Vidya Bharati – An Introduction

Vidyabharathi (VP) is an educational wing of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Its aim is to bring all round development in students along with quality education. Vidya Bharati has incorporated various activities to bring reformation in the society through students.

Vidya Bharati - a Gangotri

In 1952, some committed and patriotic people, who considered education as an artifice to educate young generation started a Sishu mandhir- Temple. Lord McCauley, the British Parlimentarian introduced an education system in India to transform their mindset such that they are ashamed of their ancestors culture and language. And in that process we become slaves  of the British Government.

Our Indian heritage

Education system of Bharath as prevalent in the British rule of India was meticulously described by Thiru Dharampal in the book named “ The Beautiful Tree”. In the earlier times, nearly 1,30,000  schools have been run  in Chennai and North parts of Bengal. In those days students learnt their lessons  in halls, temples, choultries and  porch . There would be one or two teachers in these schools and they teach them to read and write, and provide them basic Maths knowledge. At the age of 10, these students were given higher education according to their interest in that branch.
A teacher was treated with respect in the villages. He/ She was the one who provided the 16 samskars . He was like a Prohithar.  He is a doctor who is there to analyze and  treat  the illness. He solves the disputes among the people like a Judge. He is the  Kendra social protector who organizes important programmes in the village.

Tragedic effects of British education

Having understood that such a powerful education system of Bharath will disable their  government, McCauley's education system was introduced in India by the British. Now here the teacher becomes a staff who gains salary out of his work. Culture  also deteriorated. Many who started schools with national thinking (Malaviyaji, Tilak, Aryasamaj) were able to foster a sense of independence among the youth and engage in the freedom struggle.

However, after the independence of Bharat, the belief that the education system will adapt to the Bharat culture has faded.  In the kindergarten schools where the Akshara enlightment is taught, especially to the children of the convent, there is no awareness of our culture, national leaders and Mahapurushas. Instead of being proud  and boastful, they seemed to be ignorant. This has been the experience of the Sangha Pracharaks in many families.

Vidya Bharathi seed planting

Guruji  Golwalkar,  Hanuman Prasad Pottar, Prabhupada Brahmachari and Parushothamadas Tandon had deep  thought about this.  They decided to sow the seed of culture in the children . They thought about Sangam, Rashtram, Nation and Society . Based on this, a small shrine called “Saraswati Sisu Mandir:” was opened. The seed was planted in Gorakhpur in 1952 and today it is growing and spreading throughout Bharat.

In the beginning, when Sisumanthir was organized , the practice of singing, playing and sloka recitation was carried out. Ramayana , Mahabharatam and Bhagawat Gita published by Geeta Press of Korakhpur  was utilized . This increased the level of trust and confidence in the mind of children about our wisdom and culture.

Our aura

At present, the function of Vidyabharathi has increased manifold. But the underlying source has not changed. The education program is the attempt to create a sustainable life in India. Respect for our culture, the proud history of Bharath, the ambitious life of the Great  rulers is taught to the younger generation. This should promote a strong sense of duty to our heritage.

Non-Governmental Assistance

If any educational program depends on the state, its course will be decided by the politician. Education should be imparted in the perspective  of parents, educators and  teachers . Vidya Bharati  since its inception, has been following a free-standing, stand-alone protocol. Schools should be conducted with the goodwill of the community. Employers, teachers and executives should be adopted with a sense of determination and commitment.

The existence of such a policy-driven working group makes it the largest voluntary education movement in Asia today. (Biggest Non-Governmental Voluntary Educational Organization).

Basic Education - In Mother Tongue

Children speak and understand the language in which parents and grandparents speak at home. Therefore, kindergarten should be in the mother tongue. Only then a child's mind and intellect, develop naturally without any conflicts. So elementary education (1 to 5) should be in mother tongue.