Latest news with #SriAurobindo
Time of India
06-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Why some residents say Auroville has lost its way
Why some residents say Auroville has lost its way Asha PrakashBosco Dominique TNN Jul 6, 2025, 17:13 IST IST It started out as an experimental community based on human unity, but 60 years after its founding, the township finds its future mired in controversy and contradictions A little over three hours' drive south from Chennai will bring you to Auroville , the lush expanse of rural land that mostly lies in Viluppuram district of Tamil Nadu with some spillover into the Union territory of Puducherry. But this corner of coastal territory was not always so green, or well-known. It is synonymous with Puducherry, the former French settlement associated with the renowned yogi Sri Aurobindo, and is an outcome of the vision of the Mother, as his French spiritual collaborator Mirra Alfassa is known, and their followers. But that vision is now hotly contested and at the core of an existential challenge for the very community to which it gave birth. A stark departure
Time of India
20-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
From Mirambika to Tridha: 10 Indian schools that offer alternative learning
Over the years of transformation led by the need to adapt to new systems of teaching and learning the education system today stands at crossroads. Traditional classroom methodologies are being replaced with innovative pedagogical approaches. Parents, students and educators are increasingly recognising the need for a system that must broaden its scope beyond the conventional examination-focused techniques to prepare students for the uniquely complex challenges of the rapidly evolving times. This educational revolution has sparked widespread interest in progressive schooling models that prioritise individual development, environmental consciousness, and creative problem-solving abilities. Progressive educational institutions throughout India now offer comprehensive alternatives to mainstream academic frameworks, incorporating diverse philosophies from Montessori methodology to democratic learning principles. These schools emphasise holistic child development, practical skill acquisition, and emotional intelligence cultivation rather than purely academic achievement. Students attending these institutions often demonstrate enhanced critical thinking capabilities, stronger environmental awareness, and improved collaborative skills compared to their traditionally-educated peers. Here are 10 progressive schools leading the education transformation in India 1. Mirambika Free Progress School, New Delhi Founded on Sri Aurobindo's integral education philosophy, this pioneering institution eliminates conventional grade boundaries and standardised testing pressure. Students experience personalised learning journeys through multi-age classrooms where individual interests drive curriculum exploration. The school maintains its commitment to holistic development by avoiding formal examinations until students reach secondary education levels, with students having the choice to receive final certification provided through the National Institute of Open Schooling system. 2. Tridha Waldorf School, Mumbai Operating since 2000 under Rudolf Steiner's educational principles, this institution integrates artistic expression with academic learning through practical activities including woodworking, organic gardening, textile arts, and musical education. What started with just 20 students in a bungalow today stands as an example of adapting to the needs of the new generation of learners. Students develop cognitive abilities alongside creative skills while preparing for internationally recognised Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations. The school's approach balances intellectual development with hands-on learning experiences that foster both practical competence and imaginative thinking. 3. Rishi Valley School , Andhra Pradesh Established in 1926 by philosopher J. Krishnamurti, Rishi Valley is one of India's most renowned residential schools. Set in a vast, serene valley, it fosters a non-competitive environment, encouraging self-awareness, deep inquiry, and understanding over rote learning. The school emphasises a holistic approach, integrating academics with arts, crafts, music, and a profound connection with nature, aiming for a complete human development. 4. The School – KFI, Chennai Operating under Krishnamurti Foundation guidance, this institution postpones conventional examination pressure until grade 10 while emphasising contemplative learning practices. Students engage in regular dialogue sessions, mindfulness exercises, and reflective inquiry that develops both intellectual curiosity and emotional maturity. The school's approach priorities understanding over memorisation, encouraging students to question assumptions and develop independent thinking capabilities. 5. SECMOL (Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh), Ladakh Founded by renowned educator Sonam Wangchuk , this innovative institution combines academic learning with sustainable living practices through hands-on environmental projects. Students maintain solar-powered laboratories, engage in ecological restoration activities, and develop practical skills for high-altitude rural living. The school demonstrates how education can address local community needs while preparing students for global challenges through culturally relevant, environmentally conscious learning approaches. 6. The Valley School , Bengaluru Another distinguished institution under the Krishnamurti Foundation India, The Valley School provides a tranquil learning environment focused on deep inquiry, self-understanding, and fostering intelligence free from fear. It integrates a rich academic curriculum with extensive outdoor experiences, arts, and crafts, nurturing students' intellectual and emotional growth through a non-prescriptive, exploratory approach. 7. The Mother's International School, New Delhi Associated with the Sri Aurobindo Ashram, this large and well-established institution embodies the principles of Integral Education, aiming for the harmonious development of the physical, vital, mental, psychic, and spiritual aspects of the child. While offering a comprehensive academic curriculum, it deeply integrates value education, arts, sports, and a spiritual ethos, providing a balanced and purposeful learning journey. 8. Prakriya Green Wisdom School , Bengaluru This environmentally-focused institution focuses on climate change education, while de-emphasising traditional grading systems. Students engage in sustainability projects, develop environmental stewardship skills, and learn to approach global challenges through collaborative problem-solving approaches. The school prepares students to become environmentally conscious leaders capable of addressing contemporary ecological challenges. 9. Sarang School , Kerala Located in Kerala's scenic hill regions, this forest-based educational community in Attappady, Kerala, was founded in 1982 by a teacher couple, Gopalakrishnan and Vijayalakshmi , with the intention of introducing an alternative way of education that discarded a regular curriculum, textbooks, syllabus, and examinations. Students participate in sustainable farming activities, environmental conservation projects, and artistic pursuits while developing deep connections with natural ecosystems. The school demonstrates how education can foster both intellectual growth and environmental responsibility through direct engagement with natural systems. 10. The Levelfield School, West Bengal This innovative institution replaces traditional rote learning methodologies with engaging intellectual activities including structured debates, international cinema analysis, strategic games, and multimedia projects. Students develop critical thinking abilities through diverse learning experiences that emphasise curiosity, creativity, and analytical reasoning rather than memorisation and repetition. Why choose a progressive school instead of a traditional? These educational institutions share several transformative characteristics that distinguish them from conventional schooling approaches: Student-directed learning : Children actively participate in designing their educational experiences, developing self-motivation and personal responsibility for their intellectual growth. Experiential education : Direct engagement with practical activities, from agricultural work to craftsmanship, provides concrete learning experiences that complement theoretical knowledge. Comprehensive development : Schools prioritise emotional intelligence, social skills, and environmental awareness alongside traditional academic subjects, producing well-rounded individuals. Community integration : Many institutions incorporate local resources, cultural traditions, and community partnerships that connect students with their broader social environments. These approaches consistently produce graduates who demonstrate enhanced creativity, stronger problem-solving abilities, and greater adaptability compared to traditionally-educated students. Key factors to consider Families and stakeholders exploring progressive educational options should evaluate several important factors: Educational philosophy alignment : Consider whether the institution's, Montessori independence, democratic self-governance, or environmental focus best matches your child's personality and learning style. Accreditation and recognition : Research how alternative schools handle standardised testing requirements, university admission preparation, and official certification processes. Institutional values : Examine whether the school's approach to spirituality, environmental consciousness, or social responsibility aligns with your family's beliefs and priorities. Location : Evaluate location accessibility, residential versus day-school options, and financial requirements when making educational decisions. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Transmute Your Emotions And Fly
(Representational image: iStock) Emotions express our vital nature. The term 'vital' is used by Sri Aurobindo to identify a distinct range of consciousness, and he was the first to deploy it. The vital encompasses our dynamism, life-force, and so much more. We would be machines without it, but it requires particular attention to be transformed. It is divided by two hemispheres and so beset with duality. At any time, the lower can ransack the higher. At the apex reside our creative faculties . These high regions, if cultivated, arouse refined aesthetic sensibilities. The heart, too, with its propensity for love, is seated there. Courage, enthusiasm and nobility are also present, and there is a vital aspiration. It is also the zone of the explorers and great adventurers. The lower hemisphere, however, wallows in the mire. It is a source of depravity and desire. The ego, though not absent in the higher, has firmly pitched camp here. This is where all our anger, bitterness, rancour and hatred accumulate. There is a gravitational pull from this region; it constantly seeks to drag down the higher. So, how should we address this mixed bag of emotions? First, learn to step back and offer them all to the Divine. Get accustomed to this simple procedure. Access the witness within to do this. Don't judge or discriminate between what you consider to be good or bad. We are only a mixture after all. Try to offer everything; the whole must be addressed. Seek that deep source of vastness and peace within your heart and make that your base. This is your Truth, your default. Observe your inner movements without getting embroiled in the drama. Try erecting a cinema screen and watch the play unfold. Be a disinterested observer and offer the play to the Divine. 'Disinterested' means lack of self-interest. The Divine knows much better what to do with it. Start to live inside. Whenever you feel the lower invading the higher, detach, affix your attention onto it and offer. Don't expect overnight changes: you must persist. This station marks the beginning of purification, but you will soon feel a greater sense of well-being and purpose. If you see the process through, a radical shift in consciousness will surely be experienced. To move forward in life, we need support of our emotions. Life is too sterile and dry without them. If properly channelled, they will elevate the being to new heights, but when downgraded, they lead to depression, disorder or revolt. Don't try to sit on them with the mind; it is not the correct domain to operate from. Your refuge is deeper inside: go there and offer. This practice can be done always and anywhere. Make it your aim. This is your first step in continual sadhana. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No Distractions. Just Solitaire Play Solitaire Download Undo Concentrate all your attention within the heart and live there. Offer everything to the Divine. It is the yog of transformation and the ultimate practice. Let the highest determinism do its work. Emotions are part of the play, and the play can be made beautiful. Erect a ladder of love within your heart, climb and reach the sky of bliss. The Mother, Pondicherry, says the heart has 'wings'; transmute your emotions and fly! Authored by: James Anderson Why Arjun Was Chosen: The Untold Secret of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 3
Hans India
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Colonisation of Sanskrit words: Distorting Dharma, Rashtra, and the soul of Bharat
Language shapes a civilization's worldview, and Sanskrit, the foundation of Bharat's knowledge systems, embodies millennia of wisdom. Colonial rule distorted key Sanskrit terms through Eurocentric and Abrahamic interpretations, reducing profound concepts like Dharma, Rashtra, and Swarajya to Western equivalents. This linguistic colonization misrepresented Bhartiya thought and disrupted societal structures and public understanding in post-colonial Bharat. 1. Dharma ≠ Religion Perhaps the most damaging mistranslation is the equating of Dharma with 'religion'. In reality, Dharma refers to the cosmic order, righteousness, duty, ethical living, and the path of self-realization. It is not tied to belief systems, deities, or dogmas. Dharma is contextual—what is Dharma for a teacher is different from that of a ruler or a child. It is a code of conduct embedded in time, place, and identity (svadharma). The Abrahamic idea of 'religion', based on exclusive truth claims, worship of a single God, and rigid institutional structures, is fundamentally different. By forcefully mapping Dharma onto 'religion', colonial and missionary forces created deep confusion, codified personal laws based on rigid texts, and set the stage for communal divisions. 2. Rashtra and Desha ≠ Nation or Country The Sanskrit Rashtra does not merely mean 'nation' in the European sense. A Rashtra is a sacred, cultural, and civilizational entity rooted in Dharma and shared spiritual values. It is not bound by geopolitical boundaries but by a consciousness—Bharat has been a Rashtra long before it became a 'nation-state'. The European model of a nation—emerging from treaties, colonialism, and power politics—views the state as a legal and administrative structure. This model was imposed on Bharat, diminishing its deep-rooted civilizational unity based on spiritual and cultural coherence, not political uniformity. Similarly, Desha simply refers to land or region, and was never a fixed nationalistic construct. By equating Rashtra and Desha with 'nation' or 'country,' we began to measure Bharat using foreign yardsticks, erasing the soul from the body. 3. Swarajya ≠ Freedom The word Swarajya, made famous by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and later echoed by Sri Aurobindo, was not just political independence. Swa-rajya means 'self-rule' at both individual and collective levels. It implies inner sovereignty—the mastery of one's senses, mind, and actions—as well as freedom from external domination. Colonial powers reduced Swarajya to mere political 'freedom', akin to European notions of liberty or civil rights. But Bharatiya thought considers freedom incomplete unless it is accompanied by Swatantrata (self-dependence) and Atma-nirbharta (self-realization and self-sufficiency). Today, even after political independence, the absence of Swarajya in intellectual, cultural, and economic spheres reflects a deeper bondage. True Swarajya begins with cultural decolonization. 4. Sanskriti ≠ Culture Sanskriti refers to refinement, inner evolution, and civilizational maturity. It comes from the root 'kr' (to do) with the prefix 'sam' (well) — meaning 'well-crafted' or 'refined behavior and thought.' Sanskriti embodies values, traditions, ethics, arts, sci ences, and collective memory rooted in Dharma. The English term 'culture' is often limited to external expressions—art, music, food, fashion, or festivals. It is secular, often aesthetic, and lacks the depth of inner evolution that Sanskriti demands. By substituting Sanskriti with 'culture,' we risk trivializing the soul of Bharatiya civilization, reducing it to 'cultural programs' or tourist-friendly 'heritage' rather than a way of life shaped by spiritual philosophy and lived wisdom. 5. Darshan ≠ Philosophy Darshan literally means 'to see' or 'vision'. In Bharatiya tradition, it refers to experiential systems of viewing reality—not speculative philosophy but intuitive insight into the nature of existence. The six schools of Darshan (Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, Vedanta) are both logical and experiential. Western 'philosophy' derives from philo (love) and sophia (wisdom), but is often academic, analytical, and detached from practice. When Darshan is translated as 'philosophy,' the spiritual and experiential core of Bharatiya knowledge is lost. For instance, Yoga is not a 'philosophy' or 'exercise' routine—it is a Darshan, a living system to experience and attain liberation (moksha). Reducing Darshan to speculative thought undermines its transformative potential. 6. Jāti ≠ Caste Jāti refers to community, often based on occupation, locality, and shared customs. It was never a static or rigid birth-based system. With thousands of jātis across Bharat, the system was fluid, and social mobility was possible. The British censuses and legal codes rigidified jāti into 'caste'—a term borrowed from Portuguese casta, meaning breed or race. This racialized the Indian social structure and created a hierarchical system that aligned with colonial control mechanisms. The distorted caste system we see today is a colonial construct, not a native one. By fixing jātis into permanent social categories, colonizers divided our society to rule it more easily. This division still exploited today for political gain. 7. Karma ≠ Fate Karma means action. It is a law of cause and effect, empowering individuals to shape their destiny through their actions, thoughts, and intentions. It places moral and ethical responsibility on every being. Colonial translators, unfamiliar with the concept, portrayed Karma as 'fate' or 'destiny'—a passive acceptance of suffering. This misinterpretation painted Bharatiyas as fatalistic, submissive people who accepted oppression as karmic justice. In truth, Karma is not about helplessness but accountability. The colonial view undermined agency and created the illusion that Bharatiya society was inherently submissive. 8. Guru ≠ Teacher A Guru is not just a teacher, but a remover of darkness (gu = darkness, ru = remover). The Guru leads the disciple on a spiritual journey, imparting not just knowledge but wisdom, transformation, and inner awakening. Western education views the teacher as an instructor, often limited to subject matter expertise. The colonial system replaced the sacred Guru-shishya parampara with formal classroom models, devoid of emotional bonding, spiritual connection, or ethical training. 9. Moksha ≠ Heaven Moksha is liberation—freedom from the cycle of birth and death, realization of the Self, and unity with the infinite consciousness (Brahman) which is the ultimate goal. 'Heaven' in Abrahamic faiths is a reward for belief and good conduct, often a physical paradise. By equating moksha with heaven, the colonial mindset turned a deep philosophical goal into a simplistic post-death reward. The colonization of Sanskrit terms was not accidental; it was a deliberate act of erasing indigenous worldviews and replacing them with Western frameworks. This has led to decades of misunderstanding among foreigners including Bharatvasis. Correcting the colonial distortion of Sanskrit terms requires educational reforms, responsible media and academic usage, active efforts by cultural institutions to decolonize vocabulary, and a shift in public discourse beyond colonial binaries. Reclaiming the true essence of words like Dharma, Rashtra, Sanskriti, and Swarajya is not just about language, it is key to Bharat's civilizational revival through authentic reinterpretation and not mere revivalism. (The writer is an Expert, Creative Economy)
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
India has risen: why the colonial powers fear New India in 2025?
A banner is displayed in front of Eden Gardens, Kolkata, to honour the Indian Army, The banner was organised by the Cricket Association of Bengal after 'Operation Sindoor'. In 2025, India is no longer rising. India has risen because of Sanathan Dharma. (SriAurobindo in his famous Uttarpara Speech – Alipore Jail) How India silenced Pakistan after the Pahalgam terrorist attack The terrorist attack in Pahalgam sent shockwaves through India. As the nation mourned the loss of innocent lives, the world waited to see how New India would respond. What followed was not just a counter-response - it was a calculated message to both Pakistan and the international community: India will not tolerate terrorism, and it will not stay silent. Swift intelligence operations Within hours of the attack, Indian intelligence agencies identified the handlers and routes involved. The response was surgical - targeted strikes on launchpads across the Line of Control, using precision-guided munitions. The Indian Army neutralized key operatives without escalating into full-scale conflict, demonstrating capability and restraint in equal measure. Diplomatic exposure of Pakistan India wasted no time in launching a diplomatic offensive. At the UN and other global platforms, Indian diplomats presented concrete evidence linking the attack to Pakistan-based terror networks. High-resolution satellite imagery, intercepted communications, and intelligence inputs were shared with key allies, exposing Pakistan's continued support for cross-border terrorism. Countries that once offered Pakistan diplomatic cover were forced into silence, as global sympathy shifted toward India's right to self-defence. Economic pressure campaign India turned up the heat economically. It pushed for FATF (Financial Action Task Force) action, reinforcing Pakistan's grey listing by highlighting its failure to crackdown on terror financing. Trade privileges were reviewed, cross-border water-sharing discussions paused, and Indian influence was used to stall international aid and loans to Pakistan from multilateral institutions. The message was clear: Terrorism will come at a cost. Narrative control and media strategy India also controlled the narrative with clarity and confidence. Major media outlets were briefed with verified information. The global press covered India's calibrated response, while Pakistan found itself on the back foot - issuing denials with little credibility left. Quietly, without fanfare or confrontation, India has transformed into a strategic, economic, technological, and cultural force that can no longer be side lined. While Western media remains largely muted and politicians hesitate to acknowledge it publicly, internal reports and elite summits in the West tell a different story - one of concern, caution, and yes, even fear. Diplomacy rewritten: strategic autonomy India is mastering the geopolitical chessboard. It buys oil from Russia, partners with the US, builds ports with Iran, supports Palestine, strengthens ties with Israel, and maintains a delicate dialogue with China. This isn't indecision. It's strategic autonomy - refusing to be boxed into ideological alliances or Western expectations. India doesn't follow; it leads. Its refusal to blindly align during the Russia-Ukraine conflict shocked the West, proving India is a diplomatic force unto itself. Military might: self-reliant and strategic India is now one of the world's top military powers - not just by troop count, but through modernization. Indigenous missiles, stealth jets, nuclear submarines, and space defence systems are all part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India)vision. India is no longer an arms importer; it's becoming an exporter. And with control over crucial sea lanes and satellite systems, it has become a formidable force in multi-domain warfare. India's retaliation: how the BrahMos Missile silenced Pakistan's threats India faced a familiar adversary - cross-border terrorism, rooted in Pakistani soil. Butun like in the past, India's response was neither delayed nor diplomatic. This time, it was precise, powerful, and unmistakably modern. At the heart of this response was one of India's most formidable weapons: the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. Developed jointly by India and Russia, the BrahMos missile is the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile. With speeds reaching Mach 2. 8 to Mach 3 and the ability to fly at low altitudes, it is virtually impossible to intercept. Its pinpoint accuracy and deep-strike capability make it a tactical nightmare for enemy infrastructure. In the context of the Pahalgam retaliation, India used BrahMos to target select Pakistani military airfields believed to be either staging grounds or logistic hubs for terror-support operations across the LoC. Precision-guided BrahMos missiles were launched from mobile land-based platforms deep within Indian territory. Within minutes, runways, control towers, and hangars suspected of housing combat drones and radar systems were obliterated. Pakistani air defence systems, caught off guard, failed to intercept the ultra-fast cruise missiles, leading to widespread damage and operational paralysis. These strikes were not designed to escalate to full-scale war—but to send a crystal-clear message: India will destroy terror infrastructure wherever it hides, and with absolute impunity. Pakistan's Muted Response. Unlike past incidents, Pakistan chose an unusually subdued tone post-strike. The damage was undeniable. Satellite imagery and open-source intelligence later confirmed smoke plumes, scorched runways, and heavy military movement in the aftermath. Global media caught on, but Pakistan's official line remained evasive - unable to admit vulnerability, yet incapable of denying the impact. This silence was more telling than words. Shocked by theses attacks, the DGMO of Pakistan called the DGMO in India to stop the attack after 11 airfields were destroyed. Western Nations and China were shell shocked as the Richter scale showed the earth being moved in some parts of Pakistan. The use of BrahMos missiles signals a paradigm shift in India's counterterrorism doctrine. Precision strikes using high-tech, domestically produced weapons now replace prolonged diplomatic processes. India has the technological edge in the region. India will strike without crossing political red lines, using long-range precision assets. India does not seek war, but it will no longer absorb pain silently. Strategic geography: the gatekeeper of Asia India's location gives it unmatched geopolitical leverage - overseeing vital sea routes, internet cables, and trade corridors. With port partnerships and infrastructure projects in key regions, India is no longer just a participant in Asian geopolitics; it's the gatekeeper. To access Asia, counter China, or trade with the Gulf - you need India. A post-Western power and being bullied The West's anxiety isn't just about India's growing power - it's about what that power represents: a world order that no longer centres on Western approval. India is democratic, diverse, and increasingly self-reliant making it more unpredictable and, in many ways, more threatening to the old guard than even authoritarian rivals. And the world has no choice but to take it seriously. Gone are the days when terror from across the border was met with hesitation. New India responds with strength, strategy, and global support. By silencing Pakistan diplomatically, militarily, and economically after the Pahalgam attack, India showcased a model of modern counterterrorism - measured, credible, and unyielding. This isn't escalation. Despite a deceptive or fake ceasefire that was violated by Pakistan, the moral high ground of India in defending its borders and 1.4 billion people puts itself in the ethical realms of civilisation that the West tried to destroy through its colonisation and slavery. This is evolution.
