'Educating only mind is of no use'
India is climbing up the development ladder. Though it has broken its image of being a developing nation and is in the race with the developed nations of the world, the gap between the rich and the poor in the country is increasing, said Karnataka Bank Managing Director P Jayaram Bhat.
Inaugurating the seminar for B.Ed students organised by Ramakrishna Math in Mangalore on Wednesday, Bhat said that at this juncture of time Swami Vivekananda’s message on regeneration of our motherland is appropriate and a must.
“Purpose of education is to replace the empty mind with an open mind and just educating the mind without educating the heart is not of any use,” he said.
He opined that today’s education has become mechanized and the spiritual aspect is missing. Vivekananda’s scheme of education laid emphasis on character building as against the present scheme of education, which is more career oriented.
Chief guest of the programme, Alva’s Education Trust Chairman Dr M Mohan Alva said that fine arts should be an integral part in the education system. “We have a great cultural heritage which has to be savoured, enjoyed and respected by the next generation. If our younger generation fails to identify our musical instrument or our classical art form, then it is our failure,” Dr Alva said adding that the concept of integrated education should mean ‘building of mind and intellect’.
Citing example of China which has grown to be the leader in industrial production but has lost its rich civilization and cultural value, Dr Alva said that industrialization and economic progress should happen but not at the cost of our family values. Ramakrishna Math Seer Jitakamanandaji blessing the gathering said that Swami Vivekananda’s concept of education was all about building men of character and intellect. “This is the need of the hour,” he said.
During the interactive sessions, Silicon City Education Academy Chairman Sameer Simha, Yogakshema Rehabilitation and Wellness Centre Founder Dr usha Vasthare and Writer Sudhar Sharma presented paper on various topics pertaining to education.
