Prakasam Pantulu and The Education (1)

(On the eve of Prakasam’s 150th birth anniversary. 23-8-1872 to 20-5-1957)

(K.C.Kalkura)

“Continuous change is the only unchangeable law of the universe.” Swami Chinmayananda.  New (National) Education Policy (NEP), first in the 21st Century is being widely discussed, not only in the academic circles, but among the general public also.  Ruling dispensation at the centre considers it the Nectar. It is a known fact that NEP was formed based on the recommendations of the Committee chaired by Kasturirangan, a renowned educationist and scientist. The committee consisted of 12 other eminent academicians.  Neither their scholarship nor integrity is questionable. Bonafide and honest attempts were made in the past also to evolve a suitable educational system for the country. Among them 1968 policy evolved based on the recommendations of the Education Commission headed by Dr Kothari and 1986 Rajiv Gandhi Education policy was noteworthy. Suggestions were made and advice tendered by eminent men and patriots even in pre and post-independent India.

Delivering the Convocation Address of Andhra University on 14th December 1946, Premier (As the Chief Minister was then known) of Madras, Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu exhorted the students.
“It has to be realised that universities are not part of propaganda machinery as they became under the nazi or fascist dictators. Nor are the universities mere technological institutions or craftsmen’s workshops or mere coaching institutions for preparing students for examinations. They are not mere administrative offices for conducting examinations. They are temples of higher learning and training. the enlargements by all methods, of rational research and of the sum total of the human knowledge-the ever-growing sum-total of human knowledge in science, philosophy, religion etc.’ – this is the essence of the service for which a university is intended. Research is an attempt to enlarge the horizon of human knowledge by persistent enquiry into the truth governing the universe. Secondly, the function of a university is to spread the knowledge acquired as widely as possible for the good of the community and of the world, so that people may lead a happier and more rational life in the light of established universal truths.  Thirdly, it is the function of a university to give students the best training, intellectual as well as moral, to make them fit not only for the various professions but also for good citizenship. Above all, universities must produce  ‘full men’ gentlemen whose outlook and horizon embrace the whole country and humanity, who are sympathetically tolerant of other men’s points of view, and who are ever prepared to sacrifice their interests and good for the commonweal.

“Education in India, instead of making our young men and women fit for our heritage and environment that belong to them and to which they belong, turns them away from them and leaves them neither happy, in themselves nor willing to serve the people and make them happy. The educated think that they are a class apart from the uneducated, and in a country like ours which is based so largely on an agricultural economy, this leads to the widening of the gulf between the village and the town, between the agriculturists who form the backbone of the country and educated who live on the soil but who give nothing back to it. Education must make us fitter to live in our own environment and to make it better, and not to escape from it. As education has so far preceded on far too academic lines, it has been divorced from the needs of the land. The emphasis hereafter must be shifted from academic learning for its own sake to learning in order to fulfill the needs of the country. As I told the graduates of the Madras University recently, the Indian village must dominate all schemes of education and the day must soon come when the educated would go back to the villages, dedicating their gifts freely at the altar of the countryside.

“Speak truly. Act justly. Honour your father and mother and your venerable masters as divine. In times of difficulty and doubt as to the right, follow the self-disciplined, the unselfish, the wise and the conscientious’. This is the true scripture, the best advice on the everlasting good.” ( Annexure II, Supplement, My Life’s Pilgrimage, Autobiography of Prakasam Pantulu Pages 303 to 317.). No better scheme of things and code of conduct can be pronounced.

Let me quote the very first Para in the Introduction to the New (National) Education Policy (NEP):
“Education is fundamental for achieving full human potential, developing an equitable and just society, and promoting national development. Providing universal access to quality education is the key to India’s continued ascent, and leadership on the global stage in terms of economic growth, social justice and equality, scientific advancement, national integration, and cultural preservation. Universal high-quality education is the best way forward for developing and maximizing our country’s rich talents and resources for the good of the individual, the society, the country, and the world. India will have the highest population of young people in the world over the next decade, and our ability to provide high-quality educational opportunities to them will determine the future of our country.”

HIGHER EDUCATION:  “Higher education plays an extremely important role in promoting human as well as societal wellbeing and in developing India as envisioned in its Constitution – a democratic, just, socially conscious, cultured, and humane nation upholding liberty, equality, fraternity, and justice for all. Higher education significantly contributes toward sustainable livelihoods and the economic development of the nation. As India moves towards becoming a knowledge economy and society, more and more young Indians are likely to aspire for higher education. 9.1.1. Given the 21st-century requirements, quality higher education must aim to develop good, thoughtful, well-rounded, and creative individuals. It must enable an individual to study one or more specialized areas of interest at a deep level, and also develop character, ethical and Constitutional values, intellectual curiosity, scientific temper, creativity, the spirit of service, and 21st-century capabilities across a range of disciplines including sciences, social sciences, arts, humanities, languages, as well as professional, technical, and vocational subjects. A quality higher education must enable personal accomplishment and enlightenment, constructive public engagement, and productive contribution to society. It must prepare students for more meaningful and satisfying lives and work roles and enable economic independence.”

The substance of what Prakasam said in 1946 is reflected in the NEP 2020.  Prakasam was farsighted. The tragedy in our country is that whatever that is done by one Government is neglected and ignored by the successor government. Everyone wants to claim credit for his own ideas and achievements. Predecessor too had laboured hard, put in his efforts and spent his time and resources from the exchequer. Prakasam did not rest with the theoretical address. Emphasis is laid on the synthesis of technology, library and villages in the NEP:  “Enjoyable and inspirational books for students at all levels will be developed, including through high-quality translation (technology assisted as needed) in all local and Indian languages, and will be made available extensively in both school and local public libraries. Public and school libraries will be significantly expanded to build a culture of reading across the country. Digital libraries will also be established. School libraries will be set up – particularly in villages – to serve the community during non-school hours, and book clubs may meet in public/school libraries to further facilitate and promote widespread reading. A National Book Promotion Policy will be formulated, and extensive initiatives will be undertaken to ensure the availability, accessibility, quality, and readership of books across geographies, languages, levels, and genres”. (To be concluded)

(K.C.Kalkura, Advocate and Social Activist, Kurnool. 518004. Mob: 9440292979)

Read Part-1  here

Prakasam Pantulu and The Education (2)