Mangaluru: Education must not only impart subject knowledge but also foster values that enrich life and serve society, said Swami Muktidanandaji, president of Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysuru, and trustee of Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Belur Math.

He was speaking at the inauguration of ‘Medha-2025’, a seminar for teachers and aspiring educators, held at Ramakrishna Mission, Mangaluru, on Friday. The programme was organised under the theme “Service – The Spirit of True Education”, commemorating Swami Vivekananda’s historic speech at the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893.

Teachers as leaders of society

In his keynote address, Swami Muktidanandaji stressed the need for every teacher and trainee to cultivate medha shakti (intellectual ability). “Swami Vivekananda called upon humanity to manifest the completeness within man. The very purpose of life is to realise this inner perfection. Education must help us understand ourselves. A teacher’s role is not limited to teaching lessons but to imparting noble values in the classroom,” he said.

He further noted that a true teacher becomes a true leader of society, inspiring students not only with knowledge but also by instilling a sense of service. “Teachers must ignite a thirst for knowledge in students and sow seeds of values that benefit the larger community,” he added.

Seminar highlights

The inaugural event was attended by Akshay KC, executive director of KVG Medical College and Hospital, Sullia, who participated as a special invitee. Swami Jitakamanandaji, secretary of Ramakrishna Mission, Mangaluru, was also present.

Following the inauguration, the seminar featured a series of sessions by resource persons:

  • Swami Mahamedhanandaji, director of the Ramakrishna Institute of Moral and Spiritual Education (RIMSE), Mysuru, conducted the first session.

  • K Raghottama Rao, director of Manas Training Centre, Bengaluru, led the second session.

    • Panel discussion on teaching as service

    A panel discussion on the theme “Teaching as Service – Nurturing Hearts and Minds Beyond the Curriculum” was also held.

    The panel featured:

    • Dr Ravish Tunga, founder of Dr Tunga’s Manasvini Hospital, Mangaluru

  • Dr Chandrashekhar Damle, educationist and columnist from Sullia

  • Chintana Rajesh, headmistress of VKR Acharya Memorial School, Kundapur

    • The discussions emphasised the transformative role of teachers in shaping students’ character and the need for value-based education in modern society.

    Conclusion

    The seminar highlighted the relevance of Swami Vivekananda’s vision in today’s educational framework, where academic excellence must be integrated with values of compassion, service, and self-realisation. With insights from spiritual leaders, educationists, and practitioners, Medha-2025 called upon teachers to go beyond curriculum-driven teaching and nurture both the intellect and the heart of every learner.