The changing tides of education in India

Criticized from time to time, the Indian education system is touted to have it’s share of loopholes. However, a chat with some students and teachers revealed the positives of the same system. Heartening, isn’t it?

16-year-old Sneha Minj, a Class XII student of St. Raphael’s Higher Secondary School, Indore, finds government schemes for girls education a blessing, as it helps underprivileged female students to continue with their studies.

“Such schemes are of great benefit to girls who belong to a rural background and wish to pursue their education instead of getting married,” observes Sneha. Samim Ahmed, a Professor of Philosophy at Ramkrishna Mission Vidyamandira, Kolkata, shares Sneha’s enthusiasm on the subject. “The good thing is, primary education is free for girls in government schools and quite affordable as compared to private institutions.”

Primary school teacher Josephine Sebastian reckons that digitization of classrooms have been a huge step forward. “Video and audio facilities are helping children understand subjects better, rendering complicated concepts easier for both students and teachers” says the educator who’s seen the Indian education scenario evolve over the last three decades.

At 13, Anahita Kumar*, a student of Maneckji Cooper Education Trust School in Mumbai, relishes the prospect of choosing her favourite subjects over the lesser loved ones in Class IX. “Next year, I plan to drop Economics and Computer Science while continuing with my favourites, Mathematics and Science,” she shares excitedly.

Daisy Alex, a government school teacher with decades of experience under her belt swears by the change brought in by the Right To Education Act. “Under this Act, underpriviledged students are equipped with books and uniforms, while the provision of mid-day meals ensure that they stay healthy,” points out Daisy.

Neha Matthew, who studies in Class VII, fancies educational excursions as “the cherry on top”. A field trip enthusiast, Neha is also a budding advocate of using technology to understand her lessons.

Patricia Chandrashekhar, who teaches degree and post-diploma courses at two different institutes in Mumbai recognizes a shift in the way students are taught today. “Young teachers now encourage interaction, instead of just lecturing,” she affirms, taking heart in the trend that to her, signifies a “ creative change in the system”. 

*Name changed on request