SPECIAL CLASS ON HUMAN VALUES

Report on the Special Class on Human Values

Government College of Teacher Education, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram

Date: 12 November 2025 (Wednesday)

Venue: General Hall 1, GCTE

Resource Person: Dr. A. G. Unnikrishnan

---

Introduction

A special class on “Five Fundamental Human Values” was conducted at the Government College of Teacher Education (GCTE), Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram on 12 November 2025. The session, held in General Hall 1, aimed to inspire prospective teachers to integrate essential human values into personal, academic, and professional spheres. The programme witnessed active participation from B.Ed. and M.Ed. students, faculty members, and members of the College Union.

The session was graced by the presence of the distinguished resource person Dr. A. G. Unnikrishnan, a respected scholar and motivational speaker known for his work in value-based education and human development.

The programme began with a welcome speech delivered by College Union Chairman, Shri. Sooryajith Sathyan, followed by a brief and meaningful introduction of the resource person by Threetha. The formal proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Krishna G. K.

---

Overview of the Session

Dr. A. G. Unnikrishnan centered the class on the five universal human values—Love, Non-violence, Truth, Righteousness, and Peace—elucidating their relevance in contemporary society and the field of education. His session blended philosophical insight with practical guidance, making the content accessible and impactful for future educators.

1. Love

Dr. Unnikrishnan described love as the foundation of all human relationships and the prime value that nurtures empathy and compassion. He stressed that a teacher’s love for their profession and students creates an environment conducive to growth. He highlighted that genuine love manifests through patience, acceptance, understanding, and the ability to see potential in every learner.

The speaker encouraged student-teachers to cultivate unconditional love, explaining that it not only enriches classroom interactions but also fosters emotional security and self-esteem among students.

2. Non-Violence

In the second part of the lecture, the resource person discussed non-violence (ahimsa) as an essential value that extends beyond physical harm. He emphasized that non-violence involves avoiding psychological, verbal, and emotional harm as well. In an era marked by increased stress and aggression, he noted that educational institutions must become spaces that promote kindness, tolerance, and respectful behaviour.

He urged future educators to adopt non-violent communication strategies, manage conflicts with calmness, and model peaceful behaviour for their students.

3. Truth

The speaker presented truth as integrity in thought, word, and action. He explained that truthfulness builds trust, develops moral courage, and enables ethical decision-making—qualities indispensable for teachers. He also stressed that truth is not merely factual accuracy but a commitment to authenticity and accountability.

Dr. Unnikrishnan reminded the audience that teachers must uphold truth in their academic pursuits, professional responsibilities, and interpersonal relationships.

4. Righteousness

Righteousness (dharma) was elaborated as the moral compass that guides individuals to act responsibly and ethically. The speaker emphasized that righteousness is reflected in everyday actions such as punctuality, honesty, fairness, and fulfilling one’s duties sincerely.

He illustrated how teachers carry the responsibility of modelling righteous conduct, as their actions profoundly influence students’ character formation.

5. Peace

The session concluded with an exploration of peace as a state of inner balance and harmony. Dr. Unnikrishnan highlighted that true peace arises from self-discipline, emotional regulation, and a sense of purpose. He connected peace with mental health, noting that teachers must cultivate inner peace to create calm and positive learning environments.

Practical techniques such as mindful breathing, reflective journaling, and positive communication were recommended to maintain personal and professional peace.

---

Student Engagement and Impact

The speaker’s interactive style kept the participants deeply engaged throughout the session. Students responded enthusiastically to real-life examples, reflective questions, and short mindful exercises included within the lecture. Many shared that the session helped them re-evaluate their perspectives on teaching and personal growth.

The class effectively conveyed that human values are not abstract ideals but living principles that shape behaviour, decision-making, and interpersonal relationships. For student-teachers, the session reinforced the importance of integrating values into pedagogy to build a more compassionate and just society.

---

Conclusion

The special class on Five Human Values conducted at GCTE on 12 November 2025 was enriching, insightful, and transformative. Dr. A. G. Unnikrishnan’s talk succeeded in deepening the participants’ understanding of love, non-violence, truth, righteousness, and peace, while encouraging them to apply these values in both personal life and the teaching profession.

With warm hospitality by the organizers and active participation from the attendees, the programme concluded on an inspiring note, reaffirming the vital role of human values in education.