Abstract
Abstract
Education is not limited to the acquisition of academic knowledge and professional competencies; it also contributes to the formation of character, ethical judgment, social responsibility, emotional maturity, and respectful human relationships. Swami Vivekananda's educational philosophy presents education as a process of holistic human development in which intellectual growth is integrated with character formation, self-confidence, discipline, strength, compassion, service, and the realization of human potential. His concept of man-making education emphasizes the development of individuals who are intellectually capable, morally responsible, psychologically resilient, socially conscious, and purposeful. This narrative review examines the contribution of Vivekananda's educational philosophy to the development of moral and human values and evaluates its relevance to contemporary education. The major themes explored include character building, self-discipline, truthfulness, self-confidence, courage, compassion, empathy, service to humanity, social responsibility, respect for human dignity, holistic development, and the role of teachers and educational institutions. The review further examines the relationship between Vivekananda's educational ideas and contemporary Indian educational priorities, particularly holistic development and value-based education. His philosophy remains relevant because it connects knowledge with conduct and personal development with responsibility toward society. At the same time, its contemporary application requires critical interpretation because Vivekananda's ideas emerged within a particular historical, philosophical, and cultural context. His principles can be meaningfully incorporated into modern education through inclusive, democratic, pluralistic, learner-centred, and evidence-informed approaches. The review argues that the enduring significance of Vivekananda's educational philosophy lies in its emphasis on education as a transformative process that seeks to develop not merely knowledgeable individuals but ethically grounded, compassionate, confident, resilient, and socially responsible human beings.
Keywords
Swami Vivekananda; educational philosophy; moral values; human values; character education; value-based education; holistic education; character building; social responsibility; man-making education
Author Affiliations
Research Schollar, dept. of Education, Magadh University, Bodhgaya (Bihar)
Head Dept. of B.Ed. A.M. college, Bodhgaya (Bihar)