Gandhi’s Contribution to Education

Abstract

Mahatma Gandhiji was an extremely open-minded seeker of truth. This quality gives Gandhiji a unique dimension which can attract the new generation. Education is for life, life in its entire and then education through life. Gandhiji philosophy of non-violence has great relevance in current scenario.Such philosophy of life helped him in developing his philosophy of Education which can be the true source of inspiration for the present system of education. Gandhiji’s Basic Principles of Education includes: i)From 7 to 14 years of age, education of each child should be free, compulsory and universal. ii)The medium of instruction should be mother-tongue. iii) Mere literacy cannot be equated with education. Education should employ some craft as a medium of education so that the child gains economic self - reliance for his life. iv) Education should develop human values in the child. v)Education should create useful, responsible and dynamic citizens. By education all the hidden powers of child should develop according to the community of which he is an integral part. vi)Education should achieve the harmonious development of child's body, mind, heart and soul. The inspiration of Mahatma Gandhi, we have adopted Basic Education as the pattern of national education. The distinctive feature of education that it makes productive work is the main basis of the whole educative process. Gandhiji thought that education should be provided to mothers, and they could provide education to children effectively. He stressed upon the education of women, for the development of nation depends upon women. Education is vital for the effectiveness of both strategies. For this to happen, education has to go beyond the warehousing of information to a celebration of awareness, which is best facilitated through education for peace. Gandhiji by sponsoring the New Education made the Indian educational system.