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The Value of Residential Schools in Today

“The highest function of education is to bring about an integrated individual who is capable
of dealing with life as a whole.”- Jiddu Krishnamurti.
The word Gurukula (गुरुकु ल) means the residence of a Guru (gurugṛha). Gurukul and Indian
tradition are closely intertwined and have played a significant role in the cultural and educational
history of India. This system of Education aimed at overall personality development and
character building.
The Gurukula System of Education was dedicated to the highest ideals of ‘holistic development’.
The system was based on the principle that “Experience (anubhava) is the best teacher.” The
system aims at developing students into responsible individuals who are not only well learned
but also capable of facing the toughest challenges of life.
Today, the gurukul system has experienced resurgence in the form of Residential schools where
the students live together as equals and learn to be self-reliant, develop better social skills,
discipline and being adaptive of new environment. Indian tradition deeply values the Gurukul
system as it is considered a holistic approach to education and the same values are imparted
through residential schools in today’s world. It emphasizes the importance of learning beyond
textbooks, integrating intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of an individual's
growth. The system promotes a close teacher-student relationship, allowing for personalized
guidance and mentorship.
The imagery used in the Atharva Veda to describe the relationship between the teacher (āchārya)
and the student (brahmachārinam) in the Gurukula is quite profound and captures the spirit of
family in a residential school. “Ä€chārya upanayamāno brahmachārinam kŗņute garbha-mantaha.”
It emphasizes the protective and nurturing role of the teacher, comparing it to that of a pregnant
woman protecting her child in the womb. Residential schools established with a vision to build a
student’s strong foundation of academic achievement, creativity, ethical awareness and grooming
global citizens can have profound impact on the young and impressionable minds today and
should be awarded highest priority when looking for a school for the tender scions.