Education
today is like a specimen in a science laboratory. It is being
dissected and analysed. It is presented under new labels,
with new methodologies, new goals, new priorities. So
far so good. Such an important subject as education needs
to be constantly refreshed and updated. But it is also being
exploited for political, sectarian and commercial purposes and in
the process all but drained of its purpose and possibilities.
This is what is unsettling for those who administer and lead
educational institutions and those affected by them. However,
no purpose will be served by accepting defeat. We have to
keep trying, go on pushing for the real goals of education
with or without help from society.
An all-round formation of heart and mind and body is that
real aim we strive for. An ambience to facilitate the development
of talents and the learning of skills is our most pressing need.
That something significant does happen in our schools, only time
will tell. But who will decide whether the student will
profit by the chances life at school throws up for him to grow
into a well- rounded personality, ready to take life head on out
in the wide world and make a big contribution towards making this
world a happier place? Can anybody else decide for him if he is
to be a first-rate citizen or a mediocre member of society?
We can take proverbial horse to the water. We cannot make
it drink
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