Staff Reporter :
Observing the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on January 30, Pt. Lajja Shankar Jha Government Model School of Excellence, Jabalpur has maintained a profound tradition that transcended conventional tributes. While the nation observed two minutes of silence, the faculty and student body of Model School dedicated an entire academic day to complete ‘Maun Vrat’ to internalise Gandhian principles.
The observance commenced following the morning assembly, initiated by the collective chanting of “Om,” after which a total silence descended upon the campus. The instructional process adapted to this constraint as the teachers utilized blackboards to convey lessons and students articulated their inquiries through written notes and non-verbal gestures.
School Principal, Upma Gupta told that this method fosters heightened concentration, patience, and a disciplined approach to learning among the pupils. This practice is not a recent development but a heritage dating back to the 1950s. It serves as a pedagogical tool to connect the younger generation with the core tenets of Gandhi’s philosophy which includes Truth (Satya), Non-violence (Ahimsa) and Self-restraint (Atma-Samyam).
School teacher, Seema Mishra noted that the silence serves as a powerful medium for self-reflection and character building, demonstrating that “there is immense strength in silence.”
The day of rigorous silent discipline concluded shortly before the school’s dismissal. The vow was broken collectively as the campus resonated with the melodies of Bapu’s favorite hymns, including “Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram” and “Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye.”
The event concluded with a pledge by both students and staff to integrate the ideals of compassion and national service into their daily lives.