English Literature is filled with inspiring personalities and George Bernard Shaw is definitely a controversial figure. He was known for his satirical take on various aspects of our society.
English Literature is filled with inspiring personalities and George Bernard Shaw is definitely a controversial figure. He was known for his satirical take on various aspects of our society. His take on education is quite fascinating; the surprising aspect is that it is very relevant to the present scenario. He says, “A fool's brain digests philosophy into folly, science into superstition, and art into pedantry. Hence University education.”
India vs China!
Recently I came across a write-up which spoke about China’s progress in education and India’s shortcomings in this important sector. I thought that after population, China would not race ahead of India in other respects. According to the article, nine universities from China were a part of the top 400 universities compiled by Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Only one university from India made it to the list.
In the Guardian Higher Education network, China gave an encore performance. Nine universities from China were included in the 50 Asian Universities. None of the so called top notch universities from India were a part of this list. It is surprising that our quality national institutes in India were not able to create such an impact.
Some faults brought out!
I am sure China does not have any strikes by teachers over implementation of pay commissions. A few years ago, teachers of degree colleges had gone on a strike for approximately 44 days over the lack of execution of the 6th pay commission. The sorry state of affairs of education in India is further pointed out by some disturbing statistics. “AUGC report "Higher Education in India at a Glance" paints a dismal picture on student enrolment. While 86% of students complete graduation, mere 12% opt for post-graduate education and barely 1% go for research.” Customer reviews about the lack of teachers in respected institutions further bring out the discrepancies in our education sector.
A few years ago, I can say that one of the most famous art institutes of our country was in a state of shambles. It had been granted the status of a heritage property. But, it was suffering because of the lack of teaching staff and neglect on the government’s part. Consumer ratings also rated the particular institute low on the infrastructure aspect. China definitely scores brownie points over India in this respect. The booming country has heavily invested into infrastructure. This is collected from governing bodies at the central, state and local councils as well! It is no surprise that since the past few years, we have not heard any notable names graduating from this legendary art institute. It is a shame that art as a whole has suffered. This is because of the second hand treatment that has been meted out to this institute.
Administration is an important part of any university. But in our university, students suffer because of the dearth of non-teaching staff. Results are not declared on time and new methods are incorporated. If all the pros and cons are not measured before its implementation, it further adds to the plight of the students. If our education system is suffering in such a way, then how can we make it to such lists or get global rankings?
Comparison in terms of investment!
Our investment plans are no match to China’s. In the article the writer had mentioned some parts of the initial proposal of the 12th Five Year Plan. Investment in higher education has been increased to 25 percent, keeping in check the entire government spending. China’s investment in education has witnessed an increase of 25.8% in 2012, which is much more than its expenditure in 2011. If our system suffers from such loopholes, national institutes in India cannot achieve the much needed global spotlight.
How can the situation change?
To improve the scenario, it is important that political interference reduces. I am reminded of the incident wherein a work of literature was excluded from the syllabus of the university. Reason being, that it hurt the sentiments of a political party. If we fall prey to such moves, development of India as a whole will suffer. Rabindranath Tagore had written a very famous poem, in which he had visualised his version of a fearless India. He says,
“Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high Where knowledge is free Where the world has not been broken up into fragments By narrow domestic walls.”
To make this vision come true, it is essential that education is not neglected and we make sure Mr Shaw’s words do not come true.
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