The Paradox of Present Education System

  

                               

The above quote cheerfully assumes that the basic purpose of education is all round development of a person.

But does this actually happen in the world today?

This question casts a shadow of speculation on our entire education system.

Education is supposed to be a process through which an individual becomes a better person & empowers himself. Which begs the question, what is the use of an education where a person is not taught moral values to be implemented in life? Instead he is taught the concepts of corruption, black money,and other social issues without any comment on their moral and social ramifications.

The most dangerous criminal may be the man gifted with reason, but with no morals.

There exists a stark contrast between what we read in our books and what we see in real life.

Education should also hone one’s skills for quick, resolute and effective thinking. To think incisively, independently and profoundly for oneself is very difficult. This is due to our susceptibility to let our mental faculties be invaded by legions of half-truths, prejudices, and propaganda.

Even the press, our teachers in our classrooms, the pulpit etc.on  myriad instances do not give us objective and unbiased truths.

This again begs the question whether education is actually serving its purpose? Great majorities of the so-called educated people do not think logically and rationally.

If we are not careful, our institutes will produce a group of close-minded, unscientific, illogical propagandists, consumed with banal thoughts and recycled ideas. These people will have no civic sensibilities, no respect for women and their elders, no personal actualization or self developmental goals.

To save man from the morass of propaganda, in my opinion, should be one of the chief aims of education.

The intrinsic purpose of education is the penultimate development of one’s personality.

Everyone is endowed with certain capabilities and talents, which remain dormant, until harnessed. Our education system only aims at harnessing this pre-existing potential rather than developing further moral and social sensibilities and ethics. 

This total development of human personality includes intellectual as well as moral development. Most of our present day institutes aim solely at the intellectual development of pupils.

Getting educated should not just be equivalent to getting capable, intelligent, and job-oriented. Getting education should include education of ones minds, ones heart as well as ones moral and spiritual notions.

For the majority of us, anywhere between the first 18-25 years of lives is spent pursuing education. In all that time, is it prudent for some sort of moral and social conditioning to occur?

Yes, the current system may produce brilliant engineers, doctors, lawyers and workers.

But then again, what about kind-hearted, morally upright people?

- Anand Banerjee and Hitesh Wadhwa are interns at Ngo CACR a education startup working to improve the functioning of public schools in India. 

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Running inspiration from 'The Flying Sikh'

   Inspiration.It is something that touches you when you  meet enthusiastic positive people, watch a soulful movie, read a well written book, observe champions in action, and so on. There can be so many varied ways and individuals that can inspire us to work hard, to excel at our work, to fulfill our dreams, to follow our heart no matter what.  One such shining example is of Milkha Singh. 

From his humble modest beginnings to his life as an illustrious athlete, Milkha Singh’s story has been a compelling one. While his performances  have bought accolades for Indian sports, his life as a whole has  inspired millions to pursue their dreams 

Indian Athlete Milkha Singh 

  
Born on 20 November 1929, Milkha Singh lived in a relatively loving environment in the initial days of his childhood. However the tides turned when the Indo-Pak separation destroyed the lives of those living on the line of separation. The death of his parents in the ensuing massacre gave a rocky start to 12 year old Milkha’s life. An escape to the independent India on a train and starting a life in a relief camp made him tough. Having no one left to be dependent on, his survival skills kicked in and that made Milkha a strong young man with some incredible dreams and energy to bring those dreams to fruition.

Milkha Singh gained admission in the Indian military on the third trial in 1951 with the help of his brother. It was in the army that his potential for running and participating in competitive games as an athlete was recognized.  In the 1956 Olympics, he participated for the first time in an international sprinting competition only to suffer a crushing defeat on the international circuit. The failure brought in light his need for better training and thus he took a sabbatical for almost a year to undergo rigorous training. 

The fact that he never quit was the major factor in his success. In 1958 he made a comeback on the track when he got a chance to play for India at National games held at Cuttack. The tremendous training and discipline paid off and he went on to win a gold medal in the 400 meter run. The win was one of the defining moments of his life and also a golden moment in the history of Indian sports.

   Milkha Singh has broken various records at international level. In the 1960 race Milkha Singh received the title “Flying Sikh” for his exemplary performance. The title was bestowed upon him by Pakistani president Ayub Khan for it is said that this great athlete appeared to be flying on the track.  

Children running at MUSTRun in 2013 

He has broken various records in the 200 meter and 400 meter races and has received honors like Arjuna award & Padmashri award which are considered one of  the highest civilian honors by Government of India.Milkha Singh is highly disciplined when it comes to running. He is 81 and even now Milkha Singh’s voice is strong, still carries that firm conviction. He still remains a source of inspiration to many children and young adults who want to pursue athletics. 

CACR also encourages school children to pursue their passion of running and to give an opportunity to school children from public schools to display their talent. CACR is participating in MUSTRun Marathon where more than  500 students from municipal (inner city public) schools will be running on a track 2km long. 

    CACR is glad to be a part of such events that encourage children from the less privileged sections of society. So if you are in Mumbai on December 14th this year do join us to promote and motivate these young budding athletes 

--by Hitesh, a volunteer with Citizens Association for Child Rights a  non profit education startup working to improve quality of health and education in municipal(inner city) schools of Mumbai