A knowledge based awareness programme was organized in our school for the students of classes VIII, IX and X for two days on 22 and 23 August 2019 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The gathering was addressed by Sri Swami Shantivratanandaji Maharaj, a renowned monk of Ramakrishna Order, Mysore.  

Swamiji inspired the young minds to cultivate patriotic and cultural values in their lives. He suggested some tips to uplift their will-power in order to become outstanding personalities in building New India in the coming era.  

In view of Swamiji, the meaning of BHA ̅RAT is BHA ̅ means knowledge and RAT means seeking, as found in Sanskrit. Thus, BHA ̅RAT means ‘seeking of knowledge’. And this has been practised and disseminated by our RISHIS to develop the knowledge by their followers. BHA ̅RAT is famous for the RISHI culture. A RISHI is he who is always in quest of truth. Every Indian has to become a RISHI and try to seek the eternal truth either in spiritual domain or in worldly domain which may bring solace to the community and thus, he/she can make his/her life meaningful.   

Swamiji emphasized that the Vedas are the treasure of knowledge of Indian culture. The four Vedas are the backbone of Indian education system. They are in Sanskrit language. These Vedas are also the key for our Gurukula education system. The Gurukula System used to offer 64 subjects for every disciple. Each disciple was trained to attain mastery in all those subjects in due course of 13 years.  

Swamiji stated that when India was ruled by the British, a lot of damage was deliberately done to our education system. Indians were forced to learn English instead of Sanskrit. The British ruler Lord Macaulay introduced the formal education system in India and hence, the traditional and ancient system of education was wiped out.

Swamiji elucidated that the epics - ‘The Ramayana’ and ‘The Mahabharata’ are the inseparable parts of our Indian history which took place on this land as real incidents and events. But unfortunately, they are being propagated as myths as if they do not exist. Swamiji pointed out that in the modern education system, many textbooks do not publish the facts of great Hindu Kings and so, we do not know much about the greatness of the rulers of our motherland. Therefore, every Indian has to research and realise the true facts of history, particularly about ancient India.

Swamiji highlighted the need of putting our sincere efforts together to make our country stronger so that no country can dare to harm our country. Also, we should strive to safeguard our motherland from foreign threats and make oppressed and depressed people to feel proud about our country. Though we are not soldiers at border, still we can serve the nation with prompt methods and honest efforts to exhibit our patriotism. Being true patriots, we should strive to bring back its glory. We ought to realise and feel proud to be the citizens of BHA ̅RAT. MERA BHA ̅RAT MAHA ̅N.

Swamiji advised to have GURI (Aim) and GURU in one’s life. They are essential for everyone to achieve success in life. To take up the best change in our life we need to take a better choice. A student’s duty is to have a thirst for gaining, understanding and applying knowledge. To become famous, a goal is vital. We should never lose our ‘self-confidence’.

Swamiji suggested a formula named D4 (4 Ds) for success. They are D-1: Desire for achievement; D-2: Decision making to choose a goal; D-3: Determination and also D-4: Discipline. If one puts sincere practices in all the 4 Ds, he/she can become a legend by attaining success.

His preaching filled a lot of inspiration and joy within the young minds and laid a path to lead a successful and meaningful life with ethics.

We are grateful to Sri Swami Shantivratanandaji Maharaj for motivating our students with his commendable knowledge.