Acharya Tulsi
Education plays the greatest role in diffusing or cleansing the national character. There was a time when ours was not an independent country. In that state, particular type of education was imposed on this country. It was not in tune with Indian culture and life of the people. In spite of realizing this it was not possible to reject that education, because a subjugated person or nation have to accept everything that they are made to do by those who rule.
Generally, education is related to earning a livelihood, whereas it is an essential thing in life. Where livelihood alone is given importance, training in science and technology increases and morality and character become secondary. How education is reduced to a pitiable state, when it does not help one to earn a living! Neither life nor livelihood. Such education becomes a curse for the nation. There are millions of students, who are unfamiliar with the values of life, they face unemployment and long for the satisfaction of the minimum requirements of life. Under these conditions there are several question-marks on the purposefulness of the educational policy or the educational system which loads the student with books and degrees to the disregard of the expectations and the structure of society.
Schools, colleges and universities in their large numbers are all resolved to raise the standard of education in the country. The definitions of standards are, however, varied. In a way, the student of today reads about many more subjects than in the past. He keeps himself informed about the happenings and developments in different countries. He has increased his efficiency in many fields. But there are also certain things which have proved to be responsible from bringing down instead of raising the standard. Correct writing and speaking of Hindi is becoming difficult even for the graduate and post graduate students. And it is extremely hard for them to understand literary Hindi. Who would take interest in the national language when it is being neglected to such an extent in its own country?
It is true that education plays a major role in changing the atmosphere in the country. The country would be shaped only on the basis of the sanskaras imbibed by millions of students. From this point of view, it is necessary to give education a concrete shape. Many people are of the view that our system of education is faulty. My view is somewhat different I think that the system of education is not faulty, but' is incomplete. The present system leads to intellectual development. Some attention is also being paid to physical development. But mental and emotional development is almost nil. The surprising thing is that in spite of so many commissions set up for changing educational policy and so many reports being published, nothing has happened. In this situation, the atmosphere is only disappointing.
Moral education, religious instruction etc. have become such hackneyed words that they have ceased to attract any more. One objection raised against moral education is whether education given today is immoral. Religious instruction is being criticized on the ground that in a secular country, how can instruction in any particular religion be given? Under these circumstances, much thought was given to make education comprehensive.
The outcome of this deliberation is the science o living. The syllabus for the science of living has already been prepared from the primary to the post of graduate levels. Sufficient attend is given to the practical aspect together with the theoretical aspect. The aim has been to build an all round personality of the student. It should not stop merely at the intellectual development. It should also increase the ability to keep impulses and passions in check. Together with science and technology, he should also be trained to imbibe values of life like tolerance, equipoise, patience, compassion, self-restraint etc. I am confident that with the induction of science of living in the field of education, many long term solutions to educational problems would be found.
