The Temple of Knowledge: From Desecration towards Consecration

विद्या परमं बलम ॥

Meaning: “Knowledge is the supreme power.” 

Knowledge, something that everyone strives for in the world to honour “epistemology,”  and yet, it is largely disregarded in today's society. Where do we accumulate this knowledge from? From Schools, which is also known as the temple of knowledge in India. A place where we learn to grow, strive, live, respect, value and foremost how to learn. But, in today’s society we see schools valuing grades over knowledge. The temple of knowledge is becoming a temple of grades. What once used to be a heaven of purity and peace is now a student's obliteration and pressure cooker. The reality is students are not coming to school to become wise or knowledgable but to score and pass out as soon as possible in shortcut methods even if it means to kill right instincts and morals. 

Academic corruption, that translates to dishonest, unethical or immoral behaviour with the motive of securing top grades but not gaining knowledge, even as  it is just to satisfy the community and the authorities of the place which we aspire to be in. This includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, and other forms of academic misconduct. More importantly, it is often encouraged and promoted by a culture that values grades and prestige over learning and personal growth. Students who engage in such adversarial academic activities   may feel pressured to do so by their families, peers, or teachers. They may also believe that it is the only way to succeed in a competitive academic environment. Nevertheless, it   undermines the value of education and harms both the individual student and society as a whole.

आचार्यदेवो भव ॥

Meaning: “The teacher is equivalent to God.”

When we say a teacher is equivalent to God, he/she is the supreme of supremest in the universe, the one whom we admire, respect, value, learn and most of all devote. This is the kind of respect and culture which we all, especially in India have been brought up with.  Unfortunately this is going haywire. Many times, the inspiration and knowledge from whom we eagerly wait to seek, ends up in disappointment, because the interest of sharing knowledge and inspiring the students is lost in the wake of completing the syllabus and rushing through the portion, even if the student understands or not, it must be completed. The academic syllabus, which is supposed to be completed in 10 months, is completed in just 5 months of time irrespective of whether or not the student understands the concept and is applying in day-to-day life. Sadly, the method of byhearting all things is taken as a front seat wherein some section of teachers who once encouraged their students to simply come and learn, now ask them to go to another teacher or receive coaching outside the classroom. Well, don’t you agree that such a cult brings a different thought process in students?  

I wouldn't blame the teachers but the authorities and parents who seek 100% success rate and a student society filled with pressure. The authorities having kept a cutoff for securing admissions for further education are also  the ones to blame. My question is, is this what a pluralistic society wants the youth to be empowered by? 

I may sound  strange for bringing this topic under the empowerment of youth theme, but the reality is that youth should also be empowered morally. While I'm highlighting the negative effects of a grade-obsessed system, it is important to remember that many teachers are working hard to foster critical thinking, creativity, and a love of learning. They are creating positive learning environments where students feel valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. This is exactly what is needed in today's society.

अज्ञेभ्यो ग्रन्थिनः श्रेष्ठा ग्रन्थिभ्यो धारिणो वराः । धारिभ्यो ज्ञानिनः श्रेष्ठा ज्ञानिभ्यो व्यवसायिनः ॥

Meaning: “Those who know nothing are better than those who have books, those who have books are better than those who carry knowledge, those who carry knowledge are better than those who understand, and those who understand are better than those who put it into practice.”

This ancient Indian proverb highlights the importance of not just acquiring knowledge, but also applying it to make a positive impact on the world. While possessing knowledge is valuable, it is the practical application of that knowledge that truly benefits society. Unfortunately, in today's world, we often see a devaluation of education and knowledge. Many students believe that knowledge alone cannot lead to success, mocking and discouraging them in their quest for their growth and learning curve. Misperceptions such as this can stifle intellectual curiosity and impede personal and societal progress. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize that knowledge is the foundation of a moral and equitable society. 

Many parents, too, play a significant role in shaping their children's attitudes towards education. By setting realistic expectations, encouraging a love of learning, and providing a supportive home environment, parents can help alleviate the pressure to achieve perfect grades. It is important for parents to prioritize their children's overall well-being, including their emotional and social development as well rather than solely focusing on academic success. Also ultimately, the society as a whole needs to shift its perspective on education. Instead of valuing grades and test scores above all else, we should prioritize the development of well-rounded individuals who are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to thrive in the 21st century.

By empowering youth to seek knowledge and use it for good. In this way, we can create a world where education is valued and individuals are motivated to make a positive difference. When we foster a culture that celebrates intellectual curiosity and encourages the pursuit of knowledge, we inspire future generations to become responsible citizens who contribute to the betterment of our nation and the world. This is the Viksit Bharat that everyone should seek for!