UK's first state-funded Hindu primary is a model ecological school
29 January 2010

London Borough of Harrow's Krishna Avanti School, the first state-funded Hindu primary in Britain, looks set to become a model ecological school based on the industry standard for environmental assessment. The shool, which started on 8th September 2009 with an intake of 86 children in the first few classes, is built along Vedic design principles. At the heart of the school is a Hindu temple, replete with a makrana marble dome, modeled on that of the Neasden mandir in London, carved in India and installed by local Polish builders! The project, delivered in conjunction with the I-Foundation charity which is backed by mining-mogul Anil Agarwal of Vedanta Resources, held an exclusive pre-opening of the school building for locals, MPs and community supporters on Saturday 23rd January 2010.

Nitesh Gor, of the I-Foundation a School Governor and parent, explained the background to the naming of the school: "Krishna is the name of God, meaning all-attractive. Balarama is Krishna's brother and first expansion, and whose name means strength and reservoir of pleasure. During his presence on this planet, Lord Krishna and Lord Balarama went to school in a place called Avanti. Hence with the name 'Krishna-Avanti' we hope to inspire a simultaneous attached to both God and education." Both deities are revered at the temple and the school opens early to allow devotees (children and their parents) to offer prayers before class. The school offers teachings about the Bhagavad-Gita and Sanskrit classes alongside the modern British school curriculum.

Built on a single-storey level, the school is decorated in an environmentally friendly hardwood - larch - sourced from sustainable stock. There is an automatic ventilation system which monitors carbon dioxide levels and opens and shuts windows accordingly. Each class is sound-proofed to improve acoustics inside and the surroundings are landscaped to create a tranquil teaching environment. The playground surface is made from recycled rubber and fenced with sustainable wood.

The roof of the schools is planted with a sedam, a succulent plant - it has an inch of soil so that rain does not make a noise and there are sprinklers on the roof to maintain moisture levels. The moss will also attract butterflies and bees in the summer. The founders have also spent a considerable thinking about water usage. Water is warmed by pumping it into the earth 70 metres down and then back up again. This saves on average 70% on heating bills for the school's entral heating system.

Srila Prahupada, a revered Hindu Swami said "if our children are given a Vaishnava education they then come out as the topmost citizens with all good qualities such as honesty, cleanliness, truthfulness and loyalty". Cleanliness is certainly a major priority at the school: staff and children take off their outside shoes when walking around the schools -as if at home. The kitchen, run by head cook Navadwip Jivan, offers showers for cooks and produces a vegetarian menu daily.

Run by headmistress Naina Parmar, the Krishna-Avanti school, set among 5.5 acres on Mollison Way, blends eastern philosophy and style with western educational needs. The low-key design of the building and environs, which include an amphitheatre, merge with surrounding area. Although the school presently only has 86 students - 26 in the nursery, 30 in reception year and 30 in year 1 - it is likely to reach full capacity (236) quickly as its educational outcomes and credentials become established and increasingly sought-after.