Kolkata, 3 September (H.S.) : Vidya Bharati has been working for several years to promote value-based education and awaken a sense of national consciousness among the younger generation, said Yatindra Sharma, All India Joint Organising Secretary of the organisation, on Thursday.

Sharma was addressing the annual function of Vivekananda Vidya Vikas Parishad, the West Bengal unit of Vidya Bharati, at the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture auditorium in Golpark. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari attended the programme as the chief guest.

Describing education as one of the most powerful means of awakening society, Sharma said Vidya Bharati was committed to providing quality education while instilling values, patriotism, humanity and a sense of indigenous pride among students.

Referring to the northeastern states, Sharma claimed that quality education provided through Vidya Bharati had helped weaken separatist sentiments in the region. He said the organisation was taking education to remote and difficult-to-reach areas and working to address social problems through education.

Sharma said eliminating social evils such as caste discrimination, untouchability and child marriage had also been among the objectives of Vidya Bharati. He said the organisation was working to promote the idea of Hindutva while simultaneously seeking to eradicate social disparities and harmful practices as part of its broader effort towards national integration.

At the conclusion of his address, Sharma appealed to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to extend all possible support to the expansion of the activities of Vivekananda Vidya Vikas Parishad in West Bengal.

Earlier, senior Vidya Bharati functionary Ravindra Chamaria gave a detailed account of the organisation's activities across the country. He said 1.084 million children were currently studying in Vidya Bharati's Shishu Mandirs nationwide, describing the figure as a record at the non-governmental level.

The programme began with a pictorial exhibition showcasing Vidya Bharati's activities across the country. Several meritorious students also shared their experiences during the event.

Vivekananda Vidya Vikas Parishad president Bhagwati Prasad Jalan, trustee Rajendra Kumar Gupta, Rajendra Prasad Khetan and other office-bearers, along with a large number of students, teachers and invited guests, attended the programme.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh