One of the fundamental aims of the education is to identify and promote core values of the society. The core values of India are world peace and betterment of the humanity

While a good education system creates values among pupils, ultimately becoming the fabric of social and political lives, the present education system in India is devoid of such characters. Aping the West, Bharat graduated into India only to have a lopsided education system that is a means to an end — to lead a luxury lifestyle at the cost of the value system which is already at a low ebb.

And therefore, sports and music are considered antidote to education. The overall development of a child is not possible without a proper set of sports system. One-third problems of the country are related to physical weakness of the youth, Vivekanand had said.

To address the issues, the Modi Government is leaving no stone unturned to refurbish the education system that empowers people through education. Under “Khelo India” scheme, the Government is trying to improve sport infrastructure in villages.

“One Bharat Shresth Bharat” aims to bridge the regional disparity. The Government is keen to synergies the ingenious knowledge system and modern technology. “Technology is the biggest driver in improving the quality of education,” said HRD Minister Prakash Javedekar. The digital black board is one of the top priorities of the Government. And efforts are on to use technology to enhance teachers’ skills as well.

There are several other initiatives that aim at improving the overall condition of the education system. More than hundred new Kendriya Vidyalayas and 62 new Navodaya Vidalayas have been opened during the last four years. Ekalavya Model Residential schools will be opened in the tribal areas.

Despite these praiseworthy initiatives, higher education is smitten with many ills. The scheme of upgraded autonomy is bound to create further problems in education system. “I am a Stephenian, a JNUite or a LSRite” will only widen the chasm. The existing apartheid system in educational system will further deepen if the Government policies are not implemented in toto.

The debate on the need for foreign faculty members is picking up, even as the concept of “Gurukul” has been pigeonholed as traditional. Rubbing salt into the wound is the exodus of brains from quality educational institutions in India to the US and the EU, indeed for greener pastures. To address this burning issue, the Central Government is trying to reverse the brain drain into brain gain through the scheme of Prime Minister Schemes of fellowships. Though it is not enough, well begun is half done.

One of the fundamental aims of the education is to identify the core values. The core values of India are world peace and betterment of the humanity. It flows from the cultural heritage of India. There is need to connect children with Indian heritage along with the western tips.

(The writer is Head of the Department of Political Science, Central University of Haryana)