QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ON EDUCATION::

Q:- Many great leaders in the past did not have formal school education. Are these schools really necessary then?

Ans:- The great leaders learnt the basic values like truthfulness, honesty, straightforwardness, service, patriotism, etc... In their childhood from their parents. Now the situation has changed considerably. Parents are forced to work hard for a livelihood in the fast changing socioeconomic conditions in the country, and to send their children to schools and hostels for education. Even though the present education system may not be ideal, it has produced men and women of exemplary character in various fields of life. Therefore, it largely depends on the student as to how he/she builds up his/her life and character. Schools do provide secular knowledge and there is every opportunity for character building.

Q:- Why do the students use drugs?

Ans:- Lack of self-confidence, frustration, ignorance of higher values, imitation (peer pressure) etc. Are some of the reasons why students take drugs. The most important cause is bad company. Some students use drugs as a fashion or to overcome the agony of failure in examinations. They think that by using drugs, they can forget the problems and live peacefully. On the contrary, they become addicted and ruin their lives and their family.

Q:- Can you give some suggestions to students on how to study?

Ans:- 1) Have fixed hours for studies. Study during those hours everyday. By this, the mind will get used to studying during those hours and it will become easy to concentrate.

2) Before commencing studies, withdraw the mind from all sides.

3) Posture: Sit Straight. Do not bend the spine. An erect posture would increase the power of concentration of the mind. Many students tend to bend their heads and rest on their hands or the table. This is only an invitation to sleep and not to studies. Don't read lying down on the bed.

4) Don't talk while studying.

5) Don't read superficially. Read carefully with concentration. Make notes and take down points of what you read.

6) At the end of the day, spend a few minutes for stocktaking or revising the lessons learnt at schools or elsewhere. This helps in keeping freshthe ideas in mind.

7) Discuss with your co-students. It is said that learning has four parts. First is the knowledge obtained from the teacher. Second is the knowledge gained by the student's own effort. Thirdly, he or she gains by discussing with his/her colleagues and co-students. The fourth factor is time. In time, knowledge matures.

Q:- What is the position of education in today's life when everything can be obtained by the power of money?

Ans:- Irrespective of th condition of the society, the glory and sanctity of education (vidya) will remain the same. As Swami Vivekananda puts it. Truth does not pay homage to society, ancient or modern. Society must pay homage to truth or die'. Money can buy seats in professional colleges and degrees and certificates but it cannot buy education. Which is a life-long process and is never complete. The position of education is very high and it can't and shouldn't be made a commodity.

Q:- Between studies and moral character which is more important for the students?

Ans:- Swamiji said,''It is character that cleaves through the adamantine walls of difficultise.'' the worth of a student's character is tested in the way he faces the stress and strains of the fast changing world. Without inner grit and moral Strength, many a genius succumbs to the negative forces.

The strength of the society depends on its men of education. Enlightenmentand character and not on its revenue or armies. For a student, human excellence and moral character are far more important than academic excellence.

SERVICE IN THIS WORLD IS
THE HIGHEST PRAYER. LOVING THE PEOPLE AROUND US
IS THE GREATEST DEVOTION.
.........................................................................

::Advice To Students::

>Get up 4 a.m. Never sleep at sunrise. Study your class throughly everyday.
>Be regular in diet,games, and physical exercises.
>Serve and respect your teachers, parents and elders.
>Love your equals and inferiors and also your servants.
>Never quarrel with co-students.
>Talk little, speak politely, gently, sweetly and lovingly.
>Preserve semen(vital fluid) very carefully. Never waste even a drop of this precious energy through any unnatural means.
>Through Brahmacharya or celibacy you can conquer the whole world.
>A true Brahmachari attains success in all undertakings.
>Serve the sick at home as well as in your neighborhood.
>Be obliging to one and all.
>Develop good character, memory and health with great care.
>Pray to God daily for fifteen minutes as soon as you get up from bed and before you go to bed.
>Develop concentration and deep thinking by performing yogasanas daily.
>Do at least one act of selfless service every day.
>Never neglect the study of Sanskrit.
>Study by heart one sublime verse from the Quran or your religious books everyday.
>Give Up smoking and other bad habits.
>Never waste your time. Be always busy. Avoid useless company.

If you put practice the above instruction, I assure you an excellent career and success in your life. You will become a dynamic personality.
(from 'Effective study techniques' main source: 'students success in life')
:GOALS:
KEEP YOUR HEAD AND YOUR HEART IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AND YOU'LL NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT YOUR FEET.