Prof. Dr. Sir H. O. Srivastava, IBS, K. St. J
M.Sc. M.Phil, Ph. D. (Info Sys.), Ph. D. (Chemistry), D. Lit. (Management), Chancellor WDF University
Date: July, 23, 2023: Institutions primary goal – earning business profit or providing excellence?
Every institution of learning advertises itself to be a place of excellence. However, the world is suffering due to hunger, malnutrition, inefficiency and lack of knowledge, skill and attitude. The climate crisis is becoming increasingly severe and irreversible in the year 2023. The world witnessed record ice melt at the poles, catastrophic flooding, record-breaking heat waves in the US (United States) and Europe, and severe drought in Africa. The war between Russia and Ukraine has led to rising energy prices and climate-fueled droughts, and has pushed a perilously stretched global food system to the brink. Nearly 3.1 billion people globally could not afford a healthy diet in 2020, an increase of 112 million from 2019 due to the pandemic and war. The government of India has been providing free food, to prevent death from hunger, to its 814 million population since March 2020 under the National Food Security Act, which has been extended up to Dec. 2023 (The Economic Time, 2022). The total adds to 3.924 billion of 7.79 billion, about 50% world population for the year 2020, lacking proper food during pandemic.
Are we right in still praising our education system?
Here are some areas where the education system is definitely lacking:
Lack of emphasis on holistic education: Present education systems often prioritize academic subjects and rote learning, neglecting the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and empathy.
Inadequate education on sustainability and climate change that has led to total failure of SDG2030 goals.
Limited focus on global citizenship: Education systems often overlook the importance of fostering global citizenship and a sense of responsibility towards communities beyond one’s immediate surroundings. The farmers in India are happy to burn the paddy (rice straw) in the field leading to environment degradation.
Lack of inclusivity and equal access: In many regions, education systems suffer from inequities, including limited access to quality education, different standards for entry and exit based on reservation system, and socio-economic divides. Ensuring inclusive and exceptionally rigid rule for education and qualifying criteria for all is essential in addressing global challenges and providing opportunities for individuals to contribute meaningfully to society.
The institutions primary goal of running them as businesses has led to this situation which needs immediate correction.
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