By Prof. Ruby Mishra, Principal, Bhagini Nivedita College, University of Delhi
Delhi: As we approach October 28, the birth anniversary of the remarkable Sister Nivedita, it is time to revisit her century-old educational vision—a vision that continues to illuminate India’s modern journey of learning and nation-building. A spirited Scots-Irish teacher and devoted disciple of Swami Vivekananda, Nivedita dedicated her life to India’s awakening through the transformative power of education. What’s truly astonishing is how her revolutionary ideas—conceived more than a hundred years ago—find striking resonance in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The Revolt Against Rote Learning
Nivedita clearly saw the colonial education system for what it was: a cultural anesthetic designed to disconnect Indians from their roots. She didn’t seek to reform it superficially—she demanded a complete reimagining of education, one that nourished both intellect and spirit. Her educational philosophy rested on three enduring pillars:
•National Character Building: For Nivedita, education was not merely about literacy or examinations. It was a sacred tool for cultural revival, moral awakening, and the forging of a strong national identity.
•Holistic Development: She advocated an education system that dissolved barriers between academics, arts, and life skills—insisting that crafts, creativity, and vocational learning were as vital as textbooks.
•Mother Tongue as Medium: Learning, she believed, must flow through the language of the heart. She insisted on vernacular instruction to ensure accessibility, inclusivity, and cultural rootedness.
Her journey began humbly—with a single student, Mrs. Krishna Bose, the daughter of the great scientist Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, near Lalbazar in Kolkata. From that modest beginning, Nivedita began shaping young minds, particularly empowering women through education, and sowing the seeds of a national awakening.
More Than a Teacher: Nivedita, the Visionary Ally
Sister Nivedita’s contribution extended far beyond the classroom. She became an indispensable collaborator in Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose’s scientific journey—not just as a confidante, but as his editor, fundraiser, and public advocate.
She refined his manuscripts for seminal works such as The Living and Non-Living and Plant Response, helped secure funding for his laboratory, and used her eloquent writing to popularize his research in newspapers and journals. Through her tireless efforts, she ensured that Bose’s pioneering discoveries received the recognition they deserved. Nivedita was, in every sense, the pillar of strength behind his genius.
A Timeless Vision Realized: Nivedita and NEP 2020
More than a century later, NEP 2020 stands as a living testament to Nivedita’s dream—affirming that the true goals of Indian education are timeless.
•Holistic Education: NEP’s emphasis on multidisciplinary learning—breaking the rigid divides between arts, sciences, and commerce—echoes Nivedita’s call for integrated education that nurtures every dimension of human potential.
•Mother Tongue Instruction: The policy’s advocacy for teaching in the mother tongue or local language until Grade 5 (and beyond) beautifully mirrors Nivedita’s belief that education must grow from the soil of one’s own culture.
•Skills and Vocational Integration: NEP 2020’s focus on vocational education from Grade 6, promoting practical skills and the “dignity of labour,” directly reflects Nivedita’s vision of blending academics with real-life learning.
A Vision That Transcends Time
Sister Nivedita’s work was far more than social service—it was nation-building through education. Her dream was to shape enlightened, confident, and self-reliant citizens who would build a free and vibrant India. The deep harmony between her ideals and NEP 2020 is not a coincidence—it is a continuum of India’s educational renaissance, rooted in its cultural wisdom and driven by the power of knowledge that empowers.
As we celebrate her birth anniversary, we honour a true pioneer whose century-old vision still guides India’s modern educational journey.
Happy Birth Anniversary, Sister Nivedita—The Nation Salutes You.