The Agarwalas Rajesh ’96, Sparsh ’24, and Sarthak ’27 Generations at Woodstock

Interviewed by Katie Jo Walter

“Can you tell us about how you came to Woodstock?

My association with Woodstock dates to 1994 when I joined Woodstock in grade 11. Having been raised in a sheltered environment in a conservative family from Kolkata, the transition to Woodstock was chaotic. The adjustment process was extremely challenging and at times stressful. However, at the end of my short 24 months at Woodstock I emerged as a confident young man who could stand on his own feet and was no longer a pushover.

“What did you value most about your time at Woodstock?

In hindsight I distinctly remember my school experience in Kolkata as being traumatic. Hence, when my two sons were born I was sure of sending them to Woodstock at the earliest available opportunity. One of the many ways Woodstock is unique compared to many schools in India and outside is that meritocracy was never the sole factor in student admissions. The Woodstock philosophy has always been and still is to find students who offer a large runway for transformation and who can contribute to the diversity of the school community, both academically and otherwise. Learning at Woodstock has never been confined to classrooms, and after all these years I realize most of my learnings came from outside the classroom rather than inside.

In 2019 my elder son Sparsh joined Woodstock in grade eight, and a year later my younger son Sarthak joined in grade six. I still regret not sending Sparsh in grade six, primarily since I was not financially ready. Both adjusted to their new school far away from home like fish to water partly because they had heard plenty from me about Woodstock and partly because Woodstock offers large room for personal freedom and expression, something which is rare in traditional schools here in India. I have never been a huge fan of the rote learning that takes place in many Indian schools. I was keen on my kids evolving into free-thinking individuals who aspire to be global citizens. I was also keen to see them actively participate in sports, music, hiking and other outdoor activities that continue to be a cornerstone of Woodstock education in addition to the academics. To that effect I feel happy and reassured when I see Sparsh challenging himself with various day and overnight hikes and encouraging other students and staff as well to join him and when I see Sarthak doing well with his piano lessons. Sarthak seems to enjoy celebrity status at Ridgewood with other students and their mothers since he has learned the art of preparing delicious grilled cheese sandwiches that he enthusiastically shares with other young boys in his dorm. Thankfully food has seen a major transformation since my time at Woodstock, although children still find reasons to crib. Classrooms and dorms have seen a major makeover and are now comparable to some of the best schools globally. Putting Sparsh and Sarthak at Woodstock has brought me closer once again to my Alma Mater. My wife and I find one excuse or the other to go back to the mountain and spend some time on campus and interact with employees, staff, and students. One of my personal favourites at the Quad is the newly opened café Tangerine Boxx which serves some of the best and largest variety of hot and cold coffee and tea.