Hindu Vidyapeeth’s (HVP) unique educational philosophy aims to offer a holistic education that combines the best aspects of the conventional, academic education while stressing knowledge and love of Nepal’s rich culture and traditional beliefs.

HVP places great emphasis on educating the whole child, developing individual potential and leadership qualities. Emphasis in their education, rare in Nepal, is on critical thinking, open-mindedness, familiarity with difference, tolerance, and on developing a sense of social engagement and responsibility. Children learn about their own culture and traditions, whilst respecting those of others, for behind all apparent differences lies a fundamental ‘oneness’ and interdependence. They grow up very much aware of their ecological responsibilities. Whether or not a child intends to continue academic study beyond school, HVP believe that an education is immensely important to the fully rounded development of a person, and vital to help them fulfil their potential in later life.

As western-modelled values and systems of development continue to seep ever further into Nepal’s society and the psyche of its people, a key aim of HVP is to safeguard Nepali cultural and spiritual values and create a strong sense of family and community. In such an environment HVP feels it is important that its students be open-minded and culturally aware. HVP works to inculcate the ideas of eastern philosophy and encourage a spiritual rather than religious education. Through instilling values of peace and the concept of interfaith understanding, HVP seeks to broaden children’s knowledge of the international community, eliminate prejudices and stimulate love of humanity in all its diversity.

Children at HVP follow the Nepali curriculum, most of it taught in English. Without English access to jobs and higher education is severely limited. Yet educational methods at the schools are shaped so that that an awareness of their Nepali culture and heritage is encouraged in almost everything they do. From a very early age the students practice yoga and meditation and learn the region’s ancient classical language of Sanskrit. Moral classes and debates also form part of the school routine. Arts such as Nepali classical music, traditional Nepali dancing, drama, poetry and literature are promoted. Reputed thinkers and many eminent personalities of Nepal are closely associated with the HVP movement. They often visit the schools to take classes or participate in events.

In essence, the schools aim to foster and inspire individuals with the desire, confidence and skills needed to contribute something back to Nepal. In doing so, such individuals can play an important role in sustaining Nepal’s rich and beautiful culture and with a “think globally; act locally” attitude help to promote the values of peace and international friendship throughout the world.

For more information about HVP’s model of education visit the HVP Nepal website http://www.hvpnepal.org

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