Title of the Practice

Gyan Deeksha – Invocation Ceremony

Objectives of the Practice

One of the important innovations of the University is the Gyan Deeksha, which is the invocation ceremony that takes place at the first study day of all the students in the University. The University strongly believes that if there could be an end to Deeksha (Deekshant) then there should be a beginning of the Deeksha too and this ceremony is designed with that objective in mind.

The Context

Students coming from diversified backgrounds amidst the current technological trends and their orientation towards generic materialistic mindset that prevails in society surrounding them, it’s a challenging task to implement such unique practice from day one which connects them directly to the tenets of divine culture.

The Practice

The very beginning of the student and teaching life at the commencement of each semester happens with a traditional invocation ceremony, where the newly joined and existing students, along with the faculty members, are introduced to the value system of the University, as well as the expectations from them while studying or teaching at the campus. They are welcomed by being felicitated with a Gayatri Mantra Dupatta and a Tulsi sapling, respectively representing that they must aspire for refined intellect and purity in life. Notably, in the past few years, this practice has been replicated by various institutions and campuses as they invite the University team to conduct the same ceremony at the beginning of the new academic year.

Evidence of Success

The success of core teachings of Gyandeeksha reflects in the lifestyle, behaviour & value system of individuals. Such disciplined and cultured graduates are brand ambassadors of such initiative not only as a student while they are studying, rather they spread the noble ideas through their actions in their respective workplace & society. They regularly express their gratitude towards DSVV & are working as agents of change in society.

Problems Encountered and Resources Required

Implementation of Gyandeeksha (Invocation Ceremony) is a bit challenging in the era of science & technology where youngsters find it difficult to adopt a lifestyle based on Indian cultural values. Though, this ‘out of the box’ looking idea is at the core of the Indian Knowledge system. University has been practicing this scientifically grounded practice since its inception. Today’s youth and their parents want scientific & western education based understanding of the Indian practices. Since, from the adoption of dress code to core Indian lifestyle starts from the Invocation ceremony, it is very crucial to make them understand the scientific & psychological basis of this practice. Fortunately, as far as Indian cultural practices are concerned the need of external resources are less than the mental faculties of an individual. University has wonderful infrastructure along with well-equipped human resources to implement such a wonderful initiative. So, basically to make the respondent ready is a more tedious task then collection and allocation of resources.

Notes (Optional)

Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya has conducted 39 Gyan Deeksha Ceremonies till and in every Gyan Diksha many eminent people have been invited from India & abroad. From Chief Ministers to centre cabinet ministers and various national and International celebrities found this practice quite innovative, interesting and inspiring. More than fifty educational institutions have now begun this practice in their respective institutions. Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya is working like a torch bearer institution to provide right direction to many other education institutions. DSVV is providing modern education with ancient values and like many other components of ancient value based education Gyan Diksha is one of the most important scientifically grounded practices.