“ भारते वर्षे सम्मानः संस्कृतं च सहगामिनी ।
यावदधिगता सुरभारती न कश्चन तावद् उत्सहते त्वां प्रतिकूलयितुम् ।
एतन्नाम (संस्कृतनैपुण्यम्) अभ्युन्नते: रहस्यम्, एतदेव शरणम् । ”
“ नूनं हनिष्यन्ति वेदा अपसंस्कारम् । ”
— स्वामी विवेकानन्दः
Inception
Swami Vivekananda, the foremost disciple of Sri Ramakrishna and a prophet of modern age, throughout his life, took special interest in propagating the message of the Upanishads. He prophesied on the day he passed away, that a Veda Vidyalaya would come up within Belur Math premises. His solemn prophecy came true when the Vidyalaya started functioning on 16th August, 1993. The Vidyalaya is situated on the holy Ganges and the atmosphere here is surcharged with the spiritual presence of Sri Ramakrishna, a modern incarnation of God, in the shrine nearby at Belur Math. The Belur Math is a monastery founded by Swami Vivekananda way back in 1901. The place which is about 9km away from Kolkata is in the district of Howrah within the province of West Bengal in India.
Aims
The ultimate aim of human life is self-realization which can be achieved by building one’s character. The acquisition of true knowledge plays a vital role here. True education, further, gains ground when imparted in a congenial atmosphere. The Vidyalaya aims at imparting universal message of the Vedas by giving lessons to the students at their impressionable age. The objective is to remove superstition, ill-feeling and all weakening thoughts from people’s mind and promote brotherhood and solidarity on a spiritual basis.
Living in a place where a student is at liberty to do anything for serious studies. If a student resides in an institution under the able guidance of teachers who are both intellectually and spiritually competent, he becomes fit for receiving education. Our idea of a residential institution is rooted in this consideration and conviction. Hence the students of this Vidyalaya will have to stay within and no day scholar is allowed here. Along with character building physical, mental and spiritual developments are also kept as ideals of the Veda Vidyalaya. Cleanliness and self-reliance are also encouraged in the school.
RECOGNITION
The Veda Vidyalaya is an accredited institution of the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The Veda Vidyalaya offers secondary and higher secondary courses to the students. Certificates issued by NIOS are widely recognized throughout the country.
Unique Features
- The Veda Vidyalaya is a fully residential institution and functions very much like an age-old gurukula. It is situated just on the western bank of the holy River Ganga amidst idyllic surroundings.
- Students mostly from underprivileged and financially backward sections of the society are enrolled. All their educational, boarding, lodging and medical expenses are borne by the Ramakrishna Math. The Veda Vidyalaya can accommodate 50 students.
- The Veda Vidyalaya is committed to the propagation of Vedic and Sanskrit education among students at the school level. Students are taught Sanskrit grammar (paniniya vyakarana), Sanskrit literature (sahitya), Indian Philosophy (darshana), the Vedas and Upanishads. This exposure to Vedic and Sanskrit studies at the school level is extremely rare in this part of the country. The Veda Vidyalaya is second to none in this respect.
- As in ancient gurukula system, students are taught traditi0nal method of chanting Vedic texts with proper intonation. Students practice chanting every day and thereby commit the Mantras to memory. In this way, the Veda Vidyalaya is helping to continue the Vedic tradition. It is a matter of deep regret that a large portion
of Vedas has become extinct as a result of discontinuation of the practice of chanting and memorizing. - Basic training in computer operations is also given to students, as knowledge of computers has become quite essential in almost every walk of life.
- Swami Vivekananda repeatedly emphasized the need for a sturdy and muscular physique. His bold words were, “Be strong, my young friends; that is my advice to you. You will be nearer to heaven through football than through the study of the Gita…. You
will understand the Gita better with your biceps, your muscles, a
little stronger.” Accordingly, students in the Veda Vidyalaya are encouraged to keep their body healthy and strong through physical exercise and sports. - Moral values, self-reliance, discipline, concentration of mind and such other noble ideals and practices form the core of the training here. Students learn these under the loving care of dedicated monks of the Ramakrishna Order and experienced teaching staff.
- Excellent education received in the Veda Vidyalaya enables the students to pursue their higher studies in reputed colleges and universities. This offers them better prospects in their professional careers.
- Students who continue their Sanskrit and Vedic studies after passing out of the Veda Vidyalaya are provided scholarships. Presently the scholarship expenses are Rs. 5 lakh per annum.
Our need
The Veda Vidyalaya is engaged in the promotion of the Vedas and Sanskrit language as a service to the Indian culture. Your helping hand is needed to continue this noble effort which is without any profit-making motive and is intended mainly for economically weaker sections of the society. With only a limited number of patrons and sympathizers for our cause, we are finding it difficult to cope with the mounting financial stress. Annually we incur an expenditure of around Rs. 20 lakh to cover the cost of food, lodging and education of students.
We fervently appeal to the generous public for liberal financial help in any of the following ways:
- Support a student for a year: ₹ 60,000 /- (both hostel & educational expenses).
- Permanent endowment to support a student: ₹ 10 lakh to ₹ 12 lakh (at the present rates of return).
Donate (Indian Nationals) | Donate ( Foreign Nationals)
Contact Address
Ramakrishna Math Vivekananda Veda Vidyalaya
P. O. – Belur Math, Dist. – Howrah, West Bengal – 711 202, India
E-mail: [email protected]