From Chief Editor’s Desk
A Novel University imparting Values along with Education
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owadays educational institutions, especially the centers of higher learning, have become a subject of concern. One can easily guess the objectives of such centers by looking at the advertisements for admission given by them. Whenever the USP of a college, institute, or university is talked about, the matter ends at the package of students getting after completing the specific programs. The main topic of discussion remains how many lakhs or crores of packages the pass-outs get and which multinational company employed them. One should get the best employment after education; there should be no objection by anyone in this regard. This is the primary aim of education. However, when a job alone becomes the sole aim of education – it shows the wretched state of educational thinking. The real aim of education is the holistic growth of a learner. Education would be considered meaningful when it helps in the intellectual development of the students and their spiritual and emotional upliftment, sows the seeds of virtuous impressions, and builds their character. Along with economic
self-reliance, a sense of responsibility towards society should also get awakened in them. The learning would be fruitful only when the faith in the values of life, love for the nation and culture, and the spirit of harmonious living with others are awakened within the learners. If we look at our educational institutions, the scenario appears to be disappointing. Some institutions are limited to awarding only the degrees. Their marketing strategy is such that they attract the students by showing big dreams and collect hefty fees. The guardians and their wards, searching for the shortcuts to achieve their ends, fall prey to such tactics. Even in top-ranking institutions, the environment is not favorable for the holistic growth of youths. Such institutions, limited only to the development of professional skills, cannot be considered ideal. But the youths don’t have other options. Unfortunately, due to the lack of values, these very professional intellectuals create problems for society and the nation. Instead of finding solutions to national issues, they utilize their skills in creating more problems. Even they are found to indulge in anti-national activities. This shows a severe defect in the system of education they received. The undue entrance of politics is also polluting the atmosphere of the educational institutions. There is frequent violence within the campuses. Very often, students gherao the vice-chancellor or other officers and prevent them from leaving their offices until their demands are met. Indeed, in such an atmosphere of violence and anarchy, study, teaching, and research get disturbed. It is true that the students should
I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious. – Albert Einstein AKHAND JYOTI
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MARCH-APRIL 2020
