Know India - Love India - Serve India

Vivekananda Vidyapeeth

Through this campaign, VIHE, in association with Bṛhat, will work to inculcate Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) into young minds, helping them understand how Bhāratīya culture provides solutions to functional problems while simultaneously elevating the consciousness of the individual.

Since its origins in the ancient past, India has always pursued truth. Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) represents this compendium of wisdom, jñāna, that has been distilled through the works of greats for the benefit of mankind. Unfortunately, aided by technology and modern lifestyle, there has been a disconnect between modern Indians and this rich cultural knowledge, which is their heritage. The cultural gulf fostered due to an ignorance of the country was predicted by Swami Vivekananda ji when he called out the colonial education as a “negative education”, which depletes śraddhā in its recipients.

In the age of information today, jñāna must become the keystone to inform sevā and bhakti. The curiosity of young minds is being placated by foreign knowledge paradigms which, though rich in facts and figures, exacerbates the crisis of meaning. It leaves the mind unprepared. Understanding this, IKS prescribes meditation and deep reflection (ciṅtana and manana) in addition to perception and inference to fully develop the mind.

This campaign is aimed at remedying the current situation, and bringing back the knowledge and sense of duty which Swami ji spoke about.

Recognition of value is preceded by knowing of worth. An exposition on IKS can help learners understand the expanse and depth of Indian wisdom, much of which is still to be shared fully with the world.

Once a foregrounding in knowledge happens, it is inevitable for devotion towards the motherland to be kindled. This bhakti generates a sense of belonging and rootedness, resolving the identity crisis that many people face today.

The expression of love is in service. As Swami ji constantly pointed out, sevā and tyāga are the bedrock on which Indian civilization is built. Armed with knowledge and with a sense of love towards the country, individuals can work tirelessly for the cause of nation building.

While we have advanced and wrested independence for ourselves, we are still mentally colonized. There is still a trace of servility left that hinders us from working with detachment; working like ‘masters’. This campaign is designed in this 3 step process for individuals to familiarize themselves with their country, shed all sense of servility, and then serve it with all their heart.

Through a series of lectures on various topics of IKS, we will touch upon the constituents of jñāna in India, which will serve as a knowledge anchor for the learners. Topics will broadly include: