Aims of Education

Education like love is a word with a wide spectrum of meanings and application. We speak of primary, secondary and higher education, when we refer to age groups; we speak of technical, physical and art education with reference to content or immediate special purpose, in broad application education. Apart from equipping people with tools of literary and numeracy includes all the processes involved in teaching and learning, be it knowing or cognition , dreaming or experiencing, training of the affections, emotions and will of the young and tender mind and also enables him to acquire practical skills to live life. The purpose of education varies according to time and place, according to age and circumstances and according to scientific and technical development of the community concerned. A glance at the educational arrangements of some ancient community showed how much the aim of education varied according to local needs and circumstances. From the time, the education became a consciously planned activity, besides giving basic knowledge; the aim was either to fit young people for the purpose of state- defense- public administration and the training of teachers to educate next generation or to provide priest and philosophers for cultural or religious groups. From the time of Socrates and Plato, education began to have additional dimensions, training of mind, development of an enquiring spirit and the formation of moral character. In modern India, however, much emphasis is placed on creation of an education system which provides opportunity for learning and ensures the steady supply of trained manpower for various services of state. The main essence of education, that is, the overall development of a person in terms of developing capacity and desire to pursue knowledge and truth, strengthening of moral fiber and commitment towards country and society, has been sadly ignored. An Ideal system of education should enable individuals to know and develop to the fullest of their physical and intellectual potentials and promote their awareness of social and human values, so that they can develop a strong character, live better lives and function as responsible members of society. Besides training them to do some real work, it should enrich the people with high ethical principles and a firm value system, so that they are aware of their

social responsibilities and can contribute in welfare and progress of the social order. In India, many believe that the political situation is beyond redemption. Young minds are losing hope of a secure tomorrow. In such a situation, other than anything else, faith in our countrys future, pride in our cultural heritage and national unity are highly important values to be installed in those tender minds through education. No education system can be said to have developed the individual, unless the learner has digested the information and has began to apply it to real life situation. Memorizing is only the beginning, not the end. Unfortunately, preoccupation regarding passing of exams blinds both the taught and teacher to all important goal of the fullest growth of human personality. The formal educational activities in institutions have become so mechanical and stereotyped that both teachers and students must be reminded that the activity must have some aims beyond the routine performance of task assigned to them. It is high time for all of us- Teachers, parents, administration and public to re discover the fundamental aim of education, that is, to develop a person in such a way that he can contribute in growth and development of society, in a positive manner. So that, we all make a conscious effort to have a system of education that would fulfill the needs and aspirations of all sections of people, build up a better India and meet the needs of a changing world.
Submitted By Mrs. Varada Vijayni (Lecturer in Music, Government Girls Collage, Nathdwara, Rajsamand, Rajasthan)