2 Oct 2006
Amma initiates babies into the world of alphabets, first lessons of tabla, harmonium and veena during Vijaya Dashami celebrations.
At Amritapuri, the ceremony involves tracing each letter of the alphabet in a plate of rice or even in sand on the ground. Traditionally, the writing was alternately done on the tongue with a gold dipped in honey.
Vidyarambham literally means to begin the acquisition of knowledge, and for the very young, it is just that: an initiation into learning. For those who have already begun to acquire knowledge, it is a reminder that only one who can maintain a beginner’s mind will be able to learn. As Amma says, “We should always have the attitude of a beginner.”