Inauguration Of National Youth Conference At Suttur, Mysore

Dimensions of Educational system

I am happy to participate in the Inauguration of the National Youth Conference organized by the JSS Mahavidyapeetha, Sri Suttur Math. My Pranams to His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Sivarathri Desikendra Mahaswamiji and the other religious heads participating in this conference. My greetings to all educationists, teachers, students, other participants and distinguished guests on this occasion. I appreciate the efforts of the JSS Mahavidyapeetha in organizing this National Youth Conference on Unity of Minds- A Pathway to Harmony of Religions.

Dear Children, you are all in the mission of learning. What learning will give?

When learning is purposeful, creativity blossoms.

When the creativity blossoms, thinking emanates.

When thinking emanates, knowledge is fully lit.

When knowledge is lit, economy flourishes.?

In the dimensions of knowledge, we can see the scientific, technological history coupled with human endeavours.

Creativity changes life pattern

What we have seen in science and technology in the last 60 years, the predictions and happenings are going at different rates and phases. What was impossible has happened and what is thought possible has not yet happened and it will happen. Particularly in the field of aeronautics, space technology, electronics, materials, computer science and software products, the world has progressed to new dimensions and India itself is a part of these challenges. Indian bio-technologists with business houses will have opportunity of analyzing the available genomic data and lead to production of drugs for healthcare and early treatment. The bioresearch transforming into technology will lead to higher production of agricultural products. In the coming decades, we may see the birth of unified field theory integrating gravitational forces, electro magnetic forces and general relativity theory, space and time as functions. Young people may also see in their time establishment of habitat or industry in one of our planets or moon by human race. The world may also enter into launch of solar power satellites through reusable launch vehicle (hyper plane) system for electricity needs, as fossil based fuel would become rare in fifty to hundred years. These are possible only through creative minds.

On the successful completion of Moon Mission in 1969, Farnbraun, a very famous rocket designer, who built Saturn-V, to launch the capsule with astronauts and made moon walk a reality, in 1975 said "If I am authorized, I will remove the word impossible".

In ancient days, Ptolemaic astronomy is a widely used system in calculating the dynamics of various stars and planets. Assumption by then was that the earth is flat. What a scientific struggle had to take place to prove that the earth is spherical in shape orbiting around the sun. The three great astronomers Copernicus, Galileo and Kepler had to give a new dimension to the world of astronomy. Today we take it granted that earth is a globe orbiting around sun and the sun orbits in the Milky Way. All the technological advancements we have today are the outcome of scientific exploration of scientists of earlier centuries. At no time, man was beaten by problems. He strives continuously to subjugate impossibility and then succeeds.

Impossibility to possibility

Human flight is nothing but creativity of human mind and it undergoes several struggles to achieve excellence. In 1890, a great well-known scientist Lord Kelvin, who was the President of Royal Society of London said, ?any thing heavier than air cannot fly, and cannot be flown.? With in two decades Wright Brothers proved man could fly, of course at heavy risk and cost.

Integrated Education

I find that the unique feature of JSS Mahavidyapeetha is that it caters to the educational needs of the people right from primary, secondary, graduate and post-graduate level including computer science, engineering and management. Also, number of institutions have been created for providing vocational training to the needy students. Very few institutions in the country are providing free education from class-I to 12 including boarding and lodging for large number of students. This is an important societal mission in which JSS Mahavidyapeeth is making a vital contribution.

Mission of Education

Education is the most important element for growth and prosperity of a nation. India is in the process of transforming itself into a developed nation by 2020. Yet we have 350 million people who need literacy and many more, which have to acquire employable skills to suit the emerging modern India and the globe. Children who belong to weaker sections of our society are undernourished, and only a small percentage of them manage to complete 8 years of satisfactory education. We need to think specifically for them. Education is indeed a fundamental right of every Indian child. Can we allow the situation to continue in which millions of these children are forced into life long poverty? The requirement is that the parents should be able to go to any school nearby and admit their children and happily come back home with the confidence that their children will get a good and value based quality education in that school. The conditions of differently-abled children require equally important attention. In view of such critical issues and their importance, and also to break out of our historical mindset, an effective and self renewing education system is therefore fundamental to the survival and growth of civilizations. This aspect is being fully addressed by JSS Mahavidyapeetha.

Inequality of Access to Educational Resources

Let me share with you one important concern: unequal access to educational resources still exists due to a variety of reasons. For example, I have seen in our villages three types of families. The fortunate ones who realize the importance of educating the young ones at any cost, guide them at all critical stages due to their economical well-being. There are those families, who might realize the importance of education, but are not aware of the opportunities in time, nor the procedures and ways to realize these opportunities for their children. There is a third category of families who are economically weak and do not realize the value of education and hence for generations together their children are neglected and continue to live in poverty. It is essential that we enlighten and create widespread awareness of education among all sections of society particularly in rural areas and among urban poor. We should use technology for this important social purpose. It is possible for NGOs, other social and philanthropic institutions and media to focus on this area of creating awareness. Let us elaborate the way ahead.

Planning for good education for the children in villages

I would like to recall a question asked by Master Kuldeep Yadav, Class X, of Etawah during my visit to Saifai, he asked me:

Mr. President, Villages are also full of talents but facilities are available in the towns/cities only. Have you planned something for these Children so that they can get good education in the villages?

I was glad to see a child?s concern for his rural counterparts. We need to address this problem, which has multiple dimensions. It tells about the non-availability of infrastructural facilities in schools, the problem of syllabi followed in the school and the non-availability of quality teachers.

Job opportunities being national, the syllabus should be structured in such a manner that it should meet the changing societal needs, fulfill the needs of the occupation and inculcate high moral values among the students in addition to learning skills. The delivery of quality education is possible only through quality teachers. The teacher has to be a committed teacher who loves teaching and children. And also the teacher has to be equipped with all the knowledge required for effective teaching. The self-esteem of the teacher must be high and the teacher must have the quality to become a role model for the children. Some element of competitive rewarding is to be done based on performance. This competency has to be built up throughout the country through a massive teachers education programme delivered through a tele-education system and continuously updated. There is an urgent need that every school should have basic amenities such as good building equipped with ventilated, lighted, airy and spacious class rooms besides library, laboratories including the latest IT tools and infrastructure, safe drinking water, clean toilets and play ground. JSS Mahavidyapeeth is setting an example in this direction which can definitely be followed by many educational institutions in the country.

The Role of Parents

Parents have an important role in the education of the children and making them enlightened citizens. They must be aware of the need for good education of the child, male or female. Like teachers, parents also should set an example for the child in their overall behaviour and conduct. This will enable the child to develop love and respect for their parents and see them as role models.

Reducing Dropouts

It is reported that 39% of children drop out from school after studying 5th class and 55% drop out after studying up to 8th class. This situation need remedial action, especially since assent has been accorded for the 86th Constitution Amendment Act ? Right to Education Bill for children between the age group of 5 and 14 years. But an Act alone cannot achieve the goal unless the education is delivered in a manner, which will take into account the socio-economic reality, and perception of people to whom it is addressed. Apart from attracting children to schools, the education system should be able to provide nourishment and inject creativity among the children. Also the aim of the education system should be to build character, human values, enhance the learning capacity through technology and build the confidence among children to face the future. Since JSS Mahavidyapeetha is providing quality education alongwith adequate nourishment to its students the problem of drop out is automatically addressed.

Education with value system

The best part for a person is his or her learning period in childhood at School. The prime learning period is 6th to 17th year of age. Hence, the school hours for children are the best time for learning, and need the best environment and mission oriented learning with value based educational system. This reminds me the echo from Bestolozzy, a great teacher's saying, "Give me a child for seven years, afterwards, let the God or devil take the child, they cannot change the child." That is indeed the power of the teacher. For parents and teachers, school campus and home have to have an integrated mission. During this period it is essential to have a one hour class every week to discuss about good human beings present and past and what makes them a good human being. This class can be called as ?Elevating young minds?. As an example this class can discuss the personalities such as Buddha, Confucius, St. Augustine, Kalifa Omar, Mahatma Gandhi, Einstein, Abraham Lincoln including some scientific personalities and moral stories linked to our civilizational heritage. Twelve-year value-based education of 25,000 hours in the school campus is essential to establish an open and transparent society or a society with integrity. Up to the age of 17 years, the father, the mother and the teacher lead a child to become an enlightened citizen. The next stage is to make available, affordable quality professional education to the meritorious needy students which is part of the integrated education programme of JSS Mahavidyapeetha.

Conclusion

Righteousness of the heart of the human being leads to a perfect life of an enlightened citizen. This is beautifully explained in ascent and descent phase of human life by Confucius. He states that ?People who desired to have a clear moral harmony in the world, would first order their national life; those who desire to order their national life would first regulate their home life; those who desire to regulate their home life would first cultivate their personal lives; those who desired to cultivate their personal lives set their heart to righteousness, would first make their wills sincere; those who desire to make their wills sincere would first arrive at understanding; understanding comes from the exploration of knowledge of things. When the knowledge of things is gained, then understanding is reached; when understanding is reached, then the will is sincere; when the will is sincere then the heart is righteous; when the heart is righteous then the personal life is cultivated; when the personal life is cultivated, then the home life is regulated; when the home life is regulated, then the national life is orderly; when the national life is orderly then the world is at peace. From the Emperor down to the common man, the cultivation of the righteous life is the foundation for all.

What a beautiful spiritual environment we have today in the midst of so many divine personalities.

May God bless you.

Questions and Answers Session

1. What is your opinion about the achievements of Indian scientists ?

- Miss Preethi Raghavan, II B.Sc., Women?s College, Mysore

Ans. Scientist of Space, Atomic Energy and Defence R& D, Science and Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and Indian Council of Medical Research have made significant contribution to Indian Science. Due to their efforts we are self reliant in many areas.

2. What is the secret of your success? Your self-confidence or your efforts or your determination?

- Miss S.G. Ishwariya, IX Std. J.S.S. Free Education School, Suttur.

Ans. Sweat, Sweat and Sweat. When you work you will definitely come across some problems. Do not allow problems to become your master. You become the master of the problem and succeed.

3. How did you feel when you were declared as President-designate?

- Dr. Kapil Gandhi, J.S.S. Dental College, Mysore.

Ans. I thought about my parents and my teachers who inspired me to work and make contribution to the society.

4. What is the future goal of your life?

- Miss Catherine, V LLB, J.S.S. Law College, Mysore.

Ans. Seeing the smiles in the face of billion people.

5. What is your expectation from the present-day students? How do you desire them to be?

- Mr. B.C. Pavan, X Std. J.S.S. Free Education School, Suttur.

Ans. You excel in your studies. Educate atleast four or five people who cannot read and write during holidays without disturbing your studies, plant three or four saplings near your locality or in the school premise and nurture them.

6. Which phase of your life do you cherish most ? As a child? As a Scientist? or As a President?

- T. Sreenath Chelladurai, II B. Pharm, J.S.S. Pharmacy College, Ooty

Ans. As a teacher.

7. Which is the greatest obstacle for India to become a developed nation?

- David P. Kahn, Connecticut College, USA

Ans. Our defeatist tendency is the greatest obstacle for our march towards becoming a developed nation. We will overcome all the obstacles through our youth power of 540 million people. We can definitely ignite the minds of our youth. Once the mind of our youth is ignited they will transform India into a developed nation.

8. Are you a champion of 'Sarva Dharma society'? Is harmony of religions a dream or a reality ?

- Rohit Mishra, II MBBS, J.S.S. Medical College, Mysore.

Ans. Yes. Religions are veritable islands. If we connect all the religions through love and compassion, we will definitely have religious harmony and lasting peace.

9. What is the reason for your reaching out to children and youth? Is it to convey the message that India should become a developed country?

- Stephanie, Connecticut College, USA

Ans. Children ask questions they are innovative and creative. They are the future for India. Once their mind is ignited India will get transformed into a prosperous, happy and peaceful nation.

10. You are a man of peace ? But why are you still known as a missile man?

- Mr. Rohit Choudhury, 7th Sem , SJ College of Engineering, Mysore

Ans. I happened to develop missiles at one stage of my life. Development of missiles does not mean that I am not peaceful. All that we were doing was to create capability since even to promote peace we need strength.

Ten point oath for enlightened citizenship

1. I will love whatever profession I take up and I will try to excel in it.

2. From now onwards I will teach at least 10 persons to read and write those who cannot read and write.

3. I will plant ten saplings/trees and ensure their growth.

4. I will go to rural and urban areas to reform at least five persons from the habits of addiction and gambling.

5. I will take responsibility for removing the pain of ailing persons.

6. I will participate in the mission of realizing the economic strength of India by combining it with an education with value system and by transforming religion into a spiritual force.

7. I will not support any differentiation on account of community or language.

8. I will lead an honest life free from all corruption and will set an example for others to adopt a transparent way of life.

9. I will always be a friend of the mentally and physically challenged and I will work hard to make them feel normal.

10. I will celebrate the success of my country and my people.