JAMMU:   The 26th meeting of Governing Council for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul, Charan Paduka,Katra, was held here in which a number of important decisions were taken,interalia, for enhancing employ ability of the students passing out from the Gurukul.

In this context, the Governing Council decided thatpractical and vocational training will be imparted to the Shastri Class students of the Gurukul in Vedic Mantras, Karam Kand, Jyotish, Vastu Shastra and other religious ceremonies and rituals. Towards realisation of this objective, the meeting also decided to set up a Counselling Cell to guide the students about various career options and available opportunities.      Dr.Ashok Bhan, Member of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, chaired the meeting, which was attended by Mr. Simrandeep Singh, Chief Executive Officer,Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Prof. Yugal Kishore Mishra; Prof.Vishwamurti Shastri; Mr. Hem Kant Prasher, Chief Accounts Officer; Dr. ArvindKarwani, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board and Administrator of Gurukul; Mr. Gopal Dass Sharma, Head Pujari, Bhawan; and Dr. DhananjayMishra, Principal of the Gurukul. Dr. Bhan emphasised on enhancement of functional knowledge and expertise of the Gurukul students alongside focus sing on academics to enable them to find adequate employment opportunities once they pass out from the Gurukul.

While reviewing the functioning of the Smart Classes introduced in the Gurukul, the GC desired that the available technology should be optimally utilised for enhancing the knowledge base of the students for ensuring effective teaching and learning process of Sanskrit language in thisinstitution, which is being developed as a centre of excellence.       

The meeting also discussed the schedule/programme of the annual day function of the Gurukul to be held on 30 August. The GC was also informed about the to-date status in regard to the starting of Post-Graduation Course in Vedic Studies by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. 

Underscoring the importance of organising study visits for students to the various places of spiritual, historical, cultural and educational interest, the GC approved a proposal of organising Bharat Darshan tour for the students of Shastri Part-III of the Gurukul during 2019-20 academic session to the various parts of the country.  

The Principal of Gurukul apprised that presently 177 students are studying from class 6th to Shastri Part-III in this fully residential institution which was established by the Shrine Board in 2010.Education, boarding, lodging, books, uniforms etc. are being provided to thestudents by the Shrine Board totally free of cost. The Board has also madeel aborate arrangements for indoor and outdoor games at the Gurukul, besides organising debating competitions and other extra-curricular activities forover all personality development of the students.