Chikkaballapur: Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, founder of the One World One Family mission, has called for greater emphasis on spiritual and value-based education, stressing that academic learning must be complemented by Para Vidya (higher knowledge).
Addressing devotees during the ongoing Sathya Sai Navaratri celebrations at Sathya Sai Grama in Muddenahalli on Friday, he said education should extend beyond worldly knowledge to include Indian values, spirituality and cultural heritage.
“Education is not solely the responsibility of the government,” he said, urging religious institutions, mathas and other organisations to contribute towards expanding educational opportunities.
Highlighting the traditional Indian education system, Sadguru said equal importance should be given to Apara Vidya (worldly knowledge) and Para Vidya (spiritual knowledge). He noted that his institution follows an educational approach integrating academic learning with spiritual and moral values.
Praising the Alva’s Education Foundation for its contributions to cultural development, he emphasised the need to preserve the spiritual foundations of Indian classical dance, music and other art forms and pass them on to future generations.
As part of the Navaratri festivities, a team of priests from Sringeri performed the Medha Dakshinamurti Yaga and Saraswati Puja.
Speaking on the occasion, Vidwan Vikram Bhat highlighted the importance of viveka (discernment) in human life, stating that the blessings of Goddess Saraswati help overcome ignorance and awaken intellectual and spiritual awareness.
He also explained the significance of worshipping Goddess Katyayani and said the Medha Dakshinamurti Yaga strengthens the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom and self-inquiry.
B.N. Narasimha Murthy, president of the Prashanthi Balamandira Trust, was among those present at the religious programme.
