The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Develop questioning spirit, Jaipal Reddy tells students

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Sep 12, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Develop questioning spirit, Jaipal Reddy tells students

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, SEPT. 11. The 100-year-old institution had a VVIP visitor on Saturday. And predictably, the boys who are inmates of the Ramakrishna Mission Students' Home at Mylapore were in high spirits.

The Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, S. Jaipal Reddy, did not disappoint the boys. He shared his thoughts on Swami Vivekananda, and what it means to him personally and for students. He had some good advice for them.

"Develop a questioning spirit as it lays the foundation for growth of human knowledge and social reform," he told them.

It is easier for the youth to imbibe new ideas than the elders. Even as they nurture a sense of pride for the glory of ancient past, students must develop new values for a better society. Mr. Reddy paid a visit to the home that is commemorating its centenary year from February 8, and later he interacted with the students for some time.

Citing extensively from Swami Vivekananda, Mr. Reddy said education played a vital role in curing evils of society. "Though the world has been reduced to a global village, people's mindset has not undergone any change."

Saying that "a huge gap exists between the growing technology and people's psychology," Mr. Reddy recalled Swami Vivekananda's foresight in trying to inculcate scientific temper among people by condemning the caste system and narrowness in religion.

Appreciating the efforts of the organisation as a "philanthropic achievement," he said "There could be a spark in any child. It is our duty to ignite it by providing their basic needs and education."

Commending the institution, which was instrumental in carrying forward the ideals of Vivekananda, Mr. Reddy said the organisation had produced a galaxy of eminent people in public sector and other professions and yet had not publicised its achievements over the years.

Portrait presented

The secretary of the home, Veetabhayananda, presented a portrait of Swami Vivekananda to the Minister.

The home, which was started in 1905, has been providing shelter and education for children from poor families and orphans.

About 400 students live in the home, which will soon have a centenary block to accommodate more students and a medical ward.

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