OUR EDUCATION
J.C. Kumarappa
(Undated. Source: Kumarappa Papers, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library)
Recently we have had an unforgettable demonstration of what education should not be. In Lucknow there has been a veritable open battle between the students and authorities. Whatever the cause or whatever the grievances, we are not in a position to sit in judgement. But the ugly scenes enacted, not only in Lucknow, but also at Allahabad and Kanpur, in sympathy with the students of Lucknow, brings to the fore the deep-set disease of human rottenness cultivated by modern University education. It is in such times that the utility of higher education is put to the test. Education does not consist in pumping information into empty skulls as we pump air into motor tyres. The effect of properly conceived education is to build character and not to increase merely the earning capacity of a citizen. The Lucknow incident, tragic as it is, shows us that both the authorities and the student population resorted to methods unworthy of cultivated individuals. Above all things true education should aim at resolving human differences in an amicable way without resorting to violent jungle means.
To develop civilized human beings the first thing needed is a cadre of professors and staff well drilled in social consciousness and experienced in dealing with men rather than with mere books.
Unfortunately for us this has hardly a place in the selection of teachers. Teachers should be such as will impress their personality on the taught. This will call for patience and personal touch with the pupil. This is sadly lacking. The staff is now chosen for the amount of book learning, which is being imparted in a soulless manner. Hence we turn out, not capable citizens who can in their time handle national problems as civilized beings, but ingenious rascals who will work for their own selfish ends.
In the light of the responsibilities that our youth will be called upon to bear in an independent country, it is high time we reorient the whole system of university education starting with the appointment of professors for their moral and social attainments and experience rather than for their pure academic knowledge. The relationship between the teacher and the pupil should be cemented by love as between a father and son with the added strength of admiration and duty due to a Guru. This is absolutely lacking in the modern system. This is the foundation for personal wholesome influence. This is a basic problem which will brook no delay.