PRERNA

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Picture Courtesy: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2045738

Context: The Union Minister for Education met with students, teachers, and parents of the  Prerana Programme at the 78th Independence Day Celebrations in New Delhi.

About Prerana Program

• The Prerana Program is a weekly residential learning initiative designed for selected students from classes 9 to 12.
• Organized at the Vernacular School in Vadnagar school in Mehsana, Gujarat, which was established in 1888.
• The program aims to blend historical significance with modern educational practices.
• Each week, a batch of 20 students, including 10 boys and 10 girls, from different parts of India is selected to participate in this residential program.

Teacher Training ●Teachers selected for the Prerana Program come from Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas. ●They undergo specialized training at IIT Gandhinagar to become facilitators of this unique educational experience. ●The training ensures that teachers can effectively guide students through the program's diverse and innovative activities.

Aims and Objectives of the Program

• The Prerana Program is a vision for holistic education. The goal is to make education a more engaging and meaningful experience.
• By integrating creative projects with historical and cultural exploration, the program aims to:
  • • Promote Critical Thinking: Encouraging students to engage with complex ideas and historical figures in creative ways helps develop their critical thinking skills.
    • Promote Cultural Awareness: Field visits and cultural stories enhance students' appreciation for India's rich heritage.
    • Encourage Innovation: Activities like the Charkha project develop an innovative mindset and practical problem-solving skills.
    • Build Leadership Qualities: The immersive and varied activities are designed to build leadership and confidence among students.

3 Stage application process for the Prerana Program

• Initial Registration: Students from Classes 9 to 12 in any recognized school can register online at the Prerana website (prerana.education.gov.in). This stage involves filling out details that highlight the student's academic and extracurricular achievements.
• Talent Exhibition: Selected students must showcase their talents through various creative activities. This could include recording a short video, writing essays or poems, or creating artwork on themes like "Why should I be selected for Prerana" or "My Vision of India @ 2047."
• Final Selection: In the last stage, a personal interview and additional assessments will determine the final participants.

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum of the Prerana Program is developed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar and is centred on nine value-based topics:

• Swabhiman and Vinay (Self-respect and Humility): Emphasizing the importance of self-respect and humility in personal and professional life.
• Shaurya and Sahas (Courage and Bravery): Encouraging students to face challenges with courage and determination.
• Parishram and Samarpan (Hard Work and Dedication): Highlighting the value of hard work and dedication towards one's goals.
• Karuna and Sewa (Compassion and Service): Promoting a sense of compassion and the importance of serving others.
• Vividhta and Ekta (Diversity and Unity): Promoting respect for diversity while encouraging unity among different groups.
• Satyanishtha and Shuchita (Integrity and Purity): Instilling values of integrity and purity in thought and action.
• Navachar and Jigyasa (Innovation and Curiosity): Encouraging innovative thinking and a curious mindset.
• Shraddha aur Vishwas (Faith and Trust): Building faith and trust in oneself and in others.
• Swatantrata and Kartavya (Freedom and Responsibility): Balancing the importance of freedom with the responsibilities it entails.

Engaging Experiences During the tour, students will engage in a variety of enriching activities: ●Creative Projects: Activities include making portraits of national heroes using unique materials like Rubik’s cubes and pushpins. These projects are designed to make students think deeply about the philosophies and contributions of these leaders. ●Innovative Learning: Activities like developing a charkha (spinning wheel) that generates electricity help students understand historical technologies and their relevance in modern times. This hands-on approach bridges the gap between historical knowledge and practical applications. ●Historical and Cultural Exploration: Students visit local archaeological sites and historical locations, such as the Sharmishtha Jheel and Tanariri gardens. These visits are aimed at instilling pride in India's rich history and culture. ●Inspirational Stories: The curriculum includes stories from Gujarati folklore, such as the tale of Tana and Riri, which highlight cultural values and the significance of devotion and sacrifice. ●Holistic Learning: The program includes yoga and mindfulness sessions to develop well-being and focus. The goal is to provide a balanced educational experience that nurtures both the mind and body.

Daily Program Structure

• Yoga, Mindfulness, and Meditation Workshops: These activities help students develop mental clarity, focus, and emotional well-being.
• Experiential Learning and Thematic Seminars: These sessions provide hands-on learning experiences and deep dives into various topics.
• Heritage and Inspirational Visits: Evening activities include visits to historical and heritage sites, offering students a tangible connection to India’s rich cultural history.
• Film Screenings and Creative Activities: Inspirational films and creative activities develop a well-rounded educational experience.

Impact and Benefits

By combining value-based education with practical experiences, the Prerana Program aims to:

• Develop Leadership Skills: The program helps students build leadership qualities through various activities and learning experiences.
• Encourage Personal Growth: Students gain insights into their own strengths and areas for improvement, promoting personal development.
• Develop a Sense of Community: By bringing together students from different backgrounds, the program promotes unity and understanding.
• Enhance Cultural Appreciation: Visits to heritage sites and engagement with India’s cultural history deepen students' appreciation for their heritage.

Role of Human Values and Ethics in Education

• In today’s rapidly evolving world, the integration of human values and ethics into education is increasingly vital.
• The advancement of science and technology, coupled with the growing impact of human activities on the environment, has led to numerous social, political, and cultural challenges. In this context, the importance of a value-oriented education becomes more important, especially in a diverse and dynamic country like India.

Understanding Values

• Values are fundamental beliefs that guide our actions and decisions. They represent what we consider important in our lives.
• Values can be categorized into several types:
  • • Intellectual Values: These include knowledge, critical thinking, and scientific inquiry. They promote the pursuit of truth and understanding.
    • Moral Values: These encompass qualities such as honesty, self-control, and devotion to duty. They shape our character and ethical behaviour.
    • Personal Values: These involve individual traits like sincerity, self-worth, and cooperation. They affect how we interact with others and view ourselves.
    • Social Values: These relate to community and culture, including punctuality, respect, and tolerance. They help in developing harmonious social relationships.

Significance of Ethical Values in Education

Preserving Cultural Heritage	●Indian culture, with its rich traditions and ethical teachings, provides a foundation for values education. ●Historical texts like the Vedas and Upanishads emphasize moral principles such as truth, duty, and respect. This heritage helps maintain a strong cultural identity amidst globalization.
Promoting Holistic Development	●Character Building: Incorporating values like honesty and empathy into education develops well-rounded individuals who are not only academically excellent but also ethically grounded. ●Balanced Perspective: Ethical education helps students navigate modern challenges with a balanced perspective, combining technological advancements with moral considerations.
Addressing Social Challenges	●In the face of increasing materialism and the influence of external cultures, reinforcing core values like truth and non-violence becomes essential. This helps counteract negative aspects and promote positive societal change.
Creating Responsible Citizens	●Education infused with ethical values prepares students to become responsible leaders and citizens who contribute positively to society. ●Understanding and practising values like justice and equality help in addressing issues like poverty and discrimination.

Steps to Develop Human Values in Education

• Teacher’s Role:
  • • Modelling Values: Teachers play a crucial role in imparting values. Students often learn the behaviour of their teachers, making it essential for educators to model ethical behaviour consistently.
    • Training Programs: Implementing training programs for teachers can enhance their ability to teach values effectively. These programs should focus on integrating ethical principles into daily teaching practices.
• Curriculum Design: The curriculum should include subjects and activities that promote values education. For example, discussions on historical figures known for their ethical contributions can inspire students.
• Community Involvement: Parents should be involved in value education to reinforce lessons learned at school. Workshops and seminars can help parents understand the importance of values and how to support their children’s ethical development.

Integrating human values and ethics into education is not just a necessity but a responsibility. By integrating these values into educational practices, we not only preserve cultural heritage but also prepare students to face contemporary challenges with integrity and wisdom.

Conclusion

• The Prerana Programme represents a forward-thinking approach to education, focusing on holistic development and leadership. By blending traditional values with modern educational techniques, it aims to prepare students not just academically but also personally for the challenges of the future.

Source:

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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. What are the key components of the Prerana Program, and how do they integrate with the ethical values of education to shape student character and leadership?