Education as a means of development?
According to Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) who was the greatest thinker, philosopher,
scholar, and guide for mankind who had a vision and took up the mission of 'man-making as his
motto in life. Vivekananda points out that the defect of present-day education is that it has no
definite goal to pursue. A sculptor has a clear idea about what he wants to shape out of the
marble block; similarly, a painter knows what he is going to paint. But a teacher, he says, has no
clear idea about the goal of his teaching. Swamiji attempts to establish, through his words and
deeds, that the end of all education is man-making. He prepares the scheme of this man-
making education in the light of his overall philosophy of Vedanta.
According to Vedanta, the essence of man lies in his soul, which he possesses in addition to his
body and mind. In line with this philosophy, Swamiji defines education as ‘the manifestation of
the perfection already in man.’ Education aims to manifest in our lives perfection, which is the
very nature of our inner self. This perfection is the realization of the infinite power that resides in
everything and everywhere-existence, consciousness and bliss (Satchidananda). After
understanding the essential nature of this perfection, we should identify it with our inner self. For
achieving this, one will have to eliminate one’s ego, ignorance, and all other false identification,
which stand in the way. Meditation, fortified by moral purity and passion for truth, helps man to
leave behind the body, the senses, the ego, and all other non-self elements, which are
perishable. He thus realizes his immortal divine self, which is of the nature of infinite existence,
infinite knowledge, and infinite bliss.
At this stage, man becomes aware of himself as identical with all other selves of the universe,
i.e. different selves as manifestations of the same self. Hence education, in Vivekananda’s
sense, enables one to comprehend one’s self within as the self everywhere. The essential unity
of the entire universe is realized through education. Accordingly, man-making for Swamiji
stands for rousing man to the awareness of his true self. However, education thus signified does
not point towards the development of the soul in isolation from body and mind. We have to
remember that the basis of Swamiji’s philosophy is "Advaita" which preaches unity in diversity.
Therefore, man making for him means a harmonious development of the body, mind, and soul.
Sports as a means of Development :
Swamiji places great emphasis on physical health because a healthy mind resides in a healthy
body. He frequently quotes the Upanishadic expression "Paramatma balahiena labhyah"; i.e.
the self cannot be recognized by the physically weak. Hence, Purnimalay Foundation has
taken up that vision as their own and decided to help children and youth with sports equipment.
Distribution of sports equipment like football, jerseys, shoes, badminton rackets, cocks, rickets,
bats, etc.
In the future, Purnimalay Foundation wishes to build a Football Academy to help youth excel in
their field of sports. Along with that, we wish to build a Sports Academy which can help players
from economically weak backgrounds.
Our vision is to follow the path shown by Swami Vivekananda and form a society that is literate,
responsible, and humanitarian.
