Education is the process of sharing and receiving knowledge in a structured environment. The formal education of today is modern in its outlook and different from the ancient educational system from hundreds of years ago. There is a difference in subjects that are taught in modern-day schools, as well as the approach to education that has a futuristic viewpoint.
However, Indian schools still inculcate the same values that were instilled in the ancient educational system, which help in the holistic development of students.
Here is a detailed study of how the Indian values from ancient times are being followed in modern times, as well, and how they mould students into well-rounded individuals with unique identities of their own.
Ancient Education System
The ancient educational system of India was an evolved system that consisted of the formal and informal ways of education. Knowledge was imparted to children in the informal setting of their homes as well as in the formal setting of the pathshala and the gurukul system that was headed by the learned rishis.
Organised Educational System
Ancient India had an organised educational system long before the rest of the world. In that era of the Gurukul system, students resided with their teachers at their ashram or the guru’s home, where they learned subjects, such as Sanskrit, mathematics, the holy scriptures, and metaphysics.
Instilling Values
Acquiring values of brotherhood, humanity, respect for all living beings, and the virtues of truthfulness, self-reliance, and discipline were also important aspects of education at the gurukul.
Exclusivity
Education was exclusively for the children of the higher classes of society. The guru did not accept any fees from their students. The knowledge was not bookish but closely related to practical, real-world experiences.
The students helped the guru in their everyday chores through which they developed their personality, gained practical skills, a sense of discipline, and confidence to face the world.
Holistic Development of Students
The Indian schools of that period didn’t follow any examination system or rote learning of concepts. The gurus believed in the holistic development of the students and instilled the values of gratitude, compassion, humility, and sensitivity towards every member of society.
Modern Education System
Along with time, the gurukul system faded into oblivion and was replaced by the modern educational system introduced by the British in the 1830s. Over the years, a Board was set up in India and all the schools came under that Board. The Board put into place a curriculum, modern and advanced subjects, and examinations. It was renamed the Central Board of Secondary Education and it decided on things, such as
● Mandatory education for all children in the 6 to 14 year age group.
● Introduction of modern subjects, such as science and mathematics taught in structured classrooms through textbooks.
● Examinations to assess the students for the knowledge they had gained and retained during an academic year.
● Although the ancient subjects were discontinued, the curriculum of modern education gave importance to values of sensitivity, sacrifice, tolerance, brotherhood, and ethical conduct.
● The curriculum in Indian schools also revolves around our culture, heritage, traditions, and languages. The knowledge imparted corresponds with ancient times as well as modern times, and the scientific requirements of modern-day society.
Two main streams of modern education are the CBSE and the ICSE curricula that are followed in top international Indian schools worldwide. These curricula focus on the holistic development of students and enable them to select pathways that correspond with their abilities and skills.
Indian School Values with Modern Education
Let us look at how modern education incorporates Indian school values in International schools and helps in the development of the students:
Practical Approach
The best educational institutions today follow a practical approach that promotes analytical, cognitive, and problem-solving skills, besides communication among students. They prepare the students for their future education.
Extracurricular Activities
Participation in extracurricular and co-curricular activities is mandatory. It encourages creativity and inculcates the virtues of comradeship, fearlessness, hard work, sensitivity, patience, and humility.
Latest Technology
Modern education in international Indian schools makes use of the latest technology to impart knowledge. It helps students gain first-hand experience of how the world is progressing technologically and prepares them for the future.
Online Schools
It is only because of technology that schools all over the world could continue teaching students during the pandemic. Online schools in UAE functioned smoothly and helped students continue learning during the lockdown that forced them to stay indoors for nearly two years.
STEM Programs
International schools provide students with excellent facilities that allow them to discover new talents and develop new skills through various events and programs. The STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) program helps develop scientific temperament among students.
Community Service
Programs, such as community service encourages students to participate in charity drives, social service, green initiatives, and conservation of resources. This helps inculcate the values of compassion and brotherhood. Such initiatives also encourage them to care for their environment and strive to make the planet a better place for future generations.
Smart Classrooms
Modern education offers students smart classrooms, akin to the online schools UAE, in keeping with the changing times and technological progress. Students have access to excellent internet connectivity that supports their learning process.
Multi-Cultural Environment
The multi-cultural, diverse environment at such International schools teaches the students to respect diversity and practise tolerance.
Conclusion
Education has come a long way from the Gurukul system of hundreds of years ago to the modern educational system of today that is compulsory for every child. It prepares the students for a brighter future by instilling in them leadership skills and the values of tolerance and brotherhood.
Children are encouraged to participate in co-curricular and extracurricular activities to hone their skills and develop their overall personalities. Technology plays an important role in today’s education. This has helped schools worldwide and online schools UAE to function smoothly despite the pandemic.
Let us hope that with the help of this modern education, we can educate every child in the world and give them a chance to achieve their dreams.
