18/11/2025
Born on July 21, 1930, in the village of Baghpura in the Morena district of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Lajjaram Tomar was a towering figure in the Indian education sector, who dedicated every moment of his life to revive the Indian form of education.
A brilliant student, he also became an ideal teacher. After earning his M.A. and B.Ed. degrees, he began teaching at an Inter College in Agra. However, when he became associated with the inspirational work of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), he left his permanent job and made the 'Saraswati Shishu Mandir' education plan the goal of his life.
Lajjaram ji, who was interested in sadhana (spiritual practice), yoga, and meditation, dedicated himself to social service despite personal difficulties. He made the expansion of education his penance (tapasya).
With the establishment of 'Vidya Bharati' in 1979, he became its first National Organizing Secretary. Under his guidance, a strong educational network of thousands of schools was prepared, which gave a new direction to education based on Indian culture, ethics, and nationalism. He played a significant role in making Vidya Bharati an active and expanded organization at the national level.
Shri Tomar worked to promote education based on Indian cultural and national values. To this end, he authored invaluable books such as 'Indian Education: Basic Elements' (Bharatiya Shiksha Ke Mool Tattva), 'Ancient Indian Education System' (Prachin Bharatiya Shiksha Paddhati), and 'The Direction of Vidya Bharati's Thought' (Vidya Bharati Ki Chintan Disha), which continue to inspire teachers and educationists even today.
His "Panchapadi Teaching Method" (Vidya Bharati's teaching methodology) has been recognized among teachers and Acharyas (preceptors) of Vidya Bharati. This methodology has now been incorporated into the current education policy as well.
In his view, education should not just be academic but "Bharat-centric," meaning students should be connected with Indian culture, philosophy, and national spirit. Regarding the need to re-establish "Ancient Hindu Knowledge" in modern education, he believed that ancient Indian education and philosophy contain very deep scientific and philosophical insights. It is a matter of joy that all these subjects are reflected in the current education curricula.
Let us pay our respects to this great educationist whose life was a living example of education and sanskara (moral and cultural values).
