• UGI USER
  • Sep 05, 2023
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Q. Students should be taught the importance of “doing what’s right” at a young age. Discuss how the New Education Policy seeks to impart value based education to students of all age groups.

Approach:

  • Introduce by writing about the importance of values-based education for students.
  • Highlight the role played by New Education Policy in imparting value-based education.
  • Conclude accordingly.

Answer:

Moral values are important in all stages of life, but most of the values that are inculcated at an early age, especially in the school going period, remain deep-rooted in a person for his/her lifetime. Thus, it becomes highly imperative that students be taught the importance of doing what is right at a young age, as it would help in:

  • Building character: Imbibing moral values such as kindness, humility, courage, and compassion at an early age builds character. The values form the core of a person’s being and become a foundation for his/her moral beliefs.
  • Making and changing perceptions: When children can tell/perceive what is right from wrong, they can also determine what is good from bad at an early age.
  • Countering bad influence: Children who grow with strong moral foundations are more secure in themselves, rarely feel the need to follow the trend. This makes them less likely to give in to bad influences such as smoking, drinking and to peer pressure.
  • Fulfilling the purpose of the education system: The purpose of the education system is to develop good human beings who are capable of rational thoughts and actions.

In this context, the New Education Policy seeks to impart value-based education to students of all age groups in the following ways:

  • Idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: The New Education Policy emphasizes on the concept of global citizenship in school education as well as in higher education.
  • Value-based education: Holistic education as mentioned in the Policy includes the development of humanistic, ethical, constitutional, and universal human values of righteous conduct (dharma), peace (shanti), love (prem), nonviolence (ahimsa), scientific temper, citizenship values. It also includes lessons in service (seva) and participation in community programmes.
  • Imparting diverse culture-centered values: The school curriculum will include more detailed knowledge of various cultures, religions, languages, gender identities etc. to sensitize and develop respect for diversity. Any biases and stereotypes in the school curriculum will be removed, and more material will be included, which are relevant and relatable to all communities.
  • Philosophical values: The Policy encourages sincere efforts to incorporate the vital aspects of Indian educational philosophy while also including essential aspects of modern education commensurate with changing times. For example, the pursuit of knowledge (jnan), wisdom (pragya), and truth (satya) have always been considered in Indian thought and philosophy as the highest human goal.
  • Blend of traditional and modern values: India’s rich ancient and modern cultural heritage is naturally embedded in the curricula whereby education not only focuses on cognitive development but also builds character and creates holistic and well-rounded individuals equipped with the key skills required in the 21st century.
  • Equitable and inclusive education: The Policy advocates equity and inclusion as the cornerstone of all educational decisions to ensure that all students are able to thrive in the education system.

Thus, the New Education Policy is based on essential and important life skills. It recognizes, identifies, and fosters the unique capabilities of each student, from a young age and teaches them ethical and Constitutional values.