“Understand the Aims of Education” - INSIGHT #12

 PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

“Understand the Aims of Education”

INSIGHT #12

Prachana was excited to see Akbar Uncle when she came home after trek. For her, he is an encyclopedia that gets updated every minute. He is a very powerful but unassuming businessman known for his honesty, helpfulness, and kindness. It is as though he had taken the responsibility of proving that business can be clean and win-win for all. He built an empire though he was not formally educated beyond 10th grade. Anybody who met him became his friend because he could talk about anything under the sun to anybody of any age. He has an aura of a respectable therapist. Her parents met Akbar much before she was born at the Library in the town where Prachana now goes regularly. His relationship with Prachana’s family was sustained all these years because they had common value systems.

Like every time, Prachana and Akbar got locked in a conversation and like every time, at the end of the conversation, he left enough food for thought in her mind. This time it was a question.

Akbar asked her casually “What are the aims of education?”. It sounded so simple and Prachana gave a silly expression and was about to reply. Then he stopped her and said, “Think before you reply. Take your time.”

Prachana realised that, both her parents were looking at them smiling with an expression “He caught you today, dear!” Prachana got a little perplexed and looked at them intently with an expression “What is there to think about it!?”

Suddenly Akbar stood up to join them for dinner. At the table, he told Prachana “I will give you a clue.” Pointing at each one, he said “You know, David, Gowri, and I are from very different backgrounds and traveling on very different paths. Yet, we are great friends for decades. Why? Think about it.”

The question kept haunting her during dinner and till she went to bed. She couldn’t sleep that night. She also hoped Sarvaa didn’t turn up so that she could find the answer herself. Soon she slipped into a deep sleep just before Sarvaa’s usual time.

She heard Sarvaa telling “My Child you are on your quest to find your own answers, I am very happy! ” Prachana thought he was talking in her dream. Didn’t realise that it was almost sunrise and yet Sarvaa was waiting for her to wake up.

Sarvaa smiled and continued “Wash your face and come. I will wait.”  When she returned, she saw three different Sarvaas. Though it looked creepy, it was funny too. All three had the head of Sarvaa and the bodies were of Gowri, David, and Akbar!!!

Akbar Sarvaa said smiling “There was the answer in my clue itself.” The other two looked at him and then looked at Prachana.

Akbar Sarvaa continued “I always had a knack for making relationships and making that beneficial to both. I always believed in helping others with whatever I have learned the hard way.”

David Sarvaa said “Prachana, I am an Artist today not by compulsion. It was my choice. Observation was my Guru.” Prachana nodded and said, “I understand!”

Gowri Sarvaa said “Oh! Dear! You know, I always loved nature and though I knew our Mother Nature could take care of herself, I felt it was my duty to ensure that we humans do not harm her. So, I did my research.”

All three of them merged with a bright cool light emanating from the fusion. There stood Prachana’s beloved Sarvaa in his full glory, smiling.

Sarvaa said, “I am sure you understood what all this drama meant for you.” Prachana agrees with a nod but with an expression to know more about it.

Sarvaa continued “Aim of education largely depends on the Value. And that value comes from their background and thought process.”

“Though the value systems of each individual will be different, we need to find out the common ones and use that to decide on the aim of education.”

“In a nutshell, we can say that one of the main aims of education should be autonomy. The ability to choose the direction of one’s life.”

Prachana jumped up and said. “So, All three of them, Mamma, Pappa and Uncle had full autonomy to choose what they want and run with it. That is why they are so successful in their own area of interest of…”

Sarvaa raised his hand and stopped her “But there is a catch. One’s choices should not be pre-determined with their religious or otherwise thoughts, at an age when one is not yet ready to make such choices.” Prachana’s face fell.

Sarvaa continued “For someone to become autonomous, they must be presented with a range of meaningful life-choices and must have the rational capacity to make a choice that suits their interests, values, and abilities.”

Prachana continued looking at Sarvaa wanting to hear more. He continued “Look closely at your parents and your Akbar Uncle. You will find the answer in them. They knew what they wanted, they did what had to be done, to become what they wanted. Simple. So…”

Prachana continued “So, one of the main aims of Education is autonomy.”

They both smiled at each other. Sarvaa snapped his fingers and vanished. But by that time, Sun had risen and Prachana was full of energy though didn’t get good sleep.

 

End of Insight #12

 

#learning_from_my_child

#philosophy_of_education

#education

 

Reference : C Winch

“Education is… preparing for Life!” - INSIGHT #11

 

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

 “Education is… preparing for Life!”

 INSIGHT #11

 While Prachana was enjoying her dinner she heard a stern voice from her mother “David, how many times I have to tell you? No mobiles while eating.” She picked up the mobile and left it on the shelf. When she looked up, she was amused to see her father skulking, which happens only very rarely. He was busy watching some video.

David tried to give some excuse “Look, Gowri! Today is my masterclass and I need to prepare for that. This is going to change my profile big time internationally. And I can start working with Art Collectors across the world!” A nonchalant Gowri ignored that and continued eating with fake anger.

David continued “Gowri, please…”. She replied in a determined tone “No”.

Prachana finished and went up. She overheard her mother saying “David, please understand. We should be role models to our child. Apart from that, you know I am also pursuing my Ph.D. I am preparing a very important paper for World Environment Forum. But I always ensure a proper decorum at home.” David said, “I am sorry, Gowri”.

This rarely happened at home. Prachana thought ‘why should they still be studying at this age especially when her father was an accomplished and much-reputed artist and her mother was a much-respected professor in a nearby University. What was the need for them to study!’

This thought ate her up while she slowly slipped into a deep sleep.

As expected, Sarvaa promptly appeared. This time, he was wearing a multi-coloured graduation cap and a graduation ceremony coat. He was holding the coveted degree rolled in hand. Prachana was in deep sleep. A patient Sarvaa decided to wait. He also slowly slipped into sleep and the paper roll fell and made some sound enough to wake up Prachana.

She turned over and looked at Sarvaa in half-sleep. She got up smiling and rubbing her eyes.

Sarvaa came straight to the point as he felt he lost a lot of time, “I couldn’t wait to tell you the good news. I got a Ph.D. in parapsychology just now.”

A confused Prachana asked “You too Sarvaa! Why are you still studying? That is meant for us young kids, right?”

Smiling, Sarvaa took off the colourful cap and the overcoat. They both just vanished. But the Degree he was holding was still on the floor.

She took it up and as she was about to open, Sarvaa stopped “Let us talk. I didn’t expect that question or any such doubt at least from you. You are a smart child of very smart parents. I know you have many questions.”

Prachana, though a little embarrassed, asked in a funny way “Sarvaa, can’t I even get confused? What for are you, then? My all-knowing mentor?”

Sarvaa stood up and started walking up and down talking to Prachana.

“My Child, you need to understand that, education is not meant only for those in the so-called student age.” Prachana is all ears and excited to conceive what Sarvaa was saying.

“Education is a preparation for life.” Saying this, Sarvaa paused. As expected, Prachana’s face was full of questions that nothing was coming out.

Sarvaa continued “And for you to understand that, there are different aspects to life. And these are, liberal, civic, and vocational.”  Sarvaa was sure that those terms were too high for Prachana. So he continued without waiting for Prachana’s reaction.

Sarvaa said “The liberal aspect of education is nothing but empowering a person to appreciate their own potential in life and at the same time understanding the culture of the community that person belongs. That will help them to make informed choices and decisions about the direction their life should take that person.” Prachana, though not too clear seemed to get a hang of what Sarvaa was saying. So she just nodded.

Sarvaa continued “Civic aspect is all about that person’s role as a citizen who votes and takes part in politics, is active doing activities, voluntary or charitable.” Prachana is getting it now.

Before Sarvaa could continue, Prachana jumped in, “Being liberal in life means I should be educated enough to decide which direction my life should go.” Sarvaa felt very happy. He waited for her to continue.

Prachana continued “Civic aspect of life is essentially becoming useful to the society by being a part of the overall nation governing machine.” Sarvaa smiled and extended her hand to shake. A thrilled Prachana took his hand a shook wildly. Sarvaa acred as though his hand was paining. She suddenly stopped and took a deep breath and asked

‘And the third aspect? Vocational, right?”

Sarvaa smiled and cleared his throat. He said “Vocational aspect is all about contributing to the growth of the nation by way of being a paid employee or self-employed.”

Sarvaa continued “I know it is a little too much for you to digest now. But you are smart… When you wake up, everything will be clear to you. It is almost morning now.” 

Without waiting, Sarvaa vanished. In the starlight, she could see the rolled degree Certificate. She opened it and saw writing in bold calligraphic style got revealed.

“Education is... preparing for Life!”

 

End of Insight #11

 

#learning_from_my_child

#philosophy_of_education

#education

 

Reference : C Winch

“Emotion in Education!” - INSIGHT #10

 PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

“Emotion in Education!”

INSIGHT #10

For the last several days, though Prachana was focussed on assimilating the wisdom she is acquiring through the books Sarvaa suggested, she had a doubt in her mind. When we spoke about Values, Knowledge, and Procedure, why did we leave out the important aspect of ‘emotions’? She was in a dilemma whether to ask that to Sarvaa or not. Then she remembered a conversation she had with Sarvaa once. 

Sarvaa had told, “Like every problem has a solution, every question deserves an answer.” Only when she decided to ask that question to Sarvaa, she could sleep well. 

As usual, Prachana woke up exactly at 3 am hoping to see Sarvaa waiting. But Sarvaa was not there. She waited for some time but Sarvaa didn’t come. She felt very sad and went back to sleep sobbing. But she couldn’t sleep. She could hear her wall clock ticking away. Her eyes were getting moist.

Suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder trying to turn her to the other side. There he was!

Sarvaa in all his glory. The happy Prachana jumped up and hugged Sarvaa. Sarvaa slowly sat beside her.

Sarvaa said with a smile “Your doubt is valid. I should have been clearer when I told you about the breadth of knowledge and understanding.” Prachana couldn’t understand. She looked at him quizzically but with a smile on her face feeling ashamed of herself for crying.

Sarvaa said “My Child, it is not wrong to feel ashamed for exhibiting your emotions. Let us come to the point. You thought the element of emotion is ignored when we spoke about the Values, Knowledge, and Procedure.”

Prachana sat comfortably on the bed and said “Yes, Sarvaa. Exactly! You got it right.” Then she giggled. Sarvaa also laughed.

“But you are wrong.” Said Sarvaa. Prachana, as expected, got confused.

“We spoke about the need for understanding the knowledge. And that is where you missed the point. But it is okay. Many children don’t get that unless explicitly told.” Sarvaa stood up and started walking up and down talking. Sarvaa was thinking about how to start. Prachana’s eyes followed him.

“Let’s say, you are reading a horror story, which I know you don’t like much because you feel scared.” He laughed teasing her. Seeing Prachana’s expression of made-up anger, Sarvaa got back to his talk as though he got terrified of her look. But he was laughing inside.

Sarvaa continued “Tell me, do you first read and understand the story and then take a lunch break and then feel afraid thinking what you read?” 

“Noooooo… how can that be? Of course, I feel scared when I read. Not later. That is ridiculous!” She said with an expression as though saying ‘that is common sense’.

Sarvaa now asked holding a book with a cover of a colourful picture of a Joker “Then what about the ‘Book of 1000 Jokes’? Do you read the jokes first and then laugh when you talk to Mamma?”

Prachana understood that Sarvaa is pulling her leg. She said “Sarvaa, enough! I understood what you are trying to tell. You are saying that emotion is a part and parcel of knowledge and understanding that.”

Sarvaa said “See! You know everything. But let me put it technically. There is always a cognitive aspect to emotions and an emotive aspect to cognitions.” Prachana found it hard to assimilate immediately but she knew she would get it technically also as she understood the idea behind it.

Sarvaa continued “Development of feeling is part and parcel of the development of knowledge and understanding.” Prachana felt a little more clear about the concept of emotion in education.

Prachana now nodded happily and felt relaxed. When the room went dark and Sarvaa vanished she could see the Joker’s picture on her table. At first, she thought she was imagining the book lying on her table. But it was there.

A happy Prachana peacefully slept the rest of the night.

End of Insight #10

 

Reference : R S Peter’s Analysis of ‘Education’

#learning_from_my_child

#philosophy_of_education

#education

“Injustice in Education!?” - INSIGHT #9

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’

#learning_from_my_child

#philosophy_of_education

#education

“The final criterion for 'Education'!” - INSIGHT #8

 PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

 “The final criterion for 'Education'!”

 INSIGHT #8

Prachana has been reading the books she got from the library all day long, sitting, standing, walking, hanging upside down, she never kept them down! She felt overwhelmed by reading all those books and was not getting enough of any of them. Her mother had to drag her out to eat food!

By night, though she was tired, she stacked all the books neatly on her table before lying down. The orange ‘Book of Knowledge’ was kept facing the bed so that she could fall asleep watching it, secretly hoping knowledge could be transferred to the mind by air!

She woke up hearing some noise. She saw Sarvaa sitting at the edge of her chair and hurriedly shuffling all the books trying to put them in some order. He looked thoroughly confused. In between, he picked up the Book of Knowledge and stared at it, and then kept it back. He continued shuffling the books like a pack of playing cards with his huge palms. Prachana didn’t notice that he was looking at her through the corner of his eye and chuckling internally.

Prachana, lifting herself, asked Sarvaa in a tired tone “What are you doing with my books, Sarvaa!? And, why do you look so confused!?”

The books flew in the air and collapsed on the floor from Sarvaa's hand when he heard her voice.  Prachana quickly jumped out of the bed and started picking up the books. She stacked it all again neatly on the table. Sarvaa, who was sitting calm, handed over the Book of Knowledge with a smile. Prachana was annoyed and stood akimbo staring at Sarvaa demanding to know why he has made such a mess today. Sarvaa acted as though he was terrified. A few moments passed in awkward silence. The chair Sarvaa sat in squealed when he leaned back away from an adorably angry little Prachana. The noise made both laugh out loud. Prachana, without any warning, hugged Sarvaa. Sarvaa affectionately patted her back, stood up, and made her sit on the chair.

Sarvaa said, “You look very tired, Child... I can understand. You were very eager to learn everything and could not learn anything. Right?”

Prachana’s smile vanished. She felt embarrassed, disappointed, and sad. Not being able to face him, she just nodded. Sarvaa sat beside her and lifted her chin up and smiled.

Sarvaa said “My child, you are not the first one to get overwhelmed seeing the wealth of Value and Knowledge available to you to achieve what you want to achieve.” Prachana’s expression changed from that of sadness to curiosity.

Sarvaa continued “And for that, you need to do certain tasks in a certain way.”

Though those words from Sarvaa didn’t sink in well for Prachana , her expression changed as though telling Sarvaa “I am all ears”. She pulled up her feet and sat cross-legged as a disciple sits in front of a Guru.

Sarvaa said, “Relax! You can’t achieve everything before the sunrise. So, listen to me calmly and carefully.” Prachana instantly shook her head in agreement.

Sarvaa continued “Listen. Now you know you need to achieve two things. Value and Knowledge. And for that, you need to go through a procedure and there are many. The first step is to understand what you want to achieve. Then the procedure you choose has to help you achieve that. Did you understand?”

Prachana already started counting the processes she knew with her fingers saying, “I have heard, in schools and colleges, they teach, instruct and they pass exams. With that, they achieve what they want. Right?”

Sarvaa answered in a doubtful tone “You are right, but…” He paused for a moment.

Prachana asked, “But… ?”

Sarvaa continued “Such activities, or processes are legion. You cannot name them all. Almost anything can be counted as a procedure as long as…” Again Sarvaa stopped to see whether Prachana is attentive enough to understand.

“As long as? Tell me, Sarvaa!” Prachana was impatient.

Sarvaa said “As long as you ensure that, the procedure helps get the educationally valuable achievement. And…” Sarvaa paused again which made Prachana even more impatient. She got up and stood in front of Sarvaa as though demanding an answer.

Sarvaa continued “and… that needs to be voluntary. Never to be forced upon the learner. But yes, there are situations wherein a learner is conditioned or indoctrinated, or even brainwashed so that the learner cannot resists coercion.”Prachana felt sad even imagining such a scenario. Sarvaa looked at her straight in her eyes and told very seriously “They are not educational procedures at all. So this criterion tells us only what is not permitted.”

Prachana responded, “I understand, Sarvaa!”

Sarvaa continued “Now that you know that there is a procedure of education to achieve the Value and Knowledge, I will put that in one sentence. Listen and follow me carefully, sentence by sentence.”

He prepared himself and started.

“Education is the achievement of a desirable state of mind…” he paused in anticipation for Prachana’s expression of understanding and then continued.

“…characterised by knowledge and understanding in breadth and depth with cognitive perspective and…” he looked at her again. She nodded. And he continued.

“…by corresponding appropriate emotions and attitudes, these brought about, deliberately,…” Sarvaa paused and asked, “Are you following?” Prachana in intense concentration and recording everything in her mind said, “Yes”.

Sarvaa “…brought about deliberately in a manner not to infringe upon the voluntariness and willingness…”

Prachana closed Sarvaa’s mouth with her hand and said loud “…on the part of the learner. Right?”.

A very happy Sarvaa stood up and said “You got it! You are very smart. Now you should ensure that the other learners like you also understand this important rule in education.”

As she kept looking at Sarvaa with great love, affection, and respect, the room went dark. It was time for her to go back to sleep and wake up with a crystal clear mind.

 

End of Insight #8

 

Reference : R S Peter’s Analysis of ‘Education’

 

#learning_from_my_child

#philosophy_of_education

#education

“Can there be Education without Knowledge?” - INSIGHT #7

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

 “Can there be Education without Knowledge?”

  INSIGHT #7

Prachana returned from her monthly visit to the Book Lending Library in the nearby town carrying a bunch of books on varying topics. This has been her practice for the last few years once she started traveling alone through the deserted 2 km forest tracks. That day, she could not forget the incident that happened at the library.

Michael Chacha, the one who runs the fairly large library used to suggest her books to read by guiding her to any row of shelves. Most of the time, her choices were random. But today, when she stood in front of him in anticipation, he didn’t say anything. Instead, he looked over his shoulder to an old man with a long beard sitting at a table behind him. That man had an uncanny resemblance to Sarvaa. Without even looking up, he hand gestured Michael Chacha to give the books which were kept on his table, to Prachana. Michael Chacha picked up those books and gave them to Prachana. She felt a little weird. Without looking at the titles, she picked up all the books and walked home.

She was eager to reach home and see the new selection of books given by the old man. After a quick dinner standing in the kitchen, she rushed to her room upstairs. She spread all the books on the bed. She was amazed at the selection of the books. They varied from Mythology to Biographies to Cooking to Paintings to Theatre to Sports to Science. She was thrilled. She didn’t know which one to pick up. One bright orange-coloured book caught her attention. The title of the book was artistically etched in gold “The Book of Knowledge”. Holding that book on her chest, she lied on top of all the books. She slowly slipped into a deep sleep. It was earlier than the normal time of her sleep.

She woke up when she felt the book being pulled out. When the last finger gave way, she woke up in a shock. In one brisk move she stood up on the right side of the bed. She didn’t see anyone but the usual light of Sarvaa was present in the room. Seeing her shock, he smiles mildly. He made the sound of the book closing with a bang. Again, Prachana turned in the direction of the sound quickly to see Sarvaa holding the Orange Book. Smiling, he asked her to sit on the chair and he picked up all the books and kept all of them on the table, one top of the other neatly, except the Orange book.

Showing the cover of the book to Prachana, he said “My Child, Knowledge is wealth. Equal to the Values though that doesn’t imply education. Education without knowledge is futile. Knowledge without understanding is meaningless.”

A confused Prachana sat still on her straight back chair looking straight at Sarvaa who is now sitting comfortably on her bed with one leg over the other.

Showing all those stacked books, Prachana asked “I have no clue about any of these! I have seen some folk performances of tribals but I don’t know acting or drama! Though I am healthy, I don’t know much about sports. I love paintings, but I can’t paint. I like reading Biographies but I don’t know how it is useful to me. I cook a bit but not like Mamma who experiments with recipes of her own.”

Sarvaa said “That is where the point lies, Child. The word Knowledge came from the Greek word Gnosis which means knowing through observation or experience. These books will give you the know-how to observe, experience and get trained in all those things you said.”

An excited Prachana suddenly said “Yes… I will learn all these and….” Sarvaa stopped her exciting speech by showing his hand.

He said, “With this, you will only get a broad idea about a broad range of subjects. But, that is important. Your knowledge should be broad. Not narrow and limited.”

Prachana nodded her head hesitantly. It is evident she is either not convinced or understood.

Sarvaa continued “Don’t mistake between education and training. They are distinctly different. While training is something that is done with a specific goal, education is about understanding something. Understanding Painting is different from getting trained to do a great painting. Right?”

Prachana’s face brightened up.

Sarvaa raised his hand again and said “It doesn’t end there. Knowledge about a plethora of subjects, however broad that is, is not enough to consider one as an educated person. Any breadth of knowledge without deeper understanding is not genuine knowledge.”

Prachana’s tight sitting pose got a little loose but an expression-less face. Sarvaa really could not understand whether that was a positive sign or negative. Now it was Sarvaa’s turn to get confused.

Sarvaa paused for a moment, took a deep breath. Prachana found that amusing. She giggled. Sarvaa got relaxed.

He said “Listen, in simple terms, knowing something and understanding the same by reasoning makes you an educated person.” He waited for a moment looking at Prachana’s face hoping for some expression.  Prachana smiled and nodded briskly.

A happy Sarvaa continued “So, the breadth and depth of your knowledge help you see things in a new and different perspective. That helps you to become committed to the pursuit of the underlying truth.”

Prachana stood up and went near Sarvaa who kept both his hands on her shoulders.

Sarvaa looked at her face intently and said, “That is what makes an educated person different from an uneducated one.”

Sarvaa handed over the orange book of “Knowledge” to Prachana.  

Before vanishing, Sarvaa said “Getting educated is not as simple as that. It is achieving something. And that is a task about which, we will discuss next time.”

End of Insight #7

 

Reference : R S Peter’s Analysis of ‘Education’

 #learning_from_my_child

#philosophy_of_education

#education

 

Values? In Education? Tell me more, please! - INSIGHT #6

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

 “Values? In Education? Tell me more, please!”

  INSIGHT #6

 That day, after lunch. Prachana was feeling very low. One specific conversation with one of her newfound friends was very disturbing for her. Though she tried to argue a lot, she could not convince him that there was more to what he said. She went to the riverside and sat on a rock with her legs in the flowing water. She thought that could calm her. But it didn’t. Before sunset, she went back home. She kept telling herself,

“Why did he feel like that? I am sure he has lost the plot of his life.”. Without her knowledge, she was speaking loud this time. Hearing this, her mother got worried.

Mother asked “Prachana, what happened? Who has lost the plot of life?”

Prachana said, “It's nothing, Mamma. It seems I have started seeing the world”. Saying this, she went to her room upstairs and tried to forget about it by reading some storybook.

All through her dinner, though she acted as though she was alright, Mamma is always Mamma. She said, “I know you are still concerned about something. Honey, things are not always as it seems. By morning you will be alright. Now, go and have a nice sleep. Goodnight”.  She kissed or Prachana’s forehead who smiled and hugged her Mamma.

Prachana woke up hearing loud hollow snoring to see Sarvaa sitting in her chair with his head bent backward with an open mouth. He opened his right eye and looked at Prachana with a smile but continued snoring even louder. He wants Prachana to get up and wake him up. When she went near him and almost touch him, he woke up with a smile. Shocked, she fell back on the bed. Sarvaa laughed out loud.

“My Child! I know why you are so much concerned about your new friend. And you are right. You have started seeing the real world. Yes. Your friend indeed lost the plot, but not of his life. He couldn’t understand the value aspect in education”.

Prachana looked at him intently hoping to hear from him more about this new word ‘value’ connected with education.

Sarvaa continued, “Look here. He thought Education is merely a tool or instrument to do things with, such as to succeed in getting a job or provide one with a skill to obtain extrinsic ends”.

Knowing Sarvaa a little better by now, Prachana understood where he was getting to.

Sarvaa said “Child, Education is essentially meant to reform you to become a better person. Better in what? Not for doing bad things that make society bad or hurt others. It is all about adding value to you for doing desirable things in a better way. The knowledge and understanding you will possess once you get educated become, a part of your personality. That will make you wise enough to understand what is of ultimate value. That means….” Sarvaa stopped expecting Prachana to continue.

“Education implies Value. Entirely! I got it” Prachana said with great confidence and excitement.

Sarvaa smiled and said, “No! You are not entirely right!”. That response from Sarvaa surprised Prachana.

Sarvaa continued “Education implies value, for sure. But the same need not be true the other way. All Values need not be educational. Like eating, relaxing, and playing games are all valuable. But they are not educational”.

Prachana was not fully convinced. She felt there was something more to it. Sarvaa anticipated that.

“I love dancing. I love swimming across that river out there. I run around and listen to birds. I am lucky to have all that here. But what about those friends of mine who are not as lucky as me. And they are so valuable for all Right? Don’t you think those should be a part of education in Schools?”

Sarvaa felt very proud seeing her empathy for her peers.

Handing over a fluorescent green coloured card to her he said, “Child, You earned this. This is the ‘Value’ Card for you to keep safely accessible easily when we talk about the other two criteria”. A well-decorated calligraphically written word ‘VALUES’ was written in golden letters.

Sarvaa continued “ Coming back to your question, yes. You are indeed right. But then, to ensure that, there is another requirement which takes us to the second card, the Knowledge Criterion”. He still had two more cards with him an Orange and a Royal Blue one.

A satisfied but still eager Prachana kept her right hand on her heart and bowed down to Sarvaa with closed eyes. When she rose and opened her eyes it was all dark and Sarvaa was gone.

End of Insight #6 

Reference : R S Peter’s Analysis of ‘Education’.

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#philosophy_of_education

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