The Committee on Religious and Moral Instructions (1959) known as Sri Prakasa Committee studied the issue thoroughly and made detailed recommendations which are reproduced below:
1. The teaching of moral and spiritual values in educational institutions is desirable and specific provision for doing so is feasible within certain limitations.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
2. The inculcation of good manners, social service and true patriotism should be continuously stressed at all stages.
3. It is very important that in any educational scheme, the home should not be left out and through mass media such as leaflets, talks, radio and the cinema and through voluntary organisations, the faults and drawbacks of our homes both in the matter of their physical orderliness and their psychological atmosphere, should be pointed out, and instruction given as to how these can be removed. If this is done in an impersonal manner it would not hurt anyone, would draw the attention of the persons concerned to their own shortcomings, thus inducting and encouraging them to eradicate these.
Image Source: 185.26.182.219
4. It would be very desirable to start work every day in all educational institutions with a few minutes of silent meditation either in the classroom or in common hall. There could be some sort of prayer also which need not be addressed to any deity or ask for any favour, but which may be in the nature of an exhortation for self- discipline and devotion to some ideal.
Occasionally in these Assembly Meetings inspiring passages from great literature, religious as well as secular, and pertaining to all important religions and cultures of the world, could be read with profit. Community singing of inspiring songs and hymns can be most effective at the school stage.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
5. Suitable books should be prepared for stages from primary to university which should describe briefly in a comparative and sympathetic manner the basic idea of all religions as well as the essence of the lives and teachings of the great religious leaders, saints, mystics and philosophers.
These books should be suitable to the various age groups in different classes of schools and colleges, and should be a common subject of study for all. Collections of poems and selected passages from Sanskrit, Persian, English and the regional languages should be made for the use of young people.
Suitable books should be prepared for different stages of education which would help in the inculcations of patriotism and social service. These should particularly concentrate on deeds of heroism and self-sacrifice in the cause of the country and in the service of others.
6. In the course of extra-curricular activities, learned and experienced persons may be invited to deliver lectures on inter-religious understanding. Educational broadcasts and group discussions may be organised to stimulate interest in the study of moral and spiritual values.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
7. Special stress should be laid on teaching good manners and promoting the virtues of reverence and courtesy which are badly needed in our society. An all-out effort, in the nature of a crusade by all concerned is called for and nothing should be spared for the successful propagation of good manners and courtesy.
8. Some form of physical training should be compulsory at every stage. This can be graded from Clubs and Boy Scouts to Auxiliary and National Cadet Corps. Games and sports should be encouraged and the dignity of manual work and social service to the community should be taught.