For more than 100 years, many visionaries and thinkers have made tremendous efforts to bring changes in the education system and undo the harm done by colonial distortion. The improvement they tried to offer was based on the Gurukul system of education, so they either took initiative to revive it ‘as is’ or with modifications. This list includes several people who setup independent Gurukuls and Vedpathshala, and institutions like Ram Krishn Mission, Chinmaya Mission, Aurobindo Schools, Aacharya Kulam etc.  At the same time scholars studied about Gurukul system at a depth and presented historically accurate descriptions. Like Prof. Dharampal, whose work captures census of Gurukul in colonial era with details of subjects being taught, books used, and other demographic data. Many interpretations and traveler accounts are also available. Still we are facing plethora of problems! So, what role can an individual (parent / teacher / student) play? 

  • A colorful reality cannot be captured through monochromatic lens. Therefore one needs to develop proper lens to be able to appreciate the wide spectrum of reality and specifically of the education. In this case it is the need for knowing the ‘basic ways of knowing’. As conventionally schools have focused on observation and inference as ways of knowing, the need is to broaden the horizon to include Shabd Pramaan (aapt vachan or words of authority). The Shabd Pramaan is a valid source of data for research, and is the most important of all the ways of knowing. Through this one can bring rigour into the work, as aapt vachan of Rishis and Munis are far closer to the reality than one’s own experiences. The reason being purity of senses achieved through tapasya.
  • The content (curriculum) should offer customization for varying capacities of the students. It should offer same course in different modes – like in core theoretical form, intertwined stories, and most importantly methodology (focus on how to learn).
  • A fundamental understanding of the concept of Education (for what and how) needs to be known in prior before becoming a teacher and a parent. At least one needs to be clear on three parameters – the content, the pedagogy, and the outcomes.
  • Learning from Pedagogy of Gurukul system – In depth fundamental understanding of Gurukul system is essential. The parents and teachers can infuse inherent ideas of Gurukul into any kind formal or informal education, without disrupting it.
    1. Multichannel learning:  Holistic learning through multiple sources – one fourth knowledge comes through each – Guru, self study, peers and over the time.  (The need for balanced approach to teaching).
    2. Medium of Instruction: We need to put an end to clichéd statement – “English is global language”, stop fooling ourselves and spoiling child’s abilities. Let us all allow child to learn in mother tongue and then teach as many as foreign language we want the child to learn. (Interesting ted talk Don’t kill your language)
    3. Assure minimum level of learning: Identify the interest and capability of the child and then set goals for him/her.  (Watch Ted talk: Teach for Mastery)
    4. Saatvik Food: Inculcate habit of Saatvik food for maintaining high – energy levels, learning ability, and attentiveness. ( Watch Jamie Oilver’s Ted Talk – Teach every child about food)
    5. Swawlamban: Self-reliance is very essential for physical fitness as well as disciplined life.
    6. Reverence for nature: Reverence for Gaushala, trees, rivers etc are essential duties and are directly linked with the educational quality. Ensuring proximity with nature enhances the learning ability. (watch Dr. Krishnakant Shukla’s ideas)

All these may seem difficult to practice at one go. Relax! No one is expecting this. But baby steps can be taken to bring positive change, as we all like baby steps…all are very happy to see babies taking initial steps. Those are very joyful moments.