Rev Fr Dr P S Varghese
Principal, MGM College, Midland, Dimapur
“Real education enhances the dignity of a human being and increases his or her self-respect. If only the real sense of education could be realized by each individual and carried forward in every field of human activity, the world would be so much a better place to live in.”
Dr.APJ Abdul Kalam.
The second round table conference in London in 1931 was the first time Mahatma Gandhi pointed out how ineffective primary education was under British rule in India. In his opinion, it was British policy that contributed to the painful situation of mass education in India. In his view, English education had created a permanent barrier between the few educated and the majority, who were mostly illiterate.
His assertion was that English education was creating a set of Indians who could speak English and to work for imperial forces. Mahatma Gandhi wrote about the Wardha Scheme of Education in his weekly journal, Harijan, in 1937.
In the following year, this plan of education became a reality. Education refers to the holistic development of the body, mind, and spirit of an individual:
“Education is an all-round drawing out of the best in the child and man-body, mind and spirit.” (Harijan; 8/5/1937). This was a self-sustaining system of education.
The sense of education is a key factor in shaping both realistic and idealistic individuals. Gandhi understood the realities of life in India, London, and South Africa better than any idealist. In contrast to armchair thinkers, he became a realist. Gandhi viewed truth like God from this realist perspective. The path of truth has been seen as a path to God. As a result, his autobiography was called "My experiments with truth."
To make Mahatmas' vision of education a reality, we must all work together. This can be achieved by mentors, parents, educators, and policymakers working hard.
Maintaining a positive attitude is key since your behavior becomes ingrained. You should be aware of your habits, as they define your values. Keeping your values in mind is crucial because they are uniquely yours.
By nurturing your values, you can shape your own destiny. Thus, everyone would have the opportunity to live and experience a better world.
Same futuristic India was also seen in the vision of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam alias Chacha Kalam. This vital information was passed on to millions of students through his travels across the country.
Millions of young people were inspired to dream of a better India by him. Furthermore, he encourages them to see their dreams and not to limit themselves to dreams, rather to work for the realization of their dreams.
In addition, he cautioned them not to get distracted by criticism. The truth is that some people gain success by taking advantage of you. As humanists, we should strive to fulfill the visions of great souls in our activities, words, and deeds.
Dear mentors; “Don’t be distracted by criticism. Remember, the only taste of success some people have is when they take a bite out of you.” Zig Ziglar.
Have a blessed day
