Nurturing the Sankalpshakti i.e. Power of Resolution

 Nurturing the Sankalpshakti i.e. Power of Resolution

through Varsharambha and Varshant Upasana

 

Dear DAV Teachers,

I trust this letter finds you in good health and flourishing in your noble mission of shaping the minds and hearts of our students. I am compelled to express my deepest appreciation on behalf of team Jnana Prabodhini for your dedicated efforts in organizing and facilitating Varshant Upasana at DAV.

To conclude this year-long journey from Varsharambha Upasana to Varshant Upasana, we reflect on our conviction regarding the indispensable role of this process in cultivating the Power of resolution (Sankalpshakti) among our students.

As we continue to uphold the rich tradition of educational samskara rituals pioneered by Jnana Prabodhini, such as the Vidyarambh, Varsharambh, Varshant, and Vidyavrat, they embody the essence of Bharatiya educational philosophy. Through these ceremonies, we seek to imbue our students with a sense of purpose and direction, reminding them of their highest duty and inspiring them to strive for nobility and character.

Varsharambha and Varshant Upasana, and Vidyavrat Samskara, the special rituals designed by Jnana Prabodhini have played a pivotal role in shaping the character and willpower of our students. These rituals are modern manifestations of Sharvani, Upakarma, and Upanayana Samskar, signifying the renewal of spiritual commitment and the pursuit of knowledge. They symbolize the purification of mind, body, and soul, fostering a deeper connection to Vedic traditions and principles. They serve as annual reminders of the importance of lifelong learning, adherence to sacred practices, and the preservation of ancient wisdom. These sacred ceremonies, steeped in tradition and meaning, serve as milestones in the journey of every student, guiding them towards self-awareness, reflection, and personal growth.

The current education system in India often constrains the freedom of both teachers and students to define their learning paths. There is limited space for learners to determine what they want to learn or achieve, with a focus on standardized inputs. Individualization of the learning process, tailored to individual interests, strengths, and limitations, is often overlooked, hindering the holistic development of students.

These annual worship ceremonies held at the beginning of the academic year and closer to the academic year serve as pivotal moments for our school community, where we not only celebrate our achievements but also set forth resolutions for personal and collective growth.

I deeply appreciate the efforts made by DAV and each of you in guiding students to articulate meaningful personalized goals that reflect their aspirations and values. Resolution writing during Varsharambha provides a vital opportunity to define the goal and Varshanta is an occasion to reflect on the efforts and commitment to the resolutions. By encouraging students and teachers to define their learning objectives and paths, these occasions promote learning autonomy and self-directed learning. This process fosters a shift towards a more individualized approach to education, addressing the limitations of the current system and enabling students to flourish based on their unique interests, strengths, and aspirations.

The importance of resolution writing cannot be overstated. This year you might have experienced how this process empowers students to define their aspirations, exercise their freedom as learners, and envision the changes they wish to make in their personalities. By encouraging them to set individual resolutions, we provide them with a sense of ownership over their education and personal development journey.

Moreover, the practice of collective resolution i.e class/ school resolution writing fosters team spirit and instils in our students the value of working towards common objectives as a cohesive unit.  The same happens with teachers if we encourage teachers to write collective resolutions.

          Teachers play a crucial role as mentors in guiding students to write and review resolutions. They provide support and encouragement, helping student’s articulate meaningful goals and aspirations. By fostering a nurturing environment for goal-setting and reflection, teachers empower students to define resolutions that align with their values and aspirations, thus facilitating their personal growth and development. As we guide our students through the process of resolution writing, we help them tap into their inner power of determination and commitment.  

As a teacher/parent, we always have to keep in mind that the resolution is his/her own, not ours, and our role is merely to assist in articulating it. The responsibility for working on and achieving the objective rests solely with the learner, not us. Always bear in mind that the learner is in the driver's seat; we are there with them as catalysts. 

Sankalpa, or resolution, serves as a driving force that propels individuals towards positive change and personal growth. By instilling in our students the importance of Sankalpa, we equip them with the tools they need to navigate life's challenges with courage, conviction, and resilience. Writing resolutions is crucial for students as it should provide clarity, direction, and accountability for personal growth and development. School students can write resolutions for their physical, intellectual, academic, emotional, and social development by setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives in each area. Teachers can assist by guiding students through the process, breaking down dreams into actionable steps, and ensuring that goals are realistic and aligned with their growth potential. Midterm reviews and follow-ups are important to assess progress, make adjustments, and maintain motivation towards achieving the resolutions.

Resolution writing is not merely a mechanical exercise but a profound act of self-discovery and empowerment. It encourages our students to introspect, reflect, and envision the kind of individuals they aspire to become.

By setting collectively resolutions as a class, our students learn the value of collaboration, empathy, and shared responsibility. They begin to understand that their individual goals are interconnected with the aspirations of their peers and the well-being of their community.

Over the years, we at Jnana Prabodhini have witnessed the transformative impact of Power to resolve in our students' lives. Writing resolutions for a year for six years and writing resolutions for a broad period of 5-10 years during Vidyavrat samskara, practice helps in articulating their aspirations and committing to personal growth. By giving them the freedom to define what they want to learn, what changes they want to make in their personalities, and what they aspire, we empower them to take ownership of their education and personal development.

The rich tradition of Sankalap in Indian culture underscores the profound significance of resolution in shaping one's destiny and realizing one's highest aspirations. The story of Dhruva serves as a timeless reminder of the power of resolution (Sankalp), the pursuit of goals with unwavering determination, and the transformative nature of penance (Tapa) i.e. commitment. Dhruva's journey inspires us to overcome obstacles, face challenges head-on, and pursue our dreams with courage and conviction. Dhruva's journey serves as an inspiration for all who face adversity, reminding us that with unwavering resolve and unwavering faith, even the loftiest goals can be achieved.

Let us draw inspiration from the timeless wisdom encapsulated in Sanskrit subhashita that speaks to the power of resolution:

अर्धमात्रसमं सत्यं ज्ञानं संकल्पसंयमः।

अतः प्रकृतितः श्रेयो विद्यादधिगमो यतः॥

This subhashita emphasizes the importance of resolution (संकल्प) as a component of self-restraint (संयम) and knowledge (ज्ञान) in achieving spiritual progress.

At the heart of the Power to resolve lies the recognition that Sankalpa, or resolution, is more than just a momentary intention—it is an inner power that drives oneself towards positive change and personal growth. When a student commits to a resolution, they are making a solemn pledge to themselves to pursue their goals with dedication, perseverance, and integrity. It is this commitment to change that fuels their journey towards self-realization and fulfilment.

Recognizing this, I urge you to engage in more personalized interactions with students to help them identify and articulate their aspirations. By encouraging students to reflect on their year-long experience and set concrete goals for the future, we empower them to take ownership of their learning journey and strive for excellence.

In light of this, I urge each of you to share your reflections and observations on process of Varsharambha and Varshant Upasana. Your insights and experiences are invaluable in informing our ongoing efforts to enhance the effectiveness of our educational practices.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering dedication to the holistic development of students. Your tireless efforts in organizing Varsharambha and Varshant Upasana have laid the foundation for a culture of reflection, empowerment, and personal growth in our DAV school community.

Together, let us continue to nurture the power of resolution within us,

guiding us towards a future

filled with purpose, passion, perseverance, determination, and integrity.

 

Together, let us strive to develop ourselves

as self-directed individuals who are empowered

to chart their paths leading to meaningful life.

 

Together, let us empower ourselves to set meaningful goals,

pursue our aspirations with passion and purpose,

and contribute positively to society.

 

Together, let us continue drawing inspiration

from the ancient Bharatiya traditions and timeless wisdom,

and collaborate further to empower our-self's 

to realize our inner full potential, the Atman.

 

Yours,

Prashant Divekar

Jnana Prabodhini, Pune