Greetings all the readers!!
In the context of Guru Purnima, I would like each one of you to answer this question.
“Have you included Guru Purnima Celebration in your Annual Academic Planner?”
If yes, I am grateful to you for being a part of the fraternity which promotes Indian Culture. Otherwise, better late than never, I request you to at least include it now in your School Calendar.
Today we have a number of Schools in India accredited with the International School Award (ISA) and how many of these schools might have included Guru Purnima Celebration as one of the activities while preparing the action plan. In most of the cases, the answer is “No”. It is because, we are living in a world where at least the private schools have no time for such things and they are moving towards global trends gradually losing their native identity. The internet result would be to include many such celebrations in the list of ‘Lost Traditions’ just like the extinct animals very soon.
As educators how confident are we that the activities planned and executed by us help children in the development of a strong character? If the answer is ‘very confident’ then can it be expressed quantitatively? We know that it is not possible because development of a character is not a one day business and it is a lifelong process. However a strong foundation in this aspect both by parents and teachers in the formative years would definitely have a long lasting effect on the future of these young minds. All of us as educators must have a strong belief in our own heritage and be passionate to ignite the young minds through the profound lessons taught by our ancient Gurus.
SIGNIFICANCE OF GURU PURNIMA:
The full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashad (July – August) is observed as the auspicious day of Guru Purnima (Vyas Purnima), a day sacred to the memory of the great sage Maharshi Ved Vyasa. He is the first and greatest acharya of Sanatana Dharma. He classified the four vedas, wrote eighteen puranas, the Brahmasutras and uttered the Mahabharat which Lord Ganesh penned down. The Mahabharat is glorified as the fifth veda. Of all the sections in Mahabharat, the most important, essential and crown jewel is the Bhagvadgita.
WHO SHOULD TAKE THE LEAD?
Guru Purnima Celebration is not just the responsibility of a few teachers. Every member of the School right from the Director to Class IV employee should become a part of this noble endeavor. Small anecdotes from the lives of key personalities from epics such as Ramayana, Mahabharata etc. should be enacted to help young minds understand the underlying message. Needless to say what would be the impact of such short plays on the minds of those who were directly involved. It is more likely that teachers might encounter resistance from senior students to participate in such events. But the challenge lies in making them understand the underlying motive and getting them involved. Continuous efforts by all the stake holders in this direction would enable us to build a generation of learners who would preserve our rich cultural heritage. Only educational institutions especially schools can help achieve this target for our country.
AN APPEAL TO ALL THE EDUCATORS OF INDIA
As Indians let us take pride in our own heritage and culture with more such celebrations and giving less room for DJ parties, fashion shows, ramp walks etc. which was never a part of our tradition. It is not bad to make the students enjoy their parties but it will be a great loss when the future generation will just follow that and forget our values. The heritage must go hand in hand. The choice lies with us to go with the wind or build within us the capacity to change its direction towards resourcefulness.
“WHEN I READ THE BHAGAVADGITA AND REFLECT ABOUT HOW GOD CREATED THIS UNIVERSE EVERYTHING ELSE SEEMS SO SUPERFLUOUS.”
Our culture has divine powers to motivate the non Indians and follow it, then why can’t we Indians ourselves can’t cherish the values of it?
By:
P V Satya Ramesh