To School Students
The present system of examination in School leads to competitiveness. The spirit of competition is no doubt healthy as it promotes the blossoming of the best. (Many students have won trophies, medals and certificates of honour.) But competitiveness should remain within limits. It should not lead to jealousy, diffidence and negative feelings. The age-old principle of ‘Slow and Steady wins the race’ should always be kept in view. Work steadily through the year; do not postpone study of topics which appear tough. Take the help of teachers outside class hours. Take notes during teaching hours attentively. Be in touch with brighter students and the methods they adopt. Utilise the school library effectively with the guidance of teachers. Practise the art of assimilation of basic principles first and then applications.
Do not be frustrated at your present position as evaluated in examinations. It is never a full stop; it is always a comma. The scope for improvement is ever available. Nothing great was ever achieved in the first attempt, whether it is in scientific research, in politics, or in spiritual field. Work harder and rest not till you achieve your goal.
I went through a couple of the school magazines. The students’ creativity is amazing. Writings of students in various languages including English, Tamil, Sanskrit and Hindi on a wide range of subjects including some advanced topics have come in. The students have also participated in many notable Spiritual activities including inter school competitions; they have even put out a crossword in Ramayana. Sports activities have also been very popular among students; even chess tournament.
The school motto is ‘सत्यं वद धर्मं चर’, ‘Speak the truth; walk the path of Dharma’. This is from the Upanishads and is the essence of Sanatana Dharma. Adi Shankaracharya in his commentary on Shri Bhagavad Gita explains आसुरं भावमाश्रिताः, i.e. those wedded to characteristics of Asuras as हिंसा अनृतादि लक्षणं आश्रिताः i.e. those marked by characteristics of violence, falsehood etc. Our ancients have shown the way. Rama was the embodiment of Dharma; he lived by Truth. When Kousalya, his mother blessed him on the eve of his departure for the forest, she said, यं पालयसि धर्मं त्वं धृत्या च नियमेन च। स वै राघवशार्दूल धर्मस्त्वामभिरक्षतु।।2.25.3।। “May the Dharma which you are following with steadfastness and self -discipline, O tiger among the descendants of Raghu, protect you.” In the story of Harischandra, Viswamitra said, सत्येनार्कः प्रतपति सत्ये तिष्ठति मेदिनी ॥ सत्ये प्रोक्तः परो धर्मः स्वर्गः सत्ये प्रतिष्ठितः । “Surya shines owing to Truth; Earth is established in Truth; the supreme Dharma is contained in Truth; Swarga is also established in Truth.” Smriti says, धर्म एव हतो हन्ति धर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः, “Dharma, violated, surely destroys the violator; Dharma, followed, protects the follower.”
Moral Instruction used to be a regular class in the school in earlier times, now unfortunately discontinued. I am very glad that this school runs Moral Instruction classes regularly for all students. Read Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas, stories of Ethics (Niti); these books are all nowadays available in easy-to-read attractive formats.
Some of you would now be transferring to college. The atmosphere there is different, more free. More freedom means greater necessity to be on one’s guard, greater vigilance. Some of you may live in hostels. You will be exposed to different types of influences, unlike here in the school, where the atmosphere is closely guarded such that values are inculcated. To mind one’s business is the most wholesome advice under the new circumstances. Students’ business is only to study and acquire knowledge and skill. Use the facilities to the maximum. Time is precious. Do not waste time. Take part in healthy sports and extracurricular activities. The wise proverb says: क्षणशः कणशश्चैव विद्यामर्थं च साधयेत् । क्षणे नष्टे कुतो विद्या कणे नष्टे कुतो धनम् ॥ “Knowledge and wealth should be acquired bit by bit; if a second of time is wasted, wherefrom will knowledge come; if a tiny bit is wasted, wherefrom will wealth come.” Kalidasa, while singing the praise of the kings of Raghu dynasty says, “शैशवे अभ्यस्तविद्यानाम्”, “They acquired all knowledge in childhood.” Shun politics till you land a job and you stand on your own feet. Student politics is sheer waste of time and it can eat into your values built with effort over the years.
In higher secondary course and in college, you will have to choose the field of study. Do not come under unhealthy peer pressure while making the choice. Do go by your attitude. But attitudes at this point may not be steady. Take the help of parents and close well-wishers. In earlier times, parents used to have the final say, depending on their understanding of employment prospects and the student’s attitude measured on the basis of performance in the school courses. That certainly was better.
Students should respect the teachers at all times. The only interest the teacher has is in the student acquiring knowledge and character. Sometimes the teacher’s ways may be tough. But her motive is only to bring about improvement in the student. The questioning attitude of students has come in for appreciation these days. It is welcome in the field of science, but not in religious/ spiritual matters, where faith is paramount. Nowadays instances have come to notice where students fight with the teachers, leading to interference from the government or even courts of law. This is highly regrettable. It militates against our culture and tradition. Earlier, old students, irrespective of the positions they occupy in their later lives, used to remember their school teachers with gratitude and even visit them whenever possible. Dr. Abdul Kalam is a standing example of this.
In the present day, there is a lot of conflict all over the world. The need for peace and mutual goodwill is urgent. Each one’s contribution is important. While in school, cultivate the qualities of humility, tolerance, helpful nature and even sacrifice. It will stand you in good stead when you grow into full-fledged citizens of this great land of ours.
(From Address of Editor P. R. Kannan to School Students during School Annual Day function)