Mysore/Mysuru: Spiritual thinker Shankar Devanur lamented that the present education system is promoting only ways and means to earn more money and not promoting values and personality development among students.

He was speaking at an interaction on ‘Moulyadharita Shikshana Mattu Vachana Sahitya’ organised by Sharana Sahitya Parishat, Mysuru Unit at Gopalaswamy Educational Institutions premises in Lakshmipuram recently.

“The tender age children must grow in a cultural environment, which can be assured  by Vachana literature. Vachanas develop and illuminate one’s personality. Teachers must be pro-active in this direction,” he said.

Stating that present day children must come out of the illusions of western education, Shankar Devanur explained how he was blessed with knowledge at his alma mater Devanur Sri Gurumalleshwara Mutt’s educational institutions and spoke about the education being offered by the Suttur Mutt to rural students which is unique by itself.

“Vachana Sahitya of 12th century has the content to promote value-based education which is so essential for present day students. It is not the intention of education to provide mere information, but also to inculcate the art of living. Present day teachers must make a sincere attempt to impart the gist of Vachana Sahitya to students and also introduce them to the Guru-Shishya tradition,” added Shankar Devanur.

Sri Sharathchandra Swamiji of Kundur Mutt, who also spoke, opined that it is important to give value-based education to our generation and the parents should not  shirk away  from  their responsibilities.

Former Deputy Director of  Kannada and Culture Department M.G. Sadanandaiah, retired Kannada Lecture of Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala S.S. Ramesh, retired Professor of University of Mysore Dr. K.S. Mallesh, Dr. H.T. Shylaja, Professor of BGS B.Ed. College Dr. Bettaswamy and Prof. Sadashivamurthy were present.