“Feeling Good” versus “Being Good”

Human-being expresses consciousness. Each human-being accepts his being alive. Expression of this alive-ness (or consciousness) is multi-dimensional for a human-being - is also well-known. When we compare alive-ness of an animal versus alive-ness of a human-being - it is clear that a human-being expresses its alive-ness in more dimensions than any animal. One clear distinction between humans and animals is the expression of imagination in humans. Human-being uses imagination, and that's the way its expression in living continuously evolves, making humankind qualitatively distinct from animals. The second distinctive and defining trait in humans is - expectation of happiness. Each human-being is inalienable from this expectation of happiness.

All human-activities - as doing, saying, and thinking - are with use of imagination and with expectation of happiness. This is the starting point of this study of Jeevan Vidya (madhyasth darshan).

Human-being's expectation of happiness and its imagination - in its entire history - has only been limited to recognition of "feeling good" or "feeling bad". "Feeling bad" clearly doesn't meet the expectation of happiness. "Feeling good" also doesn't meet the expectation of happiness. The reason for this is - whatever feels good starts feeling bad after some time. There is no continuity in feeling good. So one tries in some other ways for feeling good through use of imagination. That effort also lands up in failure. Denial of "feeling good" or "feeling bad" and seeking "equanimity" between the two also don't result in any lasting-accomplishment. This is the root of sorrow in human-living. The plane of consciousness in which a human-being is living today, it is not possible to achieve continuity of happiness. Despite being humans, we are living in animal-consciousness. And that's the root-cause of our sorrow.

"Feeling Good" is not "Being Good".

"Being Good" and thereby "Living Good" is the plane of human-consciousness.

Study of Madhyasth-Darshan addresses the point of fulfillment of human-imagination. Unless human-imagination is fulfilled it will continue seeking happiness in "feeling good" - which is in the purview of sensory-gratification. Sensory-gratification is with material-goods - and with this mindset struggle for them becomes inevitable. The collective human-mindset, human-made systems are manifestation of this hangup with "feeling good". It is not a secret anymore that where collective human-mindset is heading. Humankind has made its own survival under threat due to this hangup of "feeling good".

Fulfillment of human-imagination is when imagination gets aligned with realities - as they are. Study is the process of aligning human-imagination with the realities. The realities are in existence. There is no reality outside of existence. Existence is - all that is. Existence needs to be studied for fulfillment of imagination.

Study happens with guidance of one who has experienced the realities. In the absence of guidance, it is not study - it becomes an exploration, or groping in the dark. Guidance inspires the imagination of student to see the realities - as the guide sees them. Study is like - one lamp lighting another... Study is never in isolation. Study is an expression of co-existence of teacher and student. Study happens in the light of teacher's experience. Teacher's imagination is experience-centric - which is potent-enough to guide and inspire. Student's imagination is fired up with the "need to know" - for its fulfillment. Study is the union of student and teacher - which leads to student's getting "lighted up" like the teacher.

Study is student's getting established with acceptances of realities. Study is movement towards "being good". Madhyasth-Darshan proposes all realities in existence are expression of co-existence principle. Study is to get aligned with the existence - as expression of co-existence.

"Being Good" is the state of human-being upon achieving the point of fulfillment of its imagination. This is also called "anubhav" - or experiencing in knowledge-essence. "Anubhav" is the accomplishment of study in co-existence. "Being Good" is an irreversible shift in one's consciousness - that has continuity. There is no other way for achieving anubhav, there is no other way of achieving fulfillment of imagination - apart from studying existence.

"Being Good" is the basis of "Living Good". "Being Good" is to be harmonious within self. "Living Good" is living in harmony with one's relationships. "Living Good" is inspiration for others for "Being Good". This is the way a humane-tradition of goodness gets realized.

Jeevan-Vidya proposes solution – as humanization of education

It is common-observation that there has been a continuous-change in the way a human-being has gone about living ever since it first emerged on Earth. In the last 20-30 years itself we can see there are huge changes in the way a human-being used to live, versus how it is living today. Why does it change? How does it change? It is important that we get answers to these questions – since the present collective-direction of this change is heading for a disaster.
First characterization of present human-situation is “Climate-change”. It’s not a doomsday talk when we talk of climate-change. Earth is indeed ailing – and with that humankind’s survival is threatened. Earth’s ailing condition is caused by humankind. What is the solution for this – technological or spiritual? Should we go back to the old ways of living? Most countries of the world have recognized the fact that if we continue with this rate of climate-change, humankind will not survive.
Second characterization is “Criminality and Wars”. Ever since humankind emerged on this Earth until now, it has always been at war within and between groups and has led to two World Wars. Presently, terrorism and low intensity warfare are affecting many parts of the world. The entire world is under the grip of fear of terrorism and criminality. When terror would strike again, and where, and how big – we don’t know. What is the solution for this – technological or spiritual? How many more countries will need to be bombed?
Third characterization is “Conflicts within Humankind”. There are major ideological divides, sectarian divides, language divides – and each division is adamant that its side is “right” and the other side is “wrong”. Even within a family there is no real convergence – or meeting of minds. Conflict at the level of individual is as lack of integrity. The Individualism – whether for spiritual or for material ends – only results disharmony in human-relationships. Families and social-fabric at large is disintegrating; there is mistrust in one’s own family-members and neighbours. What is the solution for this – technological or spiritual?
The three characterizations of present human-situation are evident for all of us to see. We may be very busy in whatever we are doing, and we may think that these problems are so big that it is impossible for a “common-man” to solve them. Sometimes we even try to justify by turning a blind-eye towards these – leaving it to “hope” that some scientific-innovation will make everything alright, or we leave it to fate. This is an assessment of our present situation – and the need to rethink. We – the human-specie – live out our understanding. In other words – we do, what we know or believe is right. Whatever humankind has known or believed has led it to its present situation. If we want to change this situation, we will need to rethink. The level of consciousness which has resulted in this situation is incapable of giving solution for coming out of it. This is the need of alternative.
Jeevan Vidya is based on research-outcome of Baba Shree A Nagraj Sharma. It is proposed as alternative for rethinking about everything, and presents solution of the present human-condition.
Everything needs to be looked at afresh – the way we understand this mineral world, the way we understand the plant-world, the way we understand animal-world, the way we understand humankind, the way we determine right and wrong, the way we understand family, the way we understand society, the way we understand production, the way we understand health, the way we understand success, the way we understand beauty, the way we understand justice, the way we understand role of state, the way we understand God – EVERYTHING needs to be looked at afresh.
Human-being has forever wished and tried to understand this world – i.e. human-being has tried to define and describe inert and conscious nature, itself, and God. There are many schools of thought prevalent which give their versions of how they understand this world. These schools of thought can be broadly classified as Idealism and Materialism. Materialism believes physiochemical-matter to be the only reality – and recognizes human-being also to be a material composition. It believes consciousness (the expression of living) emerges from physiochemical matter as its structural-function. Idealism believes supreme-consciousness (or God) to be the only reality – and matter gets born from it. Materialism line of thinking is supported and advanced by advents of Science. Idealism line of thinking is supported and advanced by advents of religions. Both ideologies give their own logics, practices, and experiments to establish their claims. However, the result of whatever they may have said, done, and believed is there before us – characterised by the three situations described above. It is also worth noting that the destructive tendencies of humankind only increased with advent and progress of science in last 200 years or so. Humankind needs alternative of Science to come out of present-situation.
Jeevan-Vidya is study of self, its activities, its purpose, and how it can realize its fulfillment. It is the study of human-being and its relationships with the rest of existence. It is the study of existence – as infinite nature saturated in the limitless space. Jeevan Vidya recognizes existence to be co-existence – at all levels of its expression. It is the study for recognizing the essence of harmony in existence. It brings attention to the natural-expectation of happiness (or harmony) in every human-being. The expectation of happiness is the defining trait of a human-being – which it can’t be alienated from. This is the starting point for study of Jeevan Vidya.
All human-activities are with the expectation of happiness. One tries to seek fulfillment of this expectation from whatever one believes as “right”. Irrespective of beliefs – reality of existence is. Unless human-being’s knowledge and beliefs are in alignment with the reality – there is no way for it to realize its natural-expectation of happiness, of being in harmony. Jeevan-Vidya is study of natural-evidences.
Jeevan-Vidya is the study of natural-state of entities of nature, and how the principle of co-existence gets expressed by them. Human-being also is an entity of nature – the way stones, plants, and animals are entities of nature. Jeevan Vidya brings attention to the directionality or natural-inclination in existence – which leads to emergence of plant-order from material-order, animal-order from plant-order, and finally humankind from animal-order – and within humankind this directionality is there as expectation of harmony.
Jeevan Vidya recognizes human-specie to be qualitatively distinct from animals – and recognizes it to be in knowledge-order – the specie which has the need to know. The need to know is the natural-expectation of happiness in humankind. Human-happiness is directly connected with its need to know. Human-being tries to fulfill its need to know through use of imagination and free-will – the two traits which are not there in animals. The efforts of stilling the imagination or free-wheeling it – have not succeeded in accomplishing the point of its fulfillment. Human-imagination has remained unfulfilled in its history – and this unfulfillment (or lack of knowledge) in humankind has got imposed on rest of the nature – resulting into the situation where we are today.
Jeevan Vidya proposes that – Human-imagination can only be fulfilled by understanding realities as they are. It is a proposal for understanding realities in existence – as they are.
Whatever human-being understands gets reflected in its culture, civilization, and human-made systems. Education is one such human-made system – with which we transfer to our children the essence of what we have understood. Education is a basic human-need. Unlike animals, which can live harmoniously just through their instincts – humans have a need to learn and understand. Even if schools are not there – we will need to impart education to our children for them to be wise, honest, and responsible. Content of prevalent education is the main issue. Education needs to address the natural-expectation of humankind – i.e. happiness. The content of prevalent education needs to be humanized.
Humane-education alone can bring about the humane mindset. Education is the primary factor in building mindset. Most of us are directly or indirectly involved in Education processes. If faulty-education can do colossal damages, the humane-education can do wonders! Humane mindset alone will stop excesses on rest of the nature – and the wounds inflicted by humankind on Earth will begin to heal. Humane mindset alone can stem the humankind’s greed. It’s not about going back to old ways of living, and to live with denial of senses. It is about acquiring a new mindset – i.e. the “humane” mindset – in which senses remain naturally-controlled. There is no technological solution for the climate-change situation. The exploitative and profiteering mindset is incapable of arriving at solutions that can realize universal-good. It’s only with humane-mindset, we can make technology purposeful. It is with understanding of coexistence – one gets the appreciation of the thread of complementariness in natural-orders, and becomes able to naturally realize its complementariness towards nature. It is not possible to solve climate-change situation through legislative controls. It is possible to solve it through changing the education system.
Criminality is absence of wisdom. It is a reactionary mindset. It is not possible to eliminate criminality from the world by building stricter laws for punishing criminals or by building tighter security systems. A crime cannot be stopped by doing retaliatory crime on the criminal. This will only increase crime. The present education is building a maniacal mindset for profit, sex, and consumption – which is only increasing crime. Terrorism and Wars are crimes at bigger scale. Humanized education alone can build the mindset of justice – which is free of criminality.
At the root of formation of any community or religion is the expectation of freedom from fear. The biggest fear is fear of inhumanness in other. This fear is the root-cause of conflict – as ever-rising walls of “mine” and “other”. Fear is the root-cause of fundamentalism. Fear is illusion – it is inability to see realities as they are. Fear breeds conflicts. Fear or illusion can only be dispelled by right-education or humane-education. Family is the first expression of natural human-organization. The family-relationships are purposeful – and that purpose is to realize justice there. Human-needs – psychological and material – are determined in a family. In the absence of fulfilled relationships in family, a human-being becomes destructive, anti-social or criminal. A resolved and prosperous family alone can be complementary to the society. This is the only way for realizing the vision of united-humankind – as freedom from Conflicts within Humankind.
In this way, Jeevan-Vidya proposes solution – as humanization of education – for present human-condition characterized by climate-change, criminality, and conflicts. Humanization of Education is to incorporate the study of human-being, human-purpose, and co-existence into mainstream education.
Jeevan Vidya proposal is being taken to common public through seven day workshops – called Jeevan Vidya shivirs. The seven day shivir familiarizes the participants with the essential aspects of this proposal, and its possibilities. Many efforts are in progress across the country for incorporating this proposal into regular education curriculums. The most significant efforts are happening at Chhatisgarh – where State Education is proactively training its educators, and redesigning the curriculum for its implementation in secondary level education. Many technical colleges are conducting jeevan-vidya shivirs for their faculties, staff, and students – which is gaining large grounds of acceptance, and people are making choices in their lives in favor of humanness, in favor of co-existence, in favor of natural-balance. Dr A P J Abdul Kalam came in contact with Jeevan-Vidya, and he talked about it in Independence Day Speech in 2006. Jeevan-vidya appeals to people from all backgrounds since it addresses the core-issue for human-living – its happiness.
This proposal has the solution for the present human-condition. This proposal addresses “common people” like all of us. It is a call for awakening our consciousness. Let’s wake up, before it is too late!
- Source: Madhyasth Darshan, while studying it. http://madhyasth-darshan.blogspot.com/

JEEVAN VIDYA STUDY CENTER, SOMAIYA VIDYAVIHAR

JEEVAN VIDYA STUDY CENTER, SOMAIYA VIDYAVIHAR


Inception of Jeevan Vidya Study Center at Somaiya Vidyavihar

Dr. S. K. Somaiya, Chairman, Somaiya Trust formally inaugurated the Jeevan Vidya Study Center at Somaiya Vidyavihar on August 13, 2007 in the auspicious presence of Pujya A. Nagraj Ji, Amarkantak (MP), the propounder of ‘Madhyastha Darshan’. The other dignitaries who graced the occasion were Mrs. Leelaben Kotak, (Late) Shri P. M. Kavadia Ji, Shri V. Ranganathan Ji and Prof. P.V. Narasimham. The inauguration ceremony was held at K J Somaiya College of Engineering, Vidyavihar auditorium.

The Jeevan Vidya activities had already started amongst faculty of various colleges of the campus in early 2006 by Shri Mahendra Singh. Two groups of faculty were sent to IIIT Hyderabad and Abhyuday Sansthan (Achhoti) Raipur during the year. At Achhoti more than 30 participants attended, out of which 5 were heads of the institution. Dr. S. K. Somaiya himself attended the concluding session. He discussed at length with Shri Nagraj Ji, the modalities of implementation of JV at the Vidyavihar campus. He visited Amarkantak and Achhoti twice to interact and take guidance from Pujya Shri A Nagraj

Shri Mahendra Singh migrated to Canada in March 2007. The JV activities in the campus were taken up by Dr. (Mrs.) Niruben Maskai, one of the daughters of Pujya (late) Shri K J Somaiya, who with her persistent efforts made JV a regular and consistent feature. This was natural to her as she had always seen education as a carrier of values just in tune with the noble legacy of her illustrious father.

Dr. (Mrs.) Niruben also visited Amarkantak to meet Shri Nagraj Ji. Her incessant pursuit fructified in Dec-2007. Dr. Surendra Pathak and Mrs. Sunita Pathak from Bhopal joined Jeevan Vidya Study Center, Somaiya Vidyavihar as Director and Research Officer respectively. The task at hand was to spread the message of JV amongst faculty and the students of the campus. To begin with, a group of 17 faculty members from the campus was sent to IIIT Hyderabad for a seven days workshop. Prof. P. V. Narasimham, Mrs. Nikhila Vasavada and Dr. Surendra Pathak also were part of the group.

Objectives of Jeevan Vidya Study Center

1. Enhancement of humanness, human values and human consciousness.
2. To implant ‘consciousness developing value education’ in the content of education.
3. To disseminate the humanness based code of conduct.
4. To promote synergetic (universal) world order, human constitution and human mindset by means of workshops, seminars and research projects.
5. To inculcate in the people a concern for environment, ecological balance and
co-existence.
6. To develop an environment conducive to human consciousness and human values at different centers of knowledge, institutions and educational set-ups.

Jeevan Vidya Activities in the Campus

The mission of value education through Jeevan Vidya started with a multitude of activities. For faculty the orientation was planned in two ways viz Jeevan Vidya workshops and formation of study circles at different institutes. For students, classroom lectures were introduced in the timetable of some of the institutes.

All the daughters of Pujya (late) Shri K. J. Somaiya viz Mrs. Leelaben Kotak, Mrs. Savitriben Dayya, Mrs. Pratimaben Thakkar, Dr. (Mrs.) Niruben Maskai, Mrs. Janakiben Thakkar, Mrs. Divya Mirani, Mrs. Bharatiben Thakkar and the Somaiya family members also attended many a session during the workshops.

Orientation of Faculty

It was Management’s desire that every faculty and non-teaching staff of Vidyavihar should be introduced to the philosophy of Jeevan Vidya. In accordance with this a series of seven days’ (30-35 hours) Jeevan Vidya workshops were organized at different institutions at the campus.

The first in-house workshop was held at KJSCE Vidyavihar, which was inaugurated by Honorable Dr. S. K. Somaiya on January 15, 2008. In his inspiring address Dr Somaiya emphasized the indispensability of values in the present day education system. He said that Pujya Karamshibhai took up the issue with utmost concern and all through his life he remained committed for this noble cause. He remembered Pujya Nagraj Ji quite fondly and with a deep sense of gratitude.

Workshops for faculty

Following workshops were held in the campus for the faculty of various institutions from January to July 2008. The resource persons for these workshops were from IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, IIIT Hyderabad, Abhyuday Sansthan (Achhoti) Raipur, Divya Path Sansthan, Amarkantak and other institutions of repute.

SN Organizing Institution Period No. ofParticipant Main Resource Persons
Year - 2008
1 K J S College of Engineering Jan.15 to 21, 2008 45 Shri Kumar SambhavProf. (Dr.) Pradeep Shri Shriram Narasimhan
2 K J S College of Science and Commerce March 31 to April 5, 2008 42 Shri Sadhan Bhattacharya
3 K J Somaiya Comp.College of Education,Training & Research April 7 to 12, 2008 28 Shri Pravin Singh & Ms. Atishi Marlena
4 K J Somaiya Polytechnic April 14 to19, 2008 48 Shri Yogesh Shastri &Mrs. Suvarna Shastri
5 Smt. S. K. Somaiya Junior College of Edu. April 21 to 27, 2008 38 Shri Somdev Tyagi
6 K J S Institute of Engineering & IT May 12 to 16, 2008 32 Prof. (Dr.) R. R. GaurMrs. Sunita Pathak
7 Shri S K SomaiyaVinay Mandir June 17 to 21, 2008 48 Dr. Surendra PathakMrs. Sunita Pathak
8 Shri S K Somaiya Vinay Mandir (Primary) June 27 toJuly 1, 2008 12 Dr. Surendra PathakMrs. Sunita Pathak
9 K J S College of Engineering July 14 to 19, 2008 40 Prof. (Dr.) R. R. GaurDr. Surendra Pathak &Mrs. Sunita Pathak
10 Rastriya Sanskrit Sansthan Deemed University, GOI August 8 to 12, 2008 35 Dr. Surendra Pathak &Mrs. Sunita Pathak
11 K J S Medical College August 20 to 23, 2008 30 Dr. Surendra Pathak &Mrs. Sunita Pathak
12 K J S College of Science and Commerce Sept 29 to Oct 06, 2008 30 Dr. Surendra Pathak &Mrs. Sunita Pathak
Year – 2009
13 K J S Institute of Engineering & IT Jan 15 to 17, 2009 32 Dr. Surendra Pathak &Mrs. Sunita Pathak
14 KJS College of Art and Commerce Jan 27 to Feb 03, 2009 28 Dr. Surendra Pathak &Mrs. Sunita Pathak
15 Shri S K SomaiyaVinay Mandir (Secondary) April 20 to 24, 2009 20 Dr. Surendra PathakMrs. Sunita Pathak
16 K J S College of Science and Commerce April 23 to 27, 2009 15 Dr. Surendra PathakMrs. Sunita Pathak
17 K J Somaiya College of Engineering, Vidyavihar June 22 to 29, 2009 22 Dr. Surendra PathakMrs. Sunita Pathak
18 K J S Medical College August 20 to 22, 2009 28 Dr. Surendra Pathak &Mrs. Sunita Pathak
19 Project Office Somaiya Vidya Vihar September 10 –13, 2009 12 Dr. Surendra Pathak &Mrs. Sunita Pathak

TOTAL PARTICIPANTS Teacher – 442 and Students – 95 = 537

Classroom Lectures for Students

The lectures held for students during the said period were as follows:

Name of theInstitution Sem/ Numberof Divisions No. of lectures per Division Year No. of Students
SIMSR, Vidyavihar FY/ 05 06 to 08 2008 and 2009 180
KJSCE, Vidyavihar FY/ 10 08 to 10 2008 and 2009 600
KJS IE&IT, Sion FY/ 05 06 to 08 2008 and 2009 300
KJS Polytechnic FY/ 04 15 to 18 2008 300
KJ Somaiya College of Science and Commerce & Arts and Commerce SY/03 + 05 2008 300

Special Session
Special session were organized in the following institutes. Conducted 30 days continuous lectures of one hour daily. The result and feedback was good.

Smt S K Somaiya Jr.College of Education FY/03 One month 2008 and 09 180
K J Somaiya VTI FY/01 20-30 2008 and 09 70

Jeevan Vidya at Mumbai University

After the visit of Pujya Baba A. Nagraj Ji at Somaiya Vidyavihar Mumbai during May 19 to 25, 2009, Mumbai University has implemented partially Jeevan Vidya as a compulsory curriculum for all the branches of engineering from July 2009. It is a part of the syllabus of environmental Studies that is compulsory paper in Vth semester of all BE programmes.

Three days orientation programme for the faculty members of Environmental studies of all 52 Engineering Colleges of Mumbai University was held with joint collaboration of Faculty of Technology, Mumbai and Jeevan Vidya study Centre, Somaiya Vidyvihar from August 6 to 8, 2009 at KJSCE, Vidyavihar. Total Number of participants were 102 in numbers.

The inaugural function presided by Dr. Vijay Khole, VC, University of Mumbai and chief guest Shri Nand Kumar, IAS, Education Secretary, CG, auspicious presence of Dr. S. K. Somaiya, Chairman Somaiya Trust, Guest of honors Dr. Arun D Sawant, Pro VC, University of Mumbai, Smt. Leelaben Kotak, honorable trustee of Somaiya Trust were graced the function. Organizer Prof. S. S. Sahare Dean FOT, Mumbai University and Director JeevanVidya Study Centre Dr. Surendra Pathak were on the dais. Dr. Jyoti Prabha, (Pune), Dr. Jyoit Prabha, (Pune), Ms. Ruby Ardeshir (Pune), Shri Ajay Jain (Surat), Shri Praveen Singh (Bhopal), Shri Rakesh Gupat (Bangalore), Mrs. Sunita Pathak had oriented the participating faculty members during different sessions.


Certificate course in ‘Human Consciousness and Value Education -Jeevan Vidya’
Another add on Certificate course in ‘Human Consciousness and Value Education -Jeevan Vidya’ (part time –three months duration) has been summated to Mumbai University for approval. For the mean time K J Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce, Vidyavihar will conduct this course. The course was inaugurated at K J Somaiya College of Arts & Commerce in which Dr. Nirupma Maskai daughter of Pujya Shri K J Somaiya (Founder) was the Chief Guest. She encouraged the participants with her warm speech and best wishes. The inaugural function other guest was Mrs. Nalini Kumthekar, Principal Dr. Sudha Vyas, Dr. Surendra Pathak, Mrs. Sunita Pathak and Vice Principal and Coordinator Dr. Suguna Rao, Head Department of Sociology. A total of 35 students from Degree College have enrolled for the course.

Study Circles

In order that the faculty get an opportunity for enriching their knowledge and developing an insight into the philosophy of Madhyastha Darshan, ‘study circles’ have been formed at both the Engineering Colleges viz KJSCE, KJSIE&IT and KJS College of Science and Commerce. From the current session the activity of study circle has also been started at Shri S K Somaiya Vinay Mandir and Smt S K Somaiya Junior College of Education.

National Seminar

1. Organized One-day seminar “How to Introduce Values in Higher Education” on September 8, 2008 Prof. Rajeev Sangal, Director, IIIT Hyderabad, Shri Achyutanand Mishra Vice Chancellor, Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Mass Communication, Bhopal and Dr. D.S. Bal, Director, Technical Education Raipur, Chhitisgarh and others were the main distinguish speakers.

2. Conducted a UGC sponsored national seminar on Human Consciousness & Values in Global Society organized by Department of Sociology, K.J. Somaiya College of Arts & Commerce, Jeevan Vidya Study Centre and Population First (an NGO) along with the institute co-ordinator from 11-12 Feb 2009.

Special Lectures by invitees in the campus

A number of special lectures were organized wherein the resource persons shared their experiences regarding implementation of Jeevan Vidya amongst faculty, students and the community at large.

1. Prof. (Dr.) Rajeev Sangal, Director IIIT Hyderabad on Jan 19, 2008

1. At SIMSR for MCA and IT students on ‘Jeevan Vidya’
2. At KJSCE on ‘Artificial Intelligence and Consciousness’
3. In HOI’s Meeting at SIMSR on ‘Value Education through Jeevan Vidya’
2. Shri R. K. Agnihotri (IPS, Retired DG, Madhya Pradesh)
At K J Somaiya College of Science & Commerce on Feb 26, 2008 on ‘Importance of Human Values in Administration’.
3. Prof. (Dr.) R. R. Gaur, Head, National Resource Center for Value Education in Engineering, IIT Delhi

1. At Times Foundation, TOI Building, CST Mumbai on May 17, 2008 on ‘Madhyastha Darshan - The Holistic Alternative’
2. At KJS Polytechnic on May 17, 2008 on ‘Appropriate Technology and Jeevan Vidya’
3. At KJS College of Science & Commerce on July 15, 2008 ‘Relevance of Value Education in Science and Technology’
4. At KJS College of Engineering on July 17, 2008 on ‘Value Education in Engineering’

4. Shri Sachidanand Joshi, Vice Chancellor, Kushabhau Thakare University of Mass Communication and Journalism, Raipur

At K J Somaiya College of Science and commerce on “Environment and Media” on 27 September, 2008 and same day at Smt. Sakarben Somaiya Jr. College of Education.

5. Aacharya Prem Bhatiya, Founder, Vishya Bhartiya Yoga Santhan, New Delhi

At K J Somaiya Rastirya Sanskirit Samnthan on Jan 19, 2009 at 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

6. Dr. Sandeep Pandey Magsaysay awardee, Lucknow and Shri Pawan Gupta, Smt. Anuradha Joshi (Society for Integrated Development of Himalayas, Mussoorie)

At Smt. Sakarben Somaiya Jr. College of Education on Feb11, 2009 on “Value Education and present education system.”

7. Shri Kanakmal Dugar Ji chairman, Gandhi Vidya Mandir, Sardarshahr, Rajasthan delivered lecture and interact with the faculty members on Thursday 15th October, 2009 between 11.00 am to 12.00 noon.

8. Shri Chandrabhushan Tiwari (A renowned environmentalist from Lucknow):

The lectures were organized at the following institutes:
Nov 20, 2009
· At Shantikunj for the students of JV Certificate Course from Arts & Commerce College from 11:00 to 12:00 am
· KJS VTI Vidyavihar from 12:00 to 1:00 pm organized by the Principal Shri Karkhanis.
· At Smt. S. K. Somaiya Junior College of Education from 3:45 to 4:30 pm. This was attended by all faculty and students of the institute.
Nov 23. 2009
· At S. K. Somaiya (Jr. College) Vinay Mandir from 11.30 am. to 12.00 noon. Faculty members of the institute attended the lecture.


Jeevan Vidya activities outside the campus

1. Dr. Surendra Pathak, Director, Jeevan Vidya Study Center, Somaiya Vidyavihar

v A three-hour introductory lecture was delivered on Jeevan Vidya at the residence of Dr. Chhotalal Shah, Ghatkopar on July 22, 2008. Around a dozen members from six families attended this lecture.
v Ghatkopar Bramins Samaj arranged JV Lecture. The lecture were delivered by Dr. Surendra Pathak at 6.00 pm to 7.45 pm at their institute on Nov 03, 2008.
v A guest lecture was delivered at SQAE (EE) DGQA Complex (Army Office), LBS Marg, Vikhroli on August, 2009.
v Attended 14th National Convention of Jeevan Vidya in Hyderabad (at Abhyasa School, Toopran, Medak), Andhra Pradesh from 1st to 4th October 2009 and made a presentation.
v Dr. Surendra Pathak delivered the keynote address on “Communalism, Terrorism and Human right” in the inaugural session of two days national seminar at Govt. P.G. Collage Morena, Madhya Pradesh on Oct 24, 2009.
v Two 7 days (Oct 27- Nov 3) Jeevan Vidya Shivirs were conducted at IASE University Sardarshahar, Rajasthan one each for the select 40 faculty members of the University and 53 students of the Bal-Gruh. In these shivirs Dr. Surendra Pathak was one of the resource persons. Apart from this 3 lectures on JV were delivered in the ongoing Gyanoday Shivir in the campus by Dr. Pathak.
v Dr. Surendra Pathak delivered a lecture on “Madhyastha Darshan Based Alternative Education” in Akhil Bharatiya Shodh Goshthi organized by Bharatiya Pragya Parishad, Ahemadabad at Tirupati Tantra Niketan Parisar, Keshav Nagar, Akola on Nov 7-8, 2009.
v On Nov 14-16, 2009 Dr. Surendra Pathak participated in the 3 day “Mitra Milan” organized on the death anniversary of Acharya Vinoba Bhave at Pawnar Ashram, Wardha.
v Delivered a lecture as Resource Person at STTP program on “Sunrising Technologies in Environmental and Energy sciences and soft skill” workshop (FROM 2nd
Dec TO 18th Dec 2009) on 15.12.09 session I (10.30 am to 12.30 noon) which was conducted by The Department of Engineering Sciences and Humanities, Saraswati College of Engineering, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.

2. Smt. Sunita Pathak, Jeevan Vidya Study Center, Somaiya Vidyavihar

· A guest lecture was delivered at Gujari Bramin Samaj, Ghatkopar on
· Seven lectures on JV were delivered by Dr. Surendra Pathak and Sunita Pathak at Vrindavan Society, Sion from August 28 to September 3, 2008 daily from 8.30 pm to 10 pm.
· Ghatkopar Bramins Samaj arranged JV Lectures. The lectures were delivered by Dr. Surendra Pathak and Mrs. Sunita Pathak at 5.00 pm to 7.45 pm at their institute on Nov 03, 2008.
· A guest lecture was delivered at V G Vaze and Kelkar College, Mulund on Feb 21, 2009 at 12:00 noon. On the same day another lecture was delivered at Nagar Vachanalaya, Thane at 8:00 pm
· A guest lecture was delivered at Senior Citizen Forum, Sion on Jeevan Vidya on March 21, 2009 at 5.30pm.
· On July 7, 2009 Mrs. Sunita Pathak delivered a lecture on ‘Personality Development and Values’ for tenth standard students of Gurukul School Ghatkopar.
· A guest lecture was delivered at SQAE (EE) DGQA Complex (Army Office), LBS Marg, Vikhroli on 22 September 2009 for their officers and staff on the occasion of Hindi Pakhwara. About 40 persons were attended the lecture.
· Two days (05 hours per day) lectures was delivered at a small Muslim woman group at Penvel September 16 and 24, 2009.
· Smt. Sunita Pathak was felicitated by Lions’ Club, Ghatkopar for her excellence in teaching at Jolly Jimkhana, Ghatkopar West on Sept 25, 2009.
· Attended 14th National Convention of Jeevan Vidya in Hyderabad (at Abhyasa School, Toopran, Medak), Andhra Pradesh from 1st to 4th October, 2009.
· Delivered a lecture On JV for the third year Computer Engg students at Terna Engineering College, Nerul Navi Mumbai from 1.45 to 2.45 pm on Oct. 10, 2009.
· Mrs. Sunita Pathak delivered a lecture on “Communalism, Terrorism and Human right” in the Valedictory session of two days national seminar at Govt. P.G. Collage Morena, Madhya Pradesh on Oct 25, 2009.
· Mrs. Sunita Pathak delivered a lecture On JV for the faculty members of SIES Engineering College, Nerul on Nov 12, 2009 from 3:00 to 4:30 pm. The Principal and the Vice Principal of the college also attended the session along with a total of 30 faculty members.
· A guest lecture was delivered on “Important of woman in Indian society and their role in development of national building ” SQAE (EE) DGQA Complex (Army Office), LBS Marg, Vikhroli on 24 Nov 2009 for their officers and staff
· Delivered a lecture as Resource Person at STTP program on “Sunrising Technologies in Environmental and Energy sciences and soft skill” workshop (FROM 2nd
Dec TO 18th Dec 2009) on 15.12.09 session II (2.00 pm to 4.30 pm) which was conducted by The Department of Engineering Sciences and Humanities, Saraswati College of Engineering, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.


Response of the participants

A feedback/ evaluation session is held at the end of every JV workshop wherein the participants express their views on the concept and content of Jeevan Vidya. Authorities from Somaiya Trust along with college Principal attend the feedback sessions.

Almost all participants expressed that the workshop helped them have clarity about their own self and an increased level of self-confidence. This will ultimately result in better harmony in their relationships in family, society, nature and the overall existence.

They perceived JV as a universal solution to present day problems and opined that JV should be inevitable part of academic programme/ curricula and some assured of their active participation in this mission.

Need of Consciousness Developing Value Education

In today’s global scenario the importance of human values for individuals, institutions, organizations and legal systems is being felt intensely. Need for setting the mankind free from animal consciousness and its transformation into human consciousness also is being realized fervently.

Content of present day education directly or indirectly incites consumerism, sexuality and a blind lust for profit making. This is leading the socio-ecological life to complete instability and disaster. Protection of mankind from despair, depression and frustration; society from exploitation, injustice and crime; families from disintegration and valuelessness; nature from ecological imbalance is call of the day. Jeevan Vidya can be a panacea for all these ills. It has been put forth for human society in the form of a proposal.

A National Convention on Value Education (VE) through Jeevan Vidya (JV) was organized at IIT Delhi in collaboration with IIT Kanpur and IIIT Hyderabad from May 22 to 24, 2007. The convention was inaugurated and attended by H.E. the President of India Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. The participants were Vice Chancellors, Directors of IITs, Professors, Heads and Scholars from over 50 leading academic institutions, delegates from industry and representatives of various social groups.

At the convention it was strongly felt that VE must be incorporated in education in general and technical education in particular. The panel discussions highlighted the need for designing of VE courses based on JV. It was recommended that a VE program must be universal (secular and non-sectarian), Rational (based on reasoning and verifiable through experience and experimentation), leading to harmony (within humanity and with nature) and conducted without preaching. It was concluded that JV satisfies the above criteria.

A national committee was formed to guide VE through JV. The responsibilities of the committee were to present the recommendations to AICTE and Ministry of HRD, work to develop the reference material, disseminate JV amongst the academic community and to help provide faculty training for this purpose.

A National Committee on VE through JV was formed which comprised of Dr. Sanjay Dhande, Director, IIT Kanpur (co-chair), Dr. Surendra Prasad, Director, IIT Delhi (co-chair), Dr. Rajeev Sangal, Director, IIIT Hyderabad (co-chair), Dr. R R Gaur, IIT Delhi (convenor), Dr. Abhijit Mitra, IIIT Hyderabad, Dr. Deepak Gupta, IIT Kanpur, Prof Ganesh Bagaria, HBTI, Kanpur, Shri Pawan Gupta, SIDH, Mussoorie, Shri Sadhan Bhattacharya, Divya Path Sansthan, Amarkantak, Shri Som Dev Tyagi, Abhyudaya Sansthan, Raipur, Dr Punjab Singh, Vice Chancellor, Banaras Hindu University, Brig. S S Pabla, Director, MIT, Manipal and Dr. D S Bal, Director, Technical Education, Chhattisgarh, Raipur.

Madhyastha Darshan : Sah-astitva-vad (Jeevan Vidya)

Madhyastha Darshan elucidates the inherent order in the Existence and has been expounded in the form of universal aphorisms. It is completely free of mysticism. For realization of human goal Madhyastha Darshan: Sah-astitvavad contemplates on co-existence in the whole existence, mutual fulfillment and cyclicity in nature, nature friendly ways and behavior in society, value based justice in family and contentment with right understanding in an individual.

A. Nagraj (Amarkantak)

Shri A. Nagraj (88) was born in a Vedmoorthi family at Agrahar village in Hasan district of Karnataka. In his quest for truth behind the Existence, quite in his early youth he migrated to Amarkantak, origin of the holy river Narmada, in 1950. After around 20 years of sadhana he attained the state of realization. He visualized the entire existence, the inherent order present in it and answer to each of his queries.

The human centric philosophy propounded by him, which he has christened as Madhyastha Darshan – Sah-astitvavad, is a universal remedy for all the ills that are marring the present day society and the nature. The philosophy, which is quite comprehensive in nature, has been presented in four parts viz: Manav Vyavahar Darshan, Karm Darshan, Abhyas Darshan and Anubhav Darshan.

Vyavaharvadi Samajshastra, Avartensheel Arthachintan, Manav Sanchetnavadi Manovigyan, Samadhanatmak Bhautikva, Vyavaratmak Janvad and Anubhavatmak Adhyaamvad, Pribhsha Samhita, Manviya Samvidhan are the treatise on universal human conduct, universal order and an integrated society by Shri A. Nagraj.

Jeevan Vidya Yojna, Manav Sanchetanavadi Shiksha Sanskar Yojna and Parivar Moolak Swaraj Vyavastha Yojna are the programs based on the above philosophy designed to realize the cherished human goal.


Dr. Surendra Pathak
Director, Jeevan Vidya Study Center
Somaiya Vidyavihar

UGC sponsored NATIONAL SEMINAR On HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS & VALUES IN GLOBAL SOCIETY

SOMAIYA VIDYAVIHAR
GOLDEN JUBILEE YEAR (1959-2009)

UGC sponsored

NATIONAL SEMINAR
On
HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS & VALUES IN GLOBAL SOCIETY

Organized by
Department of Sociology
K.J. Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce
(NAAC Accredited)
in collaboration with
All World Gayatri Parivar
& Jeevan Vidya Study Centre
On
11-12 February, 2009


Venue: K. J. Somaiya College of Engineering Auditorium
Vidyavihar, Mumbai – 400 077
Tel : 25115915 Fax : 25138367
Email : principal@kjsac.somaiya.edu
Website : www.somaiya.edu


PATRONS
Dr. S.K. Somaiya
(Vice-President, Somaiya Vidyavihar)

Smt. Leelaben Kotak
Shri Samir S. Somaiya
(Trustees, Somaiya Vidyavihar)

SEMINAR ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Prof. Sureshbhai Shah
(Hon. Secretary, Somaiya Vidyavihar)

Shri V. Ranganathan
(Hon. Secretary, Somaiya Trust)

Prof. A.P. Pradhan
(Chief Academic Advisor, Somaiya Vidyavihar)

Dr. S.K. Bhavani
(Educational Consultant, Somaiya Vidyavihar)


CHAIRPERSON
Dr.(Smt.) Sudha Vyas
I/c Principal
VICE – CHAIRPERSON
Dr. Deelip Palsapure
Vice-Principal

CONVENOR
Dr.(Smt.) Suguna M. Rao

CO-ORDINATORS
Smt. Minal Popat Dr. Surendra Pathak


ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
Dr. (Smt) Sarala Bijapurkar Smt. Anita Thakkar
Smt. Rohini Fadte Smt. Mrunal Bhatt
Shri. .N.P. Bhinde Shri. P.J. Doshi
Smt. Chandra P. . Smt. Prasanna Suvarna
Shri.Joseph John Smt. Vijaya Ramnath
Smt.. Sumita Ghosh Smt. Sonali Deogirikar
Smt. Pramila Patil Shri Mahesh Dravid
Shri. Jateen Dave Shri. Narendra Pathak
Shri Rajesh K Kum. R. Kanchan

ABOUT SOMAIYA VIDYAVIYAR

SOMAIYA VIDYAVIYAR, founded in the year 1959 by Padmabhushan (late) Shri Pujya Karmshibhai J. Somaiya is situated in a lush green campus of 60 acres at Vidyavihar and 35 acres at Sion. It is a beehive of 34 educational institutions with 1700 teaching staff and 27000 students and offers education from K.G. to P.G. and even Ph.D. in diverse streams – Humanities, Social Sciences, Commerce, Science, Medicine, Engineering and Management.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE

K.J. Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce was the first institution to be set up in the year 1959 with the vision “Education for All”. Our mission is to reach the student community through co-curricular activities with special focus on inter-disciplinary Seminars, Conferences and Workshops.

The college offers courses for U.G., P.G. and Ph.D in Arts, Commerce and Management. There are 52 teaching staff in Degree College among whom 20 are P.G. recognized teachers and 5 are Ph.D guides. The college also has a Gandhian Studies Centre and a spacious, well-equipped, computerized library. The NCC unit of this college has won the Vice-Chancellor’s Banner for 3 consecutive years. Value-Education forms an integral part of the college curriculum which helps in moulding the students to become socially responsible citizens.



THEME OF THE SEMINAR

The 20th century has witnessed spectacular scientific, technological, social and political changes all over the world. However, we also witness widespread misuse and abuse of power, resources and military along with a deterioration of social and moral values. The demands of women and minority groups for equal rights are also posing a challenge to present generation.

Humanity, to survive through such turbulent times, needs to combine reason with compassion in order to build constructive social and moral values. Thus, only with a change in human consciousness can society truly alter the destructive path we are on right now. In the era of globalization, developing a uniform human consciousness among both, men and women can only bridge the gender inequality as well as other inadequacies. Education helps in this process by cultivating critical ability in the individuals while mass media can provide a helping hand in propagating appropriate values.

This Seminar makes an attempt to understand the need and scope of developing human consciousness and values in the present day global society.



PROGRAMME

Wednesday, 11th February, 2009

9.00 a.m. Registration

9.30 a.m. Inaugural Function

Keynote address : Dr. Pranav Pandya (Director, All World Gayatri Parivar and Chancellor, Dev-Sanskriti Vishwa Vidyalaya)

Speeches by Guests : Dr. Kiran Bedi ( Magsaysay Award Recipient)
Dr. Sandeep Pandey ( Magsaysay Award Recipient)

Presidential Address :

11.15 a.m. Tea Break


11.30 to 1.00 p.m. SESSION 1

Gender Equality through Development of Human Consciousness and Values
Guest Speakers : Smt. Anuradha Gupta
Smt. Sunita Pathak

Paper Presentations

1.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m. : LUNCH




2.00 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. : SESSION 2

Role of Media in Developing Human Consciousness and Values in
Democratic Society
Guest Speakers : Prof. Sachitanand Joshi
Prof. Arjun Tiwari

3.30 p.m. to 3.45 p.m. : Tea

3.45 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. : Paper Presentations









Thursday, 12th February, 2009

9.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m.: SESSION 3
Developing Human Consciousness in Global Society
Guest Speakers : Dr. Pawan Gupta
Dr. A. L. Sharada

11.00a.m. to 11.15 a.m.: Tea

11.15a.m. to 1.00 p.m.: Paper Presentations

1.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m. : Lunch

2.00 p.m. to 3.30 p.m.: Panel Discussion and Interactive Session on : Relevance
of Values in Civil Society

3.30 p.m. to 3.45 p.m.: Tea

3.45 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.: Valedictory Function



• Papers/Articles are invited on the Sub-themes mentioned in the 3 sessions latest by 31st January, 2009.
• Registration Fees : Delegates : Rs.500/-
Students / Research Scholars : Rs.250/-
Contact: Dr. Suguna M Rao : 09833000275, sugunamrao@gmail.com
Dr. Surendra Pathak : 09930905790, pathak06@gmail.com












About All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP)

The Saint –scholar-Philosopher par excellence Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya (1911-1990) is the founder of Shantikunj which has grown into a unique centre of a global movement of ‘Yug Nirman Yojana’. It is devoted to cultural, ethical, moral and spiritual awakening of the masses and national integration. It is pledged for national peace, prosperity, amity, love, goodwill and fraternity irrespective of region, religion, faith, caste, creed, sect etc. Gayatri Pariwar has a following of more than twenty million devoted disciples and seventy million persons all over the world.
Another noteworthy contribution of AWGP is the establishment of an university of its own kind in the world ‘Dev Sanskriti Vishwa Vidyalaya’ with the objective of imparting global education on scientific spirituality and lifestyle. These form the base of human transformation and result in the development of Divine Manners, charming habits, noble character, sweet behaviour and elegant qualities which may enable the human race to shun its ego, selfishness and material greed and develop rational thought , compassion for all animate and inanimate world.
Dr. Pranav Pandya is the chancellor of this university. He is also the director and head of AWGP. www.dsvv.org and www.awgp.org.




About Jeevan Vidya Study Center
at Somaiya Vidyavihar.


It was inaugurated on Aug 13, 2007, by Dr. S.K. Somaiya in the presence of Pujya A. Nagraj ji of Amarkantak who is the propounder of ‘Madhyastha Darshan : Sah-astitva-vad. Jeevan Vidya is a unique effort in promoting positive values through our education system. It is concerned with analyzing and solving the basic causes of major problems of social disintegration, ecological imbalances, violence, corruption, exploitation, domination, terrorism and war. In the words of former President of India, Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam, ‘I understand Jeevan Vidya is a teachable human value based skill that can address inherent conflicts within the mind of the individual, within families, in organizations and in public life’. Dr. Surendra Pathak is the director of this JV Study centre.

The objectives of J.V. Study Center include-
• Enhancement of humaneness, human values and human consciousness.
• To implant ‘consciousness developing value education’ in the content of education.
• To disseminate the humanness based code of conduct.
• To promote universal order, human constitution and human mindset by means of workshops, seminars and research projects.
• To inculcate in the people a concern for environment enrichment and co-existence.
• To develop an environment conducive to human consciousness and human values at different centre of knowledge, institutions and educational set-ups.

invitation

Date: 14.01.2009

To,

The Vice Chancellor/ Principal/ HOD/ Heads of the Institution/Faculty members


Dear colleagues,

We cordially invite you to participate in the UGC sponsored National seminar on “Human consciousness & values in global society” being organized by Department of Sociology, K.J. Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce, (NAAC Accredited), in collaboration with All World Gayatri Parivar & Jeevan Vidya Study Centre, Vidyavihar on 11 and 12 Feb 2009 at SIMSR auditorium 4th floor Vidyavihar campus.

• Papers/Articles are invited on the Sub-themes mentioned in the 3 sessions latest by 31st January, 2009.
• Registration Fees : Delegates : Rs.500/-
Students / Research Scholars : Rs.250/-
Contact: Dr. Suguna M Rao : 09833000275, sugunamrao@gmail.com
Dr. Surendra Pathak : 09930905790, pathak06@gmail.com

Anticipating a favorable response, with regards, thanks.


Dr. Suguna M Rao
Convenor,

09833000275
sugunamrao@gmail.com


Enclosed brochure, Please download

Introduction

I am Surendra Pathak