THE EDUCATION WE NEED
Until recently education was considered a panacea for all the social
and political problems. But in the last two decades there has been
continuous searching of the aspects and purpose of education. Crimes
of any nature are no more the domain of the illiterates rather it is
noticed that knowledge of idea gained through education is bringing
efficiency in commiting crimes. In a situation where convergence of
cultural and tradition is a natural outcome of globalization, the
much needed result of education seems a far cry.
The UNESCO international commission on education for the twenty
first century headed by Jacques Delors has rightly
identified "LEARNING TO BE" and "LEARNING TO LIVE TOGETHER" as two
most important pillars of education. They accomodate some of the
fundamental values, education tries to impart in any
society. 'Learning to be' addresses the question of development of
the inner capacity of the individual, which prepares him or her lot
meet the social and political responsibilities.'Learning to live
together' would involve the creation of harmonious life, going
beyond the sectarian loyalities and differences. Education without
values cannot be imagined, and the standard accepted values are a
mixed bag in all the societies. It is because of the varied
ideological needs yet there are certain universal values all the
societies cherish and believe in spreading. Education is an
effective means of value dissemination, particularly in the context
of globalized world.
As far as the first pillar, identified by Jaques Delors,
ie: 'Learning to be', is considered, which ought to enable a student
to shoulder social and political responsibilities, today's education
does develop inner capacity but it seems to be confined in the
personal and material ends of the students. It hardly gets way to
reach out and address the said responsibilities. Students have
tremendous amount of self mounted pressure of competing others in
status, in annual package, in power and so on and so forth. In this
the expectation of father, mother and other concerned also
contribute a lot. Hence the business of social and political
responsibilities take a rear seat in the life of a student. Now a
question arises, how did the education of yesteryears serve the
required purpose? Whether the element of morality and standard
values were more and and they helped them to realize the ultimate
end of education. And that made it easy to inculcate values among
the students. But now among the sceptic and so called successful
people it does not make any sense to talk about morality and values.
They find these to be stumbling block in the cut throat competition
of reaching at the top. In this situation, the needy aspect of
education 'Learning to be' sounds hollow. The fact remains that this
aspect only facilitates the other important purpose of education
that is 'Learning to live together'.
'Learning to live together' must be treated as a corner stone of a
society. And educational institutions have a major role to play in
consolidating this. But here we have to take a pause and think that
the amount in which the problem of co-existence or living together
has damaged our country no other problem has done. If we look around
we find there are many invisible water tight compartments of caste,
creed, religion, region, language etc. We have been living it and
this has been one of the biggest obstacles on the path of progress.
We have already celebrated the 60th Independence day. But the fact
remains that the freedom for which our forefathers gave their lives
and the India which they had dreamt of is a far cry for majority of
the Indians because a handful of morally anaemic people, so called
representatives, dictate their terms mostly designed, keeping the
political interest in mind. A great podium is noticed in every
section of the society and situation appears to be out of joint. And
here, unfortunately our youths are becoming soft target of the
occidental ideology and its approach towards life. In such a
situation like this our only hope lies in our education.
Now a question needs to be answered by or think tanks whether our
education has all the required elements to make the dream of our
freedom fighters come true. If not then it's high time to stud our
education with moral element, instead in a secular frame, then we
can expect our students to be morally upright and responsible
citizens first and then Engineer, Doctor, C.A, Lawyer, IAS Officer
and so on and so forth.
Sajid Qamar
Patron DHAROHAR
