CSR collaboration with Emory University to advance Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning

Dharamshala, India: Piramal Foundation today announced that they have signed a letter of intent with the Government of Himachal Pradesh to initiate Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning (SEEL) program in the state. To mark this occasion, Piramal Foundation, in collaboration with Emory University, organised a SEE Learning launch and certification event at the Dalai Lama Library and Archives in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. This initiative stemmed from His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s vision of integrating secular ethics and human values into education.

SEE Learning, developed by the Centre of Contemplative Science & Compassion-based Ethics at Emory University, USA, is a comprehensive curriculum and resource package for teachers and stakeholders. Its core goal is to promote social, emotional, and ethical literacy in K-12 classrooms worldwide. The implementation of SEE Learning has transformed the education ecosystem, positively impacting districts, blocks, panchayats, master facilitators, students, and community volunteers. It establishes a compassionate environment, empowers facilitators, equips students with holistic skills, and fosters community engagement.

The event showcased a presentation of stories, “Bhavnaaon ki Kahaniyaan” (Stories of Emotions) of SEE Learning from Piramal Foundation. It highlighted the success of SEE Learning programs across 6 states (Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan), showcasing the transformative impact of holistic education on both heart and mind. Over the last few years, Piramal Foundation has impacted 100,000 + schools across India.

His Holiness, the Dalai Lama said, “My motivation in undertaking this work reflects my firm belief that when each of us learns to appreciate the critical importance of ethics and makes inner values like compassion and patience an integral part of our basic outlook on life, the effects will be far-reaching. I look forward to a day when children, as a result of integrating the principles of non-violence and peaceful conflict resolution at school, will be more aware of their feelings and emotions and feel a greater sense of responsibility both toward themselves and toward the wider world.”

Ajay Piramal, Chairman, Piramal Enterprises Limited said, “Embracing Social, Emotional, and Ethical Learning (SEE Learning) isn’t just an educational choice; it’s a societal imperative. Organizations committed to fostering holistic growth must weave SEE Learning into their fabric, nurturing empathy, resilience, and ethical decision-making. Through SEE Learning, Piramal Foundation is committed to fostering a compassionate teaching learning school education system in India. I strongly resonate with His Holiness’ vision of combining societal ethics with education to achieve holistic growth.”

Prof. Lobsang Tenzin Negi, Executive Director, Compassion Centre, Emory University noted, “This is the first time we have witnessed the SEE Learning intervention at scale. The customization adopted by the Piramal Foundation for each state is heartening to see, and many lessons can be learned from it.”

In April 2018, SEE Learning was launched globally, and in 2019 Piramal Foundation and Emory University signed an MoU to partner to deliver a curriculum focused on compassion and resilience. This was also in alignment with India’s National Education Policy 2020. This initiative addresses India’s urgent need for such education, highlighted by significant adolescent mental health challenges and a high rate of student suicides.