An Ashram with Gandhian Values and Ideals

Ashram Activities

It goes to the credit of MNBEI that nearly all students, who received education here, could establish themselves well in later life.During the later phase, in 1960s, signs of stagnation and decline appeared which had to be checked. The foremost reason for this was that the country and the society were rapidly moving away from the principles and ideas of Mahatma Gandhi. Consumerism, which two decades after was to totally take over the society, had started raising its head, though not unopposed. MNBEI struggled hard to stand firm. It refused to be wound up and continued the task of imparting education through Basic Education. In 1960 and 1961 the Junior Basic and Pre-basic unit had received recognition and grants of the State Education Department of Government of West Bengal. The Institution also received grants from Khadi-Commission. Several leaders and educationists from different parts of the country visited the Institution.


In 1970s ideological differences appeared in between the Institution and the Education Department. The grants from the Government were withdrawn. The Institution had to face other problems as well. People with vested interest tried to drive out the devoted workers and grab the Institution to serve their narrow interest. But the Institution struggled tenaciously and gradually won over the popular support in its favour.
In 1991 under the auspices of the Human Resource Development Ministry, Govt. of India, MNBEI took up a comprehensive, innovative education programme and started “Samagra Siksha Movement” much before “ Sarva Siskha Aviyan”. In 100 centres in 100 villages it remained engaged in reestablishing and to consolidate effort like

  1. Promotion of the ideological perspective of Basic Education suiting the contemporary needs of the society.
  2. Promotion of Charkha, thereby reestablishing the spirit of self-reliance among the younger generation.
  3. Promotion of concern for environment.
  4. Promotion of village industries, crafts and sustainable agricultural supplementary options.

     2006 - Ashram Students Welcome the State Education Minister

Presently the Ashram school at Majhihira, upto secondary level, follows the syllabus of West Bengal Board of Secondary Education. But it retains many features of Basic Education, like Charkha spinning, safai, growing of vegetables, gardening, open air classes, instruction through play and work etc. Though the provision for weaving, carpentry and agriculture is still there but under the obligation of completing the syllabus of the Secondary Board, these activities are not pursued vigorously.

While evaluating the work being done by MNBEI Dr D. K. Mukhopadhyay of Vinaya Bhavan, Shantiniketan, wrote in his report, “MNBEI is doing a commendable job for spreading universal education in and around Majhihira village and thus playing a crucial role in the national goal of achieving universalisation of elementary education”. Macaulay through his educational policy wished to create in India a middle class, which would be English in opinion and taste, moral values and attitude, and would serve as a bridge in between the rulers and ruled- millions. His another contemporary, more prophetic and realist, visualized a benefited subject, which would be a more beneficial friend when British-Raj would end due the iron laws of time.

The educational policy inaugurated by Macaulay still continues unabated. Under the circumstances prevailing now MNBEI firmly believes that “ We need Gandhi now as we never needed him before”.   1965 - Students with Charka