PROLOGUE
Nearly three decades after independence, Arunachal Pradesh virtually remained a backwater untouched by the march of progress and civilization. Against this backdrop to create a resurgent India as envisioned by the patriot-saint Swami Vivekananda, the upliftment of its masses then, would constitute the first step. For this to happen, the benefit of education must percolate down the masses.
It was in the year 1972, that inspired by the visionary zeal of Sri K.A.A. Raja (Chief Commissioner and later Lt. Governor of Arunachal Pradesh), the A.P. administration approached the Ramakrishna Sarada Mission authorities to open an educational centre to disseminate knowledge and culture, to raise the status of the tribal women of Arunachal Pradesh and to improve their standard of living.
The School was formally inaugurated on the 17th February 1973. In March 1975, the school was shifted to its present permanent building the construction of which was made possible by a capital grant from the Central Government. It was declared open by Sm. Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister on the 19th November 1976.

Nivedita Vidyapeeth
Nivedita Vidyapeeth
Temple School Building


IN RETROSPECT 

Ramakrishna Sarada Mission, Khonsa has travelled a long way since it began its journey 35 years ago. It would be difficult to catalogue the dramatic transformation that has occurred in this area by the magic word ‘education’.
With an initial enrolment of 58 students in 1973, in three classes Preparatory, Class I & II, the school has now blossomed into a full-fledged residential school mainly catering to the all-round development of the tribal girl students of Arunachal Pradesh. The school is affiliated to CBSE, New Delhi and follows a10+2 pattern of education.
The institution stands today on a sprawling campus of 30.58 acres campus nestled in the Patkai ranges of the Himalayas at a height of about 3500 ft. above sea level, overlooking the lush green fields and forest. The campus accommodates in perfect alignment the hostel block with 7 hostels (which accommodates nearly 300 boarders), Dining Hall, auditorium, staff quarters and towering above all and standing like a sentinel – the Prayer Hall and a little away the school block adjacent to the orchard.

Nivedita Vidyapeeth
Nivedita Vidyapeeth
Prayer Assembly Class Room

SALIENT FEATURES OF THE INSTITUTION
1. Well-equipped labs – Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Geography give them hands-on experience of science.
2. A well–stocked library-cum- reading room with over 9000 books ranging from story books, fiction, encyclopaedias, cultural literature, biographies and very useful reference books. The library subscribes to nearly 26 magazines and journals.
3. Keeping pace with the dynamics of change, the school could introduce Computer education with financial and infrastructural help from North Eastern Council and a Hon’ble M.P. of A.P.; not just as a subject but more importantly to augment and supplement learning. A step further, with the approval of the Board class X is offered IT as an additional subject and has set brilliant record with their lofty feat in the AISSE.

PHYSICAL & HEALTH EDUCATION
The institution believes in an ethos of ‘strong mind in a strong body’. Yoga and pranayama are regularly practised. Different Sports facilities are included such as – Badminton, Throw ball, Tennekoit, Shot-put etc. A new playground with gallery and modern facilities is in the hatchet. March Past, PT, Band Display are encouraged.

Nivedita Vidyapeeth
Nivedita Vidyapeeth
Computer Lab Library

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 
A wide range of competitions –literary, scientific and cultural forms part of the school’s curriculum.
A three day Annual Sports Meet, Annual Function, Science Exhibition is regular features of the school’s calendar
Independence Day, Republic Day, Teachers, Day, National Youth Day and birthdays of national leaders are observed with great éclat, which instil a spirit of patriotism in the children.
Regular educational tours and excursions to places like Kolkata, Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai etc. expose them to the main stream of national life.
Children are encouraged to participate in external contests- Essay writing, Quiz, Painting and have won accolades for their excellent performance.

Nivedita Vidyapeeth
Nivedita Vidyapeeth
Sports Day Students at Traditional Dress

CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL ETHOS
Swami Vivekananda had cautioned, “Learning science should not be at the expense of ancient spirituality”.
a) Daily prayers – morning and evening, bhajans, Vedic chanting and Gita chanting help in spiritual growth and harmony.
b) Festivals like Janmashthami, Saraswati Puja, Shivaratri, Christmas eve and birthdays of the Holy Trio are celebrated with deep involvement of children.
c) ‘A young plant needs to be hedged’, says Sri Ramakrishna. Through Vidyarthi Homa students take vows for higher values in life.
d) The values and virtues of Gurukula system are inextricably blended into the system. Importance of ‘dignity of labour’ is inculcated early in the students’ life. Daily duties like sweeping and cleaning dormitories, surroundings, classrooms, washing one’s own clothes, community serving, shrine work etc. while making them self-reliant also inspires in them an attitude of sharing and caring.
e) Environment education goes beyond the bounds of textbooks. Sensitivity to nature is an inherited quality. Children love to do gardening and are quite adept at it.
The institution, thus earnestly strives to create through its holistic approach a life-long learning culture for the harmonious development of personality – physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual based on the man-making, character building and nation-building ideas of Swami Vivekananada.

Nivedita Vidyapeeth
Nivedita Vidyapeeth
Village School Weaving School

KHONSA VILLAGE PRIMARY SCHOOL
The Mission also runs a satellite school in its campus. It began as a small enterprise on 24th July 1979 with Sunday classes for the local tribal children in Khonsa village, gradually grew into tutorial classes and finally got transformed into a regular Primary School in 1987, affiliated to the Arunachal Pradesh Board, backed by the appeal of the Khonsa village Chief, village elders and local people. Nearly 203 students are studying in this school. Recently, its building received a face-lift and two more blocks were added to it. Basically incorporating the same syllabus and activities as the main school, the school has been making steady progress ever since its inception. Students after passing out mostly get admission into Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Tissa where they pursue their higher studies.

Ramakrishna Sarada Mission 
Khonsa, Tirap Dist., Pin : 786630
Phone: 91-3786-222276
Fax:91-3786-222358
Email: rksmksa@gmail.com
Website: www.rksmkhonsa.org