A truly sustainable model

Sustainable Lifestyle at Gurululum

Vimukti Vishwa Vidhyalaya Gurukulam, Sabarmati, Ahmedabad

Gurukulam was started in 1996 as a small initiative in Ahmedabad and now has 340 students in 4 different branches at Ahmedabad, Surat & Mumbai.

• Reviving one technology revives the entire connected set-up. For eg. Reviving the khadi cloth- revives organic cotton farming, hand spinning,hand weaving, vegetable dyeing, hand looms, the rural setup, joint families, local animal based transport and in turn re-establishes the 18 varna system.

• Similarly imbibing good values (sanskar) in childhood will help in building good families, society, then the nation and further will enable a change in the destiny of all humankind.

Value system

Sustainable Living

Holistic Education

Focus on Individual talent and potential

Gurukulum Philosophy

The Gurukulam system of teaching represents a system of knowledge that evolved from the perfectly developed intuitive abilities of Rishis of ancient India that was supported by logic and proved by its soundness in practical applications.

Inspiration

• Inspired by Guruji PujyaMuniraj Shri Hitruchi Vijayji MS.

• Realised a need to set up a knowledge and value based education system on the principle of Sa-vidya-ya-Vimuktaye which means education is that which liberates.

• Education is not just passing information to generate money but a process of self- learning to develop one’s highest potential.

“Vidya Arambh Sanskar” Induction Ceremony for new studentsWelcome to Gurukulum

“Vidya Arambh Sanskar” Induction Ceremony for new students

Gurukulam helps in translating reality into knowledge, knowledge into wisdom and then using this wisdom to solve problems in practical life by keeping a balance between mind and emotions.

• Gurukulam system of education attempts to impart the timeless knowledge in disciplines of astronomy, healing sciences, architecture, art, mathematics that had been perfected in ancient India.

• The introduction to classical languages begins with Sanskrit, the ancient source of all modern languages. Practice of its pure sounds and phonetics, and its highly articulated grammar provides an excellent base for the study of other languages.

The subjects covered in the curriculum are be languages (Sanskrit, Gujarati, Hindi, English and other languages), Grammar, Poetry, Shabd Kosh, Ancient (Vedic) mathematics, religious education - philosophy, music (instrumental and vocal), physical training and training in the arts out of 72 kalas as described by the First Jain Tirthankar Shri Rishabhdev BhagwanJyotish shastra ` Neeti shastra ` VastuShastra ` Kautilya’s Arth shastra ` ShilpShastra (sculpture) ` Samudrik Shastra` Shakun Shastra ` Mantra-tantraShastra ` Yantra Shastra ` VanaspatiShastra ` Pak Shastra ` Khagol Shastra(Astronomy) `

In Gurukul tradition there is no place for text books but there are relevant scripts. All its aspects are studied and kept by the Guru but are not given to the students. They are neither burdened to read the entire script nor do they have to spend anything to buy them. Based on the Guru’s discourse the students make their own notes depending upon their individual capability and this becomes their text books and relevant scripts also.

Don’t just talk about sustainability rather live sustainably is a theme foundation of Gurukulam.

Daily routine is according to the solar cycle. Use of solar energy is maximised and work requiring minimum energy is done at night.

Gurukulam Lifestyle

The diet too is carefully regulated according to the Ayurvedic principal of 3 Doshas that is Vaat, Cough and Pitta. Pure, vegetarian (Sattvic) diet is given to children. Food is cooked on traditional Chulha using cow dung cakes. All the grains, pulses, edible oil and grocery are organic. Only local variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables are consumed. No Hybrid food, frozen & preserved foods are used.

Food is Served in Baithak Style, Utensils are in Bronze and washed with Ash

The principle of ahimsa is followed in every sphere of activity. Universal love and compassion for all living beings is a way of life. This system provides an opportunity to live with the four resources of land, water, forest and cattle, to respect and to conserve them.

The institute avails regular services of an eminent Ayurvedic Vaidya who will impart knowledge of Ayurvedic science and will also take care of medical needs of students based on Ayurved, will supervise their food prescription and diet based on seasons. Gurululum also organises Ayurveda training camps.

The typical schedule:

4 to 5 am- Wake up

5 to 7am.- Study Sanskrit

7 to 8 am- prayer & Yogabhyas

8 to 9am- devoted to personal hygiene, cleaning eyes with Triphala, cleaning teeth with ayurvedic powder. Then they all line up to have Dhar Ushnafresh cow Milk. Every child takes Sharashvat Churna, an ayurvedic preparation for enhancing memory, followed by breakfast.

9am to 12noon - Study of Sanskrit sambhashan, vedic mathematics, painting and languages.

12 to 1pm- Lunch followed by Vamkukshi to aid digestion.

1 to 4pm- Study of Shastras like jyotish shastra, religious Sutra, Kavya shastra, vedic mathematics, Shastriya sangeet – vocal and instrumental.4 to 5pm- Seasonal fruits are provided and thereafter they go to play games like rope malkham, pole malkham, kushti, horse riding, Lathi dav, kabaddi, kho-kho, long jump, high jump etc.5 to 6pm.- Ready for dinner before sunset.

6 to 7 pm.- Prayer8 to 9pm.- Practice theater, dance, music, public speaking and other activities.9 pm. - Sleep

The students conform to simple Indian traditional clothing made from hand spun, hand woven and natural dyed Khadi fabric. No detergent are used for washing cloths.

Organic and natural food

AurvedicPowder for

bath

Organic Textile & natural dyed

Clothing

Wooden Toys and teaching

aids

Bronze Utensils

The library, Sudharma Swami Gyan Bhandar, houses over 50000 books and manuscripts.

Other activities at Gurukulam include rewriting of manuscripts on handmade jute paper, natural ink and grass kalam

Miniature Paintings with natural colour

Cultural Activities at Gurukulum

Eco Friendly events decoration

I have been one of the student of Gurukulam parampara and was exposed to the traditional knowledge system and Ayurveda during my 2 year stay with Guruji.

Inspired by this exposure, I decided to get involved with an initiative, called Asal, to showcase Indian traditional lifestyle as the most sustainable way of the living in today’s context. I have been successful in inspiring a few thousand households to fully or partially adopt sustainable practices and implant sustainable ideas into their varied lifestyles.

Thank You