Shiksha Dwara Rashtra Vikas Sambhav Hai

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shiksha Dwara Rashtra Vikas Sambhav Hai" by Kanhaiyalal Bothra, focusing on the English translation of the provided content:

The book, "Shiksha Dwara Rashtra Vikas Sambhav Hai" (Nation's Development is Possible Through Education), authored by Kanhaiyalal Bothra, argues that education is the fundamental driver for national development.

The text traces the history of education, suggesting that it began approximately 11,550 years ago with the development of thought, words, and script in the human brain. Sanskrit is identified as the first human language on Earth, with its script, Brahmi, evolving after three thousand years of oral tradition. It highlights the lineage of languages from Sanskrit through Prakrit, Pali, Apabhramsha, to Hindi and its regional variants, as well as Persian and English. Early forms of education were imparted in Gurukuls and later in universities like Nalanda.

The author points to the historical decline in education in India following invasions from the 7th century to 1947, noting that literacy rates were very low in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For example, in 1880, only 4% of India was literate, and in Bikaner in 1911, it was 2.93%, with female illiteracy being as high as 99.76%. The text contrasts this with the current situation where India has a 65% literacy rate and emphasizes the significant spread of education after independence.

The book highlights the establishment of institutions like Calcutta University in 1850 and the emergence of the first Indian lawyer in 1867. It states that to accelerate development through education, India needs to establish 1500 new universities in addition to its current 350. This is deemed essential for economic, social, and cultural progress. The author notes that Western nations are ahead in development due to their advancements in education, technology, and scientific knowledge.

A significant portion of the text discusses the role of education in global economic development. It points out that Western countries, particularly in Europe, are experiencing an aging population and require educated technical professionals, leading to demands for engineers and doctors from countries like India. The author anticipates that India will meet these global demands, as it produces a large number of engineers and doctors annually.

The book also touches upon India's economic growth, citing its position as fourth in global GDP. It attributes this growth to education and the "low cost - higher growth" principle, leading to superior product quality and access to global markets. China is also mentioned as progressing through education. The importance of English education, initiated in 1835, is acknowledged as a strength.

The text foresees India surpassing the US in GDP by 2050, with its economy being dubbed a "Flying Economy." This is linked to educational advancements and the growing middle class, which is expected to expand significantly and lift millions out of poverty. The educated middle class is seen as having a crucial role and responsibility in Indian democracy.

The author emphasizes that access to information through the Right to Information (RTI) enabled by education will help eradicate corruption and ensure that "electorates will vote the rogues out" within the next 18 years.

The participation of women in all sectors is also noted as a catalyst for development. The book stresses the need for critical thinking skills through education to understand global trade complexities and prevent developing nations from being misled by developed countries. Open debates and accurate information are crucial in educational institutions.

The text highlights the economic potential of medical education, with India having a large number of doctors in both public and private sectors. Despite a lower doctor-to-patient ratio compared to the US and Europe, India's medical treatments are significantly cheaper. The potential for medical tourism is discussed, with an expected income of $2.5 billion (100 billion rupees) by 2015, surpassing the IT industry.

The Indian education system's strengths are further exemplified by the global recognition of IIT graduates, who are considered on par with those from MIT and are prominent in Silicon Valley. The book cites rankings of Indian institutions like IITs, IIMs, and Delhi University among the world's top universities.

The author notes the trend of privatization in education, leading to both higher quality and increased costs. This is driving demand for higher education, with exorbitant fees for specialized medical degrees. The text argues that India, while a "Brain Bank" for the world, is also seen as a global managerial power.

The book concludes by emphasizing that human civilization's history is driven by language, and India has contributed significantly to this through its linguistic heritage and education. It calls for an increase in higher education enrollment by expanding universities to 1500 from the current 350 to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals. The text also highlights the meritocratic nature of salaries in institutions like IIM Ahmedabad, where performance-based pay is implemented.