Education is like a culture passed on from elders, teachers, gurus as well as the society to the younger generation. Why to educate? Is it to earn name? Fame? Earn more money? Is this all that education is about? Does this mean, all those are uneducated have no name, are not recognised in the society or are living a life of pauper? If no, then what is the real essence of education?
Initially education for open for all and seen as a method of attaining moksha or enlightment. It was imparted by a Guru where his students or disciples strictly followed the guidelines or teachings and was considered wholesome and valuable to get enlightened about life. Traditional methods of education made students face the challenges of life with courage. Education was imparted through practice. Students were trained with real life skills in such a way, that it prepared them to live life independently and with dignity. Education was offered which satisfied the living conditions prevailing at the time.
Gradually, as superiority complexes rose, education was imparted only to the highest class of social ladder who dominated the illiterates and the uneducated. Education was imparted on the basis of caste and the related duties that one had to perform as a member of a specific caste.Women were considered unworthy of such education as the belief was - Man should learn and earn for the family. Women should follow her man and take care of house hold issues. Therefore the era continued to be dominated by educated male population.Teaching was provided in the exact and required skills as appropriate to the time.
At Gurukul. everybody was considered equal. Bullying and teasing was strictly prohibited and the actions were severely punished. Parents were at ease because they knew their children were in safe hands. Even parents obeyed Guru and gave him full rights to take charge of their child's life. But this not meant that Guru misused his powers and misguided his students. The great responsibility of molding a character (student) in mind, body and soul lay in his hands. Failure or success of a disciple meant the failure or success of Guru.
Such was the system prevailing in India.
But as time progressed, the entire perspective of the education system has underwent a sea change. It is widely acclaimed now that the class room education does not teach the actual required skill set either for life as it is perceived now or add value to the humanity at large.
continued in my next blog.....
