Mumbai: Tucked away in the lush surroundings of Uttan village — just beyond the bustle of Bhayander in Mumbai’s extended suburbs– Ram Ratan Vidya Mandir (RRVM), a residential co-ed school, has been working for over two decades to combine the ancient Indian traditions of the Gurukul system with the requirements and advancements of modern education.
Long revered for its holistic approach to learning, the traditional Gurukul system of education in India emphasises academic knowledge juxtaposed with moral, spiritual and physical development. For centuries, this model has followed personalised learning, with students living under the guidance of a Guru (teacher), often in a serene, natural environment, where deep, one-on-one mentoring was the focus.
A balanced approach to education
Similarly, and in keeping with its commitment to holistic development, this thoughtful fusion of tradition and modernity is reflected in the educational philosophy of RRVM. As a result, it nurtures values-based learning while equipping students with the skills and mindset necessary for the 21st century.
Established in 1997, the school is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The institution incorporates technology, contemporary teaching methods, and global educational standards while upholding the core principles of the Gurukul model, such as personalised attention, character development, and the fostering of creativity by blending ancient wisdom with modern pedagogy.
According to Principal Kavita Singh, the institution is dedicated to delivering a well-rounded education that fosters the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development of its students — preparing them to thrive in an increasingly dynamic and interconnected world.
Hence, true to its calling, the school proudly claims on its website: The primary aim of the school is to create an excellent educational institution synthesising the Bhartiya cultural values with the highest quality of teaching using modern tools and IT-supported classrooms.
As Kavita Singh adds, the school, in a bid to emulate the Vedic Gurukul system built on the Guru-Shishya model, has a “Foster parent concept, entrusting every teacher with 10 children in her care. It provides strong emotional moorings to the students during their formative years.”
Life on the campus
For the boarders, the day begins at 5 am. After exercise and morning classes, they go for breakfast. In addition to academics, the school lays emphasis on sports, and also some “Me Time” for the students to relax and do their own thing. In addition to boarders, the school also accepts day scholars.
It is a positive aspect that the school is spread over about 32 acres of land, which accommodates three temples and a large gaushala (cow shed); there is no dearth of outdoor and fun activities for the students. Besides, once a month, the students also engage in a campus cleaning activity.
Considering the security concerns, especially in the light of reports of untoward happenings on some of the school premises in recent years, the institution takes the security and safety of each person, especially students, very seriously.
Supervising the security of a vast campus can be challenging, however, the management is always alert. “Every class has attendance to ensure that the child is present; if not, then immediately the school acts to find him,” says Kavita Singh.
Besides, there are gate passes, electronic security systems that monitor the movements, and an alert staff monitoring the movements.
As for the day scholars, the school bus that transports them is equipped with a GPS, CCTV cameras and has a lady attendant who accompanies the students on their trips.
Students’ mental health is never ignored
As boarders, children live away from their families for lengthy periods. That apart, generally, there are issues like exam fears and anxiety for some that need to be tackled. In this context, Kavita Singh informs, there are counselling sessions that also include advising the youngsters on careers to make them future-ready. Additionally, there are a student council that bridges the gap between students and administration and a committee to redress complaints.
How the personality of a child is nurtured under the modern gurukul system
“What stands out is that our kids experience no stage fears, as they receive exposure to be up on it very early on. They feel courageous, and it gives them a sense of freedom,” utters Kavita Singh.
Adding further, “We also celebrate all festivals. Especially, we make them understand the scientific importance of festivals.”
Kavita Singh has served for over 16 years and says she noticed a drastic transformation in students’ outlook. Particularly, sessions like Gyan Bodh give them clarity and self-confidence. “Subject matter speakers interact with kids, to encourage leadership and skills development,” she informs.
The school also conducts Sanskar classes, where students engage in the chanting of mantras and participate in thoughtful discussions on topics of social and national significance, fostering a deep sense of cultural identity and civic responsibility. According to Principal Kavita Singh, the school places a strong emphasis on Indian (Bharatiya) values. “As part of this effort, students are shown curated videos by the Hema Foundation to inspire them to cultivate a compassionate awareness of their responsibilities toward themselves, their families, society, and the nation—ultimately guiding them to become better human beings,” she explains.
Global exposure
Modern education leans towards technology. Hence, students are provided with an exposure to AI, coding, etc. Moreover, the student exchange programme, which includes travels to countries like Japan and Sri Lanka, is designed to incorporate a global outlook among the cohorts.
Teachers are training to combat stagnation
It is widely recognised that, over time, professionals—including teachers—may experience stagnation in their roles. To counter this, the school actively encourages continuous professional development, ensuring that its educators remain engaged, inspired, and at the forefront of educational innovation.
In addition, they undergo 50 hours of training, which is much like a refresher course. It not only empowers the teachers with new trends and strategies to enhance their teaching but also keeps them motivated.
Proud of its former students
The school boasts an impressive and diverse alumni network, with each individual having pursued the path they felt most aligned with their aspirations. Among them are distinguished doctors serving in leading hospitals, accomplished chartered accountants, successful entrepreneurs, and prominent family business leaders such as Hemant Kabra of R.R. Kabel. Ram Ratan Vidya Mandir takes immense pride in its alumni, who continue to serve as ambassadors of the institution, exemplifying its values and enhancing its reputation through their achievements.
Ultimately, by harmoniously blending traditional wisdom with modern pedagogical approaches, the school has not only thrived but has also successfully sustained its distinctive model of education for 28 years. As a result, on the strength of its educational philosophy, it remains a unique and invaluable model in today’s ever-evolving educational landscape.
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