Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s Amrita Values Programme (AVP) is a new initiative to give exposure to students about richness and beauty of Indian way of life. India is a country where history, culture, art, aesthetics, cuisine and nature exhibit more diversity than nearly anywhere else in the world.

Amrita Values Programmes emphasize on making students familiar with the rich tapestry of Indian life, culture, arts, science and heritage which has historically drawn people from all over the world.

Students shall have to register for any two of the following courses, one each in the third and the fourth semesters, which may be offered by the respective school during the concerned semester.

Courses offered under the framework of Amrita Values Programmes I and II

Message from Amma’s Life for the Modern World

Amma’s messages can be put to action in our life through pragmatism and attuning of our thought process in a positive and creative manner. Every single word Amma speaks and the guidance received in on matters which we consider as trivial are rich in content and touches the very inner being of our personality. Life gets enriched by Amma’s guidance and She teaches us the art of exemplary life skills where we become witness to all the happenings around us still keeping the balance of the mind.

Lessons from the Ramayana

Introduction to Ramayana, the first Epic in the world – Influence of Ramayana on Indian values and culture – Storyline of Ramayana – Study of leading characters in Ramayana – Influence of Ramayana outside India – Relevance of Ramayana for modern times.

Lessons from the Mahabharata

Introduction to Mahabharata, the largest Epic in the world – Influence of Mahabharata on Indian values and culture – Storyline of Mahabharata – Study of leading characters in Mahabharata – Kurukshetra War and its significance – Relevance of Mahabharata for modern times.

Lessons from the Upanishads

Introduction to the Upanishads: Sruti versus Smrti – Overview of the four Vedas and the ten Principal Upanishads – The central problems of the Upanishads – The Upanishads and Indian Culture – Relevance of Upanishads for modern times – A few Upanishad Personalities: Nachiketas, SatyakamaJabala, Aruni, Shvetaketu.

Message of the Bhagavad Gita

Introduction to Bhagavad Gita – Brief storyline of Mahabharata – Context of Kurukshetra War – The anguish of Arjuna – Counsel by Sri. Krishna – Key teachings of the Bhagavad Gita – Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Bhakti Yoga – Theory of Karma and Reincarnation – Concept of Dharma – Concept of Avatar – Relevance of Mahabharata for modern times.

Life and Message of Swami Vivekananda

Brief Sketch of Swami Vivekananda’s Life – Meeting with Guru – Disciplining of Narendra – Travel across India – Inspiring Life incidents – Address at the Parliament of Religions – Travel in United States and Europe – Return and reception India – Message from Swamiji’s life.

Life and Teachings of Spiritual Masters India

Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, Sri Buddha, Adi Shankaracharya, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda, Sri Ramana Maharshi, Mata Amritanandamayi Devi.

Insights into Indian Arts and Literature

The aim of this course is to present the rich literature and culture of Ancient India and help students appreciate their deep influence on Indian Life – Vedic culture, primary source of Indian Culture – Brief introduction and appreciation of a few of the art forms of India – Arts, Music, Dance, Theatre.

Yoga and Meditation

The objective of the course is to provide practical training in YOGA ASANAS with a sound theoretical base and theory classes on selected verses of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra and Ashtanga Yoga. The coverage also includes the effect of yoga on integrated personality development.

Kerala Mural Art and Painting

Mural painting is an offshoot of the devotional tradition of Kerala. A mural is any piece of artwork painted or applied directly on a wall, ceiling or other large permanent surface. In the contemporary scenario Mural painting is not restricted to the permanent structures and are being done even on canvas. Kerala mural paintings are the frescos depicting mythology and legends, which are drawn on the walls of temples and churches in South India, principally in Kerala. Ancient temples, churches and places in Kerala, South India, display an abounding tradition of mural paintings mostly dating back between the 9th to 12th centuries when this form of art enjoyed Royal patronage. Learning Mural painting through the theory and practice workshop is the objective of this course.

Course on Organic Farming and Sustainability

Organic farming is emerging as an important segment of human sustainability and healthy life. Haritamritam’ is an attempt to empower the youth with basic skills in tradition of organic farming and to revive the culture of growing vegetables that one consumes, without using chemicals and pesticides. Growth of Agriculture through such positive initiatives will go a long way in nation development. In Amma’s words “it is a big step in restoring the lost harmony of nature“.

Benefits of Indian Medicinal Systems

Indian medicinal systems are one of the most ancient in the world. Even today society continues to derive enormous benefits from the wealth of knowledge in Ayurveda of which is recognised as a viable and sustainable medicinal tradition. This course will expose students to the fundamental principles and philosophy of Ayurveda and other Indian medicinal traditions.

Traditional Fine Arts of India

India is home to one of the most diverse Art forms world over. The underlying philosophy of Indian life is ‘Únity in Diversity” and it has led to the most diverse expressions of culture in India. Most art forms of India are an expression of devotion by the devotee towards the Lord and its influence in Indian life is very pervasive. This course will introduce students to the deeper philosophical basis of Indian Art forms and attempt to provide a practical demonstration of the continuing relevance of the Art.

Science of Worship in India

Indian mode of worship is unique among the world civilisations. Nowhere in the world has the philosophical idea of reverence and worshipfulness for everything in this universe found universal acceptance as it in India. Indian religious life even today is a practical demonstration of the potential for realisation of this profound truth. To see the all-pervading consciousness in everything, including animate and inanimate, and constituting society to realise this truth can be seen as the epitome of civilizational excellence. This course will discuss the principles and rationale behind different modes of worship prevalent in India.