Chinmaya University on its way to holistic and values-based education system

By Neha Broota

One of the biggest questions we face today is how to build a better world. Think about it, the wealthy live better than most kings and queens in history, and yet, 1.5 billion people have never had a glass of safe drinking water. To confront these challenges what we need are dynamic leaders powerful enough to disrupt the status quo. This can only be achieved through the right education.

So, is our current education system doing the trick? The deeper we dig, the more we find the answer to be ‘no’. The limitation with today’s education is not the lack of knowledge, but the fact that there is minimal focus on thinking beyond our own individualistic needs. This is far worse than ignorance as it continues to make us distant and disconnected from each other.

Renowned Vedantic master and the visionary behind Chinmaya Mission, Pujya Swami Chinmayanandaji was farsighted enough to realise what our world desperately needs is a more holistic and values-based education system. This is exactly what the newly established Chinmaya University, headquartered in Kerala provides.

This state-of-the art University is game-changing for three main reasons:

Number One: It provides world-class education built on a unique confluence of modern education and ancient Indian wisdom. 

Indian wisdom leaves no field of human endeavour untouched. Rooted in the unique language of Sanskrit, it covers a vast treasury of areas including: architecture, medicine, astronomy, astrology, yoga, and so forth. Pujya Swami Chinmayananda understood that we are on the brink of losing access to this treasury of wisdom, and once it is lost then not only do we lose a language and a way of communication, but also our beautiful culture and more importantly a multi-faceted way of thinking. Chinmaya University is forward thinking enough to realise that we can only gain from paying attention to our cultural history. When this knowledge is coupled with cutting-edge education from the West, the courses not only equip students to be able to obtain employment and effectively transact in this fast-paced world, but also creates unique thinkers, leaders and members of society who with resilience go forward to create innovations which benefit the masses.

Number Two: It equips students with the right tools to face the challenges of life.

None of us are spared the storms of life, but whenever life hits us with one with these, we are told not to enter the neighbourhood of despair. The problem is that no one ever teaches us how! It is no wonder that suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15 to 29-year-olds and more than 300 million people worldwide are living with depression. Through its uniquely designed courses, every student at Chinmaya University is empowered with tools to unfold all levels of their personality. This makes them physically fit, emotionally balanced, intellectually alert and most importantly provides them with direction on how to find meaning and purpose in their life, so they reach their highest potential.

Number Three: It completely transforms your vision.

The biggest strength of Chinmaya University is the fact that at the base of all its courses is a spiritual grounding. We all have innumerable slogans and shouts of national unity and integrity, but at the same time also harbour hatred towards each other. What is the use? Society can only be harmonious and united when all beings love one another, and Indian philosophy assists with this as it imparts the knowledge of oneness and reveals the true nature of all things of the world. This understanding alone allows individuals to have deep human empathy where they can see themselves in the other and thus serve all selflessly, spontaneously and untiringly.

Now imagine a world where graduates with this grand vision hold leadership positions in companies, businesses and governments. Just imagine how wonderful it will be!

Leonard Bernstein said that two things are necessary for great achievement: a plan and not quite enough time. This is exactly the situation we are in now! Chinmaya University is looking for supporters who are willing to be part of transforming education delivery. We want to design new courses, partner with leading national and international organisations and create more campuses globally. The cry for values-based education is being heard louder and louder the world over. Yet, no one knows how to implement it in such a complete way as Chinmaya Mission. Our lives are so short, and our times so precious, so we do hope you will join us on this life transforming movement and create the future you dare to dream.

For further information on subjects offered, concept design, suggestions on how you can contribute financially and/or be involved in other ways, contact Neha Broota (0402 915 500).