“There must be a balance between materialism and spirituality in education. The work of the Nyas and the transformation of Bharat’s education are not separate tasks. We must focus not only on identifying problems but also on advancing solutions,” said Dr Atul Kothari, National Secretary of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, during the inaugural session on 25 July.
“We are here to review and plan the Nyas’s work—both programmatic and organisational—for the next five years,” he added in his opening address at Jnan Sabha, the National Chintan Baithak, held at Adi Shankara Nilayam in Veliyanad, near Kochi.
He further added that no single organisation, institution, or platform can bring about transformation in Bharat’s education system alone. A concerted, collective effort is required. Dr Kothari noted that this is the third National Chintan Baithak of the Nyas:
The first was held in Vrindavan in 2012
The second in Coimbatore in 2019
And the third is now being held at the birthplace of Adi Shankaracharya
Dr Kothari affirmed that since its very inception, the Nyas has been committed to providing an alternative in Bharatiya education. The task is so vast that events like Gyanotsav, Gyan Kumbh, and Gyan Sabha alone are not enough. We must keep working to expand and deepen this mission.
Acharya Vivikthananda, head of Chinmaya Mission, Kerala region, stated:“We (Chinmaya Mission) are fortunate that such a vital educational brainstorming session, focused on bringing foundational changes to the realm of Bharat’s education, is being held on our campus. Our Bharatiya knowledge tradition is the foundation of our unity. The Nyas’s efforts are putting an end to the Macaulay system. I am confident that, due to the Nyas’s activities, the state of education will change, and the Indianisation of education will be realised across the country.”
Dr Pankaj Mittal, Chairperson of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, also addressed the inaugural session. Dr Mittal said that since its very beginning, the Nyas has been striving to rejuvenate Bharatiya education by blending traditional knowledge systems with contemporary needs, offering a meaningful alternative to the current system.
“In Bharat, the aim of education was never limited to livelihood; it was a path to becoming a complete human being. That is the direction our education system must move in.”
Briefing the details of the inaugural session, Atharva Sharma, National Media Head of the Nyas, stated that the National Chintan Baithak was formally inaugurated by Dr Mohan Bhagwat, Sarsanghchalak of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
Also present on the occasion were A. Vinod (Convener, Nyas) and Sudarshan from Chinmaya Mission. The session was conducted by Sanjay Swami, Co-Convener of the Nyas.
In the second session on the first day, Dr Atul Kothari reflected on the journey of the Nyas and stated that when distortions in education became evident, a nationwide Shiksha Bachao Andolan was launched. It was following that effort that Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas was formed to offer a constructive alternative. Initially, the Nyas focused on six core areas. Today, it works across 11 Vishay, 3 Aayam, 3 Karya Vibhag, and 2 Abhiyan. The Nyas’s approach is not merely to deliver speeches but to enter the system and bring about change from within.
Dr Kothari reiterated that over the years, Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas has been working continuously in the field of education to awaken the soul of Bharat through its nationalistic efforts. This meeting is a powerful continuation of that journey. The Nyas believes that grassroots change in education is the primary responsibility of society. For this, joint efforts between society and government are essential. Those directly involved in the education sector have a key role to play; only then can basic changes be made in the system.
Dr Kothari added that the ongoing work is part of a nationwide campaign and movement. Making education a national priority is imperative.
In the morning, Dr Mohan Bhagwat was received by Swami Vivikthananda, Swami Saradananda Saraswati (Acharya of Chinmaya International Foundation), Swami Chidroopananda, Dr P.N. Sudarshan (Director, Chinmaya Sanskrit Research Centre), and Dr N.C. Induchoodan (State President of Vidyabhyasa Vikas Kendra, the Kerala Chapter of Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas). They offered him Poornakumbh, a traditional Kerala form of welcoming highly respected personalities. Following this, the Sarsanghchalak visited the house where Adi Shankaracharya was born. Afterwards, he inaugurated the Jnan Sabha by lighting the traditional lamp.
Around 100 delegates from across the country are taking part in the Sabha. These include national coordinators of the Nyas and selected workers from various states.
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