Actually, we are caught in a bind. It would be incorrect to deprive the children of the benefits of technology, which actually is a gateway to a vast amount of knowledge, and, at the same time, it is also not desirable that the children are exposed to harmful material. Then what can be done?
The solution lies in better communication between the parents and the children. The elders do not have to control the kids; they have to guide them, they have to be supportive, they have to display unending patience. They do not have to resort to a display of physical superiority or financial superiority over kids to make them tow their line. Devoid of meaningful interaction at home, the children naturally gravitate towards the outsiders i.e. friends and they learn from themand sometimes get into undesirable company and acquire undesirable habits. It has the ugly potential of ruining their lives. It goes without saying that no parent would like this to happen.
We must remain conscious of the fact that all such downward streams of behaviour emanate from the mind. It is therefore very important or rather a necessary duty of parents and the society to ensure that the children get the right kind of inputs so that they always remain in the right frame of mind, that would propel them into becoming responsible members of the society. And, at the same time, whenever signals appear that something is going wrong, attempt needs to be made to properly address them and not sit content with laying blame here and there. It is indeed of critical importance that the parents must constantly remain watch full of the mental health of the children and keep taking necessary steps in the direction.
To examine this issue, we must first understand what is education. E+- education, actually comprises more than one component. Education, on one hand, is transfer of skills, whether they be the linguistic skills or they be technical skills while on the other hand it is the kindling of the spark in the mind of the student to enjoy learning. It is to create that the curiosity to know more and also the create that the urge in the student to put in efforts to satisfy that curiosity. If this gets done, the battle of educating a student is more than half won. Evidently, this spark cannot be lit by the heartless, cold and totally-structured, totally-pre-formulated communications.
However, education, in its entirety has certain more important components as well, which appear to have been placed on the back- burner in the present syllabi. Education also means developing a child into a good human being and a responsible member of the society. This is not only an unchartered area, but it is also unique for every individual. The system based approach is of one-shoe-fits-all type and therefore it is just not compatible with this kind of need.
To ensure that our Children grow in to individuals not devoid of vital Human emotions, we ourselves at Schools must ensure that education does not become way too mechanized. I am convinced that our School is not undermining this vital aspect of education even when we are gradually adopting the latest techniques and Pedagogy in our day to day transactions in Schooling.
This mantra from the Krishna Yajurveda Taittiriya Upanishad is traditionally chanted by a Guru and his disciples before starting their day. This practice aims to promote a collaborative atmosphere characterized by cooperation, open-mindedness, inclusiveness, and a focus on a purpose-driven education system, which is what our education system should constantly strive for.
India's rich cultural background and heritage have played a significant role in shaping the country's education system. Our nation, a vibrant tapestry of diverse cultures, boasts a rich heritage that stretches back millennia. From the ancient wisdom of the Vedas to the ingenuity of our artisans, from the grandeur of our architecture to the soulful melodies of our music; our heritage is a unique one, being a treasure trove of knowledge, values and inspiration that provides a sense of identity for all those associated with it.
The emphasis of our culture on values and morals, which stresses the importance of respect for elders and traditions, is reflected in the education system. Our culture focuses more on holistic learning, which makes the role of a teacher paramount in not only the academic journey of a student but also their spiritual and emotional journeys.
At present, when information moves at the speed of light and societal norms are more individualistic, value-based education is even more important to prevent young individuals from falling prey to the wrong side of the deep iceberg known as the internet. We must all use this knowledge to transcend our atavistic tendencies while reaching for the stars.