MACAULAY’S ADDRESS IN BRITISH PARLIAMENT IN 1835, INDIA AND ME

MACAULAY’S ADDRESS IN BRITISH PARLIAMENT IN 1835, INDIA AND ME ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ India has a long history of organized education. The Gurukul system of education is one of the oldest on earth, and was dedicated to the highest ideals of all-round human development: physical, mental and spiritual. In this system the ‘guru’ decided what to teach according to the need and the ability of the student. Later India saw the flourishing of higher education at Nalanda, Takshashila, Ujjain, and Vikramshila Universities. Art, Architecture, Painting, Logic, Grammar, Philosophy, Astronomy, Literature, Buddhism, Hinduism, Arthashastra, Law and Medicine were taught and each university was specialized in a particular field of study. In the 18th century, education was widespread, with a school for every temple, mosque or village for all classes of society.
However, the traditional education system was a beautiful tree that was destroyed during the British rule. The current system of education, with its western style and content, was introduced by the British in the 19th century, following recommendations by Macaulay. British imperialists thought themselves as bringers of light in the darkness of the primitive societies which they were about to rule and transform. However, Macaulay brutally called for the willful destruction of a civilization which he praises to the skies and acknowledges as superior to that of Britain itself. Macaulay believed that India’s strength was in its rich culture, high moral values and people of high caliber and to rule India he had to break this very strong backbone of the nation. So he demanded to replace our old ancient education system with the new system. But Macaulay failed to acknowledge the merits of Hindu civilization.
British converted Indian traditional schools to government regulated schools by imposing routines, establishing rules, introducing textbook- based teaching and conducting annual examinations. Only these schools were supported through government grants. Traditional structures were not recognized by the British government and so they were on the decline.
Macaulay and the British Education system introduced English-the global language to India. This opened to us the doors of the world library, resources, new technology and global interactions. However, English Education led to the development of western civilization in India by changing the tastes, values and culture of the people. Our Ancient Education System was based on making of Man and not just his existence. The making of man was regarded as an artistic and true purpose of education. The Ancient society taught its subjects in the exact and required skills as appropriate to the time. But, class room education does not teach the actual required skills either for life or add value to the humanity at large.
Youth nowadays is interested in getting a high salaried job rather than becoming entrepreneur. This attitude has made us slaves of multinational companies. Even after 66 years of independence the education system produces generations with a mind that promptly and proudly accepts anything that is from the west.
Now there is a need to change our minds, our attitude and to believe in ourselves. We need to design an education system which will suit the need of the hour. We need an education system that can preserve the rich culture and heritage of our country and at the same time not make India fall apart from the global outlook.