Reflection: ‘On the the idea of education by Gandhi’

Literacy in itself is no education. Literacy is not the end of education or even the beginning. By education, I mean an all-round drawing out of the best in the child and body, mind and spirit. These are the words of Gandhi ji. Even today, when I hear this, the picture of Gandhiji understanding the importance of education to the people is formed in my mind.

Gandhi believed in practical and hands-on learning. He wanted education to be connected to real-life experiences. Though we are in the 21st century Indian schools still following the 19th-century education system. Today’s education often focuses more on theoretical knowledge and exams, which is different from Gandhi’s idea of learning by doing.

Gandhi also believes that education is necessary to achieve the goal of peace. This can be achieved only through morality and ethics. According to Gandhiji, education is the realization of the best in man – body, soul and spirit. He said that education should be based on morality and ethics.

Gandhi said, “By education, I mean to develop the all-round best in the child and man in body, mind and spirit. Literacy is not the end of education, not even the beginning. It is one of the means by which men and women can be educated. Literacy in itself is not an education.”

In his educational philosophy, there was a profound emphasis on practical skills and experiential learning. He envisioned an education system that would empower individuals to engage with the world actively. Gandhi wanted education to be a tool for personal development and social change, fostering not just literacy but also a deep understanding of one’s surroundings.

Contrasting this with today’s education system, there is a noticeable shift. Contemporary education often places a strong emphasis on theoretical knowledge, standardized testing, and academic achievement. The focus tends to be more on acquiring information from books rather than gaining practical skills and wisdom. This departure from Gandhi’s vision raises questions about the holistic development of individuals within the current educational framework.

Gandhi’s approach also highlights the importance of simplicity in living. He believed in the principle of “simple living and high thinking.” This implies that education should not only equip individuals with knowledge but also instil values of humility, compassion, and a sense of responsibility towards society. In contrast, today’s education system, at times, may prioritize material success over these ethical values.

Gandhi’s concept of education offers valuable insights that remain relevant today. His emphasis on “learning by doing” means education isn’t just about reading and memorizing but actively engaging with the world. This practical approach ensures that what you learn in school has real-world applications.

Simplicity is another key idea in Gandhi’s education philosophy. He believed in keeping things simple in life and thinking big. Applying this to education means focusing on what’s truly important, not just accumulating facts. It encourages us to prioritize values, like kindness and humility, alongside academic knowledge.

Gandhi’s vision goes beyond textbooks and exams. He wanted education to shape not just knowledgeable individuals but good people. This means cultivating qualities like honesty, compassion, and a sense of responsibility. Following this approach can contribute to creating a society where people care about each other.

The reason to follow Gandhi’s education philosophy is its emphasis on equality. Gandhi believed in education that reaches everyone, irrespective of their background. In a world where access to education is still a challenge for many, his concept encourages us to work towards making education more inclusive.

Gandhi’s concept of education is valuable in contemporary India because it encourages practical learning, simplicity, community connection, and a holistic approach. It prompts us to think beyond grades and degrees, focusing on the kind of people we become through education. By incorporating these principles, we can create an education system that not only imparts knowledge but also nurtures individuals who contribute positively to their communities and the world at large.