Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)
Bantwal, Mar 28: "Britishers who turned India into their colony, demolished education system of the country along with its economic system. We are following the education system they handed to us. Social education is better than the education provided by the administration. Gurukul system of education creates awareness about righteousness and trains the students to lead a life of selflessness. The purpose of education should be to impart the realization that one should live for others and that his life is not confined to himself," said Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Mohanji Bhagwat.
Bhagwat said that the life and preachings of Lord Rama who lived on earth 8,.000 years back, is the model for Indians and that people come together through sacrifice and service associated with his name. "The concept of absolute truth, total trust, and the concept that the entire country is our family, guide our lives," he stressed.
He was speaking after initiating the 'Ardhamandalotsava' programme of Mytreyi Gurukul being run by Ajeya Trust at Moorukaje, Kodangayi near Vittal on Tuesday March 27.
Sri Sri Ravishankar, founder of Art of Living Foundation, Bengaluru, who presided over the programme, said that we need both the modern science and ancient knowledge. "Both these are being provided in Mytreyi Gurukul. This has created a revolution of sorts. Organizing of thread ceremony for ladies and allowing them to study Vedas were not in vogue 24 years back, but the powers behind this institution did these things then by putting in herculean efforts. The very concepts of performing Upanayanam only for Brahmins and giving access to Vedas to them alone are wrong. In the past, even among sages and ascetics such differences were not in vogue. Patriotism and love for righteousness are two sides of the same coin. We should enlighten children about them at a very young way. The purpose of education is to create a well-educated personality. Along with study of literature, music, science etc towards improving one's personality, Pranayama, Yoga, chanting of hymns etc improve functioning of the vegus nerve, resulting in better health, calm and happy personality, and sharp intellect. It is possible to achieve these things by following vedic traditions too. Let us drive away vices like liquor consumption and work to sow seeds of devotion in people's minds," he said.
Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji of Adichunchanagiri Math, in his benedictory address, felt that people not having conscience about history fail to realize their own innate powers, nor would they be able to learn about others. Just like USA is known for science, Japan for technology and England for politics, India is nothing without its Dharma. Dharma is the life and breath of human beings. We should understand and make use of knowledge earned by sages. More such institutions should be founded to spread awareness about our ancient culture," he felt.
President of Nagashanti Educational and Charitable Trust, Hubballi, Annapoorna Angadi, spoke on the occasion. Vinaya Hegde, president of Ardhamandalotsava Samiti, was present.
On this occasion, achievers in different fields, Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, Sudheer Mishta, Thonse Aikala Harish Shtty and Kalyate Venkatramana Bhat, were hnoured.
Former student of Gurukul, Dr Amrita, welcomed. Dr Ramachandra Bhat Kotemanel delivered introductory address. Kajampady Subrahmanya Bhat introduced the persons felicitated. Gneral secretary, Raveendra P proposed vote of thanks. Principal of Gurukul l(higher education), Umesh Hegde and student, Sairsashmi, compered the programme.