The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has embarked on a remarkable journey to take 8,000 students from Scheduled Caste (SC) and other deprived communities to the ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The initiative, spearheaded by Vidya Bharti, the education wing of RSS, is not just about visiting the world’s largest religious gathering but is aimed at immersing these students, predominantly from poor backgrounds, in the essence of Indian spirituality, culture, and tradition.
Beginning on January 16, the first batch of 2,100 children from the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh will travel to Prayagraj for an eye-opening spiritual journey. These children, all above the age of 10, are students at Sanskar Kendras, which are special schools run by Vidya Bharti for slum-dwelling children who cannot afford to attend regular schools. The goal of this trip is clear – to help these children gain firsthand exposure to India’s spiritual and cultural heartland, protect them from the influence of religious conversions, and reinforce the values of Hindu tradition.
At the Mahakumbh, the children will embark on a spiritual exploration like no other. They will visit the various ashrams of revered saints, explore the ancient akharas (spiritual centers), and visit the sacred Sangam Ghat, where millions of devotees come to bathe, believing it will cleanse them of their sins. The significance of this revered event, known for its spiritual power, is not lost on these students. Ramji Singh, an instructor from Seva Bharti schools in Awadh, explained, “The idea is to bring these children closer to their roots. They will experience not just the physical grandeur of the Kumbh but also the spiritual essence it carries.
Through this, they will be empowered to better understand their own culture and become resistant to the false narratives of conversion often propagated by missionary groups.” The Sanskar Kendras are at the heart of this endeavor. These centers, which operate across the country, primarily cater to children from underprivileged backgrounds, offering them an alternative to formal schooling. The children at Sanskar Kendras are not just taught regular academic subjects but also receive a strong cultural education. This includes learning songs of Bharat Mata, chanting slogans like ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’, and practicing respect for elders and deities. The curriculum also emphasises nationalistic values and teachings on patriotism, creating a well-rounded educational experience.
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