A Case Study on Sri Sathya Sai Bal Vikas Educational Centres in Darjeeling District of West Bengal

One of the significant contributions of Sri Sathya Sai Baba is the Bal Vikas educational programme. This is a value-based, non-formal education provided to children in society free of cost for the benefit of the world. The five Human Values, i.e., Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Love, and nonviolence, emphasised by Sri Sathya Sai Baba, form the foundation of Bal Vikas. This is a case study conducted to delve into the different aspects of Bal Vikas in the District of Darjeeling in West Bengal, which involves the five human values imparted in an environment outside the formal schooling system. Both primary and secondary data were collected through different tools and techniques. The study explored strategies employed for the transaction of curriculum and the status of Bal Vikas over the last ten years. This study unearthed the devotion and participation of the Bal Vikas Group III students towards selfless service. In spite of encountering different kinds of challenges, it was also noted that with the passing of days, Bal Vikas gained more attention, leading to more enrolment of children into it.