Improvement Plan
About Profile
In this section of our School Improvement Plan and overview of student performance data, student and community data, school characteristics, a survey on school performance for the improvement of quality of education is provided.
STUDENT PERFORMANCE DATA
(A) National Measures: ‘Darshanam’ Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya is affiliated to Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, New Delhi which is an autonomous body governing the entire academic wing of Sanskrit Education and precisely the grades 11th, 12th , FY, SY, TY, M.A. & M.Phil. The final examinations at the end of each academic year are conducted by the Sansthan for which, the results are also assessed by them.
(B) State Measures: Statewide assessment of student learning in Sanskrit/Traditional subjects by the state educational board are available but the board makes the assessment for only 10th grades. There is an examination at the end of the academic year, which is organised by the board and is also assessed by them. Virtually, all the affiliated institutions have to appear in the board examinations for securing the board recognition.
(C) School Measures: At present, in our state, there are no assessment measures available for the grades 8th and 9th at state or national level. So the school itself involves in a round the year assessment measures which consist of both objective as well as subjective examinations. The examination is spread throughout the year at regular intervals which consist of 3 unit tests, one Preliminary test and ultimately the Annual Examination. A comprehensive assessment of the student performance all the year around is prepared.
SCHOOL PECULIARITIES
The school is co-located in the SGVP campus where in there is a state of art, International. School. The entire campus is spread in 52 Acres of ambient, and picturesque natural beauty. It is one of the only two traditional schools in the area. All the other schools are state run or government funded institutions. There are total 24 such schools as providing tradition based education of Sanskrit medium in the Gujarat State. Only ‘Darshanam’ Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya is being privately funded through worldwide contributions, all students live in the campus and are residents of the ‘Darshanam’ Sanskrit Hostel.
The school’s construction and all furnishings have been financed by anonymous private donations given by the followers as well as the alumni and the faithful of Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul, Rajkot. The finance board at SGVP plans and approves the expenditure for classroom, in support of the entire educational needs and in accordance a budget is prepared by the school personnel.
‘Darshanam’ Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya is a self finance, non-profit organization. Students are not charged any tuition fees. However students are supposed to pay for picnics, tours, miscellaneous expenses which arise while their course of study. Each year the SGVP Executive Committee under the authority of the Gurukul Board makes an estimation of school’s operating expenses. The facility as well as the excellent student-teacher ratio of 8:1. At this level of schooling is not available anywhere in the city of perhaps in the country as per our information. Because of this peculiarity of ‘Darshanam’ Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, no comparison can we carry out with other government operated or private institutions providing Sanskrit Education.
The school serves grades 6th to 12th, Graduation, Post Graduation degree and Research Degree. The staff employed in the school is selected under the scrutiny of erudite scholars who match the atmosphere of Gurukul system of education, not only by their knowledge but also by their behavior. The emphasis is laid upon the overall development of students as well as the staff to reach the high standards of quality. The school targets low income parents who aspire to have their children study at University level but due to the lack of funds are not able do so. The school selects the students who are committed and really are focused, have clarity about what they want of their careers. Once a students is admitted in 6th and 9th grade are supposed to continue with their education till post graduation. This year onwards the institution has made this clause compulsory due to some undesired experiences in past years. The students are supposed to study in Sanskrit medium. The language is the root of the Indian culture and is given the status of the mother of all Indian languages. We strongly believe that the propagation of Sanskrit language is necessary for nurturing and protection of Indian culture and therefore with this divine vision in mind, DSS is established at SGVP campus. The compulsory hostel facility ensures the best cultural lifestyle.
Roots of DSS
Ancient Indian system of education comprised of Gurukul system, wherein the masters called Rishis provided education to students, who have to stay away from their home with the masters at some natural surrounding. The peculiarity of this system of education was that here the principles where learned not only by memorizing but by implying them in day to day life. The emphasis was laid upon the development of practical wisdom rather than accumulation of information.
Inspired by the command of almighty lord Shree Swaminarayan. The seed of first Gurukul at Rajkot where sown in 1948. Enlighten by the success of re-living the ancient system of education the pious saints of the institution expanded the horizons and established ‘Darshanam’ Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya and thus came the existence of a big bough full tree. Believing strongly in the benefits of Satsanga, Sadvidya and Sanskar Darshanam Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya aims to bring desired changes in the structure of our nation.
Affiliation & MOU
Gujarat State Education Board (GSEB) provided the recognition to the school for 9th to 12th.
DSS is affiliated with Somnath Sanskrit University provided the recognition to the school for Shastri, Acharya, Research Degree (Ph.D.)
Shree Sandipani Ved Vidya Pratisththanam provided the recognition to the school for Vidadhyayan (Grades 6th to 8th).
C-DAC (for computer) also provides the certificate courses to the students.
The nationally reputed Academy of Sanskrit Research, Melkote, Karnataka State has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) recognizing the excellent research and academic work of DSS.
Academic Planning
The Gujarat State Board as well as the Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan proves to be a deciding factor in the designing of core instructional program at DSS. A comprehensive effort of the principal, faculty members ensures the best educational impartation technique. Continuous review and assessment of the instructional program are dons through interactive sessions between the educators, board members etc. The academic term begins in June and continuous up to April. Students attend school for approximately 230 days. While the educators are supposed to attend to 250 days. Normally the academic operations of school begin at 07.25 a.m. and continue up to 01.00 p.m. However the administration wing works up to 4.00 o’clock. The staff attends the school during school hours as well as on Saturdays a stay back is arranged a specially for the preparation of lesson plans or any other pre-class preparatory work.
Special Initiatives
Students at DSS are 100% residential students. So they perform and engage in many other activities which lead to the moulding of their personalities. Students are suppose to attend morning and evening assemblies where special stress is laid upon instilling cultural, human values in them. For developing the oratory skills of students special classis are held during evening hours where in students are taught important concepts of public speaking and how to face stage fear. Special areas like Swimming, Football, Cricket, Horse riding, Skating etc are taught to students by the experts during evening hours. The morning and evening assemblies helps to develop the spiritual sense of students. Special visits to various institutes is arranged for gaining practical knowledge of the thing going on outside the campus. Counseling facility for students in need is also made available. A full time counselor is employed for the purpose. At least two or three self development sessions are held for the students as well as educators with introspective approach. Visiting faculties come up with refreshing knowledge which is a blend of information and experience. Continuous education of computer technology is also provided in the school curriculum. Students are taught some natural capabilities and values like leadership, patriotism through extra initiative classis. Students conduct self teaching, dramas, skits, action songs etc which help in molding the personality. Students are encouraged to use the library and are guided over their selection of the literature.
