The highest objective of knowledge as prescribed in the Hindu scriptures is 'VIDYA AMRUTAM ASHNUTE' - Attaining enlightenment through knowledge. Knowledge has also been attributed with the power to redeem - 'SA VIDYA YA VIMUKTAYE'. So education is not just a process of transferring information but also a tradition to inculcate virtues like truth, fearlessness and self-reliance in a person.

To instill these qualities in students, H.H. Pramukh Swami Maharaj has established a magnificent academic institution, the SWAMINARAYAN VIDYAPITH. This English medium educational complex is spread over 50 acres of land, and presently caters to students from Standard 4 to 12 (Science/Commerce/Humanities). The objective of the Vidyapith is to provide quality education and mould the students in consonance with the fundamentals of Indian culture.

The Vidyapith constantly strives to sharpen the intellectual and analytical abilities of the students and provides them with excellent learning centers, information center with various periodicals and CDs, Computer Lab, S. S. Activity Center, Physic Lab, Chemistry Lab, Biology Lab, Mathematics Lab, Activity Lab, Lifeskills Lab, Communication Lab, Counseling Room and other activities like arts, crafts, music, dance, etc. The uniqueness of this school lies in the school-in-school concept which provides perennial academic training for teachers where it helps them to make an in-depth study of their respective subjects and also keeps them abreast with the latest developments in the field of education.

The school has a breathtaking landscape of more than 100,000 sq.ft of greenery where more than 1,000 varieties of flowers bloom, apart from trees and herbs. It has large spacious buildings and sprawling indoor and outdoor playgrounds. To keep the students physically fit, they are taught gymnastics, skating, aerobics and yoga, which form a part of the students' daily routine. Not considering hostels merely as places for boarding and lodging, here it is a sacred place for the development of the student through spiritual awakening and service to society. In the arti and prayer assembly conducted in the mornings and evenings everyday, students are taught discipline, self-control, simplicity, good character, servitude and devotion to the Almighty.

To facilitate the students to carry on their daily activities smoothly and undisturbed, the hostel houses Gruh Sanchalikas and a Gruh Mata. Apart from the weekly prayer meetings, the daily assemblies also intertwine activities like skits, debates, quiz, study-circles, classical music recitals, seminars, folkdances to bring out the latent abilities in the children. Other facilities include a magazine room with various periodicals, in-house facility for computer education, communication facility through email and telephone, sports and recreational activities like tours and picnics. There is a medical clinic run by a full-time nurse and visited daily by prominent doctors to care of the students' health. A variety of fresh, tasty and nutritious food is served in breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner. The ambience created by students, teachers and Gruh Sanchalikas dining together makes this sacred place different from its contemporaries.

The system of education in the Swaminarayan Vidyapith has influenced and impressed parents from India and abroad. Current trends suggest that this figure will increase in the next academic year. This is because people have immense faith in the work inspired by H.H. Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Apart from the fragrance of flowers in the gardens of this unique educational institution, one can also experience the fragrance of value-based education in the students.

For more details please contact vidya_amrut@live.com

© 1999, Bochasanwasi Shree Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, Swaminarayan Aksharpith