Sayan Hazra

India's Gurukula based approach to education with its focus on calm deliberation and self healing tools, give the Indian children a better footing for dealing with modern calamities like the Covid pandemic and civil unrest. Scientific studies have found that Vedic chanting can decrease stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms, as well as increase positive mood, feelings of relaxation and focused attention. Gurukula nurtures students on mindfulness through meditation and other contemplative activities, such as yoga, deep listening, brain training and chanting of Vedic Hymns. Vedic education focuses on the art of living and values of life besides promoting coexistence of human and nature for sustainable living. 

Education has been the most opted avenue of expressing freedom of will while inculcating the spirit of thought and moral conscience to a more transcending level. In spite of such rich connotations, the present educational system seems to be devoid of this very essence, promoting mindless acquisition of knowledge to suit vocational pursuits. It is an undeniable fact that the present day society, which nurtures the younger generation, faces serious shortcomings in terms of moral, ethical, spiritual values. Children are getting alienated from the crucial aspect of personality development through moral and ethical training. The pointless pressure has taken the reallocation of educational parlance from a holistic approach towards education to farcical rote learning.  

On the contrary, the kernel of the Ancient Vedic Education is intrinsically based on time tested values and principles. It envisions its strength in developing a native sense of concentration and interest while enhancing a child's knowledge and development of the brain. The wards in the Gurukul are oblivious of outer distractions, living in close proximity of a teacher, where greater emphasis is laid on students' mental, cognitive, spiritual and physical wellness.The system functions on the well-rounded holistic development of a child, enshrining values such as discipline, self-reliance, right attitude, empathy, creativity, and strong moral beliefs. Initiating children into such an enriching atmosphere in the early stages helps them hone their perceptive skills and critical thinking from a tender age, giving them an edge over others.