By: Anusha Kankure
12th Grade
Throughout February, my days were occupied actively attempting to find a way to meet my school’s independent service project requirement for National Honor Society. The enlightening principles of Basaveshwara ingrained at the core of VSNA prompted me to complete service work with VSNE. My initial task was a simple one; compose a video regarding the impact and legacy of Shivakumara Swamiji. The assignment was nothing daunting, however, I did not expect myself to become so invested within it. As I researched more on the life of Dr. Sri Sri Shivakumara Swamiji, I found myself increasingly inspired. Swamiji tirelessly committed his life to the educational and overall betterment of others through his creation of several institutions teaching a variety of subjects including Sanskrit, math, and science. In addition to his production of academic institutes, Shivakumara Swamiji’s philanthropy extended to form nondiscriminatory shelters.
My most significant takeaway from constructing this video is the conclusion of why Swamiji acted for the benefits of others. Shivakumara Swamiji acknowledged the differences of caste and religion have no true detrimental impact on education. In his eyes, all were equally deserving of the chance to thrive and enrich their minds with knowledge. With his inherent goodness and lifelong dedication to humanity, Swamiji is evidently a figure we can all strive to emulate within our lives.