The synthesis of the ancient with the modern

[Guest guest]

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 reporters.  

 

"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 

(NIOS) 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 performing 

"Sandhyavandanam" (detailed recitation of Gayatri Mantra) and 

"Agnihotra" (Homa). 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 the 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 ward's 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.  

 

Bureau Report

http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?aid=293924&sid=ZNS