Saturday, July 9 2005 11:34 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: A symbiosis of two universes, the ancient and the modern, philosophy and science, is what one finds in this unique "Guru Kula" which does not have the trappings of a conventional school.

According to Satyavratha, secretary of the project, Gurukula, which is situated amidst the scenic and serene environs of Mutthathi forest range, near the confluence of river Arkavathy and Cauvery, believes in strengthening the moral and ethical fibre of a student.

"Merit and inclination towards Vedic learning is the only criteria for admission to this school. Gurukula, which is situated about 92 km from Bangalore, takes students from fifth standard," said Satyavratha.

"In the first phase, a six-year course, the students are made aware of the relevance of Vedic culture and ancient heritage and are imparted with Vedic knowledge about all the four Vedas by experts (Vidwans) in the field," Satyavratha said.

While the first half of the day here is devoted to yoga, Vedic ritual and learning including Sanskrit grammar, the post-lunch session comprises regular classes in Science, Maths, English, History and Computers, conforming to the National Institute of Open School (NIOS) syllabus.

"An option is given to students to either pursue vedic studies or join the mainstream. If the student decides to continue, he goes deep into the Shastras and Sanskrit and trains as a Vedic scholar," Satyavratha said.

The young students in Gurukula not only have to follow a unique dress code of wearing the sacred thread, a dhoti and angavastra, they also have a strict daily schedule which requires them to be up at "Brahma Muhurtha" (4 a m.)

After finishing their daily ritual, they will have to clean their 'Kutirs' and then go for yoga practice. This is followed by performing "Sandhyavandanam" (detailed recitation of gayatri mantra) and "Agnihotra" (Homa). Later they will be doing 'Go Seva' which involves cleaning and milking the cows followed by vedic classes.

"Nutritious 'Satvic' (without onion or garlic) food with very less spices and oil will be provided to them. The vegetables and fruits are totally organic and home-grown," Satyavratha said.

Play hours in the evening will be the time when the students will closely interact with the teachers while playing badminton, cricket, throw ball and indoor games like chess with them.

Parents are allowed to meet their wards only once in four months. During this time a parents-teachers' meeting is held wherein parents are briefed not only about their ward's academic progress but also his personality development.

'Guru Purnima', celebrated in a grand manner in the school, will be another occasion when parents and friends can visit the students and take part in the festivities.

A team of like-minded people from different walks of life, conceived the project and formed the Om Shantidhama Charitable Trust in 1991.

The Gurukula has 45 students at present and 10 teachers including five vedic scholars.