Pioneering education steeped in Indian values

As Bhavan Vidyalaya gets another school in New Chandigarh, which is all set to launch in the 2022-2023 session, it's time to look back at this chain of educational institutes three in the tricity, one in Amritsar and Delhi each which has been striving to impart forward-looking education steeped in Indian ethos.

It was in 1978-79 when Jaisukhlal Hathiji, Governor first of Haryana and then of Punjab, and a senior member of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan executive committee, asked me to establish the Chandigarh Kendra and be its chairman. I recalled having said that I was too young for this role. He smiled, and asked me to be vice-chairman and explore a senior person for chairmanship.

Dr KM Munshi, India's freedom movement activist, politician, writer, educationist and environmentalist, had founded Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in November 1938 with the support of Mahatma Gandhi.

The Bhavan's aim was to preserve Indian culture, and develop a healthy mind rooted in the noble values of the past, but eager to embrace all things progressive in the present to strive for a more radiant future.

The institution grew rapidly over the years with a cooperative, apolitical, national ethos and an international outlook.

It continues to inculcate ethical and spiritual values. It's also been a great advocate of nature and the annual Van Mahotsav, initiated by Munshiji.