What do you think about the present education system in India?
Well what I see today is that the scenario of the education system is very bleak. Many things need to be taken care of. One aspect that I can elaborate is that of the intermediate level syllabus. Each state of the country has a separate syllabus and a board to conduct the examinations. There should be only one board and one curriculum throughout the country, so that when one moves from one state to the other, he/she does not face the problem of coping with an entirely different syllabus or losing out on valuable time.
Another thing is that right from the time that we have attained independence, not much attention has been given to the education sector. What I feel is that it should have been the most respected discipline. Nothing has been practically done for primary or elementary education in the country.
It is a mockery that we call ourselves citizens of a democratic nation, as we have not democratized the education system only.
What do you think about Sarva Siksha Abhiyan? Is it catering to the need of all at the grass root level?
We the people should have the will and the know-how for bringing about the implementation of such schemes. Until and unless we don’t promise ourselves to make ourselves educated there is no way we can expect an improved scenario in the education sector and such schemes are of no use.
Do you think that we are providing value based education to our citizens or are we only preparing them for some professional courses?
Without professional education, the masses cannot rise financially. There are many areas where we need competent people with different set of expertise. So while students can go for vocational and professional courses for becoming financially secure thereby also contributing to the growth of the sector they are working in, there are many who go for higher studies research work etc. But again there are flaws; politicians for their sheer gains have come up with reservation. Meritorious students are deprived of getting a seat in the field of their choice and expertise because of reservation.
Tell me something about politicizing of education… that is students taking part in active politics.
It is an irony that there is politicizing of education in our country, which directly affects the students. The colleges are actually the launch pads for getting into active politics. Most of the students getting into college politics think that it is the way to easy money. This spoils the whole environment of the education scenario in the colleges and universities. I feel that students, teachers and lecturers should not be allowed to participate in politics and the rule should be strictly followed.
According to the report of the National Knowledge Commission", India needs at least 500 more universities. What is your take on this?
What I see is that achieving that dream is a challenge in itself. There is dearth of faculty in colleges and universities and even in professional institutes and that is why there is a system of guest faculty these days.
By when can we dream of a "100 per cent literate India"?
Statistically it is said that 100per cent literate. There are few states also which have been declared 100per cent. But I dream of a 100per cent educated and not only literate India.