokesh, Lakshmi Raju K.K., Trupti Nayak, Basavaraj, Hanumantharayappa, B.M. Srinivas and Surendra Hegde, who will be directors of the organisation. They are expected to support the institution's educational vision and development of the proposed school network in Karnataka.
Several political, educational and media personalities are expected to grace the inauguration in Bengaluru on November 15. Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, former minister and MLA R.V. Deshpande, MP Dr C.N. Manjunath, former minister Dr Jayamala Ramachandra, MLC N Ravikumar, etc are expected at the event, among others. Vishweshwar Bhat, Editor-in-Chief of Vishwavani newspaper and Ravi Hegde, Editor-in-Chief of Kannada Prabha and Asianet Suvarna News, are also expected to participate along with other dignitaries.
Astrid World School has nine campuses proposed in Karnataka and an educational philosophy that combines Gurukul traditions with modern scientific teaching methods. Curiosity, emotional intelligence, moral values, practical learning and leadership development are the cornerstones of this new entrant into Karnataka’s education sector; it is a vision of education beyond what goes on in classrooms. On November 15, it will formally launch this initiative (and create an environment where children become knowledgeable, confident, socially responsible individuals).
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