Patna, Jan 22: Noted author and legendary socio-cultural thinker Dr. Birbal Jha has issued a national appeal urging citizens, students, educators, and educational institutions to observe Saraswati Chaturthi, the day preceding Basant Panchami, as a day of introspection, discipline, and reverence for knowledge.
Highlighting India’s civilisational ethos of preparation before celebration, Dr. Jha said the proposed observance draws inspiration from the ancient gurukul tradition and the Indian concept of sankalp—a conscious resolve that precedes all meaningful beginnings.
“In India, we do not rush into celebration. We prepare before we pray, reflect before we rejoice, and purify before we celebrate. Saraswati Chaturthi is about restoring that lost rhythm of reflection in our educational and cultural life,” said Dr Birbal Jha, known as the ‘Youngest Living Legend of Mithila’.
Basant Panchami is traditionally celebrated across India as the auspicious day dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the divine embodiment of wisdom, learning, language, music, and the arts. Dr. Jha proposes that observing Saraswati Chaturthi a day earlier would serve as a spiritual and intellectual prelude to the festival.
“Basant Panchami is the celebration of knowledge; Saraswati Chaturthi can be the preparation for it. Knowledge blossoms only when approached with humility and preparedness,” he remarked.
According to the appeal, Saraswati Chaturthi may be observed as a day for students and educators to reflect on their educational journey, renew their commitment to lifelong learning, and cultivate discipline, curiosity, humility, and gratitude. The initiative also encourages people to buy, collect, organise, cherish, and honour books and learning materials, reaffirming the cultural sanctity of knowledge.
Dr. Jha emphasised that the appeal does not seek to replace or alter any existing religious or cultural traditions, but rather aims to enrich the celebration of Basant Panchami by reviving the preparatory spirit intrinsic to Indian philosophy.
“This is not about changing traditions; it is about deepening them. When preparation is restored, celebration becomes more meaningful and purposeful,” he said.
Calling educational institutions, the “temples of modern India,” Dr. Jha urged schools, colleges, and universities to play a proactive role in adopting the observance.
“Education should not be reduced to mere employability. It is a sacred journey of character, culture, and consciousness. Saraswati Chaturthi can remind students that learning is a lifelong pursuit, not a transactional activity,” Dr Jha added.
Dr. Jha expressed hope that the observance would strengthen India’s knowledge tradition and inspire future generations to approach learning with devotion and dignity.
The appeal has been issued by Dr. Birbal Jha, Managing Director of British Lingua and Chairman of the Mithilalok Foundation, both institutions known for their work in education, language, and cultural advocacy.
The proposed observance concludes with a collective call to the nation to prepare before celebrating, reflect before rejoicing, and learn before proclaiming.
“Jai Maa Sharde,” the appeal concludes.
