The Need for Vedic Education
The Vedas are the foundational texts of the Indian Sanātana dharma. The Vedic hymns embody the visionary thought and transcendental knowledge of the sages. They are regarded as expressions of eternal truth and ultimate knowledge.
The varnāshrama system has laid down duties for social organization to the followers. When the society fulfils these duties with diligence and collective responsibility, dharma leads the nation to glory.
The world today views with admiration and wonder the civilization which is built on Vedic ideals synergized with nature and which has endured undiluted since ancient times. Important among the sacred obligations of Brahmins are the learning and teaching of the Shrutis in their originality. He who learns the Vedas and associated texts under the āchārya in service of dharma brings joy to the world. He experiences divinity unendingly.
The Vedic way is currently facing decline due to foreign invasions and the complacency of the devout. Such crises, history would tell us, aren’t unprecedented. The sanātana dharma has survived them resolutely. The challenges of the present will likewise be overcome too. Those who wish well for dharma must devote themselves to this resistance.
Distracted by the demands of modern life, in Kerala today we have very few who are conversant with the Vedas, and therein lies the relevance of Vedic schools. Sri Raghavapuram Sabhayogam Vedic School is a humble effort in the light of the realization of this fact. The motivation for this venture is the views of the Paramāchārya of Kanchi. Such learning centres for tradition and culture are in fact desirable for every stream of Hinduism.
The Objectives of the School
The twelve-year gurukula-style curriculum of the Sri Raghavapuram Vedic Schools aims at the following:
- To gain knowledge and proficiency of the Yajurveda branch
- To learn and practice Sanskrit
- To have preliminary training in the Vedic auxiliary disciplines
- To gain a broad understanding of the central pillars of the Sanātana dharma: the dharma shāstras, epics, purānas and āgamas
- Guidance and assistance on higher education
- To develop righteous thought and living
- To promote simple living that is friendly to nature
With continuous effort we can shape an ideal Brahmin community that can illuminate the world with knowledge. With the initiative of enthusiasts as similar schools of traditional learning are established in every village, the reinvigoration of Brahmanic culture, and by extension the whole Hindu culture, will become possible.
Present Activities of the Vedic School
The first branch of the Vedic School operates from the Brahmaswom Madham in the vicinity of Cheruthazham Sri Raghavapuram Temple in the Perinchelloor village in the Kannur district of Kerala. This is the first coordinated venture in traditional education of the district in half a century.
The āchāryas of the school are Amalloor Sangamesan Namboodiri and Raghavendrasharma, who studied at the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham Vedic School in Iringalakkuda. Advisors include Vacha Madhava Vadhyan Namboodiri, Amalloor Narayanan Namboodiri, Panthal Viadika Damodaran Namboodiri, Animangalam Subrahmanyan Namboodiri and Varanacode Govindan Namboodiri.
Students are provided food and accommodation among other facilities. Arrangements have also been made for regular modern schooling and recreation.
The parent organization of the Vedic School is the Sri Raghavapuram Sabhayogam, the ancient Brahmin council of the Perinchelloor village. The operations are handled by the Vedic School sub-committee. The parents’ committee is also active. This mission enjoys the patronage of the saints in the line of Ādi Shankara and the revered Rawaljis of Badrinath.
Future Plans
A new batch of the school every year is being planned. Each year 8 students will get admission. It is envisaged that within a few years every Brahmin boy post upanayana would also be trained at the Vedic school.
Apart from the Vedic school, other projects of Sri Raghavapuram Sabhayogam include a religious school for girls, community Dewaswom board, a centre for historical research, rice cultivation, cow protection, herbal gardening and elderly care homes.
The school is funded by the selfless contributions of well wishers devoted to the cause. We humbly request all like-minded people to become part of the mission.
The Vedic School Fund
An establishment is planned that will give religious as well as high-quality modern education to the students of both the Vedic School and the girls’ school. An expense of 1 crore rupees is estimated. Upto 100 students can receive residential education here. The interest from the fund will be used for the day-to-day expenses.
Current Expenses for One Student
- Rs 8,500 per monthRs100,000 per year
- Rs100,000 per year
- Rs1,200,000 for the 12-year course
Current Expenses One Batch of the Vedic School
- Rs 60,000 per month
- Rs 720,000 per year