In plain words
Students! You who have entered this institution of learning must first of all recognise the value of education. That is the mark of the truly educated. “In the books there is learning galore; in the heads, mud in abundance.” For one who has filled his head with mud, it is of no use however many books he reads. Many elders have been saying this very thing. “My son! You have entered an institution of learning. How far have you got in your learning?” When some elder asks this, the children answer with words nobody can understand. Students must bring fitting fame to the place of learning where they study. They must win a great name in society. An institution of learning is like a great tree. In it, the various subjects are like the branches and twigs. Self-confidence is the ‘roots’ of this tree. The fragrant flowers that blossom on these branches and twigs are the good qualities. Ānanda is the ‘fruit’ this tree yields. If there are only branches and twigs below, with no fruits and flowers above, what use is it? Every institution of learning must give the highest importance to the students' ‘character’. The end of education is character. Character does not mean merely good conduct. Everyone in this world must be regarded as brothers and sisters. The girls and boys who study in the same college must regard one another as brothers and sisters. First of all there must be purity of feeling. Purity of feeling is what leads to the attainment of Jñāna.
“The students are my property”
Embodiments of Prema! Our students are truly full of good qualities! I proclaim at all times that the students are my property. With such property in my keeping, what need is there for me to worry! I asked the children who had gone to Delhi and come back after writing their examinations, “My dear ones! What did you write about?” “Swami! We are your property, are we not! It is our duty to proclaim the good qualities and ideals we have learnt in your presence. To fulfil your ideals is the aim of our education,” they said.