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86 Śramana, Vol 61, No. 2 April-June 10
Thus, the need of the hour is for 'HUMANE EDUCATION PROGPAMME'. As Yehudi Menuhin asked with his uncanny perception, "Why is compassion not part of our established curriculum, an inherent part of our education? Compassion, awe, wonder, curiosity, exaltation, humility these are the very foundation of any real civilization, no longer the prerogatives of any of the churches but belonging to everyone, every child in every home, in every school".
It is to address the need of the hour that the KARUNA INTERNATIONAL movement was conceived. It was built to revive and ignite these finer emotions in our youth, who will define and decide the future course of humanity.
At Karuna International, we are aware that in order to create a caring and compassionate society in the future, the seeds of love and kindness need to be implanted in children at an early age. Children are born with an inborn curiosity towards their environment, and they have a natural affinity towards birds and animals. If this innate affection can be converted into an informed awareness and sympathy, they will grow into sensitive, compassionate humane beings who will abhor all forms of 'himsa or violence and create a truly refined and civilized society in the future.
From its humble initiation of 3 schools in 1995, the organization has grown today into a magnificent and gigantic network of more than 1850 clubs in schools and colleges across the country.
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The Mission of the Karuna Movement is:
▷ To inculcate kindness, sympathy and understanding towards all living
▸ To instill reverence for life since all life forms are sacred and should not be callously destroyed for man's pleasure and benefits.
» Appreciation of the unity and harmony in the universe and the need for peaceful co-existence.
» Practicing compassion and participating in all activities that promote love and kindness.
» Promotion of vegetarian way of life.
