Oak Grove School is one of many schools founded by J. Krishnamurti, and it is the most recently established, currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. In comparison, Rishi Valley School in India was founded nearly a century ago. Mark Lee, its first Head of School, was Head of the middle school and taught at Rishi Valley, while his wife Asha, a doctor, provided healthcare and opened a rural health clinic there. There is not only a historical and philosophical bond, but a distinct emotional connection felt by all who visit the various Krishnamurti schools throughout India and in England.
“An extraordinary experience for students.”
But why do Oak Grove High School seniors travel to India each year? In introducing this year’s India Night presentations, 12th grade Ethics and Religion teacher (and one of this year’s chaperones) Andy Gilman remarked, “It’s unusual, and such an extraordinary experience for students. Travel can be a hassle. It’s often tedious and uncomfortable, yet it is also exciting and inspiring. I believe that traveling halfway around the world helps shape who we are becoming; it helps us grow. We experience food, dancing, friendships, smiles, fatigue, monkeys, insects, traffic, temples, and so much more. Ultimately, when we travel, we learn about ourselves in a larger world, developing a growing sense of self.”
Each year, India Night is a special gathering for parents and the school community to come together to celebrate our senior class and hear their stories about their extraordinary trip.
Pranavi described her visit to the Rural Education and Health Centers as an impactful experience. Sitting with young students in their local classroom was for her “a moment of both humility and joy.”
At The Valley School in Bangalore, students experienced the same welcoming atmosphere as in Rishi Valley. New friendships blossomed while attending classes and art electives in the renowned Art Village. During this leg of the journey, students took day trips to explore the heart of Bangalore and ventured further to Mysore, visiting the Mysore Palace, various places of worship, enjoying fresh coconut water, and shopping along the way.
Isla recalled being immediately drawn to the serene beauty of a simple stone temple, saying, “The air was filled with the sounds of chanting and drumbeats from a group of worshipers, their colorful traditional clothing adding to the mesmerizing atmosphere. As we entered the temple, I was overwhelmed by both the scent and the palpable sense of spirituality.”
In their presentations, both Karthik and Grayson recalled moments of perfect silence as they looked across Rishi Valley after an early morning hike to Cave Rock with their new friends.
“It felt like time slowed down. No phones, no noise, no rush, just the three of us and the valley waking up” – Grayson
Aanya noted how her class formed instant connections with their peers in India, a sentiment echoed by both students and chaperones. Grayson shared how evenings at the guesthouse, under the banyan trees, were spent trading stories and laughter. He described this unspoken ritual as something that “made those bonds feel timeless.”
“I’ve never connected with friends so quickly as I did with people in India, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to navigate this experience with my class.” – Aanya
Ella spoke about her meditative experiences in a batik-making class: “Starting with a plain piece of white cloth, I traced my design using carbon paper and then carefully brushed hot wax onto the areas I wanted to keep white. Each stroke required patience, as the wax spread easily and every decision mattered. After choosing a pink dye, I handed the cloth to my teacher. Days later, after boiling off the wax, I revealed the final design. The entire process, from tracing to dyeing, deepened my appreciation for the skill and intention behind traditional crafts, connecting each step to the surrounding natural environment.”
Both John and Harper immersed themselves in their favorite sports – soccer and volleyball. Needing a goalie, John was recruited to the Rishi Valley team and celebrated as part of a historic win alongside his new friends and teammates. Despite her knee injury, Harper was never deterred from hitting the volleyball courts with new friends. With an aversion to crowded streets, she also embraced the sights and sounds of the colorful restaurants and shops as they navigated the chaotic traffic of Bangalore.
How wonderful to hear directly from students about their adventures! It was clear that the trip was filled with both enjoyable and difficult moments. Unforgettable are their stories of the quiet, intentional experiences: a sunrise in silence, the meditative creation of art, the fostering of friendships new and old, and the bridges built across cultures. Travelling to India as a class deepened their bonds while making new connections and life-long memories with deep meaning.
We are so grateful to our host schools in India for their kindness and care each year while providing our students and chaperones with life-long memories of wonderful experiences that students share, each year, during India Night.
India Night followed by photos from India
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Ollie2026-03-19 21:56:132026-03-19 22:05:15Garden Dispatch: Spring is Stirring!
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Ollie2026-03-11 17:44:262026-03-11 18:06:28The Pines Cleanup Service Weekend
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Ollie2026-03-10 18:32:392026-03-11 16:10:56OGS 50th Featured in Ojai Magazine Article
Registration is open for our 2026 Summer Camps. Check out the exciting variety of offerings for ages 3-18! ☀️🎉 (linktree in bio)
oakgroveschool.org/programs/SUMMER
#ojaisummercamp #oakgroveschoolojai #prekthru12 #fun #learning #creativity #friends
Thanks to Vitalant all who were able to come out Saturday and give blood in honor of Ruby Doss `15 and her one-year anniversary of needing five blood transfusions to save her life during childbirth. What a way to give back @rubydossequine !
Find a blood drive near you @vitalantca
#everydropcounts #blooddrives #gratitude #oakgrovealumni
Last weekend, a group of our high school and 8th grade students backpacked up Horn Canyon to The Pines campground on Friday evening and spent time continuing to restore the campground—pulling weeds, cutting back brush, leveling tent areas, and helping with general camp maintenance.
On Saturday afternoon, a group hiked up to the ridge and towards Chief’s Peak, enjoying incredible views of the Ojai Valley, and all the way out to the Channel Islands.
We headed back to town on Sunday morning with tired bodies, but energized souls.
It was a rewarding experience, a great adventure, and a lot of fun. We’re grateful for the students’ hard work and adventurous spirit, and we look forward to more opportunities for trips like this in the future.
Thanks to everyone who participated and supported!
#communityservice #backpacking #lospadresnationalforest #friendship #nature #theartoflivingandlearning #oakgroveschoolojai
"More than 50 years ago, in the spring of 1975, Fred Hall, then editor of the Ojai Valley News, asked philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti a simple but pointed question: In a valley already full of public and private schools, why start another one?"
We are so grateful to Ojai Magazine for featuring our 50th Anniversary in this compelling article written by Kerstin Kuhn. Enjoy the full article by picking up your very own copy or enjoy the full article online here by visiting the Lizard Blog (linktree in bio).
@ojaivalleynews @ojaifoodwriter #50yearsofoakgrove #theartoflivingandlearning #jkrishnamurti #education #ojaischools #ojaicalifornia
oakgroveschool.org
Our 2026 Summer Camps include woodworking, preschool camp, arts & crafts, music, film production, and more! Click on the sign up button below each
