Mysuru: What began as a modest academic experiment has now blossomed into ‘ViCHAR’, a podcast series where schoolchildren interact directly with well-known personalities. From cyber warfare expert Vivek Shangari to singer Raghu Dixit, Snake Shyam, and Sri Datta Vijayananda Teertha, the seer of Datta Peetham, the guest list already reflects a remarkable diversity.
In a classroom of Purna Chetana School on the city’s outskirts, a quiet revolution in learning is taking place. The initiative has enabled students to step into the dynamic world of podcasting, merging education, creativity, and technology at a time when AI tools are steadily transforming classrooms.
Turning a classroom into a studio
To make the vision a reality, the school converted a classroom into a basic yet effective studio with two cameras and recording equipment. Students who expressed an interest in podcasting were shortlisted, trained, and given the chance to host.
“So far, three of our students — Aditya N, Maanvi M.S. (both Class X), and Kishan — have taken on the role of hosts,” said school CEO B. Darshan Raj. “Usually, podcasts project adult perspectives. But children think differently. Their curiosity is unique, and we wanted to provide them that space.”
The school has already aired seven episodes, receiving enthusiastic responses from both parents and invited speakers.
Children’s unique perspective
The difference in approach was evident when students interviewed pulmonologist Dr. Lakshmi Narasimhan. “The doubts children had about the Coronavirus were so different from what adults usually asked,” said Darshan Raj.
For the young podcasters, the process has been transformative. Aditya said his conversation with Raghu Dixit deepened his resolve to pursue music as a career. Maanvi, meanwhile, shared that the experience taught her to look at everyday people and ideas in a new light.
Guests find it refreshing
Interestingly, even the guests have found the experience novel and enriching. Snake Shyam remarked, “Student Maanvi’s questions were innocent yet profound. Explaining the world of snakes to children is difficult due to regulations, but the podcast gave me that opportunity.”
Singer-composer Raghu Dixit also commended the initiative, stating that children’s fresh perspectives made the conversation more engaging than many professional interviews.
A new wave of learning
The podcast series has highlighted how children, when given a platform, can engage meaningfully with complex subjects while retaining their natural sense of wonder. Educators say the project may also inspire similar initiatives in other schools.
Darshan Raj added, “We see ViCHAR not just as a project but as a new dimension of learning. It builds confidence, curiosity, and communication — skills every child will need in the future.”
With the next set of episodes already being planned, Purna Chetana School hopes to sustain the momentum and encourage more students to participate, ensuring that children’s voices continue to enrich the learning ecosystem.