Purna Vidya Sessions in Reading(UK)

Purna Vidya (Complete Education)

Swami Vivekananda once said the present education system can produce an intelligent person but does not develop the Human element of one’s personality. Formal education teaches kids how to how to solve mathematical problems, write English and other academic skills where as it doesn’t where as doesn’t fulfil the most important objective of education which is provide knowledge on how to lead a life, the effects of this are apparent in the present society. In the past there was no need to impart this knowledge since it was transferred through generations living under the same roof. As times changed global phenomena like immigration have greatly influenced the society. It is extremely essential that this knowledge is imparted by some means and it is high time that we start this at a tender age in order that these life principles form a basis of their thoughts and actions for the rest of their life.

We live in the information age where there is surplus of information available to everyone, to the extent that sometimes it confuses even adults as to what is useful and what is not, so, it is understandable that kids have a lot of questions about things that may be otherwise obvious.

In this regard Manavata is starting a course for kids to teach essential human and cultural values.

Objectives :

  • To impart core living skills, with an emphasis on how society is built, how to interact and behave with fellow human beings, what is the purpose of human life etc..
  • This will involve narrating and discussing stories such as Panchatantra tales, Jataka tales etc.. these are tales with a moral at the end (eg: Hare and Tortoise)
  • To explain through illustrations why something is right or wrong rather than imposing that it is how it is.
  • To encourage kids to ask questions about human values and society and explain why it is the way it is.
  • To develop a sense of appreciation towards the environment that we live in, what we need to do and why. This will include aspects like, why should we not throw rubbish on the streets, why should we use rubbish bins, why should we not raise our voice in public etc.

We call upon everyone, to avail this invaluable opportunity to inculcate the right approach towards life in kids which will develop them into much better human beings.

Donations and guidelines

  • Monthly suggested donation is £10 per head (willing individuals can contribute more towards the worthy cause) towards Manavata (UK registered charity). Individuals may need to fill in Gift Aid forms, if applicable, in order to make the most of the donation.
  • In the interest of continuity, seriousness and discipline, there will be a £2 fine (towards Manavata) per class for absence.

The course will start in February, 2010 (date to be confirmed) and will continue for the rest of the year. The course content, dates etc are under final scrutiny and will be shared with interested individuals who register for the course. We are looking at a minimum attendance of 20 in order to start the classes.