Role of Teachers Crucial in Holistic Education ;

Nistha Zone-Level Conference of Secretaries and Presidents Held in Khordha.

Dillip Kumar Pattnaik

KHORDHA, OCTOBER 4: Education is not confined to acquiring knowledge from textbooks or securing good marks in examinations; rather, its fundamental objective is to ensure the harmonious development of a student’s body, mind, intellect, heart and spiritual consciousness, speakers said at a Nistha Zone-level conference of secretaries and presidents held at the Sri Aurobindo Purnaanga Siksha Kendra in Khordha.
The conference was organised with the objective of strengthening the concept of holistic education in the education system and providing a platform for teachers, heads of institutions and secretaries to deliberate on its aims, objectives and practical implementation.

Around 120 presidents and secretaries from Puri, Khordha and Nayagarh districts participated in the conference and exchanged views on various aspects of holistic education. The participants emphasised the need to give greater importance to ethics, humanity, spiritual development and character building in the educational process.
The conference was held under the chairmanship of Madhab Chandra Rautray, president of the Sri Aurobindo Purnaanga Siksha Kendra. The proceedings began with the offering of floral tributes to the portraits of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo. Shaswati Rautray presented the Mother’s music, while Rabindranath Padhi recited from Savitri.
Nistha Zone coordinator Sukanta Kumar Jena introduced the guests and delegates attending the conference. Madhab Chandra Rautray delivered the welcome address and spoke on the objectives and relevance of the conference.
Anand Chandra Pradhan elaborated on the aims and objectives of the organisation. He stressed the need to view education not merely as a means of intellectual development but as a powerful instrument for the overall development of students.
Education coordinator Kapilendra Mishra discussed various dimensions of holistic education and highlighted the significant role of teachers in developing discipline, human values, creativity, self-confidence and a sense of responsibility among students.
A member of Navajeevan Siksha Sansad, Aparti Das, proposed the vote of thanks at the end of the first session.
The second session featured group discussions on subjects including the role of teachers, self-development of teachers, and the aims and objectives of holistic education. The participants also deliberated on the theme, “To become a good teacher, one has to become a great yogi.”
The discussion focused on how a teacher’s character, conduct and personal ideals influence students. Speakers emphasised that teachers must continuously work on their own personal development if they are to effectively guide and inspire students.
Navajeevan Siksha Sansad state president Prasad Tripathy participated as the principal speaker in the session and elaborated on what should constitute the aims and objectives of holistic education. He said a teacher was not merely a provider of knowledge but had a crucial role in shaping the lives of students and guiding them towards the right path.
The participating presidents and secretaries also shared their experiences and views on making the concept of holistic education more meaningful and ensuring its effective implementation at the school level.
The discussions highlighted that the fundamental purpose of education should be to prepare students mentally, morally and emotionally to face the various challenges of life. The participants stressed the need to make education more humane, value-based and oriented towards real-life needs.
Manoj Kumar Mahapatra, Mamata Sahu and Dipti Mayee Sahu, among others, extended cooperation for the successful organisation of the conference. Surendra Nath Jena proposed the concluding vote of thanks.
The participation of representatives from Puri, Khordha and Nayagarh created an atmosphere of meaningful reflection and interaction. The conference was viewed as an important platform for promoting the ideals of holistic education and for exploring ways to make the educational process more humane, value-oriented and life-oriented in the coming days.