Revitalizing the Gurukul System in Medical Education- A review

Authors

  • Santhi Silambanan Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research
  • Vaishnavi S Vaishnavi Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research
  • Sowmya K Sowmya Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70066/jahm.v13i5.1935

Keywords:

gurukul system, Shishya, guru, mentor, mentor system

Abstract

Background:

The concept of modern mentoring and the conventional gurukul system has played a vital role in education, particularly in ancient India. Both of these systems emphasize personal guidance, deep learning, and holistic development. The gurukul system of education was an ancient Indian educational tradition, where students (shishyas) would live with their teachers (gurus) in an ashram to learn various aspects of life, knowledge, and spirituality. Mentoring system was deeply embedded in the culture, and the mentorship aspect played a vital role in the shaping of individuals and communities. In the modern times, there has been a growing recognition of the need to bring back elements of the gurukul system, particularly in mentoring, to help individuals reach their full potential in education and career. The review aimed to assess the revitalization of the old Gurukul system as Modern Mentoring system.

Methods: Articles published in the past 10 years were chosen from various databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar etc with keywords Gurukul, Sishya, menoring, mentor and mentee. The information obtained were compiled.

Discussion and conclusion: The mentoring aspect of the gurukul system, which involved a close personal guidance, life lessons, and learning beyond books, holds significant value in today's world. Mentoring plays a critical role in personal and professional development, offering guidance, support, and encouragement. Without mentoring, individuals, particularly those in the early stages of their careers or life, may face a range of challenges. This narrative review has been undertaken to bring back the importance of mentoring or gurukul system in bringing out effective outcomes in modern medical education.

Author Biographies

Vaishnavi S Vaishnavi, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research

Vaishnavi S, Postgraduate student, Department of Biochemistry, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Sowmya K Sowmya, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research

Sowmya K, MD, Professor and Head of Biochemistry, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India 600116

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Additional Files

Published

2025-06-19

How to Cite

Silambanan, S., Vaishnavi, V. S., & Sowmya, S. K. (2025). Revitalizing the Gurukul System in Medical Education- A review. Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine (JAHM), 13(5), 127-136. https://doi.org/10.70066/jahm.v13i5.1935

Issue

Vol. 13 No. 5 (2025): Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine (JAHM)

Section

Review Article

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Copyright (c) 2025 Santhi Silambanan, Vaishnavi S Vaishnavi, Sowmya K Sowmya

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