The Union Minister of Education recently introduced Ramakrishna Mission’s ‘Awakening’ Programme intended for school students. The program aims to contribute to the overall personality development of a child, aligning with the philosophy of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It targets students from classes I to V. This initiative complements the education board’s efforts to encourage value-based education and foster socially-aware generations.
The Awakening Programme
The Awakening Programme was created by the Delhi branch of Ramakrishna Mission. Since 2014, the mission has been conducting the Awakened Citizen Program for middle school students. The main objectives of this program are to nurture self-esteem (Atmashraddha) and promote responsible decision-making among students.
Owing to its impact on middle-schoolers, educators suggested implementing a similar program for primary school students. As a result, the Awakening programme was designed and has been tested across 126 schools. The broader purpose of programs like these is to effect social transformation, an essential goal of education.
Ramakrishna Mission: An Overview
The Ramakrishna Mission executes extensive educational and philanthropic projects while propagating a modern understanding of Advaita Vedanta, one of the schools of Indian philosophy. Swami Vivekananda founded the society near Kolkata in 1897 with a dual objective – to disseminate the teachings of Vedanta, as epitomised by the saint Ramakrishna, and to ameliorate the social circumstances of Indians.
Sri Ramakrishna, the revered 19th-century saint, and his chief disciple, Swami Vivekananda, created the organizations. Their vision is encapsulated in the motto “ATMANO MOKSHARTHAM JAGAD HITAYA CHA,” translating to “For one’s own salvation and for the welfare of the world.”
Life and Contributions of Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda was born as Narendranath Datta on January 12, 1863. His birth anniversary is observed as National Youth Day every year. In 1893, he adopted the name ‘Vivekananda’ at the suggestion of Maharaja Ajit Singh.
Vivekananda is credited for introducing the world to Vedanta and Yoga’s Indian philosophies. He preached ‘neo-Vedanta,’ an interpretation of Hinduism through a Western perspective. Furthermore, he advocated the conjunction of spirituality and material progress. He emphasised on the crucial role of education in the country’s regeneration and campaigned for a character-building education system.
Vivekananda is best remembered for his speech at the World Parliament of Religion in Chicago in 1893. He established the paths to achieving moksha, the liberation from worldly attachments, in his books – Raja-yoga, Karma-yoga, Jnana-yoga, and Bhakti-yoga. Notably, Subhas Chandra Bose hailed him as the “maker of modern India.”
Moreover, Vivekananda established the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897. Two years later, he set up Belur Math, which became his permanent residence.
Vivekananda’s Nationalism
Vivekananda’s nationalism was deeply rooted in Indian spirituality and morality, even though the growth of nationalism has been attributed to Western influence. His concept of nationalism embodied humanism and universalism, contrasting with the secular nature of Western nationalism.
His nationalism came from deeply caring for the masses, advocating for freedom and equality, aiming for worldwide spiritual integration based on universal brotherhood, and viewing selfless service or “Karmyoga” as a means to attain both political and spiritual freedom. His writings and speeches consistently emphasized patriotism.
Vivekananda passed away at Belur Math in 1902. It currently serves as the headquarters of Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission in West Bengal.
Last Modified: February 18, 2024