Sri Aurobindo Complex Trust: Mirambika School

Sri Aurobindo Complex Trust Value Education I STANDARD I I I STANDARD II I I STANDARD III I I 52 ARTICLES I INTRODUCTION

The main objective of Sri Aurobindo Complex Trust is to develop Mirambika School for New Age managed by the Trust as the State Training Center in Integral Education. As on date the School is affiliated to CBSE and hence follows the syllabi and curricula as prescribed by the NCERT and CBSE, both of which are autonomous bodies functioning under HRD of the Central Government. The ideal system of "Integral Education with free progress system" as envisaged by the Mother is an unique system governed and guided by the soul as against the present education system governed and guided by mind.

There are only 2 authenticated schools, one at Pondicherry (residential) and another at Delhi (non residential) imparting the "Integral Education with free progress system". Neither the central government nor state governments (except Orissa) have recognized the Integral Education system so far for obvious reasons and it may take a long time from now for our nation to embrace this ideal system by the Governmental or Non - governmental departments of education as it is not job-oriented. In the circumstances, our Mirambika School for New Age has to find a golden mean between the present system of education and the said Integral Education system as one step in complying with the objective of the Trust. Hence, with a view to construct the golden bridge between the two systems, it was felt necessary to introduce the moral and dynamic spiritual values envisaged by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother in the form of text books and guide books classwise for imparting the value oriented education.

The most predominant lacuna in all these documents on 'Value Education' is the non inclusion of the concept of genuine (dynamic) Spirituality which transcends all religions and is meant not for rejection of life and the world but to conquer them by the power of Spirit. In fact, the entire voluminous literature in general and Integral Education with free progress system in particular as given to humanity by Sri Aurobindo and the Mother constitute the best treatise on "VALUE EDUCATION".

A very meaningful 16 paged document on Education under the caption, "Twocardinal points of Education" was presented by Shri P. B. Saint Hilaire (Pavitra) in September, October, 1965 on behalf of Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education, Pondicherry as per the kind directions of the Mother to the Education Commission, G.O.I. as a sequel to the visit of Dr. D.S. Kothari Education Commission to Sri Aurobindo Ashram in April, 1964 and Dr. K.G. Saiyidain in July 1965 for a detailed study of the pattern of this new Education - "Integral Education with Free Progress System". However, NCERT has not adopted so far any suggestion given by the authorities of Integral Education, Pondicherry, nor the latter have pursued the issue.

It is gratifying to note that CBSE Chairman Sri. Ashok Ganguly personally visited Sri Aurobindo Complex, J.P. Nagar, Bangalore on 31st March, 2003 duly keeping in view the correspondence in this regard initiated by the Complex Trust way back in June, 2002. On being appraised and convinced of the necessity and usefulness of life - perfecting dynamic spiritual values envisaged by Sri Aurobindo and of the efforts put in by the MSFNA Chairman towards the introduction of these values in the text books and guide books for I and II Standards of the school, gladly consented for our printing and publishing the said text books and guide books classwise starting from I Standard and leading up to IX Standard. He also assured that these text books, if founds suitable, could be used in other CBSE Schools across the nation. He suggested for forwardal of the draft text books and guide books early to the C.B.S.E Central office for perusal and approval so as to enable our school to introduce the said books from the coming academic year 2003-2004 commencing in June, 2003.

VALUE EDUCATION CELL: Value Education cell which is a wing of the school comprises a few devoted dedicated members knowledgable in teachings and Yoga of Sri Aurobindo in general and elements of Integral Education Particular including the dynamic, spiritual values as envisaged by dual masters. www.newrace.org