Discover the heartwarming summary of A Day in the Ashram by C.F. Andrews. Explore life at Santiniketan through simple narration, values of education, and Tagore’s inspiring presence in this detailed overview.
A Day in the Ashram Summary in English By C.F Andrews
BUY C.F ANDREWS BOOK ON AMAZON
Summary of A Day in the Ashram By C.F Andrews
Introduction
“A Day in the Ashram” is a beautiful autobiographical work written by C.F. Andrews. This article gives a vivid description of the experiences of an entire day spent in Shanti Niketan. The author attempts to explain in this article what the true meaning of education is – not just bookish knowledge, but an environment where nature, discipline, spiritual peace and human sensibilities flourish together.
Early Morning – Awakening in the Lap of Nature
The article begins with a wonderful natural scene. The cool morning breeze, the sweet chirping of birds, and the golden rays of the rising sun fill the entire ashram with a divine beauty. The author tells that as soon as the first rays of the sun fall on the earth, the students wake up to their respective tasks.
There are no bells in Shanti Niketan, there is no noise – everything runs in natural rhythm. Here waking up also seems like a spiritual act, where the soul as well as the body awakens.
Prayer meeting – a source of spiritual energy
The most important activity of the morning is the prayer meeting. This meeting is not held in a closed room, but in an open field, under the shade of trees. All the students, teachers and staff gather. They sit quietly and sing songs composed by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, meditate and connect with each other spiritually.
According to C.F. Andrews, this is not a formal event, but it is a spiritual journey, in which all the participants experience love, peace and unity with each other.
Teaching Process – Out of the Classroom, Within Knowledge
The most amazing feature of Shanti Niketan is its education system. Here children do not study within the four walls, but under the open sky of nature, under the shade of trees. Apart from books, they gain knowledge from many sources – like dialogue, environment, art, music, and social life.
Teachers are the guides of the students, they do not increase their fear, but increase their confidence. There is a sense of relationship between teachers and students – in which there is a place of respect, affection and mutual understanding.
The author explains that this education system is not just for passing exams, but it teaches the art of understanding, feeling and adopting life.
Afternoon time – simplicity and discipline
When it is afternoon, the students gather for lunch. This meal is also very simple, healthy and collective. Everyone eats together, in which there is a feeling of equality and sociability.
After lunch, the students are given complete freedom to rest, think, or indulge in activities of their interest. Some students paint, some write poetry, and some practice music. This time is reserved for their creative development.
C.F. Andrews is very satisfied to see that here along with discipline, freedom is also given, which helps in the natural development of children.
Cultural and Artistic Activities – Discovering the Soul in Art
Apart from studies, students at Shanti Niketan are also trained in art, drama, music, dance and crafts. Tagore himself believed that children develop fully only when they connect with their mind, body and soul.
The author has mentioned how children get freedom to learn and do according to their interests. This type of education makes them self-reliant, creative and emotionally sensitive.
Evening Activities – Games and Interaction
In the evening, students go to the playground. Here sports are also considered a part of education. Games not only make the body healthy, but also develop teamwork, tolerance and sportsmanship in them.
After the games, students participate in activities like music, discussion, or storytelling. All these activities make them socially aware, emotionally empowered and morally strong.
Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore – The Soul of the Ashram
C.F. Andrews has described the personality of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore with great affection and reverence. Tagore was not just a litterateur or a school founder, but he was an inspiring personality. He would spend time with students, listen to their poems, answer their questions, and teach them the values of life.
His presence filled the entire ashram with a serious but gentle energy. He believed that the purpose of education is not just to get a job but to become a good human being.
Conclusion – A Divine Experience
In the end, C.F. Andrews concludes that Shantiniketan is not just an educational institution but a way of life. One day spent here taught him a lesson for life – that true education is that which makes a person enlightened, calm and creative from within.
Main Teachings
The aim of education is not just to impart information but to promote humanity, creativity and spiritual growth.
Learning in a natural environment makes children mentally healthy and independent.
The combination of education and culture makes a person complete.
The presence of Gurudev Tagore made Shanti Niketan a sacred place like a temple.
English 
हिन्दी