Friday, December 3, 2010

Education at Gurukul in ancient India

Hi friends, I never miss a chance to read stories of Indian epics or mythologies. I was brought up in a healthy cultural environment where my mom was my first Guru or teacher who used to tell us stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata which are counted among very few great epics of the world. The respective heroes of these epics, Lord Sriram and Lord Srikrishna are described as incarnation of the supreme power who is the creator of the entire universe and still they are worshiped throughout India. As I learnt from these books, education system followed in ancient India was unique in many ways including the process of handing over the student from the first Guru (mother) to master at Gurukul, the ancient from of residential schools. The concept of Gurukul it self very holistic in nature where students will be staying with their master’s residence away from their homes for many years till the master is satisfied with the performance of his student. Master used to treat his student as his family member and all his requirements were taken care off by master and his family members. The parents who send their children to Gurukul were not worried about their children’s activities and safety as they were under the homely care of Gurukul master. At the end of the many years of vigorous training, parents were asked to take their children back and what ever material given as fees towards the education were accepted by the teacher as guru dakshina. It is said that both Lord Rama and Krishna were sent to gurukuls where they underwent training on all aspects of education. But, the modern form of education in India has shrugged off all its cultural values and it has become a means to make huge profit from minimum investment. Now we send our children to far away cities for higher education where they will be staying in hostels for boarding and lodging. As long as children stay in the hostel, parents spend sleepless nights because there is no enough control over the students both within the campus and in Hostels. Even students want to be away from home during their studies to enjoy the student life to its full extent. But at the end of the student life they will realize what is gained and what is lost. Today I was turning the pages College magazine of SJCE, Mysore where my son has done his Bachelor of Engineering and found an article with a heading “Lessons” written by a student. He began his article saying he was thrilled to be away from home to find him and be independent. He says he learnt many things but paid heavy price for them. I thought it will be useful to my readers if I make a blog post out of it. The billeted list of his learning is quite lengthy, so I think it is better to continue in another post tomorrow. I think modern education system is keeping both parents and students sleepless but for different reasons.

8 Comments:

Always Happy said...

Ancient gurukul system was good. I think modern education system isnt bad either. it is upto individual student and parents how they use it. It has its pros and cons. will look forward to reading your post tomorrow.

Always Happy said...

Ancient gurukul system was good. I think modern education system isnt bad either. it is upto individual student and parents how they use it. It has its pros and cons. will look forward to reading your post tomorrow.

Isha Shiri said...

Olá! Seu post é ótimo, é objetivo.

Te sigo com prazer.

Happy Hanukkah, Happy Festival of Lights!!

Anonymous said...

It’s really a nice and helpful piece of information. I’m glad that you shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

sibutiz said...

nice post Mr..
i like it..

admin said...

that system was really nice.....Our rishis were equally emphasizing on "Theoretical & Practical" knowledge......but as we r seeing new era where many affairs and unethical deeds are happening between teachers & students, that ancient system can not be worked out.....
though
it may help....by applying one universal law, it is "if each & everyone obey their duty, world will have peace"...."Teachers & Students both will have to obey and understand their duties towards the pious relationship which is between student-teacher.."

Anonymous said...

What a great resource!

Tanmay Avasthi said...

I share the some what same thoughts on education system in india because india used to be rich and powerful nation in ancient times and we have had politicians like chanakya and kings like Vikramaditya, i am sure in those days there has to be a medium to teach students maanagement , i believe that there has to be a system where in students are taught the anicient vedic culture which talks largely about the character building and which will help student to easily attain the balanced state of mind during any difficult situation and they should also be taught about how to deal with todays tough competetive world because ancient education which we all know has made us a proud nation will help students to grow while attached to their roots, and moreover the moderen education will help them to keep their head held high and do things which would help them and their country grow, moreover students should be able to know their strengths from the beigning so that they dont struggle when they grow up , they would put theri time and money in the areas of their interest and thats where the exposure and education comes to play a vital role

 
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