India has seen many eminent educational thinkers. In this chapter, we shall study educational thoughts and educational contribution of some of them.
1.1 Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore was born on 7th May 1861 in Kolkata. He completed his primary education from private tutors at his home and higher education at Saint Xavier College, Kolkata. He was awarded. the Nobel prize for literature for his poetry 'Geetanjali' in 1913. He was also awarded the apex degree D. Lit. by Kolkata University. In 1915, British Government conferred the greatest honour 'Sir' upon him. He died on 7th August 1941.
Debendranath Tagore, father of Rabindranath Tagore was α follower of Brahmo Samaj, established by Raja Rammohan Roy and his mother Sharadadevi was religious by nature. Rabindranath Tagore, therefore, experienced religious as well as progressive environment in his childhood.
1.1.1 Educational thoughts of Rabindranath Tagore
(1) Definition of Education - Rabindranath Tagore has defined education as 'Education is Self-expression.'
(2) Freedom to Children in Teaching-Learning Process According to Rabindranath Tagore, children must get freedom while learning. Natural environment must be ensured for learning. He believed that children can learn better in natural environment as against artificial one. Teachers, therefore, must design and use teaching methods giving scope to freedom and natural expression of children.
(3) Education must Ensure All-round Development of Children Through education, intellectual, emotional, activity oriented development of a child should be ensured. Also, through overall nurturance of physical, social and creative abilities should lead to development of correlations and harmony. Teachers and educationists, while designing the curriculum and teaching should consider these aspects.
(4) Education for Child's Mental Freedom
For development of an independent, decisive, creative child, it must be given freedom of choice to select the subjects and medium of instruction. This would definitely lead to excellence in their own careers and mastery in their own subject.
(5) Spiritual Development for the Achievement of Educational Goals
For any educational aim, inspiration from within is a prerequisite. More the intensity of the inspiration, earlier the achievement of educational goals. For a child's spiritual development one must get a free and open environment.
6) Medium of Education should be Mother-tongue If a subject is to be explained to a child in simple manner, in shortest time and in an integrated manner, then there is no option for mother-tongue.
(7) Teachers must Emphasize Self-discipline in Classroom Teaching In classroom teaching, self-discipline is vital. In order to imbibe the same in the pupils, it should not be forced through punishments or other exterior means but should be nurtured from within. Internalized self-discipline lasts longer.
(8) Education must be Correlated with Life - Rabindranath Tagore insisted that Education must be correlated with life. A child must be engaged in life centred education in addition to books. Any learning must be situation based and the knowledge must be imparted in the form of application in real-life.
(9) Education for Character Building Character building needs appropriate environment and appropriate education.. If a child's intellectual and mental development is ensured through education, then it certainly leads to character building. Rabindranath Tagore used to quote quite often:
When wealth is lost, nothing is lost. When health is lost, something is lost.
But when character is lost, everything is lost.
(10) Education for Harmony with Nature
Rabindranath Tagore in his book 'Personality' has mentioned key thoughts on education. He says that the best education is the one that facilitates the learner to create harmony with the nature. The state of harmony is the supreme stage in the development of human being.
1.1.2 Educational Contribution Rabindranath Tagore of
(1) Shantiniketan School Shantiniketan. School was established in 1901, in Bolpur Village near Kolkata. Implementing his own educational thoughts was the objective behind establishment of this School. In Shantiniketan, classes had no walls and were conducted in open spaces. The teachers and pupils stayed together in the proximity of nature. Through common lunch and dinner. values of self-dependence and dignity of labour were nurtured. This school hud subjects like gardening, book binding. carpentry, music, drama, dance, literature etc. Mother tongue was the medium of teaching and learning. In addition to mother tongue, additional languages such as English and Hindi were also used. There was in true sense a natural environment at the school.
Key features of Shantiniketan
(1) Shantiniketan was a residential school.
(2) The school commenced and ended with melodious music.
(3) The school had a natural environment.
(4) All the teachers were proficient in their own subject and art.
(5) Teachers and pupils experienced teaching and learning in a free and liberated environment.
(6) Pupils had to complete the hostel chores on their own.
(7) The school focused on activity oriented and learning.
(8) Medium of instruction was mother-tongue.
(9) The school had three sections. Shishu Vibhag for children up to the age of 10 years, Madhya Vibhag for children of the age group 10 to 15 years and Adya Vibhag for children above 15 years of age.
2) Vishwabharati University In 1921,
Rabindranath converted Tagore Shantiniketan School to Vishwabharati Vidyapeeth (University). The word Bharati in Vishwabharati means Sanskriti, i.e. culture. Hence, the University that creates global culture is Vishwabharati, is the meaning derived from this name. This is a well known international university with the moto 'Yatra Vishvam Bhavati Ek Needam.' It means, 'where the world makes a home in a single nest. This spirit is reflected in the name Vishwabharati.
Key features of the Vishwabharati University
(1) The University offered education from early childhood to postgraduate and research studies.
(2) The University had interdisciplinary research center for the study of international languages and culture.
(3) The University stipulated uniform for students.
(4) International students were allowed to study Indian arts, literature and culture in English language.
(5) Based on the merit, the University offered concessions in fees.
(6) The University offered hostel facilities to the students.
(7) Every department had a separate library as well as a central library for students' learning.
(8) The University environment was homely and spiritual.
(9) There was a nice confluence of Eastern and Western cultures in the University.
(10) Apart from intellectual development, the University focused on cultural development.
(3) Shriniketan Rabindranath Tagore established Shriniketan in Surul village near Kolkata on 6th February 1922. 'Shri' in the name 'Shriniketan' means welfare or development. This is a vocational school and it focused on vocational and technical education. Sustainable development of people. community and environment by using local natural resources through education to rural people is the core objective of Shriniketan.
Key features of Shriniketan
(1) Shriniketan was a rural secondary school imparting vocational and technical education.
(2) Shriniketan school was also regarded as Shiksha-satra.
(3) Shriniketan school offered foundation level education.
(4) Shriniketan facilitated education, agriculture and service to society.
(5) Shriniketan was under the purview of Vishwabharati University.
Swami Vivekananda was born on 12th January, 1863, in Kolkata. He completed his primary schooling Metropolitan school, Kolkata and higher education at Presidency College, Kolkata. He died on 4 July 1902.
Childhood name of Swami Vivekananda was Narendra. His father Vishwanath Dutt, was a practising lawyer at Kolkata High Court. His mother Bhuvaneshwaridevi was religious by nature. The religious atmosphere at home had a great impact on the life of Swami Vivekananda.
Since his childhood, Swami Vivekananda. was bright and talented. He got obsessed with philosophy. After knowing about his interest in philosophy, Principal Rev. Hasty led him to Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. In 1881, he met Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Quest for experiencing divine power led him to ask the question to Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, 'Have you seen the God? Ramakrishna. Paramahamsa clearly responded with confidence, 'Yes, I have seen Him. I shall also let you see Him. This was the moment of transformation in the life of Vivekananda. He became a disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.
1.2.1 Educational Vivekananda thoughts of Swami
(1) Definition of Education According to Swami Vivekananda, "Education is the manifestation of the perfection already within man."
(2) Education for Character Building - While explaining the importance of character building, Swami Vivekananda says, empowering the expression of willpower within in controlled manner is the objective of education. Role of teachers and parents is to inculcate culture for character building. Inculcating good habits can lead to character building.
(3) Equal Opportunity of Education to Men and Women Men and women as human beings hold the same Atman within. Hence men and women deserve the same birth rights. They both must get equal opportunity for education.
(4) Importance of Physical Education Just like spiritual education, Swami Vivekanada has emphasised on physical education. According to him strength. is life and weakness is death.
of (5) Education for Development Concentration Concentration of mind is the key to knowledge. Brahmacharya and reverence are the means for attainment of knowledge and not just for education but concentration of mind is necessary in all walks of life.
(6) Medium of Instruction should be Mother-tongue Comprehension is better in mother tongue. Remembering and recalling is also easy in mother-tongue. Hence, according to Swami Vivekananda, the medium of instruction in education should be mother-tongue.
(7) Education must Harness National and Global Harmony Education is the means to broaden and universalize the perspectives. Through education, spirit of national and global harmony can be harnessed.
(8) Education for Eradicating Superstitions Education has the capacity to transform ideologies of un individual. The ill effects of superstitions and benefits of scientific attitude can be explained through education. Only when awakened, individuals can do away with unjust customs, traditions and superstitions. Education is must for eradicating superstitions.
1.2.2 Educational Contribution of Swami Vivekananda
on For proliferation of his thoughts spirituality and education, Swami Vivekananda established the Ramakrishna Mission on 1 May 1897. The Mission was run by 'Maths'. The disciples and brahmachari sadhoos stayed in the 'Math'. Teachers and followers were nurtured. Service to society was the objective of the Mission.
Key features of the Ramakrishna Mission
(1) Ramakrishna Mission had two groups -Math and Mission.
(2) The Math focused on proliferation of educational thoughts.
(3) Pre-primary, primary, secondary schools and colleges were established for spreading education.
(4) Teachers' training programmes were organized at the Math.
(5) Schools and Colleges had provision for education of philosophy as well as vocational education.
(6) Periodicals and literature were regularly published by the Math.
(7) The mission focused on service to society, Healthcare services for the disabled, hospitals, services to drought affected people, etc. were undertaken.
1.3 Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi was born on 2nd October
1869 at Porbandar in Gujrat. He completed his matriculation from Rajkot High school and passed Law examination from University College of London Law School, London. He died on 30 January 1948.
Mahatma Gandhi's father was the Diwan of Rajkot province. His mother Putalabai was religious by nature. She had a big influence on the life of Mahatma Gandhi.
1.3.1 Educational thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi
(1) Definition of Education According to Mahatma Gandhi, "Literacy is not the end of education, not even the beginning. By education, I mean, drawing out of the best in man's body, mind and spirit."
(2) The Medium of Instruction should be Mother-tongue Mother-tongue facilitates ease of listening, speaking. reading, writing and thinking while learning. This harnesses nurturance of creativity. Hence Mahatma Gandhiji said that the medium of instruction should be mother tongue.
(3) Primary Education should be Free and Compulsory From six to fourteen. years of age, education of each child should be free and compulsory. This will allow children from all strata of the society to have education, leading to educational, economic and social equality in India.
(4) Education should Employ Some Craft as a Medium of Education Through handicraft activism in students will get motivated and development of mental and intellectual faculties of students will be possible. So handicraft should have importance in education.
(5) Nurturance of Self Independence through Education For a child to be self reliant, s/he must be self dependent. Hence education must nurture self dependence.
(6) Life-centered Education Learning can be relevant, engaging and intense only if it is integrated with life. So every subject must be connected to life and related to practical living.
(7) Education with Psychological Foundation Teaching-learning process must be based on the psychological foundation. While designing and reciprocating curriculum, one must consider the learner's profile including his/her age, interests, world of experiences, background, capabilities etc.
(8) Education should Create Responsible Citizens Nurturance and development of ethical, industrious, self reliant and responsible citizens who believe in democracy, having an ethical character and spirit of nationality must be the core objective of education.
(9) Importance of Physical Education Healthy body has a healthy mind. Hence education should give importance to physical development as well as to intellectual development.
(10) Character Building is the Core Objective of Education Mahatma Gandhi believed that character building is more important than literacy. The ultimate goal of education must be character building.
1.3.2 Educational contribution of Mahatma Gandhi
(1) 1904 Establishment of 'Phoenix' Ashram in South Africa.
(2) 1911-Establishment of "Tolstoy' Ashram in Transwal, South Africa.
(3) 1915 Establishment of Satyagraha Ashram at village Kochrab near Ahmedabad, Gujrat.
(4) 1917 Village education experiment initiated at Champaranya in Bihar.
(5) 1920 Establishment of Gujrat University.
(6) 1936 Establishment of Sevagram Ashram near Wardha, Maharashtra.
(7) 1937-Presented Basic Education Policy Nai Talim at All India Education Conference at Wardha, Maharashtra.
(8) In Gandhiji's Basic Education Scheme there seems to be a beautiful balance of various philosophical schools of thoughts like idealism, naturalism, pragmatism, experimentalism and social reconstructionism.
1.4 Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan
Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan was born on 5th September 1888 in Tiruttani, Tamilnadu.
He completed his primary education in Tiruttani and ( Vellore. He matriculated from Luther Mission Highschool Tirupati. He completed his B.A. in Philosophy and M.A. from Madras Presidency College, Madras, He died on 17th April 1975 in Madras.
Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan's father Veeraswami was a tahsildar. His mother Sitamma was religious by nature.
1.4.1 Educational thoughts of Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan
(1) Definition of Education According to Dr. Radhakrishnan, education is not mere literacy. Education must create human beings. It must include not only the training of the intellect but the refinement of the heart and the disciplined spirit.
(2) Education for Humanity Education must offer nurturance of empathy, kindness, trust, ethics, morality, harmony. collaboration, respect etc.
(3) Education for Democracy Education must nurture democratic values. Today's students have to be nurtured as responsible citizens of tomorrow, strong and able to lead our country. Hence democratic values must be inculcated through education,
(4) Development of Scientific Attitude For developing India in 21" century and youth with scientific attitude, we must nurture scientific attitude through education.
(5) Education for Balanced Personality Development - Education must develop cognitive, emotional, constructive abilities of students for nurturing a responsible citizenship among them.
(6) Education for Preservation, Enrichment and Transmission of Culture Culture, that includes. religion, traditions, customs, thoughts, social conduct etc. comes under a threat under the influence of western culture. Education must contribute to its preservation, enrichment and transmission. Students must be made aware of the values of our culture.
(7) Curriculum should Impart Comprehensive Knowledge about People, Society and Nature - Educational curriculum must include information und knowledge about the environment we live in, our nature, the characteristics and the needs of nature. It must also include the efforts we must take for addressing the needs of the nature and our environment.
(8) Education for Self-discipline Self discipline is crucial for personality development. It has a potential to bring about ever lasting transformation in our behaviour. Hence education must impart self discipline.
(9) Women should get an Opportunity of Education and Self Development -Spiritual and cultural character of any society depends on the status of women of that society. Hence women education must be planned systematically for development of family, society and the nation.
1.4.2 Educational contribution of Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan
(1) Chairman of University Education Commission After independence,
Government of India University Education Commission in 1948, for educational transformation. Commission was assigned with the responsibility to offer guidelines for necessary transformation to higher education in India. Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, as the Chairman of this commission played a crucial role.
(2) Vice Chancellor - Dr. Sarvapalli Radha-krishnan was the Vice Chancellor of two important universities- Andhra University (1931-1938) and Banaras Hindu University (1939-1948). He set the benchmark of how to function. as an efficient Vice Chancellor of a University.
(3) Indian Ambassador, Vice President and President of India Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan served as Indian Ambassador to Russia (1948), served twice as the Vice President of India (1952 1962) and served as the President of India (1962). He played a crucial role, working on these positions.
1.5 Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was born on 14th April 1891, in Mahoo, Madhyapradesh. He completed his primary education in Satara at Camp Military school. He did his B.A. at Elphinstone college, Mumbai and earned his M.A., Ph.D. and LLD at Columbia University. He earned M.Sc. and D.Sc. at London University. He died on 6th December 1956.
Ambavade village in Ratnagiri district is native place of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. His original surname was Ambavadekar. Babasaheb's father was in the army. Environment at his home was very strict. He grew up with strict discipline. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar wrote a book 'The Buddha and His Dhamma'.
1.5.1 Educational Thoughts Babasaheb Ambedkar of Dr.
(1) Definition of Education Education makes an individual aware of self-the rights as well as duties. It is education that empowers an individual to fight against injustice,
(2) Education to Eradicate Inequality In our society inequality can be seen over castes, religions, isms, gender, regions etc. These create hindrance to the national integrity and national development. In order to eradicate this inequality from the minds of each individual, the only option we have is. education. Education is the only poth for eradicating inequality.
to (3) Education Leads to Abolition of Oppression According Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, oppression of an individual or society can be abolished only through education. Hence for the fellow brothers and sisters of the society who had been oppressed for decades he appealed-Educate, Unite and Struggle!
(4) Education for Equality - Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar believed Equality means upliftment of people of lower strata to higher level. For this education is must. However, there must be some special benefits or concessions.
(5) Education is Like Food for Human Mind Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar has compared education with food and strength. Like food gives strength to body, education strengthens human brain, human mind through nurturance of thoughts. Healthy thoughts lead to healthy body and it would give strength throughout life.
(6) Education for Discipline Discipline. is important for individual's personal development. Hence education must inculcate importance of discipline.
(7) Education for Character Building History or roots of a person and his/her character are two different things. Every individual when born has some history, but may not have the character. Character is built through nurturance of wisdom, modesty, compassion and comradeship. Education must focus on character building.
(8) Education should be Value Based Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, believed that education must be value based. Values of humanity, philanthropy, politeness, gentleness, decisiveness, morality should be inculcated in every child through education. This would lead to all round personality development of a child.
(9) Universalization of Primary Education Primary education must be free and compulsory for the children of age group 6 to 14. That enables people from all strata of society to get educational opportunity.
(10) Education to Girl Child should be Encouraged Educating women is the need of the hour. Offering education to women means respecting them. The reason for deprived condition of women. in our society is lack of education. Parents must equally encourage the daughters and sons to have education.
1.5.2 Educational contribution of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar
(1) Establishment of Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha Dr. Babasheb Ambedkar had initiated a special movement of establishing hostels for common people especially semi literate, deprived, backward and untouchables. For this he established Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha on 20th July 1924. 'Educate, Unite and Struggle" was the moto of this organization. Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha also started a magazine called 'Saraswati Vilas' in order to inculcate among students the love and interest regarding knowledge, learning and also social service.
(2) Establishment of Dalitwarg Education Society For offering quality education to Dalit students, Dalitwarg Education Society was established in 1928. Students facing financial challenges while pursuing education were offered the hostel facility. Looking at the noble cause, government awarded permission to five such hostels. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, was chief executive of this society.
(3) Establishment of 'Peoples Education
Society' 'Peoples Education Society' was established in Mumbai on 8th July 1945 with an objective to promote higher education amongst backward class, especially scheduled castes.
Students deprived of higher education for various reasons were offered opportunity of education through Siddharth Arts and Science College established by the Society on 20th June 1946. This college is known as Siddharth College. Similarly in order to address higher education needs of backward class and untouchable students, and with an objective of character building through higher education, Milind Arts and Science College was established in Aurangabad on 19th June 1950.
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