The Ramakrishna Mission's Holistic Approach to Value Education: Integrating Ethical, Spiritual, and Academic Development

One of the most significant ways in which Ramakrishna Mission’s method of value-based education can be differentiated from other approaches is in its comprehensive integration of the whole person – that is, the mind, spirit and body – in an effort to achieve both moral and academic success. A discussion of the theoretical bases upon which Ramakrishna Mission’s educational philosophy is established is the focus of this article. This article also explores how the methods of instruction and curriculum development utilized by Ramakrishna Mission's schools serve to maximize student performance. A qualitative research methodology was employed to understand the effects of programs of this nature on general student performance and a literature review and case study were also conducted. Problems and potential applications of this model for use in different contexts of education, as well as suggestions for educators and policymakers to use this model are included. The findings of this study illustrate the potential of Ramakrishna Mission's holistic education program as a foundation for developing morally grounded and well rounded individuals.