Unexpected Darkness Sparks Lessons Beyond the Classroom in Residential Campuses Across India

Dehradun, India – July 4, 2025 – In an age of digital convenience and constant connectivity, one might assume that a sudden blackout would cause disruption and panic among students living in boarding schools. However, in many such institutions across India, nighttime power cuts are not merely seen as inconveniences—they are emerging as powerful moments of growth, self-reliance, and resilience for students.

For years, boarding schools in India have faced the occasional challenge of power outages, particularly during the monsoon season or due to infrastructure issues in remote areas. While school authorities have made efforts to ensure standby generators and emergency lighting, there are still instances when the entire campus is suddenly shrouded in darkness. But instead of becoming episodes of fear or chaos, these brief blackouts have organically evolved into opportunities for students to showcase teamwork, creativity, and adaptability.

Adapting in the Dark
When the lights go out after sunset, students are often in the middle of studying, winding down, or preparing for bed. With classrooms shut and digital devices useless, many turn to battery-operated torches, candles, or emergency lanterns. More importantly, they turn to each other.

"At first, we used to get scared or annoyed," says Ananya Rao, a class 10 student at a leading residential school in Mussoorie. "But after a while, we got used to it. We started playing games, telling stories, or just talking under one torchlight. It felt like an adventure."

These experiences—though temporary—foster a sense of unity and shared coping. Students develop patience, learn to manage with limited resources, and often discover creative ways to pass time without electricity.

School Management’s Role in Encouraging Resilience
Most boarding schools now incorporate emergency preparedness into their orientation programs. Students are taught how to stay calm during outages, where to find flashlights, and whom to contact in case of extended disruptions.

"We don’t want our students to fear the dark," shares Rakesh Batra, Principal of a well-known boarding school in Panchgani. "We want them to see these moments as chances to slow down, reflect, or bond with their peers. And they do. It becomes part of the boarding school experience."

Maintenance teams and dorm supervisors remain on alert during such times, ensuring safety protocols are followed. But more often than not, it is the students themselves who rise to the occasion—comforting juniors, guiding others through hallways, and making light of the situation, quite literally.

Resilience Through Small Disruptions
Psychologists agree that small, controlled disruptions such as power outages can build long-term resilience among young individuals.

"Experiences like these may seem minor but have a big psychological impact," says Dr. Seema Kulkarni, a child psychologist and education consultant. "They push students slightly outside their comfort zones. When they navigate such situations successfully, it boosts their confidence, adaptability, and stress management."

Power cuts also reduce screen dependency. In an era where excessive screen time is a rising concern, these blackouts offer a rare chance to disconnect and reconnect—with oneself, with peers, and with nature.

Shared Experiences That Shape Character
Ask any alumni of a boarding school and they’re likely to share a power-cut story—of playing antakshari in the dark, writing diary entries by candlelight, or sharing heartfelt conversations under the stars. These shared experiences often become cherished memories and life lessons.

"One night, the lights went out during exams," recalls Vedant Mehra, now a college student. "We all sat outside under the moonlight helping each other revise. It was strange but kind of magical. I still remember what I learned that night more clearly than anything else."

Such stories highlight how power outages, instead of being setbacks, become unplanned but meaningful teaching moments.

Lighting the Way Ahead
While modern schools are investing in solar-powered backup systems and energy-efficient infrastructure, the occasional blackout still remains a reality in many parts of the country. The key, as many educators believe, is not to eliminate every minor disruption but to use them as opportunities for personal development.

Many schools are now even integrating “resilience-building” sessions into student life—using simulations of blackout situations to train students in emotional and practical preparedness.

Some have introduced:

Torchlight reading clubs

No-Electricity Nights as part of eco-awareness campaigns

Group meditation during blackouts to promote mindfulness

Storytelling sessions in dormitories to encourage expression and bonding

A Stronger Tomorrow, Lit by Lessons in the Dark
What might begin as a moment of discomfort—a dark hallway, a forgotten flashlight, a disrupted routine—often ends with laughter, learning, and leadership. In the dim glow of emergency lights, students find not just their way around campus but also discover inner strength, empathy, and calm.

These nighttime challenges prepare them for real-world uncertainties—teaching them to stay grounded, help others, and remain hopeful when things don't go as planned. In the silence and shadows of power cuts, they build something no curriculum can teach: quiet strength.