Author: Ritu Kochhar Principal, MD International School, Bijnor, UP.
The Gurukul system was closely linked to nature and life and India was one of the richest countries in the world not just in wealth but education. The need of the hour is to churn creative minds by facilitating research, says Ritu Kochar
India was always known for education since Vedic period. In ancient times, people used to go to a ‘Gurukula’ where the ‘shishya,’ or student, would reside with the guru (teacher), who would teach them everything from academic courses to vocational skills. Students who lived at the Gurukul were treated equally under this system and learning was closely linked to nature and to life and not just confined to memorizing information.
A major shift in the education system can be observed since the pre and post-British rule which continues till today in India. Initially, children were educated in Gurukuls which was later modified and the modern education system was introduced.
Until the 17th century, India was considered one of the richest countries in the world but after the arrival of the foreign colonizers and the wrong policies of the rulers, India lost almost all its richness wealth and otherwise as well. The educational program was restricted to the so-called modern subjects such as science and mathematics, and subjects like metaphysics and philosophy were considered unnecessary.
Education is a significant factor in India for its economic development. Since, its independence, the constitution envisaged six fundamental rights, of which one was the Right to Education. It allowed free education for every child between the age of 6 and 14 years. The education system is mainly divided into pre-primary, primary, elementary and secondary education, which is followed by higher studies. The future of a country is shaped in its classrooms. Implementing a sound education system based on a holistic approach to learning is quintessential for ensuring that every student gets the best learning environment to flourish.
As education is the most important and basic right everyone should have, it is our moral duty to facilitate the perfect learning environment for our students. There are various private education institutions which demand high fees and have better infrastructure and equipment to study. The Government must make education affordable and accessible for all.
Rural education needs a fillip
Mahatma Gandhi said, “The future of India lies in its villages. If the villages perish, India will perish too.” This alone explains the significance of focus on rural education. We should have schemes and schools that provide good education to children living in villages.India already has the world’s largest higher education system with over 1,000 universities and its presence in the global education arena will ensure that it reaches newer heights, making education in India one of the best things for its school going children and its youth population.
The Indian education system concentrates more on acquiring information, than on creativity. This improves the memory of the student, but does not encourage creativity to do independent research. Many students, who complete college, do not have the skills to get employment in reputed organisations & need to be trained again for getting jobs. Most of the top Indian Institutions do not have high ranking in the international list of great institutes because they do not have adequate publications in research journals and contribution to good quality research.
Indian education system must change for the better.It must give students equal opportunities to shine better in the future. We need to let go of the old and traditional ways and enhance the teaching standards so our youth can create a better world. The world now needs creative minds and the Government must encourage schools to boost the students and utilise their capacities to the maximum and not let their ideas go unnoticed.
