NEW DELHI: At the 9th NYC Green School Conference, Viraf Mehta, a teacher at The Browning School, New York, emphasized the power of empathy, creativity, and inclusive pedagogy in building climate-conscious education systems.
He spoke during the session “Math to Music – The Art and Science of Greening the Curriculum,” which showcased how every subject—from mathematics to the arts—can become a channel for sustainability learning.
The interdisciplinary panel brought together educators and researchers who explored creative pedagogies, indigenous wisdom, and STEAM approaches to deepen student understanding of ecological interdependence. Panelists argued that blending scientific accuracy with artistic expression allows schools to foster not just knowledge, but sustainable mindsets.
Reflecting on his own school’s transformation, Mehta highlighted the importance of cultural shifts within institutions:
“This conference has shown me that there are some wonderful peer schools we can learn so much from, and I’m excited to bring these lessons into the next few academic years. I don’t expect this to be smooth, but I’ve seen a culture shift before. When our current principal introduced empathy and compassion in 2016, I saw the difference it made between boys who experienced it early versus those who joined later.”
He stressed that many Browning students, born into privilege, will likely become future leaders.
“If, because of their education, they use their skills, knowledge, and compassion in leadership, then we too can be hopeful about the future,” Mehta said.
The session underscored that education is not confined to textbooks, but should be reimagined as a vibrant ecosystem of inclusivity, imagination, and emotional intelligence—equipping the next generation to lead with both knowledge and conscience.
