Developing India and Swami Vivekananda
17-Jul-2025
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Dr Lakshmi Hijam and Hijam Rajendra Singh
Contd from previous issue
Swami Vivekananda was a true inspirer of the soul. He believed that education should nurture the development of the head, hand, and heart—aiming to cultivate a balanced growth in all areas: physical, mental, moral, and spiritual. This ideal of holistic education can be found in the teachings of great Indian thinkers such as Adi Shankaracharya, Buddha, Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, Sri Aurobindo, and others, all of whom emphasized the importance of developing the whole person.Swami Vivekananda’s vision of education centered around man-making, character development, and the assimi- lation of ideas. His educational philosophy profound- ly influenced figures such as Jawaharlal Nehru and S. Radhakrishnan, who echoed his belief that science and religion should complement each other. According to Vivekananda, Western science should be integrated with spiritual wisdom, an idea that laid the foundation for a more holistic approach to Indian education long before it gained prominence. His philosophy transcended national boun-daries, addressing the needs of both the East and the West, offering solutions that were both locally relevant and globally applicable.
It would be a misconception to think that Viveka- nanda’s educational ideals overemphasized spiritual development while neglecting the material aspects of life. On the contrary, Swa-miji was deeply concerned with the practical issues facing India, such as poverty, unemployment, and ignorance. He advocated for technical education and the development of industries to empower individuals to support themselves and secure their futures. According to Vivekananda, the country needed to adopt the best aspects of Western civilization, particularly in terms of technological and industrial advancements, while preserving India’s unique spiritual identity.For Swami Vivekananda, the true progress of a nation lay in harmonizing the scientific dynamism of the West with the spiritual depth of India. He envisioned an educational system that would not only promote material growth but also safeguard the spiritual heritage that defines India’s essence. In his view, India’s educational framework should cultivate both material success and spiritual wisdom, enabling the youth to contribute to the nation's development while upholding its rich cultural and spiritual traditions.
Swami Vivekananda’s educational philosophy emphasizes the holistic deve- lopment of an individual, encompassing the growth of the body, mind, and soul. He believed that education should integrate a wide array of subjects that contribute to the overall well-being and progress of a person. These areas of study include physical culture, aesthetics, literature, language, religion, science, and technology.For Viveka-nanda, the cultural values of India should be an essential part of the educational curriculum. He viewed India's culture as deeply rooted in its spiritual heritage, and he stressed that the time-tested spiritual values found in the nation's ancient texts—such as the Ramayana, Maha-bharata, Bhagavad Gita, Vedas, and Upanishads—should be taught to students. This, he believed, would ensure that India's spiritual wisdom continues to influence global culture for generations to come. Moreover, Swamiji argued that education would remain incomplete without the inclusion of aesthetics and the fine arts. He often cited Japan as a prime example of how the combination of artistic expression and practical utility can lead to national greatness. According to Vivekananda, art and beauty are not mere luxuries but essential elements of a well-rounded education that nurtures creativity, sensitivity, and a deeper understanding of life.
An essential component of Swami Vivekananda’s educational philosophy was his emphasis on the education of women. He once remarked, “If a man is educated, an individual is educated; but if a woman is educated, a family is educated.” Despite this wisdom, Indian society has historically treated women as inferior, confining them within rigid social norms that denied them basic rights and opportunities. Swami Vivekananda strong-ly opposed this discrimina- tion, stating, “All nations have achieved greatness by respecting women. A nation that does not honor its women will never rise to greatness.”Swamiji viewed women as the embodiment of Shakti, the primordial energy that powers the universe. He believed that both men and women have equal potential to contribute to the progress of a nation. He emphasized that the education of women is just as crucial to a country’s development as the education of men, with the understanding that women’s education should be tailored to their unique physical, mental, and social roles. Swamiji was keenly aware that if women were given the right education, they would be empowered to solve their own problems and contribute meaningfully to society.The primary goal of his vision for female education was to empower women, making them strong, fearless, and conscious of their dignity and self-worth. He also recognized that while men and women may be equally capable in academic pursuits, women often have unique aptitudes, especially when it comes to home and family-related subjects. As such, he advocated for the inclusion of practical courses like sewing, nursing, domestic science, and culinary arts—subjects that were largely neglected in his time but were essential for women's overall development.
Swamiji also placed great importance on nurturing a sense of patriotism, national pride, and human dignity among all Indians. His ideas fostered a spirit of equality, encouraging people to believe in their collective potential to drive progress. He inspired national self-consciousness and instilled confidence in the people of India, motivating them to take part in the country's struggle for independence. His teachings continue to inspire and empower generations, reminding them of the values of equality, respect, and unity in the pursuit of national and personal growth.As the world increasingly becomes a global village through advancements in technology, it is essential for students to develop the ability to connect with individuals from diverse cultures, races, and religions. In this context, it becomes crucial to embrace the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, particularly his ideas on living harmoniously and fostering universal brotherhood. His vision for education emphasizes the need for students to learn how to coexist peacefully and understand one another across borders of difference.
Awareness of Vivekananda’s thoughts is particularly significant for educators and aspiring teachers, as they bear the responsibility of shaping young minds. Teachers must continuously reflect on their teaching methods and ask themselves critical questions: “Am I teaching my students how to think critically and learn independently? What skills am I imparting to help them adapt to changing circumstances? What opportunities am I providing for students to engage with others in meaningful ways? How am I guiding them to make wise, thoughtful decisions for their future?” At this moment in history, the educational philosophy articulated by Swami Vivekananda is more relevant than ever.If we equip our students with proper values and moral education, we can expect a stronger and more compassionate society. Value-based education is essential for the development of well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society. Swami Vivekananda, though no longer physically present among us, will forever remain an inspiration through his missions and teachings. His thoughts continue to guide us, motivating generations to come.
Vivekananda strongly believed that one of the most effective ways to cultivate moral values in students is through a well-designed curriculum that prioritizes value-based education. He suggested that certain moral principles should be incorporated into the school curriculum to nurture not only the intellectual but also the ethical development of students. These values, he believed, would help build a more harmonious and responsible future generation.
Unconditional Love and Kindness: True love goes beyond reciprocity. While love often fosters affection in return, the essence of love is unconditional. By cultivating unconditional love, we foster kindness and replace cruelty, contributing to a more compassionate world.
Honesty: It's essential for students to understand that dishonesty and cheating are not only morally wrong but ultimately detrimental to their future. Cheating may provide short-term benefits, but it always leads to long-term consequences. A commitment to honesty helps students build character and achieve success through their own efforts.
Hard Work: In today's society, some students may be tempted to cut corners or avoid hard work. This mindset, driven by laziness, undermines their potential. It's crucial to value dedication and effort in every endeavor, as hard work is the key to real achievement and personal growth.
Respect for Others: In a world often driven by competition, it's easy for people to disregard others in the pursuit of success. However, true respect means acknowledging and valuing people, regardless of their religion, race, gender, ideas, or lifestyle. Respect creates a more harmonious and inclusive society.
Cooperation: Achieving shared goals requires collaboration. When people work together, the collective effort strengthens the outcome. As the saying goes, "United we stand, divided we fall." This principle applies in every aspect of life, from personal relationships to societal progress.
Compassion: Compassion involves being aware of and sensitive to the suffering of others. With more compassion in the world, we could eliminate many societal issues such as homelessness, hunger, and conflict. Compassion fosters a sense of community and care for the well-being of others.
Forgiveness: Often, anger arises from an unwillingness to forgive. Learning the power of forgiveness can reduce conflict, both in schools and in broader society. By letting go of grudges, individuals can create a peaceful and cooperative environment, free from unnecessary violence and bitterness.
CONCLUSION:-
Swami Vivekananda recognized the crisis humanity was facing, foreseeing the clash of ideals, values, and traditions that marked his time—a situation that continues to persist today. In his era, issues like poverty, education, agriculture, and women’s empowerment were pressing concerns, just as they remain in the present. While Swamiji deeply reflected on these challenges and offered thoughtful solutions, today's leaders often seem too distracted to address these same fundamental issues.Our history and mythology have long taught us the importance of value-based education. However, in today's world, the current educational system has often failed to contribute effectively to individual and societal growth. Many generations will come and go, and though Swami Vivekananda's era may fade into history, the legacy of his tireless work for a better future, his passion for awakening the masses, and his fierce defense of the oppressed will never be forgotten. His life continues to serve as an unwavering beacon of inspiration for humanity.Swamiji's name is forever etched in the golden pages of India's history, not just as a great leader of the nation, but as a role model for the entire world. The ideals he espoused remain just as relevant today as they were in his time. As we move forward, we should strive to incorporate his teachings into our daily lives and aim to be better individuals, citizens, and human beings. Let us take inspiration from his extraordinary life, working towards the upliftment of mankind in every way we can.
Swamiji's vision for a reborn India still resonates with us today: "India, this motherland of ours—a voice is coming unto us, gentle, firm, and yet unmistakable in its utterances, and is gaining volume as days pass by. Behold, the sleeper is awakening! Like a breeze from the Himalayas, it is bringing life into the almost dead bones and muscles. The lethargy is passing away, and only the blind cannot see, or the perverted will not see, that she is awakening, this motherland of ours, from her deep long sleep. None can resist her anymore; never is she going to sleep again. No outward powers can hold her back anymore; for the infinite giant is rising to her feet."
As Swami Vivekananda once passionately proclaimed, "Arise! Awake! And stop not till the goal is reached." Let us unite with the same fervor and determination, working towards the progress of our nation with purity, patience, and perseverance, just as Swamiji envisioned long ago. Together, let us strive to build a better, stronger India.
Acknowledgement:I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the individuals who have contributed to my growth and development, starting with my parents, whose wisdom and guidance have been foundational. My sincere appreciation goes to all my teachers, from school to university, for their invaluable wisdom and insightful advice. I am also deeply grateful to my family, friends, and loved ones for their unwavering support, belief, and encouragement throughout my journey. I would like to acknowledge the Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya administration for providing excellent facilities and resources that have greatly enhanced my experience. Lastly, I express my profound gratitude to Prof. Arup Sarkar, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding at Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, for his continuous support, guidance, and trust in me with various responsibilities.
Conflict of interest:Swami Vivekananda, the revered nineteenth-century Hindu monk, stands as one of the most influential figures in modern India and the global spread of Hindu philosophy. While widely recognized as a spiritual leader, his primary focus throughout his life was the economic empowerment and prosperity of India. It is crucial for the younger generation to learn about the remarkable personalities of India and the profound wisdom they imparted. Swami Vivekananda's teachings hold the power to guide us through every phase of life, particularly during the formative years of personal growth.Swamiji's contributions have left an indelible mark on India's socio-cultural fabric, and his ability to ignite the spirit of nationalism at a time when it was most needed remains unparalleled. His teachings consistently emphasize the importance of education and wisdom as the key drivers of individual and societal progress. This is precisely why his lessons are so vital for today’s youth.We must draw inspiration from the extraordinary life led by Swami Vivekananda, allowing his teachings to fuel our efforts toward personal growth and the collective betterment of humanity. By embracing his ideals, we can contribute to a world that thrives on the values of wisdom, compassion, and progress.
References:
1. The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda (1995), 8 Volumes, Calcutta: Advaita Ashrama, Volume. V, p. 332.
2. CW., Volume. II, p. 301
3. CW., Volume. III, p. 426.
4. CW., Volume. III, p. 160.
5. CW., Volume. VI, p. 38.
6. CW., Volume. V, pp. 229-230.
7. CW., Volume. IV, p. 362
8. CW., Volume. III, p. 432.
9. CW., Volume. III, pp. 299-300.
10. CW., Volume. III, p. 146.
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