From Gurukuls to Digital Classrooms - The Evolution of Modern Education in India

Modern education in India has witnessed a rich, complex history—a melange of both native and foreign influences. From golden gurukuls to modern institutions, the walk of education in the nation is something that easily qualifies as adaptable and resilient.

Pre-colonial Education System

Before the British Rule, the system of education in India was largely non-formal and decentralised. The prevalent system was the gurukul system where, as suggested by the system itself, students remained at their teachers' places.

The education given was integrated since courses in philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine were all in the melting pot.

The international reputation of places of higher learning like Nalanda and Takshashila was massive, attracting students throughout the world.

The British Era - Laying the Foundations of Modern Education

British colonisation was such a big turn in Indian education. Though the British were initially indifferent to Indian education, this changed with the Charter Act of 1813, which provided funds for education.

The most diocesan step was the Minute of Lord Macaulay on Education in 1835. He wanted an education system that would turn out a class of Indians in blood and colour but English in tastes, opinions, morals, and intellect.

In a bid to realise his vision, the education system adopted English as the medium of instruction, and incorporation of Western curricula in educational syllabi.

The role of education was again echoed in the Wood's Despatch of 1854 with the establishment of universities in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras in 1857.

Growth of Indian Nationalism and Educational Reforms

The late 19th and the early 20th centuries bred an increasing sense of nationalism among Indians, which impacted educational reforms.

Indian leaders began releasing the need for establishing an education system that included Indian values and knowledge.

Influential persons, such as Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore, criticised the colonial education system.

Gandhi promoted basic education through his Nai Talim, insistent on vocational training and self-reliance; Tagore founded Visva-Bharati University with a concern for a holistic and inclusive approach to education.

Post-Independence Developments

Since 1947, when freedom was attained, India embarked on the task of establishing an integral and inclusive system of education. The government, under personalities like Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, placed a premium on education for national development. 

In 1948, the University Education Commission, headed by Dr. Radhakrishnan, set the scene for modern higher education in India.

Key Milestones in Modern Education

Kothari Commission, 1964-66

It was a landmark as it was the first Commission for making an education policy for India.

It recommended uniformity of educational structure, introducing 10+2+3 years with 10 years of secondary education, 2 years of higher secondary, and 3 years of higher education. Further, it laid emphasis on the learning of science and technology.

National Policy on Education (NPE) 1986

The NPE 1986 tried to meet the multi-dimensional challenges in education which, at that time, focussed on access, equity, and quality. Policies were initiated for adult education, women's education, and education for disadvantaged groups.

It helped in creating an impetus for the establishment of the National Literacy Mission in 1988, further improving the literacy rate of the country.

Right to Education Act, 2009

It made education a fundamental right for children in the age group of 6 to 14 years. 

This Act has made provisions for free and compulsory education, developing mechanisms to eradicate disparities in access and quality and laying down norms of infrastructure, teacher qualification, and pupil-teacher ratios while trying to build an equitable education system.

Current Education System

Today, India has one of the largest education systems in the world, with a huge chain of schools, colleges, and universities. It has managed to do rather well in terms of increasing enrollment and controlling the rate of dropouts.

Technological leaps, combined with government initiatives such as Digital India, are turning the education scenario into its accessible and inclusive form.

Issues and the Road Ahead

All these aside, there still exist certain challenges. Quality of education, training of teachers, or infrastructure are some questions on the agenda of any government. 

The present policy NEP-2020 says holistic, multidisciplinary education with the option for flexibility in the learning paths and integrating vocational education in the school system.

According to NEP 2020, it visualises changing the education system from today totally into one that is based on critical thinking, creativity, and innovation. It will then establish India as a global knowledge superpower by 2030. It lays emphasis on research and development.

Final Thoughts

History of modern education in India has been a history of change and survival. From the Vedic gurukuls to the contemporary ones, education in India has been one continuous evolution, moving with times, adapted to the requisite needs and challenges that have ensued over the old. 

Looking ahead, it is now focused on building an inclusive, equitable, and quality-oriented education system that empowers each citizen and contributes to national development.

Written by Shugunpal Kaur

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