Talk by Shivakumar, on YouTube: Click here.
Talk by Priti Umamahesvaram, on YouTube: Click here.
To mark a decade of its partnership with Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry, in the field of Integral Education, Bejon Desai Foundation (BDF), Nashik, organized Maharashtra’s first one-day Conclave on Integral Education on 3 May 2026 at the Guru Gobind Singh College Auditorium, Nashik. Conceived as a platform to deepen understanding of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother’s vision of Integral Education, the conclave brought together eminent speakers to share their insights and experiences in the field. The event attracted an enthusiastic gathering of around 270 participants, including school management members, principals, and teachers from Nashik, various parts of Maharashtra, and other states across India.
The following were the eminent speakers and their topic, for the conclave:
- Shivakumar – Director, SAFIER & AuroYouth, Sri Aurobindo Society: National System of Education as envisioned by Sri Aurobindo in 1910
- Priti Umamahesvaram – Project Co-facilitator, SAFIER & AuroYouth, Sri Aurobindo Society: The Need of Integral Education in the present times
- Dr. Jayanthy Ramachandran – Principal, Mirambika Free Progress School, Sri Aurobindo Ashram - Delhi Branch: Free Progress Education at Mirambika
- Dr. Ajit Sabnis – Member – Executive Committee, Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry and Chairman of Auro Schools, Bengaluru: Integral Education in Mainstream Education in the Light of NEP 2020
National System of Education as Envisioned by Sri Aurobindo in 1910
– Talk by Shivakumar
Shivakumar presented Sri Aurobindo’s vision of India as Bharata Shakti, founded on the discoveries of Tat (the Supreme Truth), Yoga, and the Divine presence within each individual. He highlighted Sri Aurobindo’s three tasks for national resurgence and explained how the National System of Education was conceived as a framework for nurturing integral human development and realizing India’s deeper spiritual destiny.
After this, he handed over the session to Priti, to explore how the Mother joined Sri Aurobindo to develop this approach into Integral Education.
The Need for Integral Education in the Current times – Talk by Priti Umamahesvaram
In her talk, Priti Umamahesvaram explained how Sri Aurobindo and the Mother developed Integral Education as an approach that fosters the harmonious growth of the physical, vital, mental, psychic, and spiritual dimensions of the child. Contrasting it with today’s utilitarianism and the industrial mindset of fixed outcome-driven education system, she emphasized the need for a shift in consciousness towards a more holistic and transformative vision of education.
Free Progress Education at Mirambika – Facilitated by Dr. Jayanthy Ramachandran
Dr. Jayanthy Ramachandran described Free Progress Education as a process of growth guided by the soul rather than external conventions. Drawing on Mirambika’s practices, she demonstrated how beauty, self-reflection, project-based learning, quiet time, and connection with nature help nurture the child’s inner potential and psychic growth.
Integral Education in Mainstream Education in the Light of NEP 2020 – Facilitated by
Dr. Ajit Sabnis
Dr. Ajit Sabnis explored the alignment between the National Education Policy 2020 and the principles of Integral Education. He emphasized the need to shift towards child-centred, inquiry-based, and collaborative learning, while sharing practical insights on implementing five-fold education within mainstream schools.
This was followed by a Panel Discussion with the speakers, where the participants were invited to ask questions on implementing Integral Education. The speakers gave appropriate and satisfactory answers. Bejon Desai Foundation felicitated 12 schools with whom the foundation in collaboration with Sri Aurobindo Society has worked on a year-long institutional program in Integral Education, by awarding the school management with a Certificate of Appreciation.
Some feedback from the Participants:
“The power is within us and we need to identify it and help it grow in our children through this noble profession. Education is not just for earning money, it is for knowing yourself.” – Meenal Dalal, Co-ordinator, Wisdom High International School, Nashik
“The 3 aspects that make India, Bharat, Inner soul, the power within.” – Minoo Sharma, Ashoka Universal School, Nashik.
“Calling out the power of one’s inner self. Reflective practices, giving opportunities to students to unfold their capacities.” – Twinkle Fernandes, Lilavati Lalji Dayal High School and College of Commerce, Mumbai.
“The conclave focused and brought one thing to light that students need to learn about themselves, the student or person who knows himself will lead a better India.” – Athar Shaikh, Srujan Foundation’s G.D. Burkule Institute of Research & Education in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nashik.
