Author: C P Sajit
Publication: News Today
Date: January 20, 2006
URL: http://www.newstodaynet.com/20jan/ss2.htm
A small booklet with a few inspiring words
of Swamy Vivekananda was what made an IITian change his perception on life.
When jobs were flooding him from every nook and corner, vision sparked off
from the words of the spiritualist, prompted M Pramod Kumar to search for
the truth and hidden mystery of our past.
While graduating as Mechanical Engineer from
IIT Madras in year 1997- 2000, Pramod was drawn to the words of Vivekananda.
Aspiration and motivation made him form a Vivekananda Study Circle (VSC),
a unique autonomous student body, which has made a significant impact in recent
years on the cultural atmosphere at IIT Madras. He served as student coordinator
of VSC for three years, and also helped in the formation of similar bodies
at Anna University and IIT Kharagpur.
Meeting French man M Zhelibunin, who was knowledgeable
about India, motivated Pramod further to explore the rich history, culture,
heritage of India. Associated with International Forum for India's Heritage
in many capacities, he designed and carried out a nationwide survey of school
students on the cultural content in school curriculum in India, and it was
approved by the National Council of Educational Research and Training.
Presently working with Amritha University, Coimbatore, as faculty for Cultural
Education and Research Associate, Pramod has been developing a cultural educational
programme for the undergraduate students of the university.
He was recently in Chennai for a lecture for
students of various colleges on the National Youth Programmes commemorating
Swami Vivekananda's 144 birth anniversary. Pramod was also presented with
the Yuva Shakthi Youth Achiever Award.
News Today spoke to Pramod.
Excerpts:
Q. What inspired you to take up a survey on
cultural content in school curriculum?
A. I was not satisfied internally, a vacuum
always remained in my heart. But when I went through the inspiring words of
Swami Vivekananda, the vacuum was filled with positive thoughts. At the sametime,
I felt that no other job would give me self-satisfaction.
Q. During your lectures conducted by Yuva
Shakti in various colleges in Chennai, you stressed on the need to educate
students about our cultural past and heritage, including the Vedas and Upanishads.
A. Yes, it is true that we need to educate
today's youth about the essence of our culture and heritage which are eroded
due to western influence.
Q. Don't you feel that more emphasis on spiritualism
and religion could bring disharmony in a country like ours.
A. No. Spiritualism and religion are two different
concepts, but people have often used both as a tool to bring about disharmony.
But if used as a weapon it can bring about a change for the good.
Q. Are you not trying to propagate a Hindu
philosophy, while leaving out other religion.
A. It is not so. People in India know less
about Hindu religion and spiritual thoughts. A few people misinterpret them
and inculcate a different vision of the truth.
Unfortunately in India there are not many
institutions and organisations to make people understand the truth at an early
stage. Other faiths make people understand their religion and the spiritualism
at quite an early age.
Q. What were your findings during the nationwide
survey on cultural content in school curriculum?
A. Many of the schools do not have many cultural
content in their curriculum and that prevents students from understanding
culture and heritage though they have shown interest in those areas.
Also, it was interesting to know that India
was one of the most scientifically advanced country. When considering the
exports of India before British rule, the exports were more than today's US
share in the market.
