All human beings are a manifestation of the Divine; therefore, service and not charity is our dharma. In Bharatiya tradition, there is no concept of charity, but of service. Whatever opportunities for service come in life, one must engage in service. Service purifies us. Whatever one possesses, one should offer it, said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarsanghchalak (RSS) Dr Mohan Bhagwat while addressing a Vichar-Prerak programme on the theme ‘Nation Building through Man-Making’ at Shri Ramakrishna Vishva Sadbhavana Niketan, Kasrawad, Indore.
He said that human beings learn by observing, not merely by listening or speaking. Bharat’s civilisational journey has proved that happiness does not lie outside, but within the human being. In Bharat, the journey of exploring the inner self began. Through this inward journey, one attains eternal happiness. Based on experience, our ancestors stated that spirituality must be the foundation of material life. God has endowed human beings with sensitivity—the ability to understand another’s joy and sorrow. Enjoying pleasure at others’ expense is against human sensitivity. For life values, education and purity are essential. A human being needs education not only to remove one’s own suffering but also to alleviate the suffering of society and the nation—this is the inherent nature of India. When such a dharma was given to the world, India emerged. Even during foreign rule, this inherent nature did not change.
Speaking on education in the Bharatiya context, the Sarsanghchalak said that knowledge accumulated over lifetimes resides in the human mind; therefore, it must be brought out. Great personalities like Tantya Mama and Gadge Maharaj did not receive formal education, yet they are still revered today. Divine qualities are inherent within us; they must be awakened. One must acquire knowledge to realise them. Education that imparts the understanding of universal humanity, makes one self-reliant, and upholds the dignity of labour is true education. Giving importance to action rather than the individual, and focusing on authenticity and excellence of work rather than merely on results, is India’s nature. Bharat is not merely a geographical entity; it is a way of life. The progress of India means the progress of water, forests, rivers, mountains, animals, and human beings alike.
The programme was organised by Nimar Abhyuday Rural Management and Development Association and Shri Ramakrishna Vishva Sadbhavana Niketan. An audiobook, ‘Goshth–Narmadalayachi’, was also released.
The institution has been working in the field of education and skill development for the past 15 years. The Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav at Shri Ramakrishna Vishva Sadbhavana Niketan was held from January 17 to 20, after which the Sarsanghchalak visited Lepa to see the Niketan and its projects. The institution works for the education and skill development of malnourished children from the Vanavasi regions.
The institution provides education up to Class X and diploma courses in Basic Rural Technology for Vanavasi children. Nearly 800 children are currently studying in Nimar Abhyuday schools. Inspired during her Narmada Parikrama to take a resolve to support the education of Vanavasi children, Bharati Thakur Didi left her job in the Ministry of Defence and founded this institution.
