SWAMI VIVEKANAD`S EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

Amongst the contemporary Indian philosophers of education, Swami Vivekananda is
one of those who revolted against the imposition of British system of education in India. He
criticized the pattern of education introduced by the British in India. He pointed out that the
current system of education only brings about an external change without any reflective inner
force. Swami Vivekananda was one of the most influential personality in India in 19th century. It
is the greatness of his thought and his work that even today we are looking up to him for
bringing comprehensive and positive change in our educational and social system. He was the
man with multi-dimensional personality, a powerful orator, a philosopher, an educationist, an
ambassador of renaissance in India, an embodiment of divine quality, a great spiritual leader
and one who generated pride and respect for Indian culture, tradition, education and knowledge
in western world. Rooted in the past and full pride in India`s prestige, Vivekanand was yet
modern in his approach of life`s problems and was a kind of bridge between the past of Indian
and her present. His mission was to serve mankind through social service, mass education,
religious revival and social awakening through education. Keeping faith in ancient Indian
values, culture and tradition he was great admirer of scientific and modern approach towards
learning, understanding, teaching and spreading the knowledge and education. Vivekananda
believed a country's future depends on its people; his teachings focused on the development of
the mass. He wanted to set in motion machinery which will bring noblest ideas to the doorstep ofeven the poorest and the meanest. He interpreted the understanding and difference between
Science and spiritualism, beliefs and logic and knowledge and work. Such an impact he had in
Indian society that once Rabindra Nath Tagore himself wrote,“ If u want to know about India,
it must be through Vivekanand.” According to Swami Vivekanand every kind of knowledge is
essential for all kind of developments. One of his important contributions to education is concept
of self-employment education for the students so that they can be able to generate opportunities
for themselves. He raised his voice for women`s education and their empowerment. Physical
education and modern scientific education enriched with morality were his priority in education.
Swami Vivekanad`s Philosophical thought`s were so revolutionary that even today educational
bodies and institutions are trying hard to follow these process for the overall development of the
students. Such is the impact of Vivekanad`s educational philosophy in today`s world.