PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
“Injustice in Education!?”
INSIGHT #9
Sun had almost set, and unlike on a normal day, it was late that day when Prachana returned from her regular trek through the jungle track. Today she had a companion too, a sixteen-year-old girl Elsa, who studied in a nearby Government School in the tenth grade.
After Sarvaa had advised Prachana to have some social acquaintances and friends, she ensured to consciously connect with those who shared her interests. With this new friend, it was trekking.
“Sis, thank you so much for inviting me to your house for a sleepover and convincing my Amma and Appa, despite my Raakshas brother’s efforts to thwart the idea!” Elsa said holding Prachana’s hand.
Prachana replied “Look here Elsa, it is simple. First of all, your brother is not a monster. He is just concerned about your safety. Moreover, he doesn’t know me much. Don’t worry. Your parents are fine, right?”. Elsa nodded in agreement. Both continued walking.
Prachana asked, “Do you know why I invited you to sleep over tonight?” Elsa nodded sideways.
Prachana continued “I want you to meet someone and ask the question you asked me.”
Elsa asked “What question?”
Prachana replied “You said there is injustice in education, which I don’t believe. But I can’t explain. I have a secret mentor who answers all my doubts. I love him. He is like an ancient wise man we have heard about in legends and epics. He is so sweet. A lovable all-knowing great great great grand Pa! You will also love him! He comes exactly at 3 am in the night.” Elsa stopped and hesitated to go walk.
Prachana asked her “What happened?”.
A confused Elsa asked “Are you serious? That old man will answer my silly question?”
“No question is silly,” Prachana said imitating Sarvaa's style to Elsa.
A deep voice chuckled from behind. As the voice was familiar to Prachana she turned around and exclaimed "Woah, you are early!". Elsa screamed in fear hid behind Prachana.
Sarvaa continued. “Like every problem has a solution, every question that comes in your mind deserves an answer.” Prachana pulls her out from behind and made her stand in front of her holding her shoulders. She introduced both gesturing with her hands.
“Sarvaa, Elsa. Elsa, Sarvaa.” Elsa slowly became comfortable and loosened a bit but secretly wondered where he came from all of a sudden. They smiled at each other and greeted.
Sarvaa said “Listen, little one, those who don’t ask questions only end up silly in front of others all through their life. So, shoot.”
Sarvaa’s warmth on his countenance and body language made Elsa very relaxed. She asked “Sarvaa, can I also call you Sarvaa as Sis calls?’ Both Sarvaa and Prachana laughed out and Sarvaa nodded in agreement. Sarvaa's eyes disappeared as he fondly smiled.
“Sarvaa, why there is so much injustice in education? Especially at school? Leave alone at home compared to my brother? He always scored hundred in hundred in maths and teachers expect me to do the same though I get excellent marks in English and I get first prize in poetry writing every year. Moreover, my teachers and parents are asking me to attend more Maths extra classes instead of writing poems! WHY why does this happen!!” Elsa finished everything in one breath.
Her voice had a touch of anger and sadness as well. She paused for a moment and took a deep breath and looked at Prachana and Sarvaa one by one. They both were silent.
Elsa, embarrassed at the silence, asked hesitantly “Is it… Is it not injustice in education?”
Prachana and Sarvaa looked at each other and smiled and then both looked at Elsa with great empathy. Then Prachana looked at Sarvaa with expectations.
“Look here, Elsa! Your anger is justified to a certain level. But then, believe me, when I say, it is not anyone’s making. Each human is uniquely made. In your school system, it is just that some children perform better than others, in any given area of human endeavour. If this is the case in your own house where you both are born to the same parents, think of those who are born in different places to different parents with different backgrounds!”
Wonderstruck, Prachana and Elsa looked at each other. Prachana felt proud that Elsa has started getting an answer to her question. They both looked up at Sarvaa in awe, wanting to hear more.
Sarvaa continued “We also need to accept that some people have more innate capabilities to achieve more in education compared to others who do not have that many capabilities. Condemning the large segment of our population to ignorance and cultural deprivation is indeed the unjustifiable inequality of educational opportunity in reality.”
Sarvaa drives the point more clearly. “Know this. Both of you. The concept of Education emphasises knowledge and understanding as intrinsically valuable for everybody. And Inequality is not inherent in that concept.”
Both Prachana and Elsa seem to have got a clear idea about Elsa’s question. And they are very happy.
Sarvaa continued “Let me expand it a bit. Though the central concern for the school be education as the same is of immense value for everybody, it does not mean that the schools should not be concerned about other matters. Role of education in a person’s life and the community is not the same as the role of a school in society.”
Holding Elsa tight, Prachana said “Sarvaa, we both will try to make others understand this and try to help them excel in what they are best at and not try to become like others. Thank you, Sarvaa.”
"It is late. Go home. And enjoy your sleepover. I will not come tonight.” Sarvaa vanished. Elsa couldn't believe what just happened and they just realised how dark it had become. Gripping Elsa's Palm securely Prachana ran home.
End of Insight #9
Reference : R S Peter’s Analysis of ‘Education’
Though I miss some of these, really enjoyed this one.
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