GUWAHATI: The Assam Education Department has granted a special 12-day leave for educators to undergo training in Vipassana meditation.
Vipassana, an ancient mindfulness meditation technique, is being introduced as part of an institutionalised approach to capacity building for teachers.
This initiative coincides with the recent introduction of Vedic mathematics into Assam's school education system.
The Axom Sarba Siksha Abhiyan Mission has communicated to District Commissioners and Principal Secretaries of autonomous councils to ensure the widespread dissemination of information among teachers regarding the opportunity to attend the Vipassana course.
Taking to X, the Education Minister of Assam stated, “Any teacher willing to voluntarily participate in the Vipassana course will get 12 days of leave. Because, we want our teachers to be capable of teaching our students Vipassana – to meditate, enhance attention and manage their minds positively.”
Vipassana, often misspelled as "Bipashana," is an ancient Indian meditation technique focusing on the connection between mind and body through disciplined attention to physical sensations. It aims to purify the mind, eliminating negative qualities like anger and greed, leading… pic.twitter.com/Rc0ORdRYaS
— Ranoj Pegu (@ranojpeguassam) November 28, 2023
Teachers have reportedly already begun arriving at the designated centre, operated by an organisation in the Chandrapur area on the outskirts of the city.
While the centre has been operational for some time, this marks the first official instruction granting teachers the liberty to undergo Vipassana training. The 10-day program includes travel time, with a sanctioned twelve-day leave.
