Making Space for Knowing (Chapter- 4)
India is a mosaic of different cultures, religions, castes, and classes with unimaginable pluralism and diversity at every level, making it the most complex nation in the world. In order to understand the social system of India, it is important to know the caste system as well. There are four different levels of the system: Brahman (Priest), Kshatriya (Ruler, Warrior, and Land owner), Vaishya (Merchants) and Shudra (Artisans, Agriculturalist). There are other groups of people who do not belong to any caste such as Schedule tribe and Schedule caste. Loyola school has KG to 12th grade. The statistics of the school is like this: there are 6 Jesuits, 2 sisters, 11 lay Catholic teachers, 48 other teachers, 54 Catholic students and 2096 other students(Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and others), so there are total 2150 members in this Jesuit run school. All are welcome in this school without any discrimination of any sort. Our hands are always wide open to receive whoever comes to the school for admission. The attitude of hospitality is reflected not only in our admitting to the students of various castes and classes but also in the dealing of the teachers in the class rooms. There are lots of cooperative learning, sharing of resources and openness from the teachers’ side and the students as well. Boundaries of teaching and learning are maintained in the school. As catholic educators we need to have balanced views in our approach towards whole education system considering openness, boundaries and hospitality.
Spirituality and Caring (Chapter- 5)
God is especially revealed in the mystery of the human person, "created in the image and likeness of God"; Loyola school, therefore, probes the meaning of human life and is concerned with the total formation of each student as an individual personally loved by God. The objective of Jesuit education is to assist in the fullest possible development of all of the God-given talents of each individual person as a member of the human community. Since the truly human is found only in relationships with others that include attitudes of respect, love, and service, Loyola school stresses - and assists in developing - the role of each individual as a member of the human community. Students, teachers, and all members of the educational community are encouraged to build a solidarity with others that transcends race, culture or religion. Thus we all grow together caring for each other.
Bipin, I know the diversity that you are talking about (I teach it to my students in my Social Studies class) but I am amazed how you are sharing that your school creates hospitality. And I pretty sure that if they are like you (ALWAYS with a BEAUTIFUL SMILE)It is possible.
ReplyDeleteWe are God's family no matter our religion, race, culture, etc.
Blessed be God!
ReplyDeleteDear Bipin,
I wish I could go and visit India one day! I have met very holy priest and sisters from India...including you...I like how you explained the social division of classes, and above all I like how your Jesuit school ignores these men-made divisions and receives everyone equally to form one community where every member is valued in the same way.
I know this is difficult to do! But God calls us to do it! He never discriminated anyone...we are his disciples we need to follow his example!
God bless!
Thank you Bipin for educating us on caste/social system in India. I am impressed with your school and the "hospitality" that you provide your students. Any new teacher at your school would definitely need to "grow up/expand their consciousness/lenses" pretty quickly in order to be open to the diversity of cultures and faiths that makeup your school population.
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit your school!!! It seems that your school practices and embraces the Catholic Christian philosophy/pedagogy....
I loved reading this blog! It was fascinating to read about the dynamic of your school. It is inspiring to read about your community and how one must be open to a variety of people within a society that holds true to such cultural caste system. I am so encouraged to know that around the globe Christians are sharing their faith by educating students in a positive, nurturing environments.
ReplyDeleteBipin, it is so inspiring to read about your school environment and the committment to build solidarity that transcends race, culture or religion. The element of hospitality seems huge and serves as a microcosom for educational institutions to follow. What a blessing to touch so many lives that are so diverse! No wonder you are always smiling:)
ReplyDelete