Discuss the Educational Thoughts of Aurobindo Ghosh. How are his Thoughts Relevant in Present Context?
Back to: Educational Studies UGC NET – Unit 1
Discuss the Educational thoughts of Aurobindo ghosh how are his thoughts relevant in present context
Aurobindo Ghosh was an Indian philosopher, poet, yogi, journalist and a nationalist. He was born on 15 August, 1872. His contributions to education are of great importance even today. In his words,”True knowledge is not attained by thinking. It is what you are; it is what you become.” He had extensive knowledge of both the Eastern and Western lands as well as of old and modern methods of education. He deeply studied human evolution and spiritual evolution. According to him, education should be such that it relates with real life. People should change their ways of thinking and living with time to meet the desired needs.
Educational Thoughts of Aurobindo Ghosh
According to Aurobindo Ghosh, there should be overall development of an individual that is of mind, body and soul. The highest knowledge one could gain for him was of spiritual experience. He has written down in detail about the spiritual theory of evolution in his book called “The Life Divine”. Sri Aurobindo believed that one makes their own destiny and in doing so education was an essential factor. Education must focus on every aspect of humans such as physical, emotional, spiritual and power. It should develop and nurture individuals. Physical development and holiness were the main aims of education according to Sri Aurobindo.
Curriculum
Curriculum for different stages of education according to Sri Aurobindo are:
- Primary Stage – Sanskrit, Mother tongue, English, French, Literature, National History, Art, Painting, General Science, Social Studies and Arithmetic.
- Secondary Stage -Sanskrit, Mother tongue, English, French, Literature, Arithmetic, Art, Chemistry, Physics, Botany, Physiology, Health Education, Social Studies.
- University Level – Indian and Western Philosophy, History of Civilization, English Literature, French, Sociology, Psychology, History, Chemistry, Physics, Botany.
- Vocational Level – Art, Painting, Photography, Sculptural, Drawing, Type, Cottage Industries, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Nursing etc.
How are the Educational Thought of Aurobindo Ghosh Relevant in Present Context
Even today, Sri Aurobindo’s thoughts on education are relevant. There must be all round development of an individual in every sphere just as he felt. He believed that education must be lifelong and continuous. The different stages of education he described is being followed even in the modern education system. Sri Aurobindo felt that it was necessary to make an individual ready for their future and that is what education is about today. He believed nothing could be taught and teachers are just guides. The teacher does not transmit knowledge to others but only teaches how to gain knowledge for themselves.
Conclusion
Aurobindo Ghosh’s thoughts on education are of vital importance even today. It is helpful in the overall growth and development of individuals. People are able to change for the better through the years and meet the needs of the modern world. Sri Aurobindo’s thoughts have been impactful in shaping the education system.
