Transformation of Indian Education System from Ancient Period till now
Executive Director |Sharda Group of Institutions (SGI) & Founder and Director |
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” – Nelson Mandela
From time immemorial, education continues to be the most integral aspect of any civilization. Over the years, it has adapted itself to the changing needs of time and to keep abreast with evolutionary changes and steering towards becoming a meaningful process and promoting lifelong learning. An education system that originated in the eastern world and continues to be a source of inspiration is the ancient Gurukul Education system. In this blog, we are taking you back to Ancient India, exploring the Gurukul education system, what it was and its relevance in modern times.
The Indian education system has evolved to a great extent from the Vedic days to today’s computer age and e-learning. However, there is one thing that remains common between the two scenarios, and that is the importance of education. As Indians, our parents have always been emphasising on the importance of education. However, the education scenario wasn’t this way ever since the existence of man. The Education system has evolved considerably from the Vedic Times to now and only for the better.
The Timeline
The Vedic Times
A major chunk of the knowledge that our generation is dealing with has been passed on to us from the Vedic times. Initially, a Gurukul system of imbibing knowledge was followed where the students and teachers resided together. However, later with advancement, the texts were recorded on palm leaves with the use of sharp writing instruments.
However, during the Vedic times, everyone wasn’t as privileged to be a part of the Gurukul education system. It was only the higher casts like the Brahmins and royals who could avail this mainstay of education.
For higher education, students had to travel abroad to countries like Tibet, China, Persia and Greece as there were no universities in India. The famous Takshila and Nalanda universities (now in Pakistan) were set up much later. It was only during the Buddhist period that the two universities were first set up where a multitude of disciplines were taught including philosophy, mathematics, grammar, astronomy, psychology, and arts.
Public Report on Basic Education in India (1998) revealed that 260 million ‘literates’ cannot read and write. As of now, the literacy rate is 74%, implying that there are miles to walk before we reach the millennium development goal of ‘education for all’ by 2015. The number is more math than merit. It is not good news for those enticed by the demographic dividend of India. The much-celebrated boom shall turn into a bust in no time if the young and hopeful are doomed to the darkness of illiteracy. It is not a case for growth or economic development. Neither is it for productivity nor for the enhancement of human resource.
How far have we come?
Every year, we add a pool of qualified doctors, engineers, lawyers and architects to our population. But are we going in the right direction? Are these statistics enough for us as a country to progress? Is it merely enough to have a degree and be qualified in a country like India?
Every education system has its pros and cons, and so does the Indian Education System. While the potential of the human resource in a country like India is unlimited, it would be of no use if the same is not channelized properly. There is no doubt we have evolved in the education field, yet there is so much more that we can do. The government and private bodies have a lot in mind to ensure we excel in the field of education.
