AGARTALA: Ramakrishna Mission, Dhaleswar, on Sunday organised a special value-based parents’ conference titled “Education to Build Character: A Parent’s Responsibility” at Vivekananda Hall, drawing around 250 delegates, including parents, teachers, and education enthusiasts.
Addressing the gathering, Swami Amartyanandaji Maharaj, Secretary of the Mission, said that raising children to become doctors, engineers, or successful professionals alone is not enough; parents must focus equally on instilling truthfulness, character, and compassion. He observed that the neglect of value-based education has contributed to rising violence, addiction, despair, and instability in family life.
Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he said true education lies in unfolding the innate greatness within a person, not merely acquiring information. He stressed that a child’s first school is the family and the first teachers are the parents, urging elders to model truthfulness, discipline, and self-restraint in their own lives rather than relying solely on advice. He also called for a balanced approach between affection and discipline, and highlighted the role of prayer and moral practice within families.
The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, after which attendees urged the Mission to organise such value-based conferences regularly.