Education should empower the youth to enrich the nation. It should enable people to discover the inherent potential in them, nurture and utilise it for the benefit of common good. To take this vision of Swami Vivekananda to the younger generation, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan has taken up the mission of setting up Vivekananda Study Centres in schools.
The programme was launched this year to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
The study centres were already opened in 57 schools in Pollachi, in Coimbatore district.
Inauguration
The inauguration of study centres in over 60 schools in Coimbatore district would be held on September 7, Chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Coimbatore Kendra, B.K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar told The Hindu . The year-long activities would cover 1.5 lakh students in these two districts. “The contributions made by Indian scholars, philosophers and spiritual leaders like Swami Vivekananda were not given adequate emphasis in the curriculum. The programme aims to familiarise children with the ideas and philosophy of Swami Vivekananda, who was a great visionary,” he said.
Pointing out that the present system of education needed a total transformation, Mr. Vanavarayar said that it only prepared students for a career and failed to inspire them to set higher goals in life.
Role model
Explaining the importance of Vivekananda’s message to students, Mr, Vanavarayar said, “Vivekananda believed that the prevalence of caste system, superstitions and suppression of women in society were the major issues that hindered the country’s growth. He embraced science and modern ideas even while being rooted in traditional values. He is the best role model one can have today. ”
Schools that were part of the programme will be provided a set of books on Vivekananda. Two or three teachers interested in the subject from each school will be entitled the task of guiding the students.
Schools could organise literary and cultural programmes based on the theme as part of the year-long celebration, he said.
