Through the series of Kashec Lectures, via. Medium of, ’Thinkers Forum’, Mr. Prakash Sharma, delivered the second lecture on the Topic, ’The Purpose of Education’
on 9th Oct. 2010 in Pune
Attributing the present purpose of education primarily to, gaining literacy coupled with academic knowledge@ 3 R’s i.e. Reading, Writing & Arithmetic, further acquiring subject wise academic knowledge, he pointed out that, accumulated academic knowledge being vast cannot be grasped fully by students in few years of academic education.
He further stated that this resulted in, cramming in of knowledge as much as possible. But for few, majority students seldom succeed in this, and hence do not get good grades, qualifications & are denied social stability, status etc.in the society.
They get stamped as failures and are permanently doomed to low self esteem & confidence. Therefore, the purpose of education as per current scenario, viz. achieving good grades, getting a well paid job works for the very few, but does not server this intended purpose for the as majority of students, hence warrants a review.
The discussion further covers the need for a limited curriculum, imbibing in students the idea of self education, and training them in all the important Life Skills.
The life skills include, - Ability to think independently, clearly, unencumbered by prejudices, dictates of authorities & traditions, - Developing emotional intelligence, - Ability to fulfill your commitments, acquiring good communications skills, - putting your point of view effectively & purposefully, - importance of maintaining respect & dignity etc.
The discourse points out that the real purpose of the academic education to be, - to generate interest, encourage curiosity & sow seeds for enhancement of knowledge, so the desire of wanting to learn rather than having to learn is prevalent.
The thought provoking discussion ultimately sails through, how to face, ups, & downs, errors, regret bad lucks etc. in life & live happy & fulfilling life, touching on the importance of spirituality in life.
The full text of the lecture is released on the blog for discussion through electronic media, for reading, comments, views etc. A thorough discussion through above formats, it is hoped, will finally lead to the formation of an action group to effect change on so lively a topic of paramount importance to the well-being of the society.
To have your say please go to the following blog.--
When I think of the Indian culture i feel-
ReplyDelete1. Our records of history are inaccurate including the timing of Vedas and their origin. Hindus- some of them- believe that they are " Aanadi and Anant". - without Aadi- closest meaning is without start and Without " Anta" no end. If one is to believe Yogeshwar Krishna he says in Geeta 15 th chapter 15 th shloka that he is the compiler of Vedanta and he is the knower of all Vedas.
But if we accept the formative influence of Vedas on Indian culture no matter who compiled them and when we are not likely to make any serious error of assumption.
2. Beyond that there have been significant influences/ stimulants in time that have influenced the Indian culture political, religious, and social. While the elite in society, religion or politics affecte the life of the masses it would be wrong to give credence to only them for what our culture has been or evolved into. Much like the western society we have had periods where engineering and civil construction flourished, where medicine was progressive and advances made. This could not have been without social participation and a thinking society. We lost ground because of occupation by aggressors of our cherished land. And also due to the higher echelons of the society denouncing the "professions". Brahmins made some professions As " aashastra". then the aggressors- moguls, the British never allowed us to come together and exploited our differences- divide and rule.
This meant that socially we remained infantile besides loosing economic and political clout.
3. We see this today. Indians are probAbly great as individuals. E.g. Their personal hygiene is good but collectively we fail miserably. Our psyche is one of obedience towards elderly and the authority and free thinking and own decision making is actively discouraged for fear of failure and achievement- that leads to bread winning.
4. In the west individual freedom and thinking and own decision making is systematically encouraged. Materialprogress and achievement is revered not now but through out the western history- leading to discoveries in science an d technology. Freedom of the individual and of the nation has meant the social responsibilities are better understood and practiced.
5. We are benefitting from the independence gained six decades ago and changing more like the west in our behaviour and also importing the problems that go with it.Technology has removed barriers of communication and participation in in media driven orgs. has shown no barriers.
6. The thinking population both sides should encourage the good on both sides and develop understanding for both individual and common good.