November 25, 2013, 12:46 pm
The CBSE board is roping in Ramakrishna Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda, to initiate value education for classes VII, VIII and IX.
This probably forms part of the CBSE’s multi-pronged approach to make value education a reality and integrate it with the regular curriculum by designing activities, training teachers and organising special sessions with students.
The Mission will develop a three-year value education programme based on the teachings of Swami Vivekananda to empower students to handle different life situations and become good citizens. "The programme consists of a total 48 sessions of 45 minutes each - 16 modules for each class. The entire programme is based on Swamiji’s message of infinite potential in every individual which can be manifested as excellence in every walk of life," the CBSE stated in a circular sent to all schools earlier this month. The new understanding of religion as science of consciousness, belief in humanism, love for neighbours, purity, patience, and perseverance are some teaching of Swami Vivekananda that may form the basis of the value education programme.
It says that the aim of the programme is to "empower students in a real and tangible way and help them develop as enlightened citizens enabling them to stand on their own feet. Such students will not only do well for themselves but will also have the larger interest of the society". Though the programme is being designed by Ramakrishna Mission, schools will run it through their own teachers. The Mission is going to train teachers starting with schools in Delhi for the programme likely to be introduced from the next session.
The CBSE, along with different school principals, had earlier designed value kits which are already being used in classrooms in different states. Professors from NCERT, CBSE officials and school principals together worked on the project that has gained more relevance in recent times. Thousands of principals and teachers have been trained over last one year for using the value kits.
