The four pillars of education are learning to know, learning to do, learning to live together and learning to be. Liberating mankind from ignorance, dependency and exploitation by others, eventually will give birth to human civilisation. The purpose of education is humanity itself. Education is about values – instilling and creating awareness of human values. As Rabindranath Tagore rightly said, “The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence”. Education is for life, to live life fully and glorify all life. 

In our schools, we have the following

  • 1. Yoga/Taichi/Meditation along with other sports
  • 2. EQ to enhance intelligence
  • 3. Storytelling to imbibe the various values
  • 4. Singing to culture the emotions
  • 5. Role play to develop the wisdom
  • 6. Joint/Group activities to practice together to develop the ability to work as a team.

The most essential component of Priyadarshani Group of School is teaching human values. The sign of a person who is educated is reflected in his good manners. Unless knowledge is transformed into wisdom, and wisdom is expressed in character; education is a wasteful process. Character is the most precious gift of education. And, character consists of eagerness to renounce one's selfish greed.

Over the years, we have strived to revolutionise the educational landscape by emphasising human values as the cornerstone of learning. 

Five basic Human Values that are a must in any education system

  • 1. Truth (Satya)
  • 2. Right action or Righteousness (Dharma)
  • 3. Peace (Shanti)
  • 4. Love (Prem)
  • 5. Non-violence (Ahimsa)

Here

  • Truth indicates Integrity & honesty
  • Righteousness indicates serving the needy
  • Peace indicates togetherness
  • Love is to speak softly
  • Non-violence is Empathy, Caring & Sharing

The educators must walk the talk and practise before preaching. All subjects should be taught having these values in mind. I believe that among all professions, the teaching profession carries the greatest responsibility. Teachers have to mould the youngsters of today so that they will grow up as worthy citizens of tomorrow. "Teachers can achieve any high ideal, provided they are co-operative, well-disciplined, soaked in service, sacrifice and fully determined to succeed. Teachers should not be bound by consideration of hours of work. When necessary, they should be prepared to stay on for hours to remove the doubts of students and help them to complete their assignments. This is your duty. "If teachers play their role properly, the nation can be transformed. For all the malpractices among students, the parents and the teachers are to blame."

Students have to cultivate gratitude, compassion and tolerance. Sympathy with the distressed is a fundamental mental human quality. All degrees, scholarships and punditry have no value if one does not have good qualities. The value of a degree or scholarship lies not just in the knowledge gained, but in how it translates into noble living and virtuous character.

The concept of creating an environment of silence, serenity, and security for students is crucial. Such an atmosphere is conducive to learning and personal growth. The age span of 16-30 years is particularly significant in an individual's life. It's a time when talents and skills are developed and attitudes shaped. Embedding the value of unselfish service during this period is essential to fulfilling life's broader mission.

The 3 Hs – Head, Heart, and Hand – working in harmony, are integral to this educational philosophy. They correspond to the Three Streams of Energy: Will Power (Icha Sakti), Wisdom (Jnana Sakti), and Right Action or Excellence in Action (Kriya Sakti). This approach ensures that education is not just an intellectual exercise but also involves emotional intelligence and practical application.

➤ Will Power (Icha Sakti): Represents the drive and determination to achieve goals. It's about the motivation behind actions and decisions.

➤ Wisdom (Jnana Sakti): Pertains to the knowledge and understanding one gains. It's not just about academic learning but also about gaining insight into life's complexities.

➤ Right Action (Kriya Sakti): Involves putting knowledge and wisdom into practice through actions that are beneficial and ethical.

This holistic approach to education fosters a balance between intellectual development, emotional maturity, and practical skills, leading to the formation of individuals who are not only knowledgeable but also empathetic and responsible.

The phrase "One For All, And All For One" encapsulates a foundational principle in education, emphasising collective well-being and shared values over individual whims. This approach recognises that personal and communal development are intertwined. By embracing this principle, educators guide students to appreciate and contribute to the common good, fostering a sense of social responsibility and empathy.

In practice, this involves teaching children the importance of a healthy environment and community, and how individual actions can impact the group. For instance, when a child falls ill, educators encourage empathy and community support by visiting the child, with some parents and students. This action not only supports the child in need but also instills a sense of unity and caring among the students.

Such practices are vital in modern education, which often overlooks these human traits, focusing predominantly on academic achievements and individual success. By integrating these values into the curriculum, educators not only promote a more inclusive and empathetic learning environment but also prepare students to be conscientious and responsible citizens.