Vidyarthi

Vidyarthi is a term used in several Indian languages to denote a student or learner. In Sanskrit and Hindi, it is written vidyārthi or vidyarthi, derived from vidyā meaning knowledge and a suffix meaning seeker or possessor. The word is widely used in languages such as Hindi, Marathi, and Gujarati to describe a person enrolled in educational institutions from school to university, and it can also refer more generally to scholars in various disciplines.

Historically, vidyarthi has appeared in Indian educational and cultural contexts, including gurukulas and monastic schools, where students studied under teachers or gurus. In modern usage, the term remains common in everyday speech and educational settings, serving as a neutral descriptor for students without implying any particular level or field of study.

In addition to its general meaning, vidyarthi is associated with student organizations that use the term in their names. Vidyarthi Parishad is a well-known example, a student organization linked to broader Swayamsevak Sangh networks and active on campuses across India. Such groups engage in campus activities and advocacy, reflecting a long-standing connection between education, politics, and social organization in some regions.

The term vidyarthi also appears in literature, media, and scholarship as a straightforward designation for students, making it a familiar element of contemporary Indian linguistic and cultural usage.

See also: Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Gurukul, Vidyā.