Fr. Stephen Raj SJ
“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” —John Dewey
Education is essential in every one’s life. It facilitates us to think, speak, and behave intelligently and in proper ways. It also paves the way for us to have a good career and also good status in society.
As the world is growing swiftly, education is getting more priority than ever before. There are more educational institutes providing services to students. This helps our society to be more literate, cultured and forward-looking. However, unlike in older times, today educational institutes need to work on their strategies to make their professional service more meaningful and useful to society.
Primarily, children were educated in Gurukuls (shishyas (students) reside together as equals, irrespective of their social standing and learn from the guru). This system was later modified, and the modern education system took its place.
After India became independent, the constitution formulated six fundamental rights, of which one was Right to Education. It allowed free education for every child aged between 6 and 14 years.
Educational institutes are meant to develop the skills, mind, and character of their students. However, there may be pockets of educational services which do not help those students who come with preset goals.
The Indian Education System has its own lacuna. Some of the issues and challenges which need to be resolved are the following:
Expenditure on education – More funds need to be sanctioned for the development of the education system in India.
Infrastructure facilities – Enhanced infrastructure needs to be provided especially in Government schools. Since the Government is now focusing on digital education, it must undertake steps to provide necessary facilities in Government schools and rural areas.
Student-teacher ratio
The present teacher-student ratio needs a relook. Moreover, qualified teachers must be appointed to impart knowledge to students who are the future of the country.
Quality of education
There is a gulf of difference in the quality of education in the rural and urban areas of the country. Steps need to be taken to regulate the quality of education across India so that everyone can get equal and impartial knowledge and opportunities to grow.
Students studying abroad
Rushing for education abroad is becoming a fad especially among the well-to-do youngsters. Another reason could be to have better facilities and opportunities. Better facilities and prospects need to be offered within the Indian education system by making education affordable and challenging so that the rush abroad and the brain drain can be appreciably reduced.
Equality Principle
Government schools or Institutions are affordable, but they lack infrastructure and quality. On the other hand, mushrooming private education institutions charge high fees and claim to have superior infrastructure and equipment to study. This disparity must be worked upon and the Government must make education affordable and accessible for all.
According to Nelson Mandela “Education is the most powerful weapon which we can use to change the world.” Educational institutes should not focus on completing the curriculum in a hurry; rather they should prepare students of good character, competence, conscience, compassion, and commitment.
The above mentioned concerns in the current educational scenario need to be given a serious thought by all so that we can produce more reliable and responsible citizens who work for the bright and prosperous future of India and make a new heaven and a new earth.
Fr. Stephen Raj SJ is Principal, St. Xavier’s College, Maharo, Dumka, Jharkhand.