Educational Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi B.Ed Notes

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Educational Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi B.Ed Notes

Mahatma Gandhi (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi) is commonly known as “Father of the Nation” in India. Gandhiji was born on 2nd October, 1869 and this day is given a national holiday in the country celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti. Gandhiji was one of the main people to fight for India’s independence and bring freedom from British rule. 

Mahatma Gandhi said,

“Literacy in itself is no education. Literacy is not the end of education or even the beginning. By education I mean an all-round drawing out of the best in the child and man-body, mind and spirit.”

He viewed education as the most important element of human development. Gandhi was a believer of truth and non-violence and wanted everyone to follow the same. 

Educational Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi has contributed a lot in the field of education with his ideologies and philosophies. Not only was he a great leader but also a great educational thinker. Gandhiji felt that education should be compulsory and free for every child from the age of 7 to the age of 14 years. Education should be such that it helps in harmonious development of the child physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Mahatma Gandhi did not consider just literacy as education. For him, literacy was only one of the means of educating people. Gandhi was a devotee of idealism and wanted to put his values into practice. Gandhi’s philosophy of education consisted of idealism, naturalism, and pragmatism. He was the first Indian to consider the values of Indian culture and civilisation as part of education and teach the generations to come about it. 

The two main principles of Gandhi are truth and Ahimsa which means non-violence. He believed each person should be truthful and avoid violence to live peacefully and let others live peacefully. 

Aims of education 

Gandhi has divided the aims of education into two types which are:

I). Immediate Aim  

This aim includes:

a. Vocational Aim

b. Cultural Aim

c. Character Aim

d. Perfect Development Aime.  

e. Liberation Aim

f. Dignity of Labour

g. Training for Leadership

h. Social and Individual Aim

II).  Ultimate Aim

Gandhiji believed that the ultimate aim of education is to realize God through self-realization. 

Conclusion

Mahatma Gandhi has helped a lot in the field of education and will continue to do so in the years to come. Children grow up to become truthful and non-violent through this principle he practiced and wanted others to practice as well. His teachings have helped in the growth and development of each person in many ways.