Childhood is the symbol of the future and the hope of all victories to come.

-The Mother

For most of them do not receive the education that would teach them to protect themselves.

Towards the Future, CWM, On Education

If you will study, study for her sake; train yourselves body and mind and soul for her service. You will earn your living that you may live for her sake. You will go abroad to foreign lands that you may bring back knowledge with which you may do service to her. Work that she may prosper. Suffer that she may rejoice. All is contained in that one single advice.

-Sri Aurobindo

The Annual Bal Samskriti workshop took place on November 25, 2024, centered around the theme ‘Fostering a Reading Culture Through Creative Expressions and Holistic Development for Future Education.’ This initiative was organized in celebration of World Children’s Day by AuroBharati, in collaboration with the Sri Aurobindo Society in Puducherry and the Sri Aurobindo Integral Education Centre located in Matrubihar, Kalupadaghat, Khordha, Odisha. The session aimed to promote a reading culture through the lens of Creative Expressions and Holistic Development for Future Education, inspired by the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.

Dr. Kishor Kumar Tripathy, Member Secretary of AuroBharati, Sri Aurobindo Society, extended a warm welcome to the attendees and provided an overview of the importance of fostering a reading culture, particularly highlighting its role in Creative Expressions and Integral Development for future educational paradigms.

Shri Sanjay Kumar Mohapatra, Principal of the Sri Aurobindo Integral Centre, elaborated on the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, discussing the necessary mechanisms for revitalizing the educational framework with a focus on reading culture, supported by references from various scriptures and literary traditions. Integral education specialist Shri Shivram Panda from Odisha, along with Bhaiya Abhinav Kumaar, a retired educator from DAV in Bihar, and faculty members from the Sri Aurobindo Integral Centre, contributed valuable insights regarding the principles of reading culture as derived from the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.

Mrs. Charu Tripathy, the Associate Director of AuroBharati, articulated the goals of the Bal Samskriti Workshop, emphasizing the importance of skill development through a range of innovative activities. The interactive session, led by Kishor Kumar Tripathy, placed particular emphasis on the dual application of the teaching-learning framework, integrating traditional knowledge systems with their scientific applications.

The speaker underscored the pivotal role of science and technology in enhancing human society throughout history, with references found in ancient texts that encompass spirituality, cosmology, sociology, life sciences, natural sciences, and more. There exists a necessity to re-examine traditional and indigenous knowledge systems alongside contemporary technological advancements.

He highlighted the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother regarding future education, discussing principles essential for fostering a reading culture, which include accessibility, relevance, diversity of expressions, and practices that promote lifelong learning. He also addressed the availability of content in both physical and digital formats, ensuring inclusive collections that reflect various languages, cultures, and interests.

The session further concentrated on creativity and integral development, drawing from the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. Student participants were organized into groups and provided with the book “Education of the Future.” They were tasked with selecting a specific theme from the text for group discussion. Each group appointed a leader to articulate their collective insights. The session was coordinated by Charu Tripathy, Associate Director of AuroBharati, SAS, along with faculty members from Kalupadaghata, Odisha.

The session proved to be enriching, as leaders shared innovative perspectives on future education, global citizenship, lifelong learning, and societal responsibilities as engaged citizens. Through a question-and-answer format, the focus was placed on intellectual development and fostering stimulating dialogue among participants. The event served as a significant platform for students to deepen their comprehension of reading culture through an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary lens.