CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS DIMENSION OF VALUE BASED EDUCATION: A STUDY WITH REFERENCE TO SRI MANTA SANKAR DEVA

Abstract

Mahatma Gandhi defined education as "An all-round drawing out of the best in child and man - body, mind and spirit". Reimagining education with a focus on peace and human values involves a fundamental shift in purpose and pedagogy, aiming to cultivate empathy, critical thinking, and social responsibility as foundational skills for a just, equitable, and sustainable world. Srimanta Sankardeva's as dharma guru teachings were a blend of knowledge and value education, emphasizing spiritual enlightenment, humanism, and social harmony. His Satras, or educational institutions (Toll), focused on scripture study, devotional practices, and the cultivation of compassion and ethical conduct. He also revived and preserved Assamese culture, language, and traditions through literature. Srimanta Sankardeva significantly shaped cultural education in Assam through his literary, artistic, and religious contributions. He established institutions like Satras and Namghars, which served as centers for learning and the dissemination of religious and cultural knowledge. His works in music, drama, and dance, including the creation of Ankia Naat and Borgeet, also played a vital role in shaping the cultural landscape of Assam. This paper is an attempt to study how Sri Manta Sankar Deva (Gurujana) emplimanted life long education through Satras (Namghars) among the common people .For this study the researcher will be use survey method . The primary data will be collected by visiting Barpeta Satra of Assam, India. This study will help us to know how the education system implemented by Srimanta Sankar Deva helpful for Cultural and Religious dimension of value based Education.