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Dr. G. J. Dubey
Value Education
In 1947, we became an independent country. We got the freedom, but largely we had to depend on others. So much so, that in framing our constitution, we had to depend on the constitutions of many countries in general and on the British constitution in particular. We also depended on the British system of education to some extent. During the struggle for freedom almost in all the annual sessions of Indian National Congress, the congress president declared that in our country colonial system of education was prevailing. It was worthless and they would have change that lock, stock and barrel, but we could not change it even now. We generally followed the system of education as recommended by Wood despatch in 1854. After independence several commissions and committees recommended more or less within the limit of the same structure. Sometimes some changes were brought but they remained on papers only. In the last four decades because of the idea of globalisation and progress in Information Technology, the world came closer. But there was no assimilation of cultures. Most of the countries forgot their old culture but could not put on the garb of new culture properly. Thus there is a cultural crisis in the world. India is not an exception to it, Indian society has changed at a very fast rate but education could not change at that rate. Today's social changes and value changes have challenged the educational system to develop forms of teaching, learning and ways to use free time which will help young people become effective in a democracy.
In our present society, there are several hurdles which we have to cross. In our schools we have been experimenting to make our pupils free and fearless. In this
context I shall like to share with my readers one of many experiences which came across in our schools.
One day a boy came to me and said "Sir, will you not allow me to sit for my final examination tomorrow ?"
"Why?"
"Because my mother could not clear the last quarter fee dues within the stipulated date." feeling guilty the boy replied.
This was a dialogue between a six years old boy reading in class I B and me.
I allowed him to sit for the examination. He looked into my eyes and said, "Thank you, Sir."
The mother was also accompanying her son, But she was standing behind the door. She came out to express her gratitude. She promised to pay the fee before the publication of the result of or son.
I started thinking about the plight of the boy. I admired his boldness but was sorry to think that at this tender age of 5-6 we are making him aware of the stark reality of the world.
The experience gained by the boy is due to his need but this experience or education becomes a quality in democracy. In a democratic society it becomes necessary to express one's point of view properly and frankly.
This is not the lone example. There are many pupils in several schools. They have to discontinue their education as they are not able to afford to pay the tuition fees. The pupils and the guardians both are afraid of meeting the administrator. This is cowardice. No principal would deprive any pupil from appearing in the examination for not paying the tuition fee. He or she may withhold the result. In expressing truth a pupil should not be afraid.
To develop this trait of personality there is a need of special type of administration in education. Now the question is whether it should be lenient, or, it should be strict. In my opinion both of the above two types are not desirable. It should be sympathetic. There should be rapport between an administrator and pupils.
Now the question is why do these pupils not go to Government schools or government aided schools ? These schools are free. Reason is clear. First, they do not get admission in government schools as there is no vacancy. The Government schools are few and far between. Yes, there are government aided schools. There are vacancies also. But many of these schools are in a pathetic condition. There is no required number of teachers. Infrastructure is either absent or needs proper maintenance or repair. Teaching is neglected. There are no proper administration and supervision.
It is said that we prepare students for their alround development. We have to make all possible efforts to see for the proper development of pupils. Besides, the knowledge and skill, there should be inculcation of right type of attitude, interest and values also in students. But
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