Prerana Centre

From the Clock Tower, walk past the art gallery and walk southwards for another 200 m to reach Prerana school.

In the historic town of Vadnagar stands this modest-looking school with a remarkable mission. Today it is known as ‘Prerana: The Experiential Learning School’, a national initiative designed to inspire young minds from across India. But long before it became a centre for experiential learning, this building began as a simple school serving the children of the town.

The school was originally established in 1888. At that time, Vadnagar was part of the princely state of Baroda. The ruler then was Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, widely regarded as one of the most progressive among India’s princely rulers. During his long reign from 1875 to 1939, he introduced sweeping reforms across the state; expanding railways, modernising laws, and promoting industries.

Maharaja Sayaji believed that the strength of a society lay in its education. So he established schools, libraries and institutions of higher learning across his kingdom. One of those schools was founded here, the Vadnagar Vernacular School. It taught children in their local language and catered to the educational needs of the town’s families.

For more than a century, the school quietly carried on its mission. Generations of children studied within its simple classrooms. Among them was a young student who would later become the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.

He believed that a text book based curriculum needed to be supplemented with experiential learning. So in 2024, this school was reimagined as ‘Prerana’, meaning Inspiration. It is a unique national programme led by India’s Ministry of Education. The idea is simple; bring students from every corner of the country to this historic town and allow them to experience learning in a completely different way.

Each week, a small group of 20 students, boys and girls chosen from 10 different districts across 10 different states of India, arrive here for a residential programme. They are selected through a rigorous process that looks for talent, determination and leadership potential.

During their stay, the students learn in ways that go far beyond textbooks. The programme is designed around 9 core human values and combines them with activities such as yoga and meditation, storytelling, arts and crafts, community interaction and field visits. Students explore nearby archaeological sites, observe everyday life in villages, and take part in creative workshops and traditional games.

The aim is not simply to teach facts, but to nurture curiosity and a sense of responsibility towards society. And when these young participants return to their own communities, they carry back many stories, ideas and experiences that can inspire others.