Vartaman Shiksha Dasha Aur Disha - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vartaman Shiksha Dasha aur Disha" by Nandalal Bansal, based on the provided pages:

The book "Vartaman Shiksha Dasha aur Disha" (Current State and Direction of Education) by Nandalal Bansal critically examines the prevailing educational system, particularly concerning early childhood education, and advocates for a more child-centric and natural approach.

Key Criticisms of the Current Educational System:

Premature Formal Education: The author strongly criticizes the societal pressure and parental desire for children to begin formal reading and writing at an alarmingly young age, often starting with playgroups and nursery schools for children as young as two or two-and-a-half years old. This is seen as an unnatural acceleration that bypasses the essential stages of early childhood development.
Loss of Childhood: This emphasis on early academics has led to a situation where play is secondary, and childhood itself is disappearing. The author argues that the desire for prosperity has created an environment where children are forced to "read, read, read" without necessarily understanding, leading to rote learning.
Stifled Development: Rote learning consumes a child's energy, hindering the natural development of their creativity, thinking abilities, and memory. This unnatural educational environment also leads to children becoming submissive, rebellious, and stubborn. The book points out that this detrimental system also negatively impacts children's physical development.
Inappropriate Age for School Entry: The author highlights the discrepancy in school entry ages. While systems like the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) aim for a 4-year-old entry, the Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh education boards, along with traditional Gurukul practices, advocate for 5 years. Globally, reading readiness is recognized at 5+. The author cites a psychologist who confirmed that a child's intellectual development, including the ability to hold a pen and form shapes, prepares them for formal learning only after the age of 5.
Overemphasis on Academics and Business: Education has become a lucrative business, with wealthy individuals opening "high-end, shiny shops" in the form of nursery schools. This commercialization prioritizes profit over the holistic development of the child.
Flawed Pedagogical Practices:
- Period System: The period-based system in lower classes, especially at the primary level, is deemed unscientific. It disrupts a child's focus and enjoyment of learning, as the ringing of the bell forces them to abruptly switch subjects, akin to being "slapped." This also prevents emotional bonding with teachers, as children view them as mere subject instructors rather than nurturing figures like "didi" or "mausi."
- Rigid Daily Curriculum: The predetermined daily curriculum hinders natural development. Teachers are bound to teach pre-set lessons, leaving no room for catering to children's current curiosities, interests, or the prevailing environmental influences. The focus is on completing the syllabus according to monthly, quarterly, and annual divisions, as highlighted by American educationist John Holt in his book "How Children Fail."
- Medium of Instruction: The author strongly advocates for the mother tongue as the medium of instruction up to the primary level, a view supported by all educationists. Forcing English as a "stepmother" language disrupts a child's natural expression, which begins in their mother tongue through crying, singing, and everyday conversation. The goal of education is expression, and a child's overall development is directly linked to their expressive power.
Suppression of Natural Instincts: The author criticizes the imposition of unnecessary clothing and restrictions on young children. Forcing a diaper on a child as young as one or one-and-a-half, preventing them from moving freely, or mandating tight clothing like ties, belts, shoes, and socks, all go against their natural instincts for exploration and comfort. The author cites German professor Justus's book "Return to Nature," which suggests children should roam naked until the age of 5 to promote robust health and avoid restrictive wear like underwear.

Proposed Solutions and Alternative Approaches:

Embrace Natural Development: The author advocates for allowing children to develop naturally, following their own pace and instincts. This includes letting them play freely, wear loose and comfortable clothing, and not imposing adult-like restrictions prematurely.
Child-Centric Education: Education should be based on child psychology and the study of child development. Teachers and parents should be collaborators in a child's growth, understanding their unique abilities and interests.
Play-Based Learning (Kindergarten): The concept of "Kindergarten" (meaning "children's garden") emphasizes learning through play. The Montessori method, with its scientifically designed tools, is cited as an example of fostering sensory development, concentration, discipline, cleanliness, and self-reliance through play.
Mother Tongue as Medium: Prioritizing the mother tongue in early education is crucial for natural expression and overall development.
Importance of Expression: Fostering a child's ability to express themselves freely is paramount for their holistic growth.
Parental Education: The author laments that while people readily acquire knowledge about operating vehicles like scooters and cars, they often lack understanding about their own children's capabilities and developmental processes. He suggests a mandatory study of happy married life and child development before marriage.

Overall Message:

The book is a passionate plea for parents and educators to reconsider the current educational trajectory, which prioritizes premature academics and commercial interests over the fundamental needs of a child's natural, holistic, and joyful development. It encourages a return to understanding and respecting the innate capabilities and psychological needs of children, fostering an environment where they can grow into well-rounded, disciplined, and happy individuals.