Maa Sarada Gurukul Birhore Colony Chipibandhih Block Tamar, Ranchi

Introduction:

The Gurukul is an ancient Indian system of residential education in which students (Shishyas) live with their teacher (Guru) in a family-like environment. Beyond academic instruction, the Guru nurtures the moral, spiritual, intellectual, and physical development of each student. The students actively participate in everyday activities, learning the values of discipline, responsibility, self-reliance, and respect through observation and practice.

This holistic system of education flourished during the Vedic and Mahabharata periods continued to be the cornerstone of Indian learning until the introduction of the modern schooling system during the British era.

Inspired by this timeless tradition, Swami Vivekananda envisioned an education that would awaken the inherent strength, confidence, and divinity within every individual. He firmly believed that “Education is the manifestation of the perfection already in man.” According to Swamiji, true education should not merely impart knowledge but should build character, develop self-confidence (Atmashraddha), and prepare individuals to serve society with compassion and integrity.

Guided by this philosophy, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Morabadi, Ranchi, established Maa Sarada Gurukul at Birhor Colony, Chhipibandhdih, Tamar, to provide quality education and holistic development opportunities to children belonging primarily to the Birhor and Munda tribal communities.

The Gurukul provides a nurturing residential learning environment where children reside after attending the nearby Government Day School. The programme complements formal education by providing academic support, healthcare, nutritious meals, physical fitness, moral and value-based education, environmental awareness, life skills, and cultural enrichment. This holistic approach fosters the overall physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development and well-being of every child.

The programme seeks to empower tribal children with the knowledge, confidence, and life skills necessary to become responsible citizens while preserving their cultural heritage

Objectives of the Programme:

The programme aims to provide inclusive, quality education and holistic development for children from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and other marginalized tribal communities. The specific objectives are:

• To provide a residential learning environment that encourages regular attendance, discipline, and a strong interest in education.
• To deliver quality education through innovative, child-centred teaching methods, activity-based learning, audio-visual aids, and continuous academic assessment.
• To reduce school dropout rates among tribal children by strengthening their academic foundation and supporting their regular enrolment and retention in formal schools.
• To prepare meritorious students for entrance examinations of prestigious residential institutions such as Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, and Sainik Schools.
• To promote the holistic development of every child through value education, yoga, sports, cultural activities, environmental awareness, leadership development, and life skills.
• To improve the health and nutritional status of children through balanced meals, regular health check-ups, hygiene education, and the development of a Nutritional Garden.
• To encourage community participation by involving parents, village leaders, volunteers, and local institutions in educational and developmental activities.

To empower children from primitive tribal communities with knowledge, confidence, and opportunities so that they can successfully integrate into the mainstream education system while preserving their cultural identity and dignity.

Activities:

Educational Activities:

Maa Sarada Gurukul provides a structured residential education programme for children from the Birhor (PVTG) and Munda tribal communities studying in Classes I to V. The Gurukul currently accommodates approximately 50 children, creating a safe, caring, and child-friendly learning environment.

Qualified and dedicated young teachers from the local community conduct regular coaching classes, enabling effective communication in the children’s native language and fostering a strong bond of trust. Teaching-learning activities are conducted through innovative methods using charts, models, educational games, audio-visual resources, storytelling, group discussions, educational tours and activity-based learning to make education enjoyable and meaningful.

The educational programme focuses on strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy, improving communication skills, promoting creativity, and preparing students for future academic success. Equal emphasis is placed on character formation, discipline, leadership, teamwork, and moral values in accordance with the ideals of Swami Vivekananda.

Daily Routine

Time	Activity
6:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.	Yoga, Meditation and Physical Exercise
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.	Personal Hygiene, Bathing and Breakfast
8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.	Homework, Reading and School Preparation
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.	Attendance at Formal School (Government School)
5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.	Sports, Games and Nutritional Garden Activities
5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.	Coaching Classes, Audio-Visual Learning, Assessments, Reading and Value Education

This carefully planned routine ensures the balanced development of children’s academic abilities, physical fitness, emotional well-being, social skills, and moral character.

CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW KITCHEN SHED:

Previously, the daily meals for the children were prepared inside a temporary hut. This setup proved highly problematic, as changing weather conditions constantly disrupted cooking operations, while the open structure made it nearly impossible to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation. A permanent kitchen shed became a vital necessity to ensure the children’s health, safety, and well-being.

Construction of the new Kitchen Shed (Rosai Ghar) at Maa Sarada Gurukul was completed in November 2025 and was formally inaugurated on 17^th November 2025 in the gracious presence of revered monks, distinguished guests, public representatives, and local officials.

The inauguration ceremony was led by Swami Asimatmananda Maharaj (Dehradun), whose blessings marked the commencement of this important facility for the Gurukul.

The programme was graced by the presence of Swami Bhaveshananda Maharaj, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Morabadi, Ranchi, Swami Sukhmayananda Maharaj, the Welfare Officer, CTPO, Tamar, the Officer-in-Charge of Tamar Police Station, Shri Himanish Maji (Representative of Divine Soul, USA), and Shri Vikas Munda, MLA, Tamar. The dignitaries appreciated the efforts of the Gurukul in providing quality residential education and holistic development to tribal children through improved infrastructure and value-based education.

The newly inaugurated kitchen shed will significantly enhance the hygienic preparation and serving of nutritious meals for the resident students. The facility is expected to improve food safety, operational efficiency, and the overall living conditions of the children.

During the programme, the students and the women cooks expressed their heartfelt gratitude in the local language, saying, “Bahut hi besholokrandhnagharbainke,”. “A very good and beautiful kitchen has been built.” Their spontaneous words reflected the happiness and appreciation of the entire Gurukul family for this much-needed facility.

The programme concluded with prayers, the distribution of prasad, and warm interactions between the guests, students, and staff, making the occasion a memorable milestone in the continued development of Maa Sarada Gurukul

Nutritional Garden

The Nutritional Garden is an integral component of the Maa Sarada Gurukul programme, promoting healthy living, environmental sustainability, and experiential learning. It serves as a living classroom where children actively participate in preparing the land, sowing seeds, watering plants, composting organic waste, and harvesting seasonal vegetables and fruits.

A variety of nutritious crops such as papaya, mango, lemon, pomegranate (anaar), green chilli, drumstick (moringa), beans (bodi), and other locally suitable vegetables and fruits are cultivated in the garden. Through these hands-on activities, children gain practical knowledge of sustainable agriculture, organic farming practices, wastewater utilisation, compost preparation, and environmental protection. These activities also help instil essential values such as responsibility, teamwork, discipline, and self-reliance.

The fresh produce harvested from the garden is incorporated into the daily meals served at the Gurukul, enhancing the nutritional quality of the children’s diet and helping address micronutrient deficiencies. The initiative also raises awareness among students, their families and Birhor colony about the importance of balanced nutrition and encourages the establishment of kitchen gardens at home, thereby contributing to household food security and healthier dietary practices.

The Nutritional Garden reflects the Gurukul’s commitment to holistic child development by integrating education with practical life skills, environmental stewardship, and sustainable living. It ensures that learning extends beyond the classroom, empowering children to develop lifelong habits that promote good health, self-sufficiency, environmental responsibility, and respect for nature.

Monthly Health Check-up Camp

To ensure regular health monitoring and improve access to essential healthcare services, a Monthly Health Check-up Camp is organized by the Government of Jharkhand (Anumandal Administration, Bundu) for the students of Maa Sarada Gurukul, Chhipibandhdih, as well as members of the Birhor tribal community.

The camp is conducted during the last week of every month and has been carried out regularly throughout the academic year.

The health camp is led by Dr. Manish Kumar, who conducts comprehensive general health examinations, monitors the physical growth and nutritional status of children, provides basic medical treatment and essential medicines, and offers guidance on personal hygiene, sanitation, nutrition, and preventive healthcare practices.

This sustained healthcare initiative has played a vital role in the early identification and treatment of common health issues, improved awareness of health, hygiene, and nutrition, and strengthened the overall physical well-being of the students. It has also enhanced healthcare access for the Birhor tribal community, contributing to healthier lifestyles and improved quality of life.

Sports Activity:
For integrated development of health, children are made to play different games like football, volleyball, fitness rope, etc. All required sports equipments have been provided for these games.

Monthly Assessment:
Monthly assessment of children is conducted to assess whether students have met the standards of learning objectives.

Events at Maa Sarada Gurukul in 2025-26

Maa Sarada Gurukul, Chhipibandhdih, a residential educational institution for children belonging to the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and Scheduled Castes (SCs), places significant emphasis on preserving local traditions, promoting cultural values, and fostering holistic child development through the celebration of festivals and community events.

During the Academic Year 2025–26, the Gurukul celebrated a number of important cultural and religious festivals, including Chait Festival, Saraswati Puja, Shiv Puja, Karma Puja, Diwali, and other locally significant occasions. These celebrations provided students with valuable opportunities to learn about their rich cultural heritage while strengthening the values of unity, discipline, mutual respect, and social harmony.

The students actively participated in traditional worship, devotional songs, folk dances, cultural performances, and community-based activities under the guidance of the Gurukul teachers. Each celebration served as a platform for nurturing confidence, teamwork, leadership, and a strong sense of cultural identity among the children.

Special emphasis was placed on promoting health and nutrition during festival celebrations. On every festive occasion, wholesome and nutritious special meals were prepared and served to all resident students, creating a warm, joyful, and family-like atmosphere within the Gurukul.

Through these celebrations, Maa Sarada Gurukul successfully integrates education with cultural preservation, value-based learning, and community living, thereby contributing to the overall physical, emotional, social, and cultural development of every child.

• Drawing Competition Organised by SSB Dungirdih, Tamar (2026)

• Health Check-up Camp (24th March 2026)

• Independence Day Celebration (15th August 2025)

• Special Festive Meal during Karma Festival (September 2025)

• Swachh Gurukul Abhiyan (2nd October 2025)

• Jacket, blankets, and sleeping mats Distribution Programme (31st January 2026).

• Special Feast on Kalpataru Divas and New Year’s Day (1st January 2026).

• National Youth Day Celebration (12th January 2026).

• Republic Day Celebration (26th January 2026)

• Gaon Yatra Programme (2026)

STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PROGRESS AND HIGHER EDUCATION

During the financial year, seven students successfully completed their studies at Maa Sarada Gurukul. As part of the institution’s continued efforts to promote higher education, Ms. Sunita Kumari, Ms. Jyoti Kumari, and Ms. Laxmi Kumari secured admission to the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Residential School, Salgadih, Tamar, Ranchi. Mr. Sunil Ekka was admitted to the JanjatiyaAawasiya Vidyalaya, Bero–Lapung, Ranchi for further studies.

The remaining three students are currently preparing for admission to various Model Schools through competitive entrance examinations. The Gurukul continues to provide academic guidance, mentoring, and career counselling to ensure that every student is able to pursue quality education and build a bright future.

Present Strength – Student, Teacher, Staff & Volunteer

 

• • 50 Students

• • 2 Teachers

• • 3 Attendents (cook, assistant cook, helper)

• • 2 Volunteers

Budget Break Up for FY 2025-26 – Recurring Expenditure Proposal

Sl. No.	Expense Purpose	Actual Expense FY 2025-26	Proposed Budget FY 2026-27	Remarks
1.	Food and Fuel	₹ 1,81,613
2.	Honorarium of Teacher	₹ 1,63,200
3.	Dress	No Expense		Dress given by Donation.
4.	Cultural and other activities	No Expense
	Total (1+2+3+4=A)	₹ 3,44,813
5.	Miscellaneous of 20% of above = B	₹ 16,413
	Total (A+B)	₹ 6,33,694