Sarada Vidya Mandir, Raiganj, Uttar Dinajpur - Providing holistic education with a blend of nationalism, cultural values and technological mind-set making its students true global citizens

In a perfect scenario, ancient, time tested values and culture peacefully coexist with modern technology and sense of enquiry. Selfless nationalism resides in the minds of present day global citizens. Many are of the notion that to achieve one, the other needs to be sacrificed but such views need not to be true. For years Vidya Bharati School, Sarada Vidya Mandir located in Sudarshanpur, Raiganj has been successfully blending the positive aspects of both the worlds seamlessly.

In a recent interview, the principal of the school, Shri Dhrubajyoti Adhikary explained how the school has successfully managed to uphold the values of Vidya Bharati alongside providing it students with best modern education in such a manner that they can become true global citizens with hearts rooted in rich heritage of Indian history and culture.

Sarada Vidya Mandir located in Sudarshanpur Raiganj Uttar Dinajpur West Bengal is a Co-Educational Senior Secondary institution affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) since 1999. The school has been operating officially under the trust/society Sarada Seva Trust Raiganj. The school is equipped with large class rooms and all essential modern facilities needed for overall development of the 2000 plus students. It follows the curriculum mandated by all CBSE schools and follows its examination format, but according to Mr. Adhikary, what sets the school apart from other similar CBSE schools, is its attention towards the moral development of the students as well. He believes that education does not stop with books and tests, but should encompass all-round development of the students. Humanity, Nationalism, Social service, Cultural values, all find its place alongside top quality academics. 

Mr. Adhikary is of the view that schools should be treated with the same reverence as temples, where children come not only for academics, but learn about grooming their behavioural pattern, empathy for society, respect and selfless service towards their nation. They are encouraged to learn about operation and coordination, rather than blind competition. To teach the students to be proud of their own Indian roots, the class divisions are not named ‘A,B,C etc.’ but are named after national heroes and legends.

The school is one of the most technologically advanced in the North Bengal region and has an ‘Atal Tinkering Lab’ in its premises. It was also one of the first in the area to start online classes for students during the recent pandemic related lockdown. The school believes in being flexible and moving with times but without sacrificing the values of humanity. 

The students are also taught the importance of environmental protection, and one of the practices started by Mr. Adhikary is that all students on their birthday will plant a sapling and take care of it. The school is also one of the first in the area to incorporate a ‘plastic free’ policy inside the compound.

The students are educated about social service as well and organise regular visits to nearby backward rural areas, so that the students learn about their problems and difficulties. The students and teachers together provide free education to children from these areas at a regular basis. The school also has a great concept, where any student when they get promoted from one class to the other, they would donate their old books to those who cannot afford to buy such costly textbooks. Frequent blood donation camps are organised and in times of regional scarcity of water, the school makes arrangements to provide fresh drinking water to areas that are struggling the most. During the pandemic situation, the students and teachers made educational videos regarding the situation and uploaded them on the school’s YouTube channel.

Alongside academics moral and social development, physical activities, games and sports occupy a pivotal role in the over curriculum. Girl students are especially encouraged to part in different forms of sports. For this Mr. Adhikary has started the concept of counselling the parents of the students as well, because in India, many families are still hesitant to let their girls participate in sports freely. The effort has paid off and the girl students are doing exceptionally well at state level competitions, winning medals in consecutive years.

Other Co-curricular activities such as music, dance, oration, art, debate and quizzes also find their place in the school curriculum as well.

As a testament of the quality education provided by the school, several alumni are well placed in and outside India. One of their alumni, Mr. Raman Ghosh is also working with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). Recently one of the alumni Souradeep Das, topped in the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE 2020).

Sarada Vidya Mandir, Raiganj is an exemplary school that makes an effort to not only educate its students, but to make them into ideal citizens for our country..

Shri Dhrubajyoti Adhikary - Principal

If you are interested to help in the nation building process and donate for development of Vidya Bharati schools, you can email us at info@vidyabharatialumni.org or donate online at: https://www.vidyabharatialumni.org/donation