The Arya Samaj and DAV Group of Schools merge Vedic teachings with modern education, fostering holistic growth and national spirit.
(Pillars of DAV Group, Chennai)
From
Vedic Wisdom to Modern Classrooms:
The
Arya Samaj and DAV Legacy"
By Ramesh Sundaram, Editor-in-Chief
(The Arya Samaj and DAV Group of Schools merge Vedic teachings with modern education, fostering holistic growth and national spirit.)
(This is the cover story published in May 2024 editionof PreSense)
The Arya Samaj and
DAV Group of Schools stand as enduring pillars of holistic learning and
spiritual enrichment in an era of rapidly evolving educational paradigms. With a
legacy that traces back to the visionary reformist Swami Dayananda Saraswati,
Arya Samaj has championed the cause of Vedic teachings and progressive
education for over a century. They aim to spread spiritualism with nationalism,
seamlessly blending traditional values with contemporary pedagogy. Arya Samaj
focuses on spiritual activities to preserve Indian culture and the Vedas, while
the DAV Group of Schools provides modern education to nurture children into
good citizens of India. At the heart of this national movement, the DAV Group
of Schools in Chennai exemplifies this harmonious integration, nurturing
generations of students into well-rounded individuals.
In an exclusive interview with Ramesh Sundaram, Editor-in-Chief of PreSense, Vikas Arya, the dynamic secretary of Arya Samaj and DAV Group of Schools, delves deep into the rich history, expansive educational initiatives, and the spiritual ethos that defines their mission. He also shares an inspiring vision for the future, ensuring that Arya Samaj's timeless principles continue to illuminate the path for many more generations. Excerpts:
History of Arya Samaj
Can you kindly trace
the history of Arya Samaj and DAV Group of Schools at the national level?
Arya Samaj was founded in 1875 by Swami Dayananda Saraswati. He felt that the Hindu religion was misinterpreted in the name of the Vedas, with many unethical practices being attributed to them. Born in a Gujarati Brahmin family, he learned under various Gurus and realised that Vedic mantras were secular and did not discriminate based on caste. Education was given equally to all. In 1886, Arya Samaj was set up in Lahore, and Lala Lajpat Rai and Mahatma Hansraj were key figures in establishment of DAV. After the Partition, the Lahore unit moved to Delhi, now encompassing 900 schools and over 100 colleges.
Swami Dayananda Saraswati founded Arya Samaj to interpret the Vedas correctly. "Arya" means noble, and "Samaj" means group of people. He recommended that members add "Arya" as a second name. Dayanand Anglo Vedic (DAV) was started by his followers in 1886. This was the first formal school system in India after the dismantling of Gurukulam by the British. The DAV system integrates 'Para Vidya' (Vedic knowledge) and 'Apara Vidya' (non-spiritual and contemporary knowledge).
The DAV system, established in 1886, spread across North India. Arya Samaj members moved to different countries, establishing the Arya Samaj movement. Prominent freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh and Lala Lajpat Rai were members.
Arya Samaj in freedom movement
How was Arya Samaj involved in the freedom movement?
Swami Dayananda Saraswati played an important role in the first war of independence in 1857. He focused on spirituality and nationalism and went underground during that time. Currently, a film is being shot about his contributions to the freedom movement. Arya Samaj played a significant role in the liberation of Hyderabad in 1947 and 1948. It is a socio-spiritual movement where spirituality and nationalism go hand in hand.
(Swami Dayananda Saraswathi)
Arya Samaj at Chennai
When was the Arya
Samaj started in South India, particularly in Chennai? When was the DAV Group
of Schools started, and who were the founders?
Arya Samaj was set up in 1940s by great visionaries and followers of Dayananda Saraswati who migrated from Pakistan. DAV was established in 1971 in Chennai. It started at Gopalapuram under a banyan tree. While Arya Samaj focuses on the 16 samskaras and preserving Vedic tradition, DAV focuses on modern education blended with our tradition.
What are the activities of DAV in Chennai?
DAV Chennai owns 10 schools and manages 6 schools for others, with over 20 associate schools. We are expanding into colleges, starting with managing the first college from June 2024 under the DAV model. We also provide teacher training and are bringing education to tier 2 and tier 3 towns, sharing best practices at an affordable cost.
We have started a new initiative to train youngsters for civil service examinations. In the first batch, two persons have cleared and are IAS officers now. Our publications division focuses on textbooks and Vedic books to develop values among children. The Gurukulam, where students learn Vedic slokas as part of their curriculum, is open to all. CBSE emphasizes value education, but it is up to the schools to implement it, as it is not part of the board examinations.
More than 40,000 students are studying in our schools currently, with over 3,000 teachers and support staff in our organization.
Vision for future
What is your vision for the future?
We aim to run social institutions globally, aspiring to become a multinational organization. Our vision aligns with 'HEAL' - Health, Education, Animal Welfare, and Livelihood. Beyond Tamil Nadu, we manage schools across the nation, providing excellent management that people seek now.
The Gurukulam provides both 'para' and 'apara' vidya. In regular schools, children stay for only 6 hours, with 2 hours dedicated to para vidya, which is insufficient. In the Gurukul, children stay 24x7, with an equal split between para and apara vidya. This unique combination offers a judicious mix of Vedic knowledge and modern education. In the 5-year program, students receive both Vedic knowledge and modern education under the CBSE curriculum, preparing them for JEE and NEET after their school education. This is a unique form of education.
[contact]
COMMENTS