“Teachers must be dedicated to creating a new generation of students rooted in Indian culture and values,” said Banwarilal Purohit, President, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, India and Worldwide, on Sunday. He was speaking at a felicitation programme organised in his honour following his appointment as President of the Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan. The event was organised by the Nagpur Kendra of Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan at Bhagwandas Purohit Vidya Mandir, Civil Lines. Rajendra Purohit, Chairman, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Nagpur Kendra; Dr Sunanda Sonarikar, K M Agrawal, Jimmy Rana, Prof Q H Jivaji, Justice Ravi Deshpande, Dr Pankaj Chande, Dr Vinay Nangia, Padmini Jog, Annapoorni Shastri, Arunima Muzumdar, T L Raja, Anju Bhutani and Swapnil Giradkar also shared the dais. In his address, Banwarilal Purohit emphasised the role of teachers in nation-building and in nurturing future generations with Indian culture and values.

 

“The British implemented the Macaulay system of education in India to destroy Indian traditions and culture. Teachers now have the responsibility of nurturing the new generation with Indian culture and the value system,” said Purohit. He further stated that Kulapati K M Munshi established the Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan in 1938 to provide culture-based education to Indians. “Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan will always be at the forefront of liberating the Indian education system from British influence,” added the former Governor. Delivering the welcome address, Dr Pankaj Chande described Purohit as a ‘Tatvanishtha Karyapurush’, saying that he never compromises on his principles and dedicates himself wholeheartedly to every task he undertakes. “Unlike many other politicians, Banwarilal Purohit has maintained an unblemished image even after a political career spanning nearly 40 years,” said Dr Chande.

 

He also underscored that Purohit has always been highly motivated, as reflected in his recognition as the Member of Parliament who asked the highest number of questions in the House. The principals of various Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan schools, including Veena Verghese, Lalit Joshi, Vandana Bisen, Parvati Iyer, Sarbani Bose, S Raji, Janki Mani and Kirti Mishra, along with Srimathy Madkholkar, were also present on the occasion. Nidhi Purohit and Ratna Guha compered the programme, while Reena Joshi proposed the vote of thanks.