Ancient scriptures and literature are the most extensive in the Indian culture. Now we are living in 21st century and have a lot to inculcate from these scriptures and ancient literature. We all are witnessing a pandemic outbreak of Covid-19, wherein we all believe that the way we were running behind materialistic things was futile. Indian youth has detached themselves from the ancient Indian culture, but they should know the importance of ancient literature and therefore foster the values from them. The youth should study scriptures not for showing off knowledge but also for self transformation. One of the main reasons for lack of inculcation of values in youth could be that the youth sees studying Vedas or scriptures as mere wastage of time. They argue that the texts were written several centuries ago and are not relevant for them. Scriptures have the ultimate power to transform a person by imbibing several values in him or her. Ancient scriptures also say that God is pleased when we chant the Vedas and more so it’s a good karma to read and teach our scriptures to others.
For instance just citing few examples, Arthashastra teaches that the youth should have necessary expertise in the field of their work. This scripture teaches them to posses the value of integrity, capability, loyalty, character building, perseverance, friendliness, devotion and amicability. Shanti Parva teaches the value of patience, firmness, resourcefulness, kindness and dignity. It has the values that help us of getting rid from anxiety.These scriptures provide answers to some very difficult questions on dharma, spirituality and life that we cannot find from any other sources.
How we can inculcate the same in Indian youth?
“Try not to become a person of success, try to become a person of values”- Albert Einstein.
India has gained a lot of wisdom from its ancient scriptures and literature. Today’s youth need to inculcate and develop these values to lead an integrated life and also to achieve the goals of their life, such transformation of the youth would not only be better for their life but also will bring peace and prosperity among the people they are living in. One such way of inculcating such human values among youth would include making them about such values which scriptures and literature possess. To make them aware firstly the mindset and the knowledge of the students should be known. Schools universities or other educational institutions should evaluate the awareness of students about elements of human values in their lives through some survey, or empirical studies. The need of youth to inculcate such values is to promote their personality development. The possession of values improves moral development, quality of life, positive attitude or approach towards life etc.
Today the youth is taught mathematics or other literature stories which is of course not bad but the evaluation should not be merely in terms of its marking. The policy, the choices and the functional aspects of the institution influences the values of the students. What educational institution can do? They need to make conscious decisions while focusing on human values and giving priority to them. Teachers need to look into the selection of content and methods of teaching so as to inculcate human values in today’s youth. Schools should indulge in more interactive and curriculum activities amongst students which teach them certain values like leadership skills, friendly relations patience etc.
The children should be encouraged to be accountable for their own actions and should learn to learn and respect others. The teachers are the first role model to the children outside their family, when the children see the model showing concern for other it kind of motivates them for doing good deeds and helping others as the act of imitation is very relevant in today’s youth. The youth should be emphasized with the importance of such values through live session seminars group discussions etc. When young children do something good they want appreciation and this is the reason teachers parents should appreciate the youth to enhance the values in them.
To know and read scriptures and inculcate various values from them, there are few ways described:
- Adhyayana– when someone learns the values of scriptures from a teacher
- Manana– reciting them and implementing their meaning on your own
- Pravachna-when someone has already insight into the knowledge learned from scriptures, he or she teaches them to others.
- Vyavahara-this include the actual implementation and practice of their teaching
The schools and colleges can indulge in few practices of vedic education system in which education aimed for the religiousness in the minds of pupils. Emphasis should be given in character formation. Merely intellectual intelligence is of no use if the person lacks human values. During ancient times education was regarded as a means of inculcating values such as obedience, patience and hardwork. Stress on social duties was made in which student was not suppose to lead a self centred life. Present days schools and other educational institutions should teach the students the importance of preserving and promoting culture. The quality of human action is the manifestation of one’s behaviour which in turn is a product of cultures and values. in the modern world we need to inculcate ethical practices in order to maintain the quality of life and perfection as well.
Example of what we can learn through ancient scriptures
Human values from Bhagvad Gita : Relevance for modern management.
Bhagavad Gita is considered as an essence of the Vedas and the Upanishads. Today the ancient Indian philosophy of Bhagavad Gita has found its place not as an alternative to the theory of modern management (which youth can inculcate) but also an individual source to individuals by bringing them back to right path of peace and prosperity. It is a complete guide to practical life as it provides “All that is needed to raise the consciousness of man to highest possible level”.
It has got all the management tools to provide the mental equilibrium and to overcome any crisis situations through inspirational messages. Since starting human ethical values have been the foundation of Indian scriptures. It includes very powerful 20 human values which are absence of self – worshipfulness , absence of self glorification, non harmfulness, attitude of accommodation, straightforwardness, service to teacher, internal and external cleanliness, steadfastness, mastery over the mind, state of dispassion towards materialistic things , absence of self egotism (Ahankar) ,non attachment, steadfastness of mind , love for spending time in solitary, steady devotion towards god, keeping in view the purpose of knowledge, non inclination towards people , stability in knowledge of truth. One of the verse from Bhagavad Gita is
Perfection in thought
“ananyaschintayantomam ye janahparyupasate
Tesamnityabhiyuktanamyogaksemamvahamyaham”
BY AMITOJ KAUR
Street Paradise 
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