The Missing Chapters of Timeless wisdom

Compared to earlier generations, more people are formally educated, literacy rates have increased, skill-based learning has widened and access to knowledge has expanded with digital platforms and professional courses. Children are equipped with digital tools at a very initial stage and updated for this competitive world. However, this progress invites a deeper reflection. We all agree to the fact that transformation in the education system is the need of the hour but it is also important to note that sudden revolution in this aspect has the risk of destabilising the institutions. Thoughtful and incremental changes can only bring about sustainable progress. There is a growing sentiment among certain section of society to restore the traditional system of education. While such perspective is also important, we need to recognize that certain institutions that existed in the past needs to be acknowledged and respected according to its time and circumstances. It does not mean that it should be replicated in the present era. However, the essence and its underlying wisdom can be integrated to meet the contemporary challenges. The traditional understanding of education was associated with the development of overall personality. It was not limited to the skills and employability but was seen as a process of nurturing a human being. Since school education is the foundation of a child, it should consciously cultivate some important habits for a meaningful life.

Some of the valuable principles can be selectively incorporated in the present education system. Firstly, children have to be aligned with nature. This does not include only teaching environmental studies as a subject and discussing climate change in the classrooms but it has to be focussed towards engaging them physically and mentally with nature and natural resources. This will be helpful in creating true environmental consciousness within the children. It can be achieved by conducting some classes outside the four walls, practical exercises such as gardening and tree planting activities, nurturing the plants, afforestation programmes in the campus as well as of campus. Such activities can transform education into living experience, foster a sense of responsibility and gratitude towards environment. Children who grow up understanding environment are most likely to become responsible citizens who value sustainability, reconnect with nature which in turn builds up their emotional well being and holistic development. However, while implementing it, we have to remember that it should not be included as subject to overburden the students, but to nurture a generation that understands ecological harmony.

Secondly, we all grew up studying a subject called Moral Science and gradually realised that values cannot be confined to textbooks and examinations. Moral values of respect, care, compassion, discipline, communication skills are cultivated through experience. So practical initiatives such as community service, mentoring younger students, cleanliness in classrooms, participating in social outreach activities, sharing responsibilities should be included in the activities. Morning assemblies should reflect on gratitude exercises and discussing real life instances that exemplifies the values of service, kindness and social responsibility.  Apart from academic excellence, building skills, character building of the children is important step to create compassionate, responsible citizens. In this skill-oriented era, we should not forget the true purpose of education.

Thirdly, Children are growing up in age of constant distractions, anxiety, digital dependency and declining attention spans. Digital addiction has become a silent challenge and impediment in learning and mental well-being. It is eroding concentration and emotional health of students. Short video addiction, weak self-control, instant gratification has led to reduced focus towards meaningful work. At this juncture, yoga should become a way of life rather than just yearly cultural occasion. Controlled breathing exercises, breadth focussed meditation activates mind and body which in turn leads to better stress management, increasing attention span and emotional regulation. Therefore, this development of yogic culture and practices should be introduced since the beginning. It will increase the attention, regulate stress, brings emotional stability, better sleep and awareness. These qualities are indispensable for personal well-being and academic success. Therefore, development of yogic culture should become an integral part of our educational structure. It should not be limited to celebrations and occasional sessions. Pranayama, mediation and asanas in the morning can profoundly influence children’s ability to grow and development of their character. In this way, educational institutions can become a centre for nurturing focussed minds, and build resilient personalities. We can overcome greatest challenges of today’s generation to make them intellectually capable and mould their personalities in a positive direction, make them emotionally strong, aware and prepare them for a meaningful life. The future demands knowledge, skills as well as strong individuals who can think, focus, act responsibly, and maintain balance in an increasingly complex world.

Fourthly, education should also align with the modern technologies and courses on artificial intelligence, digital literacy and skill-based disciplines. Courses of AI, technology and modern skill-based education are already transforming the classrooms. The technological advancement has to be complemented with values, mindfulness and holistic development. By nurturing ethical values and sense of responsibility schools can ensure use of technology is innovative, humane and socially beneficial. The real purpose of education is to create thoughtful individuals who can harness technology for the betterment of humanity.

-Dr. Vandana Mishra