Swami Vivekananda’s thoughts on Women Empowerment through Education in 19th Century and its Relevance in Present System of Education

Abstract

19th century mother India has produced a galaxy of great men who have enriched our national life by their talent and personality. Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) was one among them. When cultural values and deep-rooted civilization of India were crushed under the western civilization based on materialism, a wandering monk Vivekananda with no material possession except his walking stick and begging bowl, with full surrender to Almighty, became her messiah. The popularization of women education in India owes much to Vivekananda. He said that the fate of India will be sealed if the mothers are not given proper education and training. By this, he visualized better home, better people, better society and developed nation at large (Nayak, 2013). According to Swamiji women education would be a combination of the western spirit of the independence, freedom and dynamism with Indian austerity and purity. His suggested some subject areas are religion, science, arts, language, housekeeping, cooking, sewing, hygiene etc. Women to be specially imparted religious education (Maity, 2016). Therefore, this paper will study about Swami Vivekananda’s thoughts and ideas on women education, different subject areas for women education in 19th century and evaluate its relevance in present system of education. The methodology followed in this study is analytical and evaluative. The thoughts and ideas of Swami Vivekananda regarding women education is bearing a great significance in the field of our education system and society for women empowerment in 19th century and also present time. It’s providing the right type of education to emancipate them through re-establishing their dignified position in society. And this paper will suggest recommendations in consideration with Swami Vivekananda’s vision, to overcome the problem of illiteracy among women in present India.