The phrase “Vidya Vichari Tan Parupkari,” taken from the hymns of Guru Nanak, resonates deeply with the mission and vision of Nishkam TV. Translating to “Reflect upon knowledge, and it will lead to acts of benevolence,” this profound message forms the cornerstone of our approach to education, media, and storytelling. At Nishkam TV, we believe education is not merely about accumulating information but about cultivating wisdom that serves the greater good. Our initiatives, particularly in the realm of Sikh storytelling, filmmaking, and personal development, are all rooted in this ethos.
Education as a Tool for Empowerment
Nishkam TV was founded with the aim of empowering youth through visual media and storytelling. We understand that in today’s world, media is a powerful tool that can shape narratives, influence minds, and create lasting change. However, we also recognize that with great power comes great responsibility. The content we produce and the stories we tell must not only be accurate and engaging but must also contribute positively to society. This is where Guru Nanak’s philosophy of “Vidya Vichari Tan Parupkari” comes into play.
We strive to imbue our educational programs with a sense of purpose that goes beyond personal success. At Nishkam TV, we emphasize that true knowledge is that which drives an individual to contribute to the welfare of others. This is reflected in our filmmaking workshops, where we teach students not just the technical skills of filmmaking but also the ethical considerations that come with it. We encourage our students to create content that highlights social issues, promotes understanding, and fosters a sense of community.
Scientific Temper and Logical Reasoning
One of the core tenets of Guru Nanak’s teachings is the development of a scientific temper—an approach that values logical reasoning over blind faith. At Nishkam TV, we integrate this principle into our educational initiatives by encouraging critical thinking and open dialogue. In our workshops, students are not only taught the mechanics of film production but are also challenged to think critically about the stories they want to tell. We believe that the role of education is to impart wisdom, which brings clarity of thought and a deeper understanding of the world.
By fostering an environment where students are encouraged to question, debate, and analyze, we are preparing them to become not just filmmakers but thought leaders and changemakers. Our approach to education is holistic, aiming for the harmonious development of personality that Guru Nanak advocated. We seek to draw the best from our students’ physical, intellectual, emotional, social, moral, and spiritual capacities, preparing them for complete living.
The Power of Storytelling
Travelling and learning were essential aspects of Guru Nanak’s life, and this philosophy is mirrored in our approach at Nishkam TV. We believe that storytelling is a journey—one that leads to self-realization and a deeper understanding of societal ills such as dishonesty, greed, corruption, and discrimination. Through our Sikh Visual Storytelling Workshops, we teach students that the purpose of storytelling is not merely to entertain but to enlighten and inspire.
In line with Guru Nanak’s teachings, we stress that the aim of education is not just to make one literate but to make one enlightened. We emphasize that an educated person is one whose knowledge is reflected in their behavior and character. This is why our workshops focus not just on technical skills but also on moral and ethical considerations. We encourage our students to create content that embodies the values of truth, compassion, and selflessness.
Preparing for Complete Living
Guru Nanak believed that education should prepare a person for complete living, and at Nishkam TV, we take this to heart. We aim to provide an education that is not just about skill acquisition but about the transformation of the individual. Our mission is to develop the next generation of filmmakers, storytellers, and leaders who are not only technically proficient but also socially conscious and morally grounded.
We believe that living a normal human life with honesty and compassion is the ultimate application of education and knowledge. This is why we emphasize the importance of balancing professional aspirations with personal integrity. We teach our students that true success is not measured by accolades or wealth but by the positive impact they have on the world around them.
Conclusion
“Vidya Vichari Tan Parupkari” is more than just a phrase; it is a guiding principle that shapes everything we do at Nishkam TV. Our mission is to create a platform where Sikh Visual Storytelling education leads to the betterment of society, where knowledge is not just acquired but applied for the greater good. Through our workshops, documentaries, and educational programs, we aim to nurture a new generation of storytellers who are not only skilled but also compassionate, ethical, and committed to making the world a better place. This, we believe, is the true essence of education—an essence that Guru Nanak captured so beautifully in his teachings.
