India’s legacy of academic excellence has deep roots, tracing back to the ancient Gurukulam system—a residential model of education that thrived for centuries. This distinctive system, where students (Shishyas) lived and learned alongside their teacher (Guru), was at the heart of Indian education. In this esteemed Guru-Shishya tradition, the Guru was not merely a teacher but a mentor, playing an essential role in shaping students’ physical, mental, and spiritual development during their formative years. The Gurukulam system’s historical significance invokes a profound reverence and respect for our rich educational heritage.
The Origins and Influence of the Gurukulam System
Emerging in the Vedic period, the Gurukul system was a bastion of oral tradition and knowledge across various disciplines. However, its influence began to diminish with the introduction of British-style boarding schools and English-medium education. This shift overshadowed the Gurukulam system, leaving a significant gap in India’s educational heritage.
During the Vedic era, the Gurukulam system peaked with clear objectives and a structured approach to holistic education. The Ramayana and Mahabharata provide accounts of this system, with respected teachers like Sage Vishwamitra educating Rama and Lakshmana, Maharshi Valmiki instructing Luv and Kush, and Guru Dronacharya teaching the Pandavas and Kauravas. The Naimisharanya ashram, led by Saunaka Maharishi and hosting 10,000 disciples, exemplifies the educational grandeur of that time.
Ancient learning centres such as Takshashila, Nalanda, Vikramashila, and Valabhi adhered to the principles of the Guru-Shishya Parampara, attracting scholars from across the globe. Chinese travellers like Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) and Faxian (Fa-Hien) documented the influx of foreign students who came to India to pursue studies at these revered institutions.
The Current Status of Gurukulams in India
A study by Vediconcepts revealed fewer than 5000 gurukuls (April 2022) in India than 14,94,052 schools (Sep 2020). However, many of these institutions have diverged from the traditional Gurukulam approach, focusing more on modern education. This shift has often reduced emphasis on imparting the core values of Bharatiya culture and tradition. The current educational landscape calls for integrating traditional Gurukulam principles with modern learning, equipping students to engage with the contemporary world while retaining core cultural values.
A New Initiative: UbhayaBharati Kanya Gurukulam
Introducing the unique UbhayaBharati Kanya Gurukulam initiative under the esteemed guidance of Sringeri Ubhaya Jagadguru Sri Sri Mahasannidhanam Swamigal and Sri Sri Sannidhanam Swamigal, a one-of-a-kind initiative for girls’ education, the “UbhayaBharati Kanya Gurukulam,” was inaugurated in July 2023 in Sengottai, Tamil Nadu. Managed by the Sengottai Sri Sharadamba Charitable Trust (SSSCT) and in partnership with Sri Bharati Tirtha Vedapatashala, this Gurukulam for girls is operated primarily by women and offers a fully residential program. Residents also have a day scholar option with no tuition fees. Boarding and lodging are free to students, making it a unique and accessible educational opportunity.
Founders’ Vision
The Founders’ connection to the vision resulted in the establishment of the Ubhayabharati Kanya Gurukulam, which was not just a vision but a personal mission for Dr. Ram Narendra Narayanan, a Neurologist based in the USA, and his wife, Dr. Radha Ramachandran. Dr. Radha, an alumna of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M), pursued doctoral studies in physics at the University of Chicago and later postdoctoral training in education. Inspired to immerse her children in Bharatiya education, she returned to Sengottai. While her son joined Sri Bharati Tirtha Vedapatashala, her daughter was homeschooled, as there were limited Gurukulam options for girls. Supported by Sri Vidushekharabharati Swamiji of Sringeri Mutt, who suggested the name for the Gurukulam, the idea of blending traditional Gurukulam and modern education for girls took shape, leading to the foundation of the Kanya Gurukulam.
Kanya Gurukulam’s Educational Approach
The Kanya Gurukulam curriculum is modelled after the Samskruta Gurukula of Sringeri, with Samskrutam as its core. “Samskrutam, the lingua franca of ancient Bharat, is integral to our shastras and the backbone of our curriculum,” explains Dr Radha. Open to girls above six years of age and from all backgrounds, the Gurukulam curriculum is designed to enhance memory, logical thinking, and linguistic skills through early Sanskrit learning. The curriculum’s unique blend of tradition and modernity will intrigue and interest the students.
Gowri Viswanathan, the lead Sanskrit Adhyapika (teacher), brings a wealth of experience, having taught at Madras Sanskrit College for 28 years and volunteering with Samskruta Bharati. She views the Kanya Gurukulam as a mission to rekindle cultural pride through education. “Educating girls in this tradition can create a profound societal impact, returning to our roots,” she says.
The comprehensive curriculum of the Kanya Gurukulam for the first 2-3 years, students are introduced to foundational Samskrutam, covering topics such as Shabda, Dhaatu, Vibhakti, Sandhi, and Samasa—equivalent to Levels 1 and 2 of the Surasaraswati Sabha. During years 1 to 5, subjects like Mathematics, Science, and English are taught following the NCERT syllabus. Additionally, students receive training in Shastreeya Sangeeta, Bharatanatyam, and Yoga, providing a well-rounded education.
In the subsequent 3 years, students study Samskruta Sahityam, comparable to Levels 3 and 4 of the Surasaraswati Sabha. After grade 5, Mathematics and English are taught at the appropriate level for each student. Following this, Shastra studies will be introduced over 2 years, equivalent to the rigorous Tenali Pariksha, one of the most challenging exams in this field.
Students preparing for grades 10 and 12 are encouraged to take their examinations through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). The Gurukulam strongly emphasises an Ayurveda- and yoga-centered lifestyle in alignment with traditional practices. Workshops conducted by guest speakers and experts in various Bharatiya arts and skills further enrich students’ learning experience.
Challenges
Breaking away from the monotony of modern education, the Kanya Gurukulam has faced its share of challenges. The initial months can be difficult as children adjust to the new environment. Smt. Gowri Vishwanathan notes that parental understanding of this concept is essential, and she has gradually observed growing acceptance among parents.
The students follow a busy schedule, beginning with prayers at 6 AM and concluding their day at 8 PM. They engage in learning and various activities in a balanced, non-taxing manner. Dr Radha Ramachandran explains this routine has kept them away from gadgets—an achievement rarely seen among children in conventional educational settings.
When there has been a renewed interest in preserving the Bharatiya Parampara, such efforts as this need encouragement and community participation.
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