Purpose of education is not merely the dissemination of knowledge, but the development of a sense of national commitment, the establishment of spiritual values, and a holistic outlook towards life among students”, said Dr Krishna Gopal, Sah Sarkaryavah of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh while addressing the gathering at the inaugural session of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2026 of Vidya Bharati Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Sansthan held on April 3, 2026.The discussions focused on the need to integrate Bharatiya Knowledge System or Indian Knowledge System and shape the path towards nation-building.
Vidya Bharati continues to expand its role as a strong educational organisation, rooted in national consciousness and a spiritual outlook.
Referring to the principle “Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti”, he highlighted Bharat’s cultural strength of unity in diversity. He further added, Vidya Bharati is actively working towards achieving this harmonious integration.
Dr Krishna Gopal stressed three key dimensions of education: national consciousness, understanding of spiritual fundamentals, and the nurturing of value-based students. He observed that increasing self-centeredness and materialistic tendencies in contemporary society are leading to intolerance, and that the solution lies in harmonising nationalism with spirituality.
Highlighting the impact of modern technological developments, he spoke about Artificial Intelligence (AI), stating that while technology is useful, it cannot replace human sensitivity, creativity, and values. Therefore, preserving human values within education is essential.
Education should nurture individuals committed to serve the nation: Suresh Soni
Moving from vismruti (forgetfulness) to smruti (awareness) and towards swabodh (self-realisation) formed the foundation of Vidya Bharati’s work, said Suresh Soni, Akhil Bharatiya Karyakarini Sadasya of RSS at the inauguration of the central office of Vidya Bharati Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Sansthan on April 2, 2026.
Soniji noted that the Vidya Bharati has steadily expanded, gaining wider social acceptance due to its effective implementation and long-term dedication. Many individuals across the country have contributed to this journey, but Vidya Bharati’s contribution remains especially significant because of its consistent experimentation, reflection, and execution.
During the formulation of the National Education Policy, Vidya Bharati’s work was independently evaluated. Experts associated with Wipro Foundation visited its institutions, including Shishu Vatika, secondary schools, and residential schools, spending days observing their functioning. They particularly recognised the organisation’s strength in nurturing emotional development, social responsibility, and sensitivity among students, not merely at a conceptual level but through actual practice and behaviour.
He further stressed that Vidya Bharati must move from being an organisation-centric effort to becoming a society-wide movement. This requires deeper preparation, improved presentation, and a refined working style to guide positive transformation in the country’s education system.
Soniji highlighted that by 2047, when Bharat completes 100 years of Independence, the goal is to build a nation rooted in its own civilisational values while playing a meaningful global role. He also referred to the idea that the colonial education framework initiated in 1835 would complete 200 years by 2035, suggesting that the coming decade is crucial for bringing about a comprehensive transformation in education.
While expressing concern over infighting between nations, Soniji pointed out that global conflicts are examples where so-called developed societies exhibit behaviours that harm even basic human institutions like hospitals and essential services. This, he argued, is the result of development without moral grounding, which ultimately leads to destruction. Therefore, he emphasised that human development must go hand in hand with material progress. Vidya Bharati’s educational approach is based on the Panchkosha concept, developing the individual at the physical, vital, mental, intellectual, and spiritual levels. This holistic framework ensures that individuals grow not only in capability but also in sensitivity and responsibility.
He stressed that education should not produce individuals who are merely career-oriented. Instead, it should nurture individuals committed to serving society and the nation. Vidya Bharati’s experiments in this direction must be discussed and expanded further in the coming years.
Chief Guest Dharmendra Pradhan described Vidya Bharati as a significant “reference point” in the fields of education, language, and skill development. He stated that several provisions of the National Education Policy such as mother tongue-based education, bagless days, teacher training, and skill development have been inspired by Vidya Bharati’s pioneering efforts.
He noted that any civilisational society with deep cultural roots and a responsibility towards global welfare must present its thought process in the right perspective. In this context, he emphasised that Vidya Bharati has, over the decades since Independence, consistently placed the Indian knowledge tradition before society with clarity and conviction.
In his welcome address, Akhil Bharatiya General Secretary Deshraj Sharma highlighted that Vidya Bharati has evolved into one of the world’s largest educational organisations. He emphasised that education is not merely about acquiring knowledge but about connecting individuals with their roots, culture, and traditions. He also mentioned Vidya Bharati’s proactive role in implementing the National Education Policy and its initiatives towards strengthening digital infrastructure, including plans to launch a television channel in the future.
Pujya Anandamurti Gurumaa appreciated the organisation’s work in remote, border, and Naxal-affected areas, describing it as a meaningful contribution to nation-building. She expressed confidence that the new central office would further accelerate the organisation’s mission.
He further emphasised that along with worldly education, imparting a spiritual perspective to every student is necessary to enable them to lead purposeful and value-oriented lives. He noted that the work of Vidya Bharati is an expanded manifestation of the foundational ideas of Dr. Hedgewar and is playing a significant role in nation-building.
During the session, Shradhanjali was paid to departed inspiring personalities, and a framework for four days of deliberations for the coming year was presented.
On this occasion, a ‘Smarika’ (Commemorative Publication) based on the theme “Saptashakti Sangam” was ceremonially released in the presence of Dr Madhu Savji , Sadhana Bhandari, Rajshri Vaidya, and Avneesh Bhatnagar.
Notably, the AGM was from April 3-6, 2026 at Vidya Bharati School, Hari Nagar, where around 350 representatives from across the country participated. Important decisions regarding future academic plans, policies, and organisational matters was taken during this meeting.Over the four days, extensive deliberations were held on key themes including quality education, Indian knowledge systems, NEP implementation, innovation, and value-based education. Key resolutions include establishing schools in every district by 2030, launching a nationwide de-addiction campaign, setting up 50 Women’s Skill Development Centres, celebrating Amrit Mahotsav 2027, and launching digital education initiatives and Vidya Bharati TV. The meeting concluded with a collective resolve to strengthen efforts toward nation building.
