In an attempt to tone down the impact of westernisation while adopting unique strategy to inculcate moral values among the school kids, soon the government school children across Jharkhand will celebrate ‘Maatri-Pitri Pujan’ (Parents’ Worship Day) at their respective schools. This is the first of its kind initiative taken by the State Government to promote moral values among school kids in such an innovative way.
HRD Minister Dr Neera Yadav has recently instructed the officials of Department of School Education and literacy to organize ‘Maatri-Pitri Pujan’ event across all 40,000 government schools once a year.
According to the Minister, the move will eventually develop a sense of respect among the students for their parents that is rare to find in this ever changing dynamic world. “When people can celebrate Mothers Day and Fathers Day across the world, we too can initiate a step like ‘Maatri-Pitri Pujan’ across the government schools. Also, when we talk about instilling moral values among the school kids, developing respect for parents-guardians comes first,” said Yadav.
Yadav further added that according to the communiqué, all school principals have been given the freedom to select one specific day to organize this event at their respective schools. “I have suggested in the communiqué that the event can be organized on holidays or special occasions, considering the school calendar, the programme can be organized. No date by far has been fixed by the Department for this; however this will be an annual affair,” she added.
On asking what inspired her to take such initiative, Yadav further added, “During a regular visit to my constituency, I got the opportunity to witness a programme at one of the government-aided school, late lato Nayak High School where parents sat on the chairs and their children stood before them and performed the rituals of worshipping them.”
Similarly, while recalling another incident at Saraswati Shishu Mandir, Dhurwa, she added, “A similar event was organized at a Government school here in Dhurwa. Following the directives of the school teacher, kids performed the ritual and touched their parent’s feet. The entire act grabbed my attention as it was really overwhelming. Taking clue from these two schools, I have issued the direction to organize ‘Maatri-Priti Pujan’ annually.”
Terming the initiative taken up by the Minister a commendable move, DSE Ranchi, Shivendra Kumar said, “Though formally nothing has come to us regarding ‘Maatri-Pitri Pujan’, however, the step is worth appreciating. After receiving the instructions, the plan will be implemented in all the government schools here in Capital City.”