Across the globe, education systems are rapidly evolving. Regions and states are striving to make education more effective, transparent, and inclusive. Inclusive education refers to a system where all students — regardless of physical, mental, or social differences — learn together in the same environment. Its core aim is to ensure that no student is deprived of educational opportunities, and that every learner is granted equal access.
Taking a revolutionary step toward this vision, the southern Indian state of Kerala has initiated a bold transformation in its classroom design by eliminating the age-old concept of “backbenching.” At first glance, this may seem like a minor change, but its psychological and pedagogical implications are profound and far-reaching.
Traditionally, classrooms in our schools follow a fixed seating arrangement: some students always sit in the front rows, others in the middle, and some are left to the back. This arrangement subtly reinforces a silent discrimination. In our social mindset, frontbenchers are often seen as intelligent, serious, and capable, while those sitting at the back are unfairly perceived as careless, weak, or less deserving. This perception negatively impacts students’ mental health, undermines their confidence, self-worth, and willingness to learn.
Kerala, already a national leader in education, is now moving further ahead by reshaping its classrooms into U-shaped or circular seating patterns. This change ensures that every student is visible to the teacher and feels equally included. It removes the psychological divide between the “front” and the “back,” allowing each student to feel equally important and engaged.
This isn't just a change in furniture — it’s a transformation in educational philosophy. By placing every student at an equal distance from the teacher, the new layout ensures equal opportunity for participation, questioning, and expression. The classroom becomes not just a space for lectures but a vibrant, interactive learning environment where every child is active and confident.
In the context of Jammu & Kashmir, a region rich in talent and a deep love for education, yet long affected by political instability and socio-economic challenges, this model holds immense promise. Adopting Kerala’s classroom model could be a game-changer. It would offer a new platform for students who were once overlooked, enabling them to rise with renewed confidence. The teacher-student relationship would grow stronger, and education would become truly inclusive and equitable.
Moreover, this model aligns well with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), which emphasizes not just academic learning but also practical, participatory, and research-oriented education. Such an environment nurtures discipline, self-confidence, and a sense of responsibility in students, helping them grow into conscientious citizens.
To implement this transformation, a pilot project could be launched in select schools. Teachers must be trained in modern pedagogical methods, while students and parents should be sensitized to understand that this change is in their best interest. Gradually, the school infrastructure should be upgraded to support this layout.
Classroom design is not just about desks and chairs — it reflects our educational philosophy, our vision, and our priorities. The term “backbencher” is more than a label for a seat; it symbolizes the distances, discrimination, and inferiority complexes we unintentionally create among children. Kerala’s initiative is not just a practical shift — it is a thought revolution, aiming to make education equal, transparent, and accessible for all.
If Jammu & Kashmir adopts this model with foresight, commitment, and gradual implementation, the region's educational landscape can be transformed for the better. We can nurture a generation that not only acquires knowledge but also grows with a spirit of equality, dialogue, and awareness — a generation where every child leads, both in learning and in thought.

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