“Aim of all education and training should be man-making: that was Swami Vivekananda’s message on the role of education and training,” said Dr Vijay Kumar Saraswat. He was addressing students and faculty at ICFAI University, Hyderabad. Dr. Saraswat — presently a a member at the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, is also a a former Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister, Director General DRDO and Secretary to Dept. of Defence R&D — was delivering a lecture on the occasion of the 154th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda at the IFHE campus in Hyderabad on January 18.
Speaking to a packed audience of students, faculty and staff, Dr. Saraswat said that the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, which are more than a century old, hold relevance even in the present. His idea of educating the masses for the development of the country and building strength of youth is reflected in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on the demographic dividend, and skilling the youth to contribute to economic development.
He said that to address the main concerns of the world today – peace and harmony, insights into spirituality as propounded by Swami Vivekananda would be highly useful, and could bring about qualitative change to bridge the gap between east and the west. This called for people to be scientific, spiritual, selfless and fearless, with a pure heart, clear brain, and unselfish motivation.
Dr. Saraswat said that education should help a person stand on their own feet, build self-confidence, and self-respect. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he said, “The ideal of all education and training should be ‘man’ making. Man standing for morality, ability and nobility. Education should develop a spirit of service, to help the poor and the needy raise themselves. The education should also help in building the spirit of social service.”
Urging the students to follow the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, he also told them that education should help them build a strong character, which can be developed by working towards common good and by giving up jealousy, suspicion and conceit. He told them to lead a purposeful life by deciding what they want to do, and working constantly towards that.
Speaking to the teachers of the University Dr. Saraswat said that following the message of Swami Vivekananda, they need to develop a personality that would impress the students and dedication to render selfless service. He told them to understand the needs of the students, and be their friend, philosopher and guide.
Presiding over the event, in his address, Dr. J. Mahender Reddy, Vice Chancellor, IFHE, spoke about the role of teachers in building a great learning institution.