The educational process is basically a holy endeavour. We have many lessons to learn, many duties to fulfil, many points to note while trying to improve it. In ancient times, moral excellence was the goal of this endeavour. That holds good even today. Gaining that excellence student must roam in the realm of education, free and fearless like lions in the forest. They should not degrade themselves to the level of the cunning, deceitful, marauding jackals or wolves. Today, there are no lions in the jungles of educational institution, but only wolves and sheep. Acquaintance with the contents of a pile of books does not make one an educated person. Wherever there are students the place must shine with the brilliance of peace and security; it must radiate the aura of sanctity. But do we have peace and security in the campuses today? No. Real education must promote concern for others and it is by this must promote concern for others and it is by this alone it is judged.

Students should be the guardians of the people. As the prospective protectors, future leaders and administrators of the people, they should prepare themselves for national service. On the shoulders of the student of today rests the task of making India great. The educational system has to be shaped new so that students can fulfil the task of brightening the future of this land.

(BA, pp. 2-3)

There are three lines along which endeavour has to be directed: (i) spiritual exercises and discipline, (ii) cultivation of detachment, (iii) development of confidence in one’s Self. Without these three, life is a wearisome and wasteful journey. Give up, renounce - that is the virtue you need for spiritual progress. It is not the value of the thing given up that counts, it is the loftiness of the impulse behind the act. (SSS Vol. 6, p. 267)