Parents ki Paathshaala Masterclass #1: Unschooling with Urmila Samson — Exploring Learning Without School- 

In March 2025, Parents ki Paathshaala launched its first-ever Masterclass format with an eye-opening session titled Unschooling with Urmila Samson. A pioneer of homeschooling and unschooling in India, Urmila brought over three decades of lived experience to this deep and honest conversation about alternative education pathways. The session marked a bold step in expanding how Indian parents understand learning beyond conventional systems.

Urmila, a TEDx speaker and former mainstream school educator, guided participants through the philosophy and practice of unschooling—a lifestyle where children learn organically through everyday experiences without imposed curricula or schedules. Emphasizing trust in one’s intuition and embracing imperfection, she urged parents to reclaim their authority in raising children and to let go of the conditioning that promotes over-parenting and perfectionism.

The session explored a wide spectrum of alternatives—from Waldorf and Krishnamurti schools to learning centers, democratic education, and self-directed models like Swaraj University. Urmila shared real-life examples from her own family, including her son who began formal studies at 18 and went on to excel in research. She highlighted exam pathways such as NIOS and Cambridge (IGCSE, A-Levels), which offer flexibility, no age restrictions, and subject-level customization.

Importantly, Urmila addressed common fears about socialization, academic success, and discipline. She emphasized the power of community networks, gatherings, and online forums to support families navigating this path. Her message was clear: “There’s no perfect system—but there is a path that’s right for your child.”

The session closed with warmth, clarity, and courage—inviting parents to imagine an educational journey rooted in joy, freedom, and deep trust in the child. A truly thought-provoking masterclass, it set the tone for many more to come.