Education in India

Considering the fact that it has been more than 3 months since I started on this blog, it was a bit surprising for me to realize that I had never written on the topic of education. Since this one subject is very close to my heart.

I have always wondered why the subjects I studied in school did not really provide the kind of education that is expected in a country with such a rich and varied heritage. History ended with our Independence, geography taught me the kind of crops that can be grown in savanna region, and maths - well it never taught me where I could apply it!

And then a few years ago, with competition for college seats rising, and an increasing no of suicides among students - the education performance ranking and evaluation system was revamped. Instead of ranks, they gave grades and in many ways it made it easier for students to pass out. Getting 90% seems not so difficult anymore.

But did they do it right? I believe that instead of ranking and exam systems, they out to have revamped the entire syllabus. The syllabus does get updated every once in a while, they have added internals and project work to it (project work which is ultimately taken care of by the parents) - but is it still making enough sense?

Why is current affairs not included? Self-defence, public speaking, introduction to arts, a good level of computer training should be included. And why limited subjects and so few optionals? Why isn't Sanskrit being taught when the world is recognizing the strength of its language and syntax? Why does history have to only be about India and Indian independence heroes - world history, recent wars, everything ought to be covered - should it not? Considering the latest hue and cry on intolerance, a little empathetic understanding of different religions wouldn't harm as well - since, all the religions ultimately believe in one God.

In a bid to making school bags lighter, the syllabus has been lightened for the pre-primary and primary students. But that is the age when children are fastest at learning new things, picking up languages and skills - and this is universally known. They didn't want students to learn things parrot-like or by-heart. But number tables and many other things that come useful later on, ought to be learnt like that. Otherwise people grow up to be fools (not unlike me) who pick up a calculator (on mobile or otherwise) to add 33 to 47.

Fortunately, young parents today are generally very concerned about their children's holistic education - signing them up for other courses and extra-curricular activities as well. But that option remains with those who are financially self-sufficient. For the rest, the education system in the country has to really come up to the mark.