By Chun-Liang Chiu, Yuan-Chen Hu 

As the school year came to a close, Tzu Chi’s education team in India conducted a three-day review of their humanistic education program from February 26 to 28, 2025. Guided by the Jing Si Aphorism: 

“Let us say goodbye to yesterday with gratitude and greet the new day with reverence.”  

This year’s program introduced the first-ever Humanistic Award to recognize students who exemplified positive character growth. Through this initiative, students and teachers alike embraced discipline, respect, and kindness—values that are shaping a brighter future. 

Fostering Growth in Schools 

Before traveling to India, Malaysian volunteer Hui Lee Cheok carefully prepared the awards and discussed the selection criteria for a group of local educators trained through Tzu Chi’s initiative. These Tzu Chi teachers play a crucial role in engaging students in hands-on learning while fostering strong moral values. 

Durga Kumar, principal of Rahul Nagar Primary School, expressed his excitement: “Our students are thrilled with Tzu Chi’s awards. Even those who didn’t win are motivated to work harder, attend classes regularly, and follow their teachers’ guidance.” 

Since Tzu Chi’s involvement, he has witnessed a noticeable transformation in students’ behavior. They have become more disciplined, speak kindly, and actively practice good deeds. The dedication of the local Tzu Chi teachers has also played a key role in making education more engaging and meaningful. 

Inspiring Confidence and Responsibility 

The impact of Tzu Chi’s character education was evident in the words of the students themselves. Sonu Kumar, a recipient of the Humanistic Awards from Tikabigha Primary School, shared how his mindset had changed, “I used to think I couldn’t achieve good results, but with my teachers’ encouragement, I now believe in myself.” 

Beyond his academic progress, Sonu has become an advocate for regular school attendance among his peers and has embraced vegetarianism as a way to cultivate kindness. Similarly, Vicky Kumar from Suryapura Middle School expressed gratitude for the lessons he learned, “Thanks to Master Cheng Yen and everyone, I now recognize my abilities. I want to inspire my friends to respect elders, teachers, and parents and to always be on time for school.” 

For Raj Kumar from Rahul Nagar Primary School, the changes were deeply personal. Once struggling to focus, he now applies himself diligently to his studies and has even inspired his family to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle. 

A New Perspective on Life 

The humanistic program’s influence extended beyond the classroom, shaping students’ attitudes toward daily life. Amarjeet Kumar, a teacher at Buddha Gyan Niketan, observed how his students had become more mindful of personal hygiene, kept their classrooms tidy, and even placed their shoes neatly. More importantly, they had developed a stronger sense of respect and courtesy toward others. 

Dheeraj Kumar, a sixth-grader, reflected on his newfound appreciation for those around him, “I used to take others’ help for granted. Now, I thank my brother for washing our clothes, my teachers for teaching me, and my friends for sharing their food. I learned all this from Tzu Chi’s teachers.” 

This shift toward gratitude was also evident in Piyush Kumar, an eighth-grader at Sujata Bakrour Government School. Previously, he saw helping his parents as a burden, but he now appreciates his mother’s daily cooking. He has even taken up flower picking in the mornings to make garlands for sale, helping to supplement his family’s income. 

For younger students like Priyanka Kumar, a second-grader at Rahul Nagar Primary School, the program introduced new ways of thinking. After watching the episode, The Friendship Between the Horse and the Goat from the program Stories Told by Venerable Master Cheng Yen, she shared her realization, “Animals can be friends and help each other, just like we humans can. We should treat both our friends and animals with sincerity.” 

Building a Strong Foundation for the Future 

The local Tzu Chi teachers continued to reinforce life skills, such as the seven-steps to handwashing, reminding students of the importance of personal hygiene before meals. By integrating practical lessons with character education, the program has not only shaped students’ attitudes but has also inspired teachers and families to cultivate values that foster a compassionate society. 

Tzu Chi’s efforts in India extend far beyond academic success. Through the Humanistic Awards and character-building programs, students are learning self-discipline, respect, and kindness—qualities that will stay with them for a lifetime. As they carry these values forward, they are inspiring change within their families, schools, and communities, ensuring that kindness and gratitude continue to ripple outward.