CBSE schools prepare for national awakening

In a move to introduce more value-based education in the school curriculum, the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) will publish a supplementary book on 15 great Indian thinkers, including Swami Vivekananda.

Schools will celebrate Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birthday on January 12 and hold year-long programmes with the theme of National Awakening.

The Union HRD ministry and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has asked all schools to celebrate his birth anniversary to renew interest in children and youth in the thoughts and ideals of Swami Vivekananda.

The CBSE has asked schools to assess students’ projects as part of the celebrations. The board’s letter says that schools should integrate teachings of the Vivekananda in various school clubs such as debate, literary and cultural clubs.The addition in the curriculum was discussed in the recently held fourth meeting of the national committee for implementation of the birth anniversary commemoration.

“The NCERT officials said that the council is preparing a supplementary book containing the thoughts of 15 great thinkers of India. The expert committee for textbook development will endeavour to include names not included so far, subject to the load of syllabus and textbook material on children, remaining within acceptable limits,” said a senior education official.

To make children aware about Vivekananda’s teachings, students will be able to participate in the two-day Value Awakening India Leadership Training Camp programme organised by the CBSE this month.

A total of 500 students from eight regions will participate in the programme. Simultaneously, CBSE will also hold a workshop on Master Trainers and 500 teachers will take part in the programme. A presentation on “Awakening India Youth” will be made in the workshop. These Master Trainers will be involved in the year-long activities on “Awakening of Youth” by schools.

A new category of awards have been initiated for schools, teachers and students under the nomenclature “Vivekanada School of Excellence 2013”. Students from different age groups can participate in cultural fiesta like dance, drama, skits.