Taking a cue from Semitic religions, the Nair Service Society (NSS) is all set to start spiritual learning centres aiming at a “socially responsible new generation, with high moral principles based on spiritual knowledge”.
The organisation, which will step into the 100th year of its existence next week, has sent circulars in this regard to all the karayogams (branches) to commence spiritual classes by this year-end.
“It is aimed at teaching the next generation about spiritual matters, rituals and customs both in the society and religion. We want to see the classes a reality at all the karayogams before the next Nair Prathinidhi Sammelanam, which falls on January 1,” NSS general secretary G Sukumaran Nair told ‘Express’.
“Spiritual learning doesn’t mean mere subjects on religion or devotion, but the study of culture based on real sanathana dharma,” states the circular which has reached nearly 5,600-odd karayogams across the state. According to Sukumaran Nair, the need came as the new generation of the community is ignorant of the customs and rituals of the community as well as the society.
“Most of them do not know how to give respect to an elder or how to worship at a temple. They might have some knowledge, but it is a fact that it is not effective. Christian and Muslim communities have similar kind of classes for their children,” he said.
The spiritual learning centres under the control of the respective karayogams will have the guidance of 58 taluk unions.
These will cater to school-going boys and girls of the karayogams on Sundays, irrespective of age.
The syllabus and handbook will be prepared by a team headed by veteran educationalist Vattapparambil Gopinatha Pillai.
“We cannot elaborate on the syllabus as it is only in the initial stage. But it will include everything needed for one’s life in the society. The NSS don’t have a dearth of teachers for the job,” the NSS general secretary said.
He hinted that the curriculum will have lessons on nature conservation.
On whether they would carry forward the idea outside the state, he said it is to be decided by the organisations there. “As the jurisdiction of the NSS falls within the limits of the state, we will stick to that. However, we would welcome if those outside the state and the country follow these classes according to the rules and regulations of their societies,” he said.