Three Day Seminar Dedicated to Education and Teachers on Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima is one of the festivals that forms the strong foundation of Indian culture. It celebrates the honorary Indian tradition of the deep relation between a teacher and the students.

This year the celebrations of Guru Purnima at Sandipani Vidyaniketan were spread over four days from 9 July to 11 July. Renowned educationists shared their insightful thoughts on various aspects of education during a 3 day Seminar titled ‘Shikshanma Pran Pratishtha’ meaning, ‘Inculcating Vitality in Education’. The various topics covered in these lectures she light on the educational conditions in the past, present and its future contours. The topics covered included: Principles of Education, Relationship between a teacher and students, Inspirational teachers, Five star teachers, Values and Commitments of Education, Learning without burden and I am not just a teacher.

The seminar began on 9 July with an inspiring address by Pujya Bhaishri who is the founder, guide and source of inspiration of Sandipani Vidyaniketan. He spoke on the topic of the ‘Value and Commitments in Education’. Reputed educationist Shri Gijubhai Bharad explained the background & role of this seminar.

A book on Pujya Bhaishri’s enlightening lectures on education titled ‘Pathshalanu Panchamrut’ was inaugurated during the event, sponsored by Shri Arjanbhai Kangad of Kutch. In the afternoon session educationists Ratilal Borisagar and Mansukh Salla spoke on ‘Principles of Education’ and ‘Relationship between a teacher and students’ respectively.

An eye camp was organised in association with Shri Ranchoddasbapu Charitable Trust of Rajkot. Sponsored by the family of Shrimati Devindraben Rameshchandra Acharya of Leicester, UK.

On 10 July, educationists Shri Manharbhai Thaker, Shri Navnitbhai Rathod, Shri Umakant Rajyaguru and Shri Dipak Teraiyya presented their thoughts on the topics: Inspirational Teachers, Five Star Teachers, Values and Commitments in Education and Shikshak Chalisa respectively.

The famous writer-journalist, Shri Bhadrayu Vachrajani spoke in the morning session on 11 July on ‘I am not just a teacher’. Dr. Nalin Pandit, who has dedicated his entire life to the field of education, presented on the topic, ‘Education without burden’.

The three day seminar on education concluded with the valedictory address of Pujya Bhaishri. Students of B. Ed. College, P. T. C. College, teachers and students of Rishikul and celebrated guests greatly benefitted from the ideas expressed at this seminar.

One highlight of this event was the organisation of a novel Guru Gaurav Award function on the eve of Guru Purnima. Dr. Nalin Pandit was awarded a ‘Lifetime Achievement Guru Gaurav Award’ at this function. Late celebrated poet and writer Shri Zaverchand Meghani’s High School was awarded the ‘Best High School Guru Gaurav Award’ and Shri Hirjibhai & Godavariben Bhingradia of Malpara in Junagadh District were awarded the ‘Guru Gaurav Award for Agriculture’ for their lifelong contribution in the field of agriculture and connecting agriculture with culture. In addition 45 selected best teachers from eight districts of Saurashtra were felicitated by Pujya Bhaishri to mark this year’s Guru Purnima.

New flags were hoisted atop the spires of the temples of Shri Hari Mandir on 12 July. These were sponsored by the family of Pujya Bhaishri. Thereafter Pujya Bhaishri performed the worship of Adi Shankaracharya in the auditorium of Sandipani. Collective recital of selected verses of Guru Gita was performed in the inspiring company of Pujya Bhaishri. The inspiring speech provided by Pujya Bhaishri can still be viewed on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95FcyfuFy3o.

The family of the chief host of the Guru Purnima function, Shri Gayatriben Divakarbhai Upadhyay of Pune, performed the worship and aarati of Pujya Bhaishri followed by the other assembled followers of Pujya Bhaishri and the rishikumars worshipping Pujya Bhaishri amidst chants of Shri Hari naam sankirtan.