Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Dec 8: Well-known columnist, Rohith Chakrathirtha, said that there is a need to bring exhaustive changes in the National Education Policy (NEP). He batted for the current system of education to undergo total transformation.

"No one has a clear idea about this change. We have not faced problems because of the English language introduced by the British in India. But there has been a thorough impact because of the British system of education. Henceforth, when preparing syllabus and texts, we have to come out of the shadows of the westerners. We have to understand the original concepts adopted by the British. We have got tangled in the British rope chain and are wriggling. The very basic structure of NEP needs to undergo transformation. Educational revolution has to happen in the system," Chakrathirtha stressed.

He was delivering a special lecture on 'review of education and what education do children need' as part of the third day's 'Vishwarpanam' programme held at Sri Narahari Theertha dais at the Rajangana of Srikrishna Math here on Tuesday December 7. The programme is being organized by Admaru Math as part of the conclusion of the two-year Paryaya period that will happen in January.

Chakrathirtha noted that the government has implemented NEP. He argued that instead of making external changes to the system, the basic structure of education has to be changed with added impetus on Indian Culture. He stressed that there is a need to wriggle out of the western system of education. He regretted the fact that the educationists of today have little knowledge of Indian culture.

"In the Gurukul system, the students had the opportunity to showcase their capacity. Education was not imposed then. However, as compared to it, now the focus is on earning the certificate. However, the education we undergo and profession we pursue do not support mutually. The eligibility of a person is measured on the basis of the degree certificates he holds, instead of assessing his real capacity. In the Gurukul system this was not the way education was imparted. No caste system was prevalent. Everyone was given education based on his eligibility and capacity," he explained.

Rohit felt that it is wrong to feel that science should always support the present. He said that one should be proud of their heritage. He asked the current day students to have sincerity, do hard work and follow honesty when getting educated. He strongly advocated against continuing with the system of chasing marks.

In his benedictory address, Sri Vikhyathananda Swamiji of Arya Idiga Maha Samsthan, Solur, Bengaluru, said that in this competitive universe, the world is shrinking. He said that if the leaders had worked properly, India would have gained the eminence needed to rule the world by now, and India would have taken the place of current day USA. "We went wayward because of our narrow mindset, jealousy, anger when thinking about others and political tricks," he stated.. He said that in spite of which language one speaks or uses, one should never let go of the Indian culture. He noted that many of the terrorists the world has seen so far are well educated.

The Swamiji said that during the period of the pandemic, many changed their religions because of shortage of infrastructure. "Our people too have given rice and other things when others were in trouble. But the way the items were handed over, and the language one used and attitude one showed had hurt their self respect. There is a shortage of liberal mindset in us," he said. He said that he urges those who have converted, to come back and they will be welcomed happily. Noting that people of all the castes are getting equal education now, he urged everyone to inculcate the ideals of equality, love and affection. Noting that Udupi happens to be the epicentre of Madhwa philosophy, he hailed the contribution made by Machwacharya to the society and wished that his thought processes will help the society to achieve prosperity.

Head of Admaru Math, Sri Ishapriya Theertha Swamiji, who presided, delivered a benedictory address. Hereditary priest of Kateel temple, Kamaladevi Prasad Asranna, was present.

P Srinivas Rao, financial advisor of AMECIAMEF, PPISR Bengaluru, in recognition of his services to institution, Dr K R Nambiar for his contribution to the field of medicine, K R Prasad Kalkura Koteshwar who is serving the Math, and postman Narasimha Nayak Udupi, were felicitated on the occasion.