The idea of Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith, Deoghar was first conceived by Swami Turiyananda, a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, who inspired Brahmachari Vidyachaitanya to start a school in order to implement the man-making ideas of Swami Vivekananda. Accordingly, Br. Vidyachaitanya rented a small house at Mihijam in May 1922 and started a school with three day-scholars. Eight months later, in January 1923, he left Mihijam and came to Deoghar with twelve students. Staying initially in a house on Rohini Road for one and a half months, he subsequently shifted to another place on the Kachahari Road. Thereafter, in the middle of 1924, he once again shifted the school to the Khema Villa and the Bama Villa in Deoghar.
Meanwhile, the work of procuring a plot of land for Vidyapith went on in full swing. On its accomplishment, the portion of the school located at Khema Villa was removed in 1925 to a couple of newly constructed houses, keeping the other portion at Bama Villa for a while more. Finally, when Vidyapith was totally shifted in its new premises, Swami Shivanandaji Maharaj, the then President of the Ramakrishna Order paid a visit and inaugurated the school ceremonially on January 19, 1926, the holy Saraswati Puja day. Shivanandaji Maharaj was deeply impressed by Vidyapith’s dedicated services and said: “I visualize a great future for Vidyapith. I am convinced that great work will be done through this institution.” His vision has indeed come true.
To shape Vidyapith from scratch, Brahmachari Vidyachaitanya had to struggle hard. Swami Turiyananda appreciated him wholeheartedly for his back-breaking efforts and affectionately called Vidyapith “A Brahmacharya Vidyalaya”. Swami Saradananda, the then General Secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission and a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, extended all possible support during Vidyapith’s formative years.
Brahmachari Vidyachaitanya became a Sannyasin in due course and received the monastic name of Swami Sadbhavananda. In his first report as the Secretary of Vidyapith, he wrote: “Living in touch with sannyasins, the boys breathe here in an atmosphere of sacrifice and purity. The habit of self-help which strengthens the character of a man and makes him fit for the struggle of life is also carefully cultivated in the boys. By locating the school at a healthy place and by giving boys proper physical training, the institution aims at the improvement in their health. In short, it affords to its boys secular culture based on spirituality.”
Vidyapith has been relentlessly following the principles of Swami Sadbhavananda laid down at the outset. It trains boys academically, intellectually, physically, aesthetically, morally and spiritually. In other words, Vidyapith is committed to implementing Swami Vivekananda’s “Man-making and Character-building Education”.
A Premier Institution :
A small school initially, Vidyapith has now grown into a premier institution of the country with many other activities added to it. This has been possible because of the indefatigable labour and the persistent prayers of the monks, workers and devotees of this centre of the Ramakrishna Mission.
Since a good deal of spade-work by its pioneers had gone into its beginning, Vidyapith stands on a solid foundation and eventually steers past many challenges. It has grown from strength to strength, creating ripples in society.
Nine Decades :
Vidyapith has now completed ninety six years of its existence. It is, therefore, rich in experience and expertise. Witnessing ups and downs within this period, it has had slices of joy and ounces of sorrow during this period. A defining moment, however, arrived when it was conferred the “National Award” for outstanding work in the field of child welfare by the Government of India, in 1986. In recognition of its excellence, there are otherwise, accolades galore, for the exceptional performances in different fields of activity.
Vidyapith Today:
The school was originally affiliated to the West Bengal boards of education. Much later, it was provisionally affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi in 1964. Thereafter, permanent affiliation of the school was sanctioned w.e.f. 1.5.1973 (vide letter no. CBSE/AI/03/8/618 dated 22 December 1973).
Coming down to the present, the school had 502 students on its roll from classes VI to XII during 2017-18. Its residential section is divided into 16 Dhams (houses) named after the direct disciples of Sri Ramakrishna.
Value Education
Vidyapith lays emphasis on value-based education. Along with their daily lessons in academic studies, our students receive instructions in Indian Culture & Value Education (ICVE). Innovations in their trainings are also made and efforts are made to combine the modern method of education with the traditional method of Gurukula system.
Discipline is considered the cardinal virtue in Vidyapith. It expects the students to be honest, obedient, respectful, dutiful and sympathetic. On top of all, it wants that students should have love for the nation and its less-fortunate citizens.
An atmosphere of devotion and dedication, the Vidyapith holds, is absolutely necessary for proper education. Congregational prayers, devotional songs and fortnightly Ramnam Sankirtan in the campus create the right ambience for the purpose. Religious festivals viz. Janmashtami, Shiva Ratri, Holi, Sri Sri Saraswati Puja, Viswakarma Puja, birthdays of the Holy Trio, are celebrated. Boys take part in the shrine duties and ceremonial worships on various occasions. Students practice the Vedic Chanting regularly. Hanuman Chalisa is also recited in the temple and hostels. As an auspicious beginning to Vidyapith life, Vidyarthivrata Sankalpa with Vedic Homa is performed every year for the new entrants to classes VI and XI.
As a part of moral and value based education in Vidyapith, there is a tradition of awarding prizes for Best Inculcation of Values, Best Behaviour and Best Leadership to the boys of classes X and XII.
The purpose of the education process of Vidyapith is to achieve a comprehensive growth in the students. It believes, academically accomplished, intellectually sharp, physically active and spiritually evolved youths are the real assets of the nation.
Physical Education
Boys receive training from qualified physical instructors who train students under the supervision of the Chief Warden. Of late ‘Physical Education’ has been introduced as a curricular subject for the Senior Secondary Students.
There are qualified coaches also for gymnastics, karate, yoga and band. Boys participate regularly in drills and games, using two well-equipped indoor and multi-gym facilities as well as 21 playgrounds in the campus. Tournaments are organized for football, cricket, table tennis, volleyball, basketball and badminton.
Parade troops and the band party of Vidyapith keep spectators spellbound with smart turnouts and rhythmic displays, both within Vidyapith premises and at the District Parade Ground during the Independence Day and the Republic Day celebrations.
Library
Vidyapith has a reasonably large library which serves the students and the staff according to their needs. As on date (31.03.2018), there are in all 22010 books (18104 in Secondary Section and 3906 in Senior Secondary Section) in Sanskrit, English, Bengali and Hindi languages. It provides 37 periodicals and 5 newspapers to the readers.
Computer Literacy
The students of Vidyapith enjoy the benefit of two well-equipped Computer Laboratories, one in each of the Senior Secondary and Secondary Sections. Boys are trained properly as per the AISSE and AISSCE syllabi.
Vocal, Instrumental and Fine Arts
Vidyapith boys are trained in vocal and instrumental music by our regular music teachers. During 2017-18, 230 students appeared in the test conducted by the Prachin Kalakendra, Chandigarh. Boys also learn painting, drawing, handicraft and other similar arts from competent teachers.
Literary and Cultural Activities
“VIDYAPITH”, a school Magazine, is published every year with writings from students, staff, monks as well as guest contributors. Special wall magazines are prepared by the boys and displayed on the school and hostel boards. These make interesting reading with articles, stories, poems, drawings, cartoons and other attractive features. Dramas are presented by the boys on different occasions under the direction of a professional theatre personality from Kolkata.
In-campus Competitions
During the period under review, inter-dormitory competitions were carried out in the Secondary Section for every term. The criteria for competitions are – performances at the Prayer Hall, Dining Hall, Playground, Hostel Cleaning & Gardening. In the hostel competition of the senior group (VIII-X), the selected Best Dham was awarded the Vivekananda Centenary Commemoration Challenge Cup (1945), while the Best Dham of the junior group (VI- VII) was awarded the Rathindra Rudra Memorial Cup (1946).
Other Memorial Trophies given for specific games are:
For the Senior Secondary Section:
- For Football match between Medical and the Engineering groups:
Swami Lokeswarananda Memorial Trophy for Winners
Swami Gambhirananda Memorial Trophy for Runners up
For the Secondary Section:
- Swami Lokeswarananda Memorial Trophy for Football (Senior Group)
- Birendra Memorial Cup for Football for Runners up (Senior Group)
- Nikhil Memorial Cup for Football for Winners (Intermediate Group)
- Gadadhar Challenge Cup for Football (Junior Group)
- Subrata Memorial Cup for Basketball for Winners (Senior Group)
- Anil Memorial Cup for Volleyball for Winners (Senior Group)
In order to facilitate all round development of a student, special attention is given on curricular as well as on co-curricular activities. The boys are also exposed to various cultural competitions like debate, recitation, elocution, quiz, creative-writing and also to seminars and discussions.
Cultural Function
Vidyapith observed its 95th Annual Day on 2nd December 2017, with the prize distribution function. Swami Tattwasarananda, Principal, Ramakrishna Mission Sikshanamandira, Belur Math, West Bengal presided over the Prize Distribution Function. Sri Rahul Kumar Sinha, Deputy Commissioner, Deoghar, Jharkhand was the Chief Guest on the occasion. They gave away the prizes to the students for their distinguished achievements in curricular and co-curricular activities during the year.
On the occasion of National Youth Day, a programme was organized at the Vidyapith premises on 12 January 2018. Our monks and teachers discussed the life and teachings of Swamiji to encourage the assembled Students. The students of Vidyapith delivered lectures and performed songs and recitations on the occasion.
Literary Association
Teachers and staff members of Vidyapith express their socio-cultural thoughts and ideas on Literary meet through several cultural activities (like songs, recitation, audio-drama, mimicry, playing of instruments etc.) which enrich the bondage and mutual understanding among the members of Vidyapith family.
Excursion
Excursion is considered an essential part of education at Vidyapith. Secondary students are taken to places of interest like Trikut Pahar, Massanjore Dam, Khandoli and Belur Math. The Class XI students go on an educational excursion to Chittaranjan Locomotive Works, Mukutmanipur and Maithon Dam.
A staff picnic is arranged at the Khandoli, Giridih located at about 2 hours of car-distance from Vidyapith. All teaching and non-teaching staff members attended the picnic.
Competitions and Awards
Excellence achieved by students of Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith (School) in different competitions organized by Science Olympiad Foundation during the session 2017-18
| Contest | Rank | Prize | Name |
| National Cyber
Olympiad by (SOF) |
2 (Zonal) | Gift Worth Rs. 1250/ | Pranjal Prakhar |
| Certificate of Zonal Excellence | |||
| 6 (Zonal) | Gift Worth Rs. 1000/ | Soham Maji | |
| Certificate of Zonal Excellence | |||
| 8 (Zonal) | Gift Worth Rs. 1000/ | Prabhav Raj | |
| Certificate of Zonal Excellence | |||
| 9th International Mathematics Olympiad
by (SOF) |
05 (Zonal) | Gift Worth Rs.1000/
Certificate of Zonal Excellence |
Archit Kumar |
| 07 (Zonal) | Gift Worth Rs.1000/
Certificate of Zonal Excellence |
Aditya Ajey | |
| 09 (Zonal) | Gift Worth Rs.1000/
Certificate of Zonal Excellence |
Anuj Kumar | |
| 9th International Olympiad of Science
by (Silver Zone Foundation)
|
01 (State) | Gift: Pierre Cardin Pen
Medal: Gold |
Amrit Raj |
| 01 (State) | Gift: Pierre Cardin Pen
Medal: Gold |
Ayush Agarwal | |
| 02 (State) | Gift: Pierre Cardin Pen
Medal: Silver |
Anuj Kumar | |
| 02 (State) | Gift: Pierre Cardin Pen
Medal: Silver |
Arjun Kumar | |
| 02 (State) | Gift: Pierre Cardin Pen
Medal: Silver |
Sarvendra Pratap | |
| 03 (State) | Gift: Pierre Cardin Pen
Medal: Bronze |
Anurag Nath | |
| 03 (State) | Gift: Pierre Cardin Pen
Medal: Bronze |
Mukund Ranjan | |
| 03 (State) | Gift: Pierre Cardin Pen
Medal: Bronze |
Snehil Anand | |
| 10th International Olympiad of English
Language (ioel 2018) by (Silver Zone Foundation)
|
01 (State) | Gift: Pierre Cardin Pen
Medal: Gold |
Devangshu Dutta |
| 01 (State) | Gift: Pierre Cardin Pen
Medal: Gold |
Soham Maji | |
| 02 (State) | Gift: Pierre Cardin Pen
Medal: Bronze |
Arindam Hansda | |
| 02 (State) | Gift: Pierre Cardin Pen
Medal: Silver |
Karan Kumar | |
| 02 (State) | Gift: Pierre Cardin Pen
Medal: Silver |
Prassanna Nand Jha | |
| 03 (State) | Gift: Pierre Cardin Pen
Medal: Bronze |
Srijarko Roy | |
| 10th International Olympiad of
Mathematics by (Silver Zone Foundation)
|
01 (State) | Gift: Pierre Cardin Pen
Medal: Gold |
Ayush Raj |
| 01 (State) | Gift: Pierre Cardin Pen
Medal: Gold |
Nishant Ranjan | |
| 02 (State) | Gift: Pierre Cardin Pen
Medal: Silver |
Amulya Kumar Singh | |
| 02 (State) | Gift: Pierre Cardin Pen
Medal: Silver |
Archit Kumar | |
| 03 (State) | Gift: Pierre Cardin Pen
Medal: Bronze |
Aditya Ajey | |
| 03 (State) | Gift: Pierre Cardin Pen
Medal: Bronze |
Atri Hazra |
30 students of Vidyapith participated in the 3rd Sanskrit Olympiad (2nd Level) organized by Sanskrit Bharati Trust during the session 2017-18 and achieved Excellence Award as follows:
| Contest | Rank | Prize | Name |
| 3rd Sanskrit Olympiad | 2nd (National Rank) | Gift: Tab + Dict + Memento | Adiya Ajey |
| 1st (State Rank) | Gift: Medal + Certificate | Harshit Anand | |
| 1st (State Rank) | Gift: Medal + Certificate | Karan Kumar | |
| 2nd (State Rank) | Gift: Medal + Certificate | Aakarsh Om | |
| 2nd (State Rank) | Gift: Medal + Certificate | Abhishek Anand | |
| 2nd (State Rank) | Gift: Medal + Certificate | Archit Kumar | |
| 2nd (State Rank) | Gift: Medal + Certificate | Sajeet Kumar | |
| 2nd (State Rank) | Gift: Medal + Certificate | Yash Alok |
