Educating India’s Future

Have you ever wondered why India, despite having the world’s largest youth population with 356 million young people aged 10-24, still does not play a major role in engendering talented individuals across the world? The answer is quite simple yet complicated- mass illiteracy. While the average global literacy rate is 86.3 per cent, India’s literacy rate is still quite low at approximately 74.4 per cent with minor fluctuations. 

An exigent issue which has been brought to our attention time and again is the Indian Education System. Now, it may not necessarily be termed as an issue, but it still is a pertinent matter which must be looked into before circumstances get beyond one’s control. 

The New National Education Policy 2020 brought out by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi Government is a noticeable and holistic approach with strong emphasis on overall literacy and education. Other programmes earlier initiated include- The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Mid-Day Meal Scheme, Strengthening of Teachers’ Training Institutions and the National Scheme for Incentive to the Girl Child for Secondary Education. However, we must not stop at this and continue to strive and work hard to improve the education system furthermore. 

We must understand that giving due significance and importance to the education sector is inevitable. If we do not improve the education of a country, then we cannot expect the country to progress ahead. It’s like asking a child to give a 10th grade examination when he/she has not even passed the 5th grade. We have been a democratic parliamentary form of government for the past 74 years. It has been 74 years, that is not a short period of time. When we have improved so vastly in several other fields, why has the quality of education in our country still not improved? As a student, I myself have noticed certain things which I would like to bring to everyone’s attention. 

Firstly, it is sad to note that 90 per cent of the education we receive is theoretical and text-based with bare minimum scope for practical learning which will actually help us in the future. Our teaching methodology is highly monotonous where students are bound to by-heart the text written in the textbook after which we all have to appear for an examination. This examination is precisely how parents, peers and practically the society too measures the individual’s talent. Students who gain over 90 per cent marks are labelled to be “brilliant academics” with a “great future ahead”, whereas the average-scorers are simply labelled to be weaklings with no substantial future. It is absolutely egregious to know that at least one student in India commits suicide every hour. I want to ask everyone a question- what is the point of burdening and pressuring children so much so that if they fail, their lives are shattered and their mental health suffers a huge blow? Why do we always celebrate victories, but never be prepared for failures? So, a significant change which needs to be made is to remodel our examination pattern, as well as ensure that the textbooks include not only the theoretical aspects, but also relevant material which will help children gain a perspective. 

Another very important factor to look at is the development of rural areas. India is a country with strong emphasis on technological development and urbanisation. However, a rough estimate 

Only 34 per cent of Indians live in urbanised areas with adequate education facilities. The rest 64 per cent of the population is still under-developed and so, we must also focus on improving the quality of education in the rural areas. We, as a country, should not only progress ahead but also ensure that we are progressing ahead with everyone and not leaving them behind. This will serve justice to the “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas” initiative which was put forth by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As a matter of fact, the overall syllabus needs to be modified so that it is relevant in today’s era. Infrastructure should also be developed in such areas. Furthermore, we must ensure that qualified teachers with a certain skill-set are only employed in schools.

Next, I would like to reiterate and elaborate upon the out-dated syllabus which was written over 70 years ago. There have actually been minuscule modifications in the syllabus. So, another major step to be taken is modifying the syllabus and textbooks to match today’s technology-savvy generation. Also, almost the entire syllabus focuses on theoretical knowledge with very little space left for other forms of knowledge. While it is important to study classic novels and understand their true nuances, it is equally important to analyse stories which portray women, people from backward classes and people from the lower strata of society as heroes and protagonists. The inexorable truth is that we all form our opinions based on what we were taught in school. So, it is high time now that the syllabus includes even a minor portion of such aspects which will broaden one’s horizon and help form an open-minded and forward-thinking perspective. Adding to the points above, adding basic computer skills and coding as a compulsory part of the syllabus is also looked upon very favorably. In a time and era where technology is dominating the world with cryptocurrencies, electric cars and online shopping, it is quite necessary to be well-versed with computer skills. 

While I spoke about moving forward and progressing with times, it is also equally necessary to not forget our roots. We must learn and gain understanding of the true nuances of the Vedas, the Gita and other literary milestones in Indian history. Not only the Vedas but also other religious texts to maintain a balance in our education system. Including a part of this in our current education system would be highly beneficial for all students. Children would gain a fresh perspective and learn about moralities, values, our culture, heritage and tradition-something which a lot of people do not have these days. 

Furthermore, academicians should focus on encouraging conceptual learning, not text-based rote learning. There are so many students who score very high marks in theory-based examinations, but when they are asked to apply that knowledge in daily life, they quite miserably fail. This is because we have set it in children’s minds that “mugging up” everything is the tried-and-true method of doing well in examinations. However, what is the point of rote learning everything when that knowledge will not be useful in the future? 

To resolve this, we must take inspiration from several other countries that have focused on gaining a conceptual understanding of the topic and we must try to base our education system around such learning methodologies. 

Lastly, I would like to touch upon a very important yet sad truth of society. We must progress with times and focus on de-stigmatising subjects like History, Geography, English etc. Children are almost always told to stick to the conventional Math and Science path, and if a student chooses any Arts subject, they are often labelled to be “incompetent” and “weaklings” Therefore, we should at least try and give equal respect to all subjects so as to further open up many more options for young aspiring students. 

In conclusion, as Nelson Mandela rightly said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which we can use to change the world.” Education truly is a fundamental right which should be treated with utmost importance in today’s world. If we want our country to progress in various different fields, we must ensure that the education being provided is adequate to back those aspirations. We must ensure that we are giving rise to open-minded, forward-thinking, progressive and creative individuals who will further improve India as a country.