barublogIntroducing SAMATA – A Movement with a Mission
From that stillness, a new force emerged SAMATA. Named after the Sanskrit word for “equality,” this initiative isn’t just about teaching values. It’s about embedding them deep into the roots of every child’s mind.
Through vibrant, age-appropriate storybooks and guided reflection, SAMATA aims to nurture Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) from early childhood.
Why to prefer stories? Because they help children relate, question, and most importantly understand.
It Began with a Spark – The Day the Classroom Felt Real
The first morning opened with an infectious energy. Mrs. Manjushree Patil, with her heartfelt voice and dynamic presence, ignited the stage with activities that instantly bonded the group. Students and educators alike were invited to explore not only their intellects but their emotions..
Clips from the powerful documentary like India’s Daughter transported the room to the haunting memory of the Nirbhaya case. Tears welled, Faces froze, and something shifted .Everyone is froze & tears welled up on their faces it was not just sadness it was awakening.
Storybooks with a Soul – The Language of Feelings
Each SAMATA storybook comes with built-in lesson plans and emotional cues. Teachers are trained to use voice modulation, pause for impact, and let students discuss what they feel not just what they think.
The primary goals of SAMANTA ?
To empower children with emotional vocabulary. To help them ask:
• “How am I feeling today?”
• “How do others feel?”
• “What can I do to make someone feel seen and heard?”
Cracking the Code of Stereotypes
Day two took an interesting turn.
In small groups and open circles, children explored how gender stereotypes sneak into our everyday lives through games, conversations, even compliments. Discussions grew deeper, emotions got real, and understanding took root.
For perhaps the first time, many students realized that “equality isn’t just about treating everyone the same. It’s about giving everyone the same respect.”
The Mood Meter – Naming What We Feel
The “Mood Meter” tool is introduced in four colors that helped childrens to see if their feelings are natural, and naming them is powerful. Teachers used the RULER method (Recognize, Understand, Label, Express, and Regulate) to model how to respond & not to react to emotion.
Students learned:
🟥 Red = Angry/Overwhelmed
🟦 Blue = Sad/Down
🟩 Green = Calm/Content
🟨 Yellow = Excited/Engaged
And just like that, a child who once screamed or sulked could now say:
“I’m in the red. I need a moment.”
It has a profound progress.
Teachers Are The New Change-Makers
This journey transformed the teachers also along with the children.
They teachers are not only math or science instructors. They’re emotion coaches the kids, & shapes their identities. They are torchbearers of a more equitable world.
With SAMATA, teachers became mentors in the truest sense opening space for students to be heard, respected, and celebrated for who they are.
Personal Thought From SAMATA Team
“Let us not prepare children for the world as it is. Let us prepare them to shape the world as it should be.”
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