Values and cultural education
Education is not an examination alone. Through the five koshas, the Panchpadi method and the mother tongue, the student stands in their own culture.
Development through the five koshas
Vidya Bharti measures the child’s growth through the anna, prana, manas, vijnana and ananda koshas. Physical education and yoga form body and breath; music forms the mind; Sanskrit and ethical education form intellect and the inner self.
Saraswati Panchpadi
The method is shaped by Indian psychology. At the primary stage it is known as the Saraswati Shishu Mandir method; at pre-primary, as the Shishu Vatika method.
The five koshas in detail
Annamaya Kosha
Balanced development of the physical body through nourishing food, exercise, play, cleanliness and a healthy daily routine.
Pranamaya Kosha
Development of vital energy through yoga, pranayama, regulated breathing and a disciplined way of life, building vitality and capacity for action.
Manomaya Kosha
Development of the mind, emotions and sensitivity through music, art, stories, prayer and positive values, helping the mind become steady and joyful.
Vijnanamaya Kosha
Development of intellect, discernment and knowledge through study, questions, reflection, experiments and logical thought, strengthening sound judgement.
Anandamaya Kosha
Development of inner joy and self-awareness through service, meditation, ethical conduct and spiritual reflection, fostering a sense of harmony in life.
Saraswati Panchpadi in detail
Adhiti
Taking in the subject by listening and reading.
Bodh
Clarity of meaning; not rote alone.
Abhyas
Making skill steady through repetition.
Prasar
Carrying what is learnt to peers, family and society.
Swadhyay & pravachan
Self-study, and speaking at the right time.
Marathi is the mother tongue of most families in this region. Organising secretary Shri Shailesh Joshi has asked acharyas to go against the current and insist on education in the mother tongue.