"Sā Vidya yā Vimuktaye"
The phrase "Sā Vidya yā Vimuktaye" is a Sanskrit proverb that translates to "That is knowledge which liberates."
This suggests that true knowledge or education is that which frees the mind and soul, leading to enlightenment and liberation from ignorance. It emphasises the transformative power of education in achieving freedom and understanding.
In the Holy Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna teaches Arjuna that education is a liberating force, instilling values of reasoning, rationality, and inquiry in the mind while also enlightening the soul by channeling consciousness toward a pragmatic vision. He emphasised that the purpose of education is not only the cultivation of the mind but also the development of various layers of personality in multiple dimensions.
Mahatma Gandhi once said, "The world cannot be changed by looking outside, but by looking inside."
Human conscience is the result of billions of years of conscious evolution since the advent of life on this planet. In the continuous process of evolution, humans strived to survive against various adversaries of nature. The discovery of stone tools, fire, the wheel, and the development of shelters are watershed instances when primitive mankind learned to use the resources of nature to fulfil its necessities. The amalgamation of need with a sense of inquiry led to the gradual development of education parallel to the progress of human civilisation.
With the advent of formalised social structures, human beings developed a common moral compass and ethical principles. Thus, education was not only safety and need-based but also diversified with the study of behavioural patterns of various species, natural disasters, and ethical principles of social order.
Each generation started learning contemporary realities, taking on challenges to improve or modify established facts, learning from mistakes, and transferring the baton of wisdom to the next generation.
The progress of mankind from the Paleolithic era to the Ice Age to the present age is not only the story of materialistic advancements and technological improvements but also a constant tussle with the inner self to upgrade potential and explore multiple versions of reality.
The human mind is a two-edged sword. If cultivated in the right direction, it may lead to miracles, but if not fueled by values of morality and good virtues, it may lead to destruction and prolonged damage. Thus, in every age, scientific and philosophical developments went hand in hand. For instance, in ancient India, scientists such as Aryabhatta, Varahmihir, and Sushruta guided society with scientific temperaments, while philosophers like Kanada,
Shankaracharya, Kapil, and Thiruvalluvar directed contemporary human beings with values of compassion, tolerance, and spirituality. Similarly, the progress of Greek civilisation was based on strong foundational principles of philosophy (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle) and science (Pythagoras, Thales).
If education of the mind and heart are not synchronous, it may lead to the creation of a trained and learned society with a very weak foundation, prone to ideological subversion through various propaganda tools by adversarial societies or nations. In the words of Yuri Bezmenov, "A demoralized society with symptoms of moral crisis can easily be destabilized." In the current scenario, rising levels of radicalization, brainwashing, indoctrination, and terrorism are manifestations of the fact that education needs restructuring at a global level to mold both minds and hearts.
"Ignited minds of youth are the most powerful resources on earth."
According to APJ Abdul Kalam, youth are the most vibrant and dynamic section of any country's population. Currently, India has more than 65% of its population below the age of 35. India can harness its potential only if education at the primary, secondary, and higher secondary levels strengthens research and innovation, builds strong cognitive and interpersonal skills, and firmly roots constitutional values of tolerance, brotherhood, harmony, and secularism. The Indian constitution mentions that it is the fundamental duty of every citizen to safeguard the rich heritage of composite culture by cherishing the noble values that inspired the national struggle for freedom, in addition to developing a scientific temperament, spirit of inquiry, rationality, and reasoning.
Recently, it has been observed in many parts of the nation that students from various universities were used as tools of propaganda to propagate particular agendas or narratives by separatist organizations. Reports by various agencies show that the culture of rote learning has made students vulnerable to Western-centric modernization, drug abuse, self-indulgent hedonistic pleasures, and violence, fueled by the use of the internet, cyber tools, and various consumeristic narratives. Data from independent organizations and government agencies show that a majority of heinous crimes are committed by educated youths, such as financial fraud, cyberbullying, and sexual harassment through online platforms. In a globalized world, increasing competition has not only paved the way for the commercialization of education but also led to a rise in depression, self-doubt, anxiety, stress, and alienation among youth, often manifested in forms of suicide, drug abuse, and cybercrimes.
Training and education are two different facets of learning. Education, in a broader sense, means the overall development of an individual, while training simply prepares one for a particular field. It is high time we realize that the broader aspect of education is to learn various shades of grey—multiple dimensions of reality and acceptance of diversity of perceptions.
The government has formulated the National Education Policy (NEP) to overhaul the present education system, ensuring that value- and skill-based education is granted to students from the primary level. This policy aims to help students make calculated decisions about their life and career paths by closely analyzing their intrinsic natural inclinations and measuring their strengths and weaknesses, considering the threats associated with any opportunity. This is a significant step by the government to harness the unique potential of youth, driving them by internal interests rather than a blind rat race of consumerism and a consumption-based educational model. Moreover, to harness innovation and channel unique ideas of students, the government has undertaken multiple initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs and Youth Parliament on a nationwide level.
Two quotes are truly relevant in this regard: "A child is the father of man" and "We have not inherited this earth from our forefathers; rather, we have borrowed it from our children." Indian civilization has survived despite multiple invasions, plundering, and destruction of its political, social, and educational institutions because of the strong foundation of its cultural roots, which always advocated for spiritual progress as the basis of material development.
The six philosophical traditions of India, and the teachings of Buddha and Mahavira, propagated in various continents because they always highlighted the sustainable and optimum utilisation of material resources for scientific advancement. In Indian tradition, the family was always considered the first school of a child, with the mother and father as the first teachers (Gurus).
A child's perception of the world, outlook towards other individuals, and emotional quotient largely depend on their upbringing and child-rearing practices.
Our Prime Minister has always highlighted the role of the family as the smallest unit of the state, building a strong substratum for the future nation and realising the dreams of an Atma Nirbhar (self-reliant) Bharat. Thus, to educate the heart, the role of the family is crucial in injecting Indic values among youths.
The government uses technology to interact with youth and understand their issues through the Swayam portal, Pariksha par Charcha initiative, and other programs. Additionally, India helps other nations with initiatives like e-Vidya Bharati and e-Arogya Bharati in African countries.
In this world of rising intolerance, proxy wars, growing mental and environmental pollution, ocean acidification, and growing terrorism, the role of education should be visible in the behavioral patterns of individuals. We must strive for a sustainable balance between needs, aspirations, and greed. Educational research agencies are essential to achieving a harmonious synchronization between mind and heart, ensuring a better future for our upcoming generations.
regards
Harsh
DMET Roll Number 8111
Class of 2020