Our Inspiration - RKMVERI (Deemed University)
Source: https://rkmvu.ac.in/overview/our-inspiration
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:22
Our Inspiration - RKMVERI (Deemed University)
Our Inspiration
Home
Overview
The Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI) is named after
Swami Vivekananda (Swamiji)
, one of the towering figures in the long and illustrious spiritual history of India and regarded as one of the main moulders of the modern world. While undertaking the tremendous task of freeing humanity from the shackles they built for themselves through ignorance manifesting in various forms, Swamiji insightfully pointed out the ultimate and broad goal of education as the manifestation of perfection inherent in Man. Further, he outlined the ways in which the system of education had to be revamped and revivified in order to better suit this purpose and personally set in motion the task of translating these ideas into the field of action. As an institution deriving inspiration from Swami Vivekananda, RKMVERI strives to bring into fruition the wholesome system of education as envisioned by Swamiji and thereby enrich the educational landscape of India and the world at large.
Swami Vivekananda on Education
The following quotes give a picture of Swamiji’s vision of education in his own words:
“Education is not the amount of information that is put into your brain and runs riot there, undigested, all your life. We must have life-building, man-making, character-making assimilation of ideas. If you have accumulated five ideas and made them your life and character, you have more education than any man who has got by heart a whole library.… If education is identical with information, the libraries are the greatest sages in the world and encyclopedias are the Rishis.”
“We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded, and by which one can stand on one’s own feet.”
“What is education? Is it book-learning? No. Is it diverse knowledge? Not even that. The training by which the current and expression of will are brought under control and become fruitful is called education.”
“To me the very essence of education is concentration of mind, not the collecting of facts.”
“My idea of education is personal contact with the teacher — guru-griha-vasa. Without the personal life of a teacher there would be no education. … One should live from his very boyhood with one whose character is like a blazing fire and should have before him a living example of the highest teaching…. In our country, the imparting of education has always been through men of renunciation.… India had all good prospects so long as tyagis (men of renunciation) used to impart knowledge.”
“The education which does not help the common mass of people to equip themselves for the struggle for life, which does not bring out strength of character, a spirit of philanthropy, and the courage of a lion — is it worth the name? Real education is that which enables one to stand on one’s own legs.”
“The old institution of ‘living with the guru’ and similar systems of imparting education are needed. What we want are Western science coupled with Vedanta, Brahmacharya as the guidance motto, and also Shraddha and faith in one’s own self.”
Swami Vivekananda and Science Research
It is worth mentioning here that more than a century ago, Swami Vivekananda inspired
Jamshedji Tata
to establish a Research Institute for Science in India. Even more remarkably, Jamshedji Tata offered the first directorship of such an institute to Swami Vivekananda. We quote below Jamshedji Tata’s letter to Swami Vivekananda,
“I very much recall at this moment your views on the growth of ascetic spirit in India, and the duty, not of destroying, but diverting it into useful channels. I recall these ideas in connection with my scheme of Research Institute of Science for India, which you have doubtless heard or read. It seems to me that no better use can be made of the ascetic spirit than the establishment of monasteries or residential halls for men dominated by this spirit where they should live with ordinary decency and devote their lives to the cultivation of sciences – natural and humanistic. I am of opinion that if such a crusade in favour of an asceticism of this kind were undertaken by a competent leader, it would greatly help asceticism, science, and the good name of our common country; and I know not who would make a more fitting general of such a campaign than Vivekananda.”
Although Swami Vivekananda’s response is not recorded,
Prabuddha Bharata
, a monthly journal started by Swami Vivekananda as the official organ of Ramakrishna Mission, expressed its warm appreciation of the scheme in its editorial column of April 1899—during Swami Vivekananda’s lifetime—in the following words:
“We are not aware if any project at once so opportune and so far-reaching in its beneficent effects was ever mooted in India, as that of the Post-graduate Research University of Mr. Tata. The scheme grasps the vital point of weakness in our national well-being with a clearness of vision and tightness of grip, the masterliness of which is only equalled by the munificence of the gift with which it is ushered to the public. …Mr. Tata’s scheme paves the path of placing into the hands of Indians this knowledge of Nature—the preserver and the destroyer…—that by having the knowledge, they might have power over her and be successful in the struggle for existence. …We repeat: No idea more potent for good to the whole nation has seen the light of day in Modern India. Let the whole nation therefore, forgetful of class or sect interests, join in making it a success.”
Two of India’s premier institutions dedicated to fundamental science research—namely,
Indian Institute of Science
, Bengaluru (earlier called Tata Institute) and
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
, Mumbai—bear testimony to this inspiration, both in terms of the excellence of the academic programme, as well as in terms of the high quality of research.
Latest News & Updates
[Report] Special Colloquium in the School of Mathematics by Swami Yogatmanandaji on 31 March 2026
April 13, 2026
[Report] Sourav Porel secured first position as the State Topper in the Online Indian Knowledge System Olympiad 2026, organized by the Central Sanskrit University, Delhi – January 2026
April 11, 2026
Result of interview held on 04 April 2026 for the Project Staff position in International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) funded research project at the Sasya Shyamala KVK, RKMVERI
April 10, 2026
[Report] Two-day National Seminar on Ancient and Contemporary Commentators of the Vedas – 3-4 April 2026
April 9, 2026
[Report] Inauguration of Shravana Mangalam – 27 March 2026
March 31, 2026
Home
About
Overview
Our Inspiration
History
Profile of RKMVERI (Deemed University)
Distinctive Status of the University
Vision & Mission: Ramakrishna Math & Mission
Vision and Mission of RKMVERI
Administration
Administrative Structure of RKMVERI
Officers of University
Statutory Bodies
Sponsoring Society
Executive Council (Board of Management)
Academic Council
Finance Committee
Internal Quality Assurance Cell
Equal Opportunity Cell (EOC)
Anti-Ragging Cell
Caste-Based Discrimination Committee and SC/ST Cell
Students’ Grievance Redressal Committees (SGRC)
Other Committees & Cells
Bye Laws of the University
Off-Campus Faculty Centres of RKMVERI
RKMVERI Open and Distance Learning
RKMVU to RKMVERI Name change
Academics
Schools
School of Indian Heritage
School of Mathematical Sciences
School of Agriculture & Rural Development
School of Rehabilitation and Sports Science
School of Environment & Disaster Management
School of Biological Sciences
Departments @ Belur Campus
Sanskrit & Philosophy
Physics
Mathematics
Computer Science
Sports Science & Yoga
Departments @ Off-campus centres
Faculty of Agriculture and Rural Development
Faculty of Disability Management and Special Education
General Adapted Physical Education & Yoga
Faculty of Agriculture, Rural and Tribal Development, Coimbatore
Dept. of Computer Science, Coimbatore
Faculty of Agriculture, Rural and Tribal Development, Ranchi
Centres under Schools of RKMVERI
School of Indian Heritage
Programmes in Sanskrit Studies
Certificate Courses in Indian Spiritual & Cultural Heritage
Programmes in Yoga
Programmes in Classical Music
Vivekananda Centre for Vedanta & Yoga Study & Research (VIVEKA-VYASA)
RKMVERI Academic Structure
RKMVERI Academic Policies
Examination Section
Student Services
Academic Calendar
Admissions
Admissions 2026 (All campuses)
List of Programmes at all Campuses
International Students (Study in India)
RKMVERI Fees details
Fees payment by Cash or DD
Narendrapur Campus
Coimbatore Campus
Ranchi Campus
Research
Research – Thrust Areas
Research and Development
R & D Cell and Committee
Research Faculty List
Research Projects
JIVAN-Centre for Research in Biological Sciences
Centre for AI IoT & Mixed Reality
List of PhD Scholars
Journals and Magazines
Books Published
Funded Projects Undertaken
Outreach
Vivekdisha – ICT-Based Network
Bangla Bhasha Samvardhan Samiti (BBSS)
Krishi Vigyan Kendras by RKMVERI
DAESI Courses by SSKVK
About Krishi Vigyan Kendras
Inclusive & Adapted Physical Education
Promoting Special Education & Disability Management
Rural Community Development & Awareness building
Ranchi: Rural Development & Community services
Outreach Programme in Yoga for Health & Wellbeing
Sanskrit for all
DIGISEVA
COVID Outreach & Awarness
News – Events
Announcements
Careers
Awards
Online Learning Portals of MHRD & UGC
COVID-19 Help & Updates
National Festivals, Cultural Events and others
Others
Alumni
Reports
Student Satisfaction Survey
Annual Quality Assurance Report (AQAR)
IQAC minutes
Annual Academic Report
Financial Report
Official Reports the University has brought out
Institutional Development Plan
UGC Mandatory Disclosures
Best Practices
Swayam MOOCs Help
RKMVERI granted A++ grade by NAAC
Facilities
Central Library (Belur)
Holiday List for 2025-26
NAAC Documents
Verification of Student documents
Code of Conduct
Donate
Donations to various causes at RKMVERI
Online Donation Portal
Donate – Cheque/DD/NEFT
Off-campuses
Narendrapur, Kolkata
Coimbatore, Tamilnadu
Ranchi, Jharkhand
Reports
Publications
Journals and Magazines
Books Published
Research Publications
Dīpaśikhā
Prajñāloka
JODYS
IJAPEY
Careers
Vivekdisha
Portals
Central Library (Belur)
RKMVERI LMS Portal
Online Admission Portal
Online Donations Portal (Belur)
Webmail
Online Learning Portals of MHRD & UGC
Our Inspiration
Home
Overview
The Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute (RKMVERI) is named after
Swami Vivekananda (Swamiji)
, one of the towering figures in the long and illustrious spiritual history of India and regarded as one of the main moulders of the modern world. While undertaking the tremendous task of freeing humanity from the shackles they built for themselves through ignorance manifesting in various forms, Swamiji insightfully pointed out the ultimate and broad goal of education as the manifestation of perfection inherent in Man. Further, he outlined the ways in which the system of education had to be revamped and revivified in order to better suit this purpose and personally set in motion the task of translating these ideas into the field of action. As an institution deriving inspiration from Swami Vivekananda, RKMVERI strives to bring into fruition the wholesome system of education as envisioned by Swamiji and thereby enrich the educational landscape of India and the world at large.
Swami Vivekananda on Education
The following quotes give a picture of Swamiji’s vision of education in his own words:
“Education is not the amount of information that is put into your brain and runs riot there, undigested, all your life. We must have life-building, man-making, character-making assimilation of ideas. If you have accumulated five ideas and made them your life and character, you have more education than any man who has got by heart a whole library.… If education is identical with information, the libraries are the greatest sages in the world and encyclopedias are the Rishis.”
“We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded, and by which one can stand on one’s own feet.”
“What is education? Is it book-learning? No. Is it diverse knowledge? Not even that. The training by which the current and expression of will are brought under control and become fruitful is called education.”
“To me the very essence of education is concentration of mind, not the collecting of facts.”
“My idea of education is personal contact with the teacher — guru-griha-vasa. Without the personal life of a teacher there would be no education. … One should live from his very boyhood with one whose character is like a blazing fire and should have before him a living example of the highest teaching…. In our country, the imparting of education has always been through men of renunciation.… India had all good prospects so long as tyagis (men of renunciation) used to impart knowledge.”
“The education which does not help the common mass of people to equip themselves for the struggle for life, which does not bring out strength of character, a spirit of philanthropy, and the courage of a lion — is it worth the name? Real education is that which enables one to stand on one’s own legs.”
“The old institution of ‘living with the guru’ and similar systems of imparting education are needed. What we want are Western science coupled with Vedanta, Brahmacharya as the guidance motto, and also Shraddha and faith in one’s own self.”
Swami Vivekananda and Science Research
It is worth mentioning here that more than a century ago, Swami Vivekananda inspired
Jamshedji Tata
to establish a Research Institute for Science in India. Even more remarkably, Jamshedji Tata offered the first directorship of such an institute to Swami Vivekananda. We quote below Jamshedji Tata’s letter to Swami Vivekananda,
“I very much recall at this moment your views on the growth of ascetic spirit in India, and the duty, not of destroying, but diverting it into useful channels. I recall these ideas in connection with my scheme of Research Institute of Science for India, which you have doubtless heard or read. It seems to me that no better use can be made of the ascetic spirit than the establishment of monasteries or residential halls for men dominated by this spirit where they should live with ordinary decency and devote their lives to the cultivation of sciences – natural and humanistic. I am of opinion that if such a crusade in favour of an asceticism of this kind were undertaken by a competent leader, it would greatly help asceticism, science, and the good name of our common country; and I know not who would make a more fitting general of such a campaign than Vivekananda.”
Although Swami Vivekananda’s response is not recorded,
Prabuddha Bharata
, a monthly journal started by Swami Vivekananda as the official organ of Ramakrishna Mission, expressed its warm appreciation of the scheme in its editorial column of April 1899—during Swami Vivekananda’s lifetime—in the following words:
“We are not aware if any project at once so opportune and so far-reaching in its beneficent effects was ever mooted in India, as that of the Post-graduate Research University of Mr. Tata. The scheme grasps the vital point of weakness in our national well-being with a clearness of vision and tightness of grip, the masterliness of which is only equalled by the munificence of the gift with which it is ushered to the public. …Mr. Tata’s scheme paves the path of placing into the hands of Indians this knowledge of Nature—the preserver and the destroyer…—that by having the knowledge, they might have power over her and be successful in the struggle for existence. …We repeat: No idea more potent for good to the whole nation has seen the light of day in Modern India. Let the whole nation therefore, forgetful of class or sect interests, join in making it a success.”
Two of India’s premier institutions dedicated to fundamental science research—namely,
Indian Institute of Science
, Bengaluru (earlier called Tata Institute) and
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
, Mumbai—bear testimony to this inspiration, both in terms of the excellence of the academic programme, as well as in terms of the high quality of research.
Latest News & Updates
[Report] Special Colloquium in the School of Mathematics by Swami Yogatmanandaji on 31 March 2026
April 13, 2026
[Report] Sourav Porel secured first position as the State Topper in the Online Indian Knowledge System Olympiad 2026, organized by the Central Sanskrit University, Delhi – January 2026
April 11, 2026
Result of interview held on 04 April 2026 for the Project Staff position in International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) funded research project at the Sasya Shyamala KVK, RKMVERI
April 10, 2026
[Report] Two-day National Seminar on Ancient and Contemporary Commentators of the Vedas – 3-4 April 2026
April 9, 2026
[Report] Inauguration of Shravana Mangalam – 27 March 2026
March 31, 2026
Home
About
Overview
Our Inspiration
History
Profile of RKMVERI (Deemed University)
Distinctive Status of the University
Vision & Mission: Ramakrishna Math & Mission
Vision and Mission of RKMVERI
Administration
Administrative Structure of RKMVERI
Officers of University
Statutory Bodies
Sponsoring Society
Executive Council (Board of Management)
Academic Council
Finance Committee
Internal Quality Assurance Cell
Equal Opportunity Cell (EOC)
Anti-Ragging Cell
Caste-Based Discrimination Committee and SC/ST Cell
Students’ Grievance Redressal Committees (SGRC)
Other Committees & Cells
Bye Laws of the University
Off-Campus Faculty Centres of RKMVERI
RKMVERI Open and Distance Learning
RKMVU to RKMVERI Name change
Academics
Schools
School of Indian Heritage
School of Mathematical Sciences
School of Agriculture & Rural Development
School of Rehabilitation and Sports Science
School of Environment & Disaster Management
School of Biological Sciences
Departments @ Belur Campus
Sanskrit & Philosophy
Physics
Mathematics
Computer Science
Sports Science & Yoga
Departments @ Off-campus centres
Faculty of Agriculture and Rural Development
Faculty of Disability Management and Special Education
General Adapted Physical Education & Yoga
Faculty of Agriculture, Rural and Tribal Development, Coimbatore
Dept. of Computer Science, Coimbatore
Faculty of Agriculture, Rural and Tribal Development, Ranchi
Centres under Schools of RKMVERI
School of Indian Heritage
Programmes in Sanskrit Studies
Certificate Courses in Indian Spiritual & Cultural Heritage
Programmes in Yoga
Programmes in Classical Music
Vivekananda Centre for Vedanta & Yoga Study & Research (VIVEKA-VYASA)
RKMVERI Academic Structure
RKMVERI Academic Policies
Examination Section
Student Services
Academic Calendar
Admissions
Admissions 2026 (All campuses)
List of Programmes at all Campuses
International Students (Study in India)
RKMVERI Fees details
Fees payment by Cash or DD
Narendrapur Campus
Coimbatore Campus
Ranchi Campus
Research
Research – Thrust Areas
Research and Development
R & D Cell and Committee
Research Faculty List
Research Projects
JIVAN-Centre for Research in Biological Sciences
Centre for AI IoT & Mixed Reality
List of PhD Scholars
Journals and Magazines
Books Published
Funded Projects Undertaken
Outreach
Vivekdisha – ICT-Based Network
Bangla Bhasha Samvardhan Samiti (BBSS)
Krishi Vigyan Kendras by RKMVERI
DAESI Courses by SSKVK
About Krishi Vigyan Kendras
Inclusive & Adapted Physical Education
Promoting Special Education & Disability Management
Rural Community Development & Awareness building
Ranchi: Rural Development & Community services
Outreach Programme in Yoga for Health & Wellbeing
Sanskrit for all
DIGISEVA
COVID Outreach & Awarness
News – Events
Announcements
Careers
Awards
Online Learning Portals of MHRD & UGC
COVID-19 Help & Updates
National Festivals, Cultural Events and others
Others
Alumni
Reports
Student Satisfaction Survey
Annual Quality Assurance Report (AQAR)
IQAC minutes
Annual Academic Report
Financial Report
Official Reports the University has brought out
Institutional Development Plan
UGC Mandatory Disclosures
Best Practices
Swayam MOOCs Help
RKMVERI granted A++ grade by NAAC
Facilities
Central Library (Belur)
Holiday List for 2025-26
NAAC Documents
Verification of Student documents
Code of Conduct
Donate
Donations to various causes at RKMVERI
Online Donation Portal
Donate – Cheque/DD/NEFT
Off-campuses
Narendrapur, Kolkata
Coimbatore, Tamilnadu
Ranchi, Jharkhand
Reports
Publications
Journals and Magazines
Books Published
Research Publications
Dīpaśikhā
Prajñāloka
JODYS
IJAPEY
Careers
Vivekdisha
Portals
Central Library (Belur)
RKMVERI LMS Portal
Online Admission Portal
Online Donations Portal (Belur)
Webmail
Online Learning Portals of MHRD & UGC