A Value Education Workshop for Teachers was held at Ramakrishna Math, Halasuru, aimed at reinforcing the spiritual, moral, and humanistic foundations of education in the light of Swami Vivekananda’s ideals. Over 200 teachers participated in the programme, which featured insightful sessions by eminent speakers and senior monks of the Ramakrishna Order.
The workshop commenced with a soulful invocation by the brahmacharis and monks, creating an atmosphere of serenity and contemplation. Swami Bodhaswarupanandaji Maharaj, Adhyaksha, welcomed the participants and emphasized the teacher’s role in discovering and nurturing the latent potential within every child—much like a sculptor chiselling a divine form from raw stone.
The programme was formally inaugurated by Sri Ritesh Kumar Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Finance, Government of Karnataka. In his inaugural address, he highlighted the essential role of ethical values in governance as well as in the educational ecosystem, illustrating his message through inspiring real-life stories that showcased the transformative impact of value-based teaching.
Swami Shuddhidanandaji Maharaj, Adhyaksha, Advaita Ashram, Mayavati, explained the role of universal human values—truth, purity, compassion, and self-control—in building character and giving life direction. He stressed that values are “infectious,” and children naturally imbibe what teachers live.
Swami Yukteshanandaji Maharaj, Correspondent, Ramakrishna Vidyalaya, Mysuru, urged teachers to cultivate love and openness so that children feel encouraged to approach them freely. A teacher must be a role model, he reminded, and must remain eager to learn—even from students.
Dr. H. N. Muralidhara, retired professor, Bengaluru, addressed the need to shift education from mere information delivery to holistic value formation. He highlighted that the true aim of education is not just securing a materially comfortable life but nurturing good human beings.
Each session was followed by interactive discussions, fostering deeper reflection among the teachers.
The workshop concluded with a devotional song by the monks, followed by a heartfelt vote of thanks by Sri Viswanathan Hariharan and the serving of lunch prasad.
The event was well received and appreciated, leaving a meaningful impact on educators and reinforcing the need for value-based education in today’s world.
