As educational institutions, schools need to focus student's attention on the essential aspects of learning, what it means to be a student, and what is the goal of the insitution.
 
As followers of Srila Prabhupada and the holy Vedic scriptures, we have clear guidance on what is the essential aspects of our learning. In Bhagavad-gita, the essence of Vedic knowledge, Sri Krishna speaks in verse 4.34 of what is the essential qualification of a student of Vedic knowledge.
 
tad viddhi pranipatena
pariprasnena sevaya
upadeksyanti te jnanam
jnaninas tattva-darsinah
 
In this verse Krishna gives four concepts: 1. One must approach (pranipatena) a bona fide guru or teacher, 2. One must inquire from them with all respect (pariprasnena), 3. One must render some service to the teacher (sevaya), 4. Then one will acquire whatever knowledge the teacher has themselves realized (jnaninas tattva-darsinah).
 
From the perspective of the student then, the essential activities are pariprasnena sevaya, respectful inquiry and service attitude.
 
Our school motto pariprasnena sevaya, therefore informs everything we do at SMIS, because it is the essence of the process of learning. Whether we are learning Vaisnava culture, mathematics or practical arts, we are always working with Lord Krishna's energies, and with the Lord's process of learning from a teacher. Therefore in all circumstances we are cultivating our mood of respectful inquiry and service attitude; and developing these qualities will enable us to easily surrender to the spiritual master when we are older, and by this process attain the ultimate perfection of life, pure love for Krishna.