Interesting article on hybrid school in South India

[Guest guest]

---------------------------

http://in.rediff.com/news/2005/jul/09vedas.htm

 

A modern school that teaches Vedas

 

July 09, 2005 11:03 IST

 

A symbiosis of two universes, the ancient and the modern, philosophy and

science, is what one finds in this unique Guru Kula which does not have the

trappings of a conventional school.

 

Situated amidst the scenic and serene environs of Mutthathi forest range,

near the confluence of river Arkavathy and Cauvery, this project believes in

"strengthening the moral and ethical fibre of a student," Satyavratha,

secretary of the

project, told PTI.

 

"Merit and inclination towards Vedic learning" is the only criteria for

admission to this school, about 92 km from Bangalore which takes students

from fifth standard, said Satyavratha.

 

In the first phase, a six-year course the students are made aware of the

relevance of Vedic culture and ancient heritage and imparted Vedic knowledge

about all the four Vedas by experts (Vidwans) in the field, Satyavratha

said.

 

While the first half of the day is devoted to yoga, Vedic ritual and

learning including Sanskrit grammar, the post-lunch session comprises

regular classes in Science, Maths, English, History and Computers,

conforming to the National Institute of Open School syllabus, he said.

 

An option is given to students to either pursue vedic studies or join the

mainstream. If the student decides to

continue, he goes deep into the Shastras and Sanskrit and trains as a Vedic

scholar, Satyavratha said.

 

The young students not only have to follow a unique dress code of wearing

the sacred thread, a dhoti and angavastra, they also have a strict daily

schedule which requires them to be up at "Brahma Muhurtha" (4 am), he said.

 

After finishing their daily ritual, they clean their "Kutirs" and then go

for yoga practice. This is followed by "Sandhyavandanam" (detailed

recitation of gayatri mantra) and "Agnihotra". Later they do "Go Seva",

which involves cleaning and milking the cows followed by vedic classes.

 

Nutritious "Satvic" (without onion or garlic) food with very less spices and

oil is provided to them. The vegetables and fruits are totally organic and

home-grown, Satyavratha said.

 

Play hours in the evening is they time when the students closely interact

with the teachers, playing badminton, cricket, throwball and indoor games

like chess with them.

 

Parents are allowed to meet their wards only once in four months. During

this time a parents-teachers meeting is held

wherein parents are briefed not only about their wards' academic progress

but also his personality development.

 

"Guru Purnima", celebrated in a grand manner in the school, is another

occasion when parents and friends can visit the students and take part in

the festivities, Satyavratha said.

 

A team of like-minded people from different walks of life, conceived the

project and formed the Om Shantidhama Charitable Trust in 1991.

 

The Gurukula has 45 students at present and 10 teachers including five vedic

scholars.

(Text PAMHO:10097251) -----

 

------- End of Forwarded Message ------

(Text PAMHO:10097940) -----

 

------- End of Forwarded Message ------