The Eastern Voice Correspondent

Hazaribagh. With the aim of preserving Indian culture, family values and traditional ethos and in accordance with the Vidya Bharati scheme a heartfelt and dignified ceremony honoring grandparents (both paternal and maternal) was held on Wednesday at Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir, Malviya Marg, Hazaribagh. The event set a unique example of the warmth inherent in the Indian family system and the respect due to elders, while also reflecting the sacred Guru-Shishya tradition.
The program commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and the offering of floral tributes to the portraits of Bharat Mata and Goddess Saraswati. This was jointly performed by the chief guests: Dr. Subodh Kumar Singh ‘Shivgit’ (Head of the Hindi Department at Vinoba Bhave University and former Secretary of the School Management Committee), Ashutosh Ji (Vibhag Pracharak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Hazaribagh), Dr. Surendra Jha (former Vibhag Nirikshak of Vidya Vikas Samiti, Jharkhand) and the school principal, Dr. Ajay Kumar Pathak.
Senior teacher Manoj Kumar Pandey introduced the theme of the program and the guests. Highlighting the pivotal role of grandparents in the Indian family system, he remarked that their affection, experience, sacrifices and values constitute an invaluable heritage for the new generation.
The most emotional and inspiring moment of the ceremony arrived when the students washed the feet of their grandparents, applied tilak, showered them with flowers, performed Aarti and sought their blessings through a ritual of reverence. This scene, filled with devotion and gratitude, deeply moved the parents and guests present, creating an atmosphere that beautifully showcased the essence of Indian culture and family values.
In his address, Ashutosh Ji, the Vibhag Pracharak (Divisional Coordinator) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Hazaribagh, stated that elders hold the highest place in Indian culture. It is through their experience, guidance and blessings that the family, society and nation become empowered. He remarked that a school is not merely a center for imparting education but also a pivotal hub for character building.
The chief guest, Dr. Subodh Kumar Singh ‘Shivgeet’, expressed concern over the erosion of family values in contemporary times.He described grandparents not just as senior family members, but as living repositories of Indian culture, traditions and life values. Their presence fosters noble qualities such as service, dedication, discipline, sensitivity, and patriotism in children.
At the conclusion of the event, the school principal, Dr. Ajay Kumar Pathak, expressed his gratitude to all the guests, parents, and elders, affirming that the school would continue to organize such value-oriented programs to nurture Indian culture, family values, and a spirit of patriotism among the students.
The program concluded with the recitation of the Shanti Mantra. All the teachers and staff members of the school played an active and commendable role in making the event a success.