Our Story
Growing up in a small farmer’s family in the village of Palla, Faridabad, Haryana, the desire to give back to society was instilled in me by my parents and grandfather. This urge to contribute grew stronger in 1983 when my younger brother, Dr Satyanarayan Dasa, M.Tech from IIT Delhi, PhD in Sanskrit and LLB, a highly qualified scholar, returned from the US. He was dissatisfied with the materialistic focus of American life, where people had physical comfort but lacked mental and spiritual peace. One evening, amidst the serenity of our village temple, we – my two younger brothers Dr Satyananrayan Dasa and Dr Partap Chauhan and I – discussed this contrast. In India, people had strong spiritual and family bonds but often lacked access to quality education and healthcare. We knew we had to act.
Seeking guidance, we met our Guru Ji, who blessed us and encouraged us to create a “healthy, wealthy, and fearless society” through education. Our vision was clear: to address education, health, and culture. However, starting from scratch with limited resources presented a significant challenge. My family, including my wife Chander Lata Chauhan working in the Ministry of Informational Broadcasting, Government of India, who was the sole financial support at that time, became the backbone of our resolve.
To initiate this ambitious project, we urgently needed financial support. As the eldest of eight siblings, I felt a deep responsibility to contribute.
In 1988, seeking to expand my horizons and learn from global best practices, I relocated to the United States to work as an engineer for five years. During this time, I had the opportunity to engage with educators and gain valuable insights into Western educational methodologies. While researching the education system, we discovered a focus on rote learning and grades, neglecting life skills, values, and personalised learning. Parents desired children who were healthy, disciplined, and self-sufficient learners, capable of pursuing their passions – something the existing system failed to provide.
This realisation fuelled our determination. We delved into ancient Indian education, finding a holistic approach that emphasised ethics, cultural preservation, and self-discovery. This became the foundation for the Jiva Learning System. Our years of research culminated in 1992 with the registration of the Jiva Institute of Vedic Sciences and Culture, followed by the Jiva Public School in 1994. Starting with just a three-room house, we embarked on a journey to create a comprehensive and personalised educational system. The Jiva Learning System aims to empower students with knowledge, skills, and values, preparing them not just for academic success, but for a fulfilling and responsible life in the future. We are the torchbearer, enlightening whoever chooses to embark on this journey with us.
– Shri Rishi Pal Chauhan, Founding Director, Jiva Education
