Shikshan Prakriya Me Sarvangpurna Parivartan Ki Avashyakta

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Shikshan Prakriya Me Sarvangpurna Parivartan Ki Avashyakta" (The Need for Comprehensive Transformation in the Education Process), authored by Shreeram Sharma and Pranav Pandya, published by Yug Nirman Yojna Vistar Trust, in English:

The book "Shikshan Prakriya Me Sarvangpurna Parivartan Ki Avashyakta" emphasizes the critical need for a complete overhaul of the education system, focusing on transforming it from mere knowledge acquisition to holistic personality development and value inculcation.

Key Themes and Arguments:

• The Paramount Importance of Education: The text begins by underscoring the timeless and universal recognition of education's value. Unlike material wealth, knowledge is seen as an inexhaustible asset that grows when shared and fosters lasting positive character traits, extending beyond a single lifetime. Vidya Daan (giving knowledge) is hailed as the highest form of charity.

• Beyond Material Aid: While immediate relief through donations of food, clothing, or medicine is acknowledged as necessary, the book argues that true and lasting solutions for poverty and suffering lie in empowering individuals through education, skill development, and self-reliance.

• Shared Responsibility: The transformation of education is presented as a collective endeavor involving all sections of society:

  • The Educated: They should actively participate in imparting knowledge.
  • The Wealthy: They are encouraged to contribute resources for educational infrastructure, equipment, and teacher salaries.
  • The Government: It plays a crucial role in policy-making, establishing institutions, and ensuring the reach of education.
  • The Uneducated: They should be encouraged to pursue education themselves.

• The Need for a Holistic Approach: The book advocates for a fundamental shift in the education process, moving beyond rote learning and academic achievements to focus on two crucial aspects:

  • Self-Reliance (Swavalamban): Inspired by Gandhiji's "Buniyadi Talim" (basic education), students should learn skills that enable them to earn a livelihood independently, without necessarily relying on traditional employment. This includes promoting cottage industries and vocational training.
  • Value Education (Sanskarita Sanvardhan): This is considered the most significant aspect. Teachers, even without external support, can profoundly influence students' character by instilling virtues like integrity, diligence, responsibility, courage, honesty, and wisdom.

• The Teacher's Pivotal Role: Teachers are portrayed as the living embodiment of education, the "deities of knowledge" made of flesh and blood. Their influence on shaping young minds is immense, far exceeding that of parents, who often lack the psychological and practical understanding of child development, and are sometimes too indulgent. Teachers are responsible for not just imparting knowledge but also for shaping character and fostering a positive learning environment through their own exemplary conduct and disciplined approach.

• Critique of the Current System: The book points out limitations in the prevailing education system, which primarily focuses on curriculum completion and examinations. This often leads to a disconnect between academic achievement and practical life skills, resulting in uncertainty about future employment and a lack of self-reliance. It also highlights the superficiality in teaching values without practical application.

• Reviving Ancient Wisdom: The text draws parallels with the Gurukul system of ancient India, where education was not merely academic but also deeply intertwined with character building, discipline, and community living. The Gurukuls produced well-rounded individuals, "gems of humanity," who contributed significantly to society. While replicating the ancient system verbatim is not feasible, its core principles of holistic development and strong teacher-student relationships should be emulated.

• The Call for Teachers' Commitment: The book implores teachers to take on a greater responsibility beyond just completing the syllabus. They are urged to act as guides, mentors, and role models, fostering a deep connection with their students. This involves:

  • Personal Conduct: Teachers must embody the values they teach, exhibiting integrity, humility, and a pleasant demeanor.
  • Empathy and Affection: Treating students with warmth, respect, and understanding, remembering their names, and showing genuine care can foster a strong bond.
  • Practical Application: Integrating value-based lessons into everyday teaching, using examples from history, literature, and real life to illustrate the consequences of good and bad actions.
  • Skill Development: Encouraging practical skills through vocational training, household industries, and community service.

• The Concept of "Yug Dharma" (Duty of the Age): In the context of changing times and societal challenges, the book proposes a classification of "Yug Dharma" as ten essential principles for modern living and ethical conduct:

  1. Gentleness and Goodness: Cultivating amiable behavior, polite speech, respect for all, and a sense of duty over rights.
  2. Foresight: Understanding the long-term consequences of actions and avoiding hasty decisions for immediate gain.
  3. Promptness: Maintaining discipline, diligence, and punctuality in all endeavors.
  4. Honesty: Upholding truthfulness in thought, word, and deed, avoiding deceit and injustice.
  5. Responsibility: Fulfilling duties towards oneself, family, society, and nation, setting a positive example.
  6. Faith in the Divine: Believing in a higher power and the principle of karma, striving for spiritual purity and integrity.
  7. Altruism: Dedicating time, resources, and talent for the welfare of others and society.
  8. Self-Control: Practicing restraint over senses, desires, and impulses, managing time effectively.
  9. Magnanimity: Fostering universal love, cooperation, and a sense of belonging to a larger community.
  10. Enthusiasm: Cultivating courage, perseverance, and the ability to overcome challenges and uphold ideals.

• Methods of Inculcation: The book suggests various methods to impart these values:

  • Storytelling and Literature: Using biographies, historical narratives, and moral tales.
  • Creative Expression: Utilizing music, drama, debates, and art to convey moral lessons.
  • Practical Experiences: Engaging students in community service, environmental activities, and vocational training.
  • Personal Example: The most powerful tool remains the teacher's own conduct.

• Conclusion: The overarching message is that education must be a process of "Diksha" (initiation into values and character development) alongside "Shiksha" (knowledge acquisition). Teachers are called upon to embrace this holistic vision, recognizing their profound responsibility in shaping not just educated individuals, but also virtuous citizens and responsible members of society who can contribute to national and global progress. The success of this transformation hinges on the teachers' commitment, their willingness to go beyond the syllabus, and their ability to foster a deep, nurturing relationship with their students.