Gurukul education should complement mainstream system, not be replaced: RSS chief Bhagwat

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat urged the incorporation of Gurukul-style education into the mainstream system on Aug 28, emphasizing that it is more about imparting knowledge of India’s traditions than living in an ashram.

During the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Bhagwat clarified that he does not advocate making Sanskrit mandatory but stressed that understanding the country’s history and heritage is essential.

“The 64 aspects of the Vedic era that are relevant should be taught. Gurukul education should be integrated into the mainstream, not replaced,” he said.

He drew comparisons between the Gurukul model and Finland’s education system, which he described as progressive and inclusive.

“In Finland, which is a leading country in education, there is a separate university for training teachers. Many people come from abroad because the local population is small, so they accept students from all countries,” he said.

“Education up to the eighth grade is conducted in the mother tongue of the students. So Gurukul education is not about going and living in an ashram; it has to be linked with the mainstream,” he added.

Bhagwat also praised the new National Education Policy, calling it a timely reform and highlighting the historical neglect of India’s education system.

“A new education system was introduced because we always remained in slavery to the foreign invaders who were the kings of those times. They wanted to rule this country and not develop it,” he said.

“So they made all the systems keeping in mind how we can rule this country. But now we are free. So we don't just have to run the state; we have to run the people,” he added.

He further noted that children should be taught about India’s past to build a sense of pride and confidence.

“We have shown that. All this had to change. A little bit has happened in the last few years, and its awareness has increased,” Bhagwat added.