Ananya Panday launches kindness curriculum to teach children empathy through art

India Today

2 days ago

Actor and Ananya Panday is expanding her commitment to creating a more compassionate world, both online and offline, through the launch of a powerful new initiative. Her platform, So Positive, in collaboration with the NGO Slam Out Loud, has introduced a Kindness Curriculum designed to bring emotional learning into classrooms across India.Rooted in art-based learning, the curriculum helps children understand and practice empathy, compassion, and kindness from a young age. Using storytelling, poetry, and visual arts, the modules turn emotional growth into a creative and engaging experience.advertisementWhat makes this program even more unique is that the 'Student of The Year 2' actor herself teaches all six modules. She narrates each one and personally guides students through the activities, weaving in her own experiences to make the lessons more relatable and impactful.
A source close to the actor further shared that the program is being rolled out in multiple cities across states like Delhi, Maharashtra, Bengaluru, and Punjab through Slam Out Loud's Jijivisha Fellowship and Arts for All Program. It is targeted at children aged nine to 15 years and is completely free of cost. Through the fellowship, the curriculum aims to reach around 24 schools in Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru.
Speaking about the initiative, the actor exclusively told India Today that this has been something she has been wanting to do for a really long time: 'For me, kindness shows up in the little things: being present, checking in, just putting good energy out there. It makes the world feel a little softer, a little safer. That's why launching the Kindness Curriculum means so much to me. It's more than just teaching values; it's about helping raise a generation that grows up in a world that feels safe and kind. Through art, poetry, and creativity, we want them to know that kindness — to themselves and others — is their biggest superpower.'The 'Kho Gaye Hum Kahan' actor shared that kindness has always been a driving force behind her work, and she believes it should not just be spoken about, but also practiced daily. "I truly feel that if we can instill kindness in kids from a young age, it becomes second nature to them as they grow up. That's why this program is so close to my heart. With everything going on in the world, I feel an even stronger need to help build a generation that's more empathetic, emotionally aware, and simply, kind,' Panday added.advertisementAdditionally, under the program, it will also reach three lakh students across Punjab and be implemented in four districts of Maharashtra: Thane, Nagpur, Nashik, and Amravati. To ensure broader access, the entire curriculum will also be available for free on So Positive's YouTube channel starting Friday, July 25, making it accessible to parents, educators, and schools across the globe. The team is also working towards integrating the curriculum into the Government of India's DIKSHA Portal.In a world where children are navigating increasingly complex emotional and digital landscapes, Panday, through her Kindness Curriculum plans to offer a timely and powerful tool for raising a generation that leads with empathy.- EndsMust Watch