Are culture and education going hand in hand in India?

India has been making strides across various sectors of the economy.

A lot of national and international reforms have also put India on the global map. But with diminishing moral values, growing intolerance in the society and the influence of western culture influencing our nation - are we really getting progressive or regressive?

The influence of western culture and modern education was introduced by the British and seems to have stayed on ever since. Although it has opened up several realms of knowledge, highlighted social evils and brought in a wave of freedom, liberty and education, it has also weighed in heavily on the downfalls.

There is an alarmingly declining awareness amongst the younger generation about our rich history, heritage and culture. The focus has shifted from culture-based-education to modern-futuristic-led-education.

Competition has now become the focal point across all aspects of the Indian educational system. Students and parents have become number and target driven - the race to score admission, score ranks, secure seats and eventually secure white-collared jobs. It has denied the younger generation the right to exercise their creative, thinking abilities and the right to reflect on their roots.

In a conscious bid to match up to the western world and opening up world cultures, we’ve alienated our younger generations from recognising the strength of their ethos. Today’s millennials are culturally deprived owing to the inadequate and poorly designed and reviewed the syllabus and educational system.

India is recognised as the birthplace of Hinduism and Buddhism, one of the largest religions in the world and is notable for its prevalent myriad cultures across 29 states. While culture does reflect the manifestation of a community’s ideas, beliefs, customs and behaviour of people in the society, India’s regional and religious overtones may have soiled the very definition of ‘culture’.

There is a pressing need to introduce educational system deeply rooted in India’s history and culture. There is a need to dig out, imbibe and revive the ancient glory of our nation. Efforts should be geared towards including value education and integral humanism and Vedas.

- Hefty textbooks need to be re-looked at

- Focus of schooling should be based on local and community culture

- Development of educational syllabus should be in conjunction with local cultural resources

- Local art forms, literature and practices should be introduced

- Medium of instruction could involve local influence or ‘mother-tongue’

- School calendar should include periods dedicated to cultural activities

- Library should be an integral part of the schooling system

- Guest lectures or special sessions could be conducted by linguists or culture-oriented talent

- Camps focusing on cultural activities could be encouraged during vacations and breaks

- Assessment should be based on learning and not necessarily academic ranking

The balance of modernity intertwined with rooted cultural values is what one needs to aim for. After all, an all-round perspective needs to be created amongst the younger generation to take charge of their future.