Vidya Bharati

Established in 1977, Vidya Bharati Akhil Bhartiya Shikshan Sansthan is the single largest organization in the field of education as of 2007. Under the umbrella of Vidya Bharti, over 18,000 educational institutions operate in Bharat. For administrative convenience the V.B. has been operating in eleven zones (Kshetras) of India.

Vidya Bharati caters to the educational needs of students of primary age groups, high schools, colleges and post-graduates. Vidya Bharati conducts and promotes research in education and has its own publication division which brings out valuable books, magazines and research studies.

Over 25 lakhs students are enrolled in the V.B. institutions. The major thrust of operating their educational institutions is in areas where either such facilities are not available or the existing set-ups are inadequate. Sangeet, yoga and Sanskrit are introduced right from the primary levels in addition to the routine educational curriculum. Sports constitute an inherent component. Cultural education and discipline is inculcated not only in the students but also in the concerned families. All these have resulted in the establishment of a special identity of the educational institutions run by the V.B.

V.B.’s social commitment is evident from its slogan — "One vidyalaya, [at least] one seva related activity". It has been catching up at a fast pace, so much so that nearly 2500 vidyalayas have implemented it within the past 3 years. Thousands more have planned to do so in the next couple of years.

History

First Saraswati Shishu Mandir. In 1952, some inspired RSS workers to take up education of children as a mission of their life. The people engaged in this noble task of nation building through proper education of younger generation, laid the foundation of the first school at Gorakhpur in a building rented at a monthly rent of five rupees. After due consideration, they named their school as Saraswati Shishu Mandir-Temple of the Goddess Saraswati dedicated to the children. Thanks to their zeal, dedication and hard work that such like schools began to be established at other places also. Prior to this Gita school was established at Kurukshetra in 1946 by revered Shri Guru Ji, M.S.Golwalker.

State level committees were set-up in other states also as the number of schools began to increase there. Punjab and Chandigarh had a Sarvhitkari Shiksha Samiti while Haryana had Hindu Shiksha Samiti.The formation of all India body came in 1977 as a natural corollary of this process. Thus Vidya Bharti was established with its headquarters in Delhi. All state level committees were affiliated to this Vidya Bharati Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Sansthan educational system.

Educational Belief

To develop a national system of education which may mould the posterity into such a youthful generation as fully saturated with the feelings of Hindutva and patriotism, having completely attained all-round physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual development, capable of facing modern challenges successfully and dedicating their life for the service and upliftment of the natives of backward and remote tribal areas and the dwellers of the slums so that these down-trodden people may get rid of economic exploitation, social humiliation and injustice and usher in a new era of mutual equity, cultural integrity and economic prosperity.There had been criticism of its much focus on teaching mother tongue and ignoring English as a language. [ [http://www.sanghparivar.org/blog/vikas/improve-standard-of-english-all-sangh-supported-schools-in-india Improve standard of English all Sangh supported schools in India. | Sangh Parivar ] ]

Activities

Evolution of an alternative model of school education which is more in tune with Indian culture and ethos.

# Provision of additional educational facilities partly in backward/rural and tribal areas.
# Providing quality education at moderate rates to the children of middle class.
# Propagation of Indian Culture & Tradition.
# Developing a sense of national pride and self confidence among the new generation.
# Generating a sense of patriotism and love for the country among the youths of the country.
# Promotion of Sanskrit, Music,Yoga and Physical Education at school level.
# Proper emphasis on development of moral and spiritual values among students.
# Creation of a cadre of competent and dedicated teachers to serve the society.
# Stemming the rising tide of western influence on Indian youths in the name of modernization.

References