What if nature were the context, not the subject? A conversation with Soumi Duttagupta

What if education helped us see relationships rather than isolated subjects? In this conversation, Soumi Duttagupta explores regenerative education, systems thinking and the shift towards a more ecological worldview. From storytelling and place-based inquiry to mapping the hidden consequences of everyday systems, we discuss how learning can help students engage with complexity, interdependence and responsibility. Soumi also reflects on moving beyond fragmented disciplines, preparing students for an uncertain world, and creating learning environments that, like forests, grow through diversity, relationships and self-organization.

Key themes
Regenerative education · Systems thinking · Ecological worldview · Interdisciplinary learning · Place-based inquiry

About the guest
Soumi Duttagupta is the founder of the Regenesys and an educator and independent researcher working at the intersection of regenerative education, systems thinking and ecological learning. Following a long career in clinical research, her work has spanned learners from early childhood to higher education and across disciplines including computer science, architecture, planning and finance. Her approach uses real-world inquiry, storytelling and systems mapping to help learners move from fragmented knowledge towards a more relational understanding of people, place and the living world.

Explore Soumi’s work and resources:
Website - www.https://www.regenesys.co.in/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/soumiduttagupta/
Hindustan Times: On preparing students for complexity rather than just exams
https://www.hindustantimes.com/education/features/view-we-prepare-students-for-exams-not-for-complexity-101771832318073.html
University of Helsinki (HELSUS Blog): Eco-pedagogy and fostering deeper connection with nature
https://blogs.helsinki.fi/helsusglobalsouth/2024/12/10/eco-pedagogy/
LinkedIn: Why Education Needs an Ecological Worldview?
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7381301772759388160/