Team Siliconindia

• RVHSS in Kerala has introduced a unique square-shaped classroom seating that eliminates 'backbenchers', giving every student equal visibility and engagement.
• Inspired by a Malayalam film, the model has gained traction in 8 other Kerala schools and 1 in Punjab, with support from educators and Minister K B Ganesh Kumar.
• Despite debates on its feasibility in crowded classrooms, the inclusive, student-centric model is being hailed as a transformative step in reimagining Indian education.

In Ramavilasom Vocational Higher Secondary School (RVHSS) at Valakom in Kollam district, a revolution is taking place quietly, defying conventional classroom habits and reshaping the way students interact with education. Inspired by a vignette in the Malayalam film Sthanarthi Sreekuttan, the school has created a distinctive seating system that effectively does away with the phenomenon of 'backbenchers', providing each student with equal attention and visibility in class.

The creative design places solitary desks against all four walls of the classroom, forming a square-shaped configuration that sets each child in what can be thought of as the 'front row', First piloted in RVHSS's lower primary classes, the method has been met with high praise and is currently being implemented by eight other Kerala schools and one school in the state of Punjab.

The concept, while dramatized in the movie, has its roots in reality. Director Vinesh Viswanathan shared that the inspiration behind the concept came from classroom practices of the District Primary Education Programme (DPEP) days. During the movie, a Class 7 student proposes the new seating arrangement after sitting alone as a backbencher, which resonated with teachers and audiences alike. The effect was instant after the release of the movie on OTT, one of the main schools in Punjab took up the model and even screened the film to students, creating interest throughout the nation.

The change at RVHSS was initiated by Kerala Minister K B Ganesh Kumar, who has relatives running the school. After viewing a preview of the film, he spoke with the school's teachers and approved a pilot scheme in a single class. The success of this first implementation, which was characterized by higher student participation and increased teacher-pupil interaction, prompted full implementation to all lower primary classes.

RVHSS teachers have warmly welcomed the change. Meera, a seasoned lower primary teacher with close to 30 years of service, indicated that the new structure has enabled her to connect more personally with each child. Teachers indicate that children are more engaged and participative, and the lack of hierarchical seating has enabled them to foster a more inclusive and democratic learning environment. The model is similar to practices used in Finland and Norway, which are renowned for their student-centered education systems.

Though widely welcomed—incurring even a congratulatory tweet from industrialist Anand Mahindra the move has also caused controversy. Some older students have posted concerns on social media about the feasibility of the design in overpopulated classrooms. Refuting these, director Vinesh Viswanathan pointed out that classes with very high student counts are already breaking educational rules and cannot be normal.

Although it has faced the occasional scathing critique, the widespread popular support indicates that this model is anything but a passing fad. It's a fundamental change in the philosophy of education, with inclusivity, participation, and emotional health taking precedence over traditional seating hierarchies. As more schools take notice, Kerala could be leading a larger shift to redefine how children learn beginning with where they sit.