HARIDWAR DPS - President Message

President Message

Importance and Objectives of Education

Education (Knowledge) is the fundamental element that makes human beings wise and discerning, distinguishes them from animals, and develops the true spirit of the Vedic expression “मनुर्भव” (Manurbhava), meaning “Be Human.” Education removes various kinds of misconceptions, doubts, and uncertainties from human life and often enables us to perceive the hidden truth beyond what is immediately visible. Education is like the third eye of living beings. A person who lacks this third eye of knowledge lives, in a sense, in the darkness of ignorance.

In the absence of education, human life becomes as insignificant as the tail of a dog. It is through education that a person earns respect, honour, and recognition throughout the country and across the world. Among all worldly possessions, education is the greatest wealth because it can neither be stolen nor purchased with money, nor can it ever be destroyed. Knowledge is a form of wealth that does not diminish when shared; rather, it continues to grow.

The primary purpose of education is to develop the ability to control the senses and to liberate human beings from the bonds of jealousy, hatred, greed, attachment, sorrow, and other negative tendencies. Through education, a person progresses towards the ultimate purpose of life and attains true happiness and peace. This principle is expressed in the Indian tradition of knowledge through the saying, “सा विद्या या विमुक्तये” (Sa Vidya Ya Vimuktaye), which means, “That alone is true knowledge which liberates a person from bondage.”

Throughout the entire corpus of Indian literature, education and Dharma (righteousness and moral duty) have been regarded as interdependent. The word Dharma has been interpreted in various ways. The traditional expression, “धारणाद् धर्म इत्याहुः, धर्मो धारयते प्रजाः”, means that Dharma is that which sustains and upholds society. Dharma inspires human beings to follow proper conduct, righteous thoughts, good behaviour, and their duties and responsibilities. Knowledge is the fundamental basis of Dharma. A knowledgeable person is considered capable of understanding the true essence of Dharma, and their righteous conduct becomes an ideal of morality and proper behaviour for society.

Virtues such as patience, peace, non-violence, kindness, compassion, sympathy, courtesy, love, self-control, and truthfulness discipline and enrich human life. These virtues contribute not only to the development of an individual but also to the character of society and the nation. In this context, the following saying is particularly significant:

“आत्मनः प्रतिकूलानि परेषां न समाचरेत्।”

This means, “One should not treat others in a manner that one would not wish to be treated oneself.” Dharma and knowledge unite people rather than divide them. Remaining devoted to one's duties is the true expression of practising Dharma. For example, a soldier, motivated by a sense of duty, dedicates everything to the protection of the motherland. Dharma is considered an integral part of education because it ensures that the ability to distinguish between right and wrong remains intact and that human virtues develop in place of animalistic tendencies.

Similarly, an Acharya who imparts lessons in righteous conduct, discipline, and the values of life holds a position of great respect. The ideal Acharya is one who practises good conduct and teaches disciples:

“यान्यस्माकं सुचरितानि तानि त्वयोपास्यानि, नो इतराणि।”

This means, “Follow those exemplary actions of ours that are worthy of emulation, and not the others.” An Acharya provides students with the wisdom to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, and righteous and unrighteous conduct. Merely acquiring knowledge of scriptures is not sufficient. If a teacher's own conduct and character are corrupt, their knowledge cannot serve as an ideal for society. In the Indian tradition, purity of conduct is considered as essential as the possession of knowledge in a teacher.

In the acquisition of education, the roles of not only teachers but also the family, environment, society, and surroundings are of great significance. Therefore, the atmosphere within the family, community, neighbourhood, and educational institutions should be pure, cultured, and conducive to righteous conduct. A child learns many things, both directly and indirectly, from the surrounding environment. The good and bad influences of neighbours and members of society also leave an impression on the child's character. Just as air absorbs and spreads the fragrance or foul smell of its surroundings, human beings are similarly influenced by the values and संस्कार (moral impressions) of their environment.

Thus, the foregoing discussion clearly establishes the indispensability of education in human life. Human birth itself is considered exceedingly rare, and the attainment of quality education and noble values is even more significant. Education is not merely a means of earning a livelihood; rather, it is the foundation for the holistic development of personality, the cultivation of wisdom, character building, self-discipline, righteous conduct, and the awakening of a sense of responsibility towards the nation. Such education truly makes a person human and instils an awareness of their responsibilities towards themselves, society, and the nation.

With best wishes,
Shivendu Bhardwaj
President
Haridwar DPS, Pherupur-Ramkhera, Haridwar, Uttarakhand & Shri Lajja Ram Ashram & Educational Institute

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