A New Vision Of Education

As India expects the New Education Policy to be released within 100 days of Prime Minister Narendra Modi assuming office for a second time, here’s a look at how thought leaders have shaped our education policies in the past…

- Dr. S.S. Mantha

The new government at the centre, with a very committed and charismatic leader at the top has raised the expectations of a generation of people like no other before him and probably will not in future, for a very long time to come. As true for any progressive dispensation, this government, too, views education of its citizens with highest priority. The new education policy in preparation for some time is expected to be released in the first 100 days of this government. How would the new policy pan? Several thought leaders have shaped our education policies in the past. The views and thoughts of visionaries like Dr. S Radhakrishnan, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Triguna Sen, Dr CNR Rao or Dr VKRV Rao and others have moulded higher education policies.

Mahatma Gandhi had said about education, “What is really needed to make democracy function is not knowledge of facts, but right education.” As we edge closer to 2020, the younger population throw up a poignant question: Are we prepared to face the enormity and the gravity of the situation? Lao Tzu said “Shape clay into a vessel. It is the space within that makes it useful. The challenge of having to provide education, skills and gainful employment to a large population requires detailed planning, and a precise approach.

Eventful years