‘Indian Value Based Education’ holds paramount importance in shaping the youth of India for success and harmony in the 21st Century. Especially in the context of building the future of a developed India by 2047. We present below an interview with Mrs. Rashmi Raj Biswal, Principal, DAV Public School, Pushpanjali Enclave, New Delhi. Through her enlightening insights, Mrs. Biswal goes into the essence of this educational paradigm and talks about the profound significance of incorporating Indian values into modern education. She explains how DAV Public School harmonizes traditional wisdom with contemporary learning to nurture well-rounded and culturally conscious individuals. Let’s dive in!
Students take part in a ‘Havan’.
What is the importance of Indian value-based education in today’s times and how does your school incorporate it into the curriculum? Give the key aspects of this approach and share examples.
DAV Public School, Pushpanjali Enclave, is an organisation managed by the D.A.V. College Managing Committee (DAVCMC), the largest NGO pan India, based on Vedic philosophy. Therefore, ‘Ved Path’, Moral Education, ‘Havans’ and ‘Chetna Shivirs’ are common to all DAV schools. We begin our morning at school with meditation and moral lectures to ignite good human values among our students.
Vedas are the oldest scriptures and written sources of Indian history. The important principles of life as per ‘Vedic Sciences’ are Dharma: Code of Conduct, Doing the Right Things, which are good for the well-being of the individual as well as for society. Respect: towards life, family, parents, seniors and guru & Artha: to acquire wealth only for subsistence.
Vedas propagate values like truth, non-violence, austerity, brotherhood, universal friendship, security, peace, fearlessness, and dedication. For Indians, value-based education is very important and we are imparting the same on a regular basis.
Students performing a Cultural Dance.
In today’s globalized world, how do you balance the emphasis on Indian values with the need for students to excel academically and compete internationally?
In today’s interconnected world, it is essential for students to understand different cultures, customs, and beliefs. We have many International teacher and student exchange programs. Our important activities include co-assemblies, presentations, making e-pals, etc., where students share their culture, showcase, and promote relevant human values. All global issues and problems like ‘global warming’ and sustainability have solutions in Indian Vedic values. We integrate these solutions into our education through school clubs like Eco Club and Heritage Guardian Club.
Indian heritage monuments like Baolis, forts, lakes, rivers, etc., need to be preserved and retained for posterity. To sensitize students regarding this, we take them on trips to visit monuments, and the parks of Delhi and encourage them to participate in the Clean Ganga campaign, Save Water Campaign and many more.
Students taking part in Yoga at the school.
Could you share examples of how Indian value-based education has positively impacted students’ character development and ethical understanding?
‘Chetna Shivirs’ and ‘Havans’ have a deep impact on our students and promote character development and ethical understanding. Same goes for Indian sports like Kho-Kho and Kabbaddi or Indian art forms like Madhubani, Worli paintings, etc. Our school’s theatre club ‘Aagaaz’ also trains students in promoting ethical understanding and often raises voice against vices like gender discrimination, cyber crimes etc. We conduct house activities and interschool competitions focused on promoting values. Our lesson plans also aim to promote and develop responsible future citizens of India.
Value education is essential for personal development and for fostering a just, compassionate, and cohesive society. It guides individuals in making moral and ethical choices, improving their relationships with others, and contributing positively to the community and the world. All this is dealt with sensitively by our faculty members.
Students taking part in ATL Activities.
How does your school incorporate 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy within the framework of Indian value-based education?
Characters like King Ashoka and his Dhamma, Mahatma Gandhi, Aryabhatta, Buddha, C.V. Raman, Mother Teresa and many others are still inspiring the present generation, especially when they role-play their lives in classes. Indian innovators and app makers are doing wonders and our school innovation ambassadors and Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) experts are excelling at national and international levels. A product designed by our student Aditya Vikram titled “Vision Glasses” has won the Innovation Challenge of the Government Of India. These glasses are to aid visually impaired people. Showcasing India, our country, as a powerful emerging power of the world with a deep progressive heritage is a norm of our well-crafted schools’ inter and intra programmes.
Students at the ‘AI Future Leadership Summit’.
What strategies or initiatives does your school employ to ensure that students not only excel academically but also develop a strong sense of cultural identity and social responsibility?
We celebrate all National and International festivals and days of importance. Students participate in theatre, dance, Indian heritage quizzes, trips, tours, inspirational lectures etc. We are creating meaningful parent involvement and generating clear, open communication with the parents for the welfare of their children. Students are made to actively participate in social responsibility activities, contributing positively to society.
We also are a part of the Awakened Citizen Programme organized by Ramakrishna Mission for the age group of 11 to 16 years. We are implementing this well-researched, structured curriculum which is integrated into the school routine totally emphasizing human values.
A Student Exhibition at the school.
In your view, what role should Indian value-based education play in preparing students to navigate the complexities and challenges of the 21st century?
The space mission, rural governance, cleanliness, protection of the environment, medical breakthroughs, and scientific innovations are already mentioned in our ancient scriptures. We involve students in this discovery via activities, PowerPoints and newsletters. They are encouraged to create exhibits, projects, artefacts, etc., to be displayed in annual exhibitions of the school. The themes of these exhibitions are well thought out, discussed and deliberated on. These exhibitions have themes that are mostly relevant to present times and most importantly involve 100 % participation of each child, thereby inculcating experiential learning.
Value education helps children distinguish between right and wrong, take risks and handle challenges. It also encourages a sense of responsibility, positivity and eventually, more mindful behaviour that springs from a sense of self-awareness. Imbibing the qualities of good conduct, self-confidence and high values would help students earn a significant place in society. Our social actions like Interact club activities, rallies and social campaigns are doing wonders and are worthy examples of value-based education being imparted at our school campus.
