An orientation programme on ‘Importance of Values’ was organized in our school to impart ethical values of our culture among the students. This orientation was conducted on Monday, 17 July 2023 addressed by Swami Sri Nirbhayananda Saraswati Maharaj, the President of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Ashrama, Gadag and Bijapur. The Chief of our school Mr. K. Anil Babu and the students of class IX and X attended the orientation. Our VAG Army Secretaries and Pragyana Head felicitated Swamiji with a garland as a token of love and respect. He was invited with the rhythmic chanting of Veda mantras by our students under the guidance of Ms. Kamakshi, the spiritual teacher of our school. 

Swami Sri Nirbhayananda Saraswati Maharaj was impressed when students chanted Nakarmana Naprajaya – the Shanthi Mantra and then began the orientation by appreciating the management for inculcating ethical values and vedic culture along with regular academics. Swamiji enlightened the students that Vedas are the definite ways to excel in one’s life.  He suggested that students can gain tremendous memory power by reading ‘The Vedas’ and showing ‘Guru Bhakti’ like Swami Vivekananda who achieved a photographic memory. He stressed that students should adore their teachers to become intelligent and explained the shloka ‘Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu…..’ He also had shared few examples of great disciples like Ekalavya and Sanandana who showed great respect towards their ‘Gurus’ from puranas.

Swamiji highlighted the importance of the Gurukul System of Education where Vedas are taught. This system had made the students to become the most intelligent people. He praised every Indian as intelligent as the intelligence continues flowing in the blood. He added that India knows many techniques to make over a dull student to an excellent student through ‘Spirituality’. Swamiji recommended students to read the books of Swami Vivekananda namely ‘Gospel of Strength, Instant Inspiration, Power Capsules, Vivekananda Writes to You, Vivekananda Speaks to You, Vivekananda and His Call to the Nation’  to improve the concentration. He also shared some of his experiences when he undertook a spiritual tour.

Swamiji’s speech fascinated the students as it continued in a jovial and a pleasant manner. At the end of the session, students were given chance to clarify their doubts. Students enthusiastically raised their questions asking Swamiji about the purpose of life, controlling the emotions and the ways to reach our goals. The programme was concluded by chanting the shloka ‘Swasthi Prajabhya’ by the students. 

We are thankful to Swami Sri Nirbhayananda Maharaj for accepting our invitation and enlightening our students with his commendable knowledge.