In English
Pupils in schools must have a strong foundation
Through the centuries India has nursed many religions, creeds and sects. But the essence of all (spiritual sciences) is that in every being there exists the Divine. The teaching of this essence is very necessary today. As the Minister for Education said just now, the foundation of an edifice has to be very strong. Even a small house requires a foundation. For a tree to grow, the roots have to be strong indeed. Without roots the tree will collapse with the first gust of wind. A house without a foundation will also fall down in a heap. Similarly, pupils in schools must have, for their satisfactory progress in life, a strong foundation. And what is a strong foundation? Moral, ethical and spiritual knowledge and experience are the best foundation. But there is no use simply talking about foundation. When are we to build on it? We are all the time discussing only the plan. This present movement for (Progressive Primary Schools) is only the foundation. High schools would be the walls, and colleges the roof. All the three have to be planned at the same time. They are going to complement one another. Today we are laying the foundation, but that is not the end. The building has to be erected. The sapling is planted but it still has to be watered, manured and carefully tended. To be born as a man is the highest fortune of (individual being). So you must make the best use of this rare chance. You must practise in daily life what the (inner conscience) urges you to do. When this is done, the villagers will also be charged with spiritual adventure through their children, and the entire will vibrate with a new enthusiasm. I desire that you should make all efforts in this direction. I wish you would take a vow in this regard for, believe Me, there is no sacrifice higher than this, no nobler than this, no offering holier to God than this.