‘Factories of Education’ Devaluing Human Resources: N V Ramana, Chief Justice of India.
During a speech on Saturday, Chief Justice of India N V Ramana said that institutions (of higher learning) were losing their social relevance as ‘factories of education’ mushroomed and stressed the need for developing an education model that teaches students how to cope with real-life challenges.
Such education should also be an enabler to achieve social solidarity and create individuals as meaningful members of society, he said while delivering the convocation address after receiving an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters from the Acharya Nagarjuna University (ANU), his alma mater, here.
YOUTH MUST BE CONSCIOUS CHANGE MAKERS
Further, Justice Ramana stated that young people should be conscious change-makers and think about sustainable development models. According to him, this consciousness must recognise the needs of our community and the environment while being pioneers in the fields in which you work.
He expressed regret that the focus of professional courses continued to be on the creation of an obedient workforce, like in colonial times, that could generate the required output.
The Focus Shouldn’t be on Classroom Learning:
Even after entering professional universities, students are still focused on classroom learning and not the real world. Having highly remunerative and lucrative job opportunities has become the sole objective of such education, he said.
Devaluation of Degrees and Human Resources: Chief Justice of India
There was total neglect of equally important subjects like humanities, natural sciences, history, economics, and languages, he added.
Chief Justice of India N V Ramana Suggests Transformation:
Our institutions must focus on the value of social relationships and conscious citizenship. Education should blend our historical baggage with a futuristic vision to equip young minds with the right tools and attitudes to transform our society with awareness and the right understanding, he said.
How To Cope Up?
According to the Chief Justice of India, universities and their research wings should focus on issues affecting the country and try to find comprehensive solutions. The state should actively co-operate in this endeavour by earmarking funds required for research and innovation.
It will be a sad commentary if we allow our key areas of learning and research to suffer on account of lack of funding, he further added.
Don’t allow corrupt thoughts. Don’t tolerate injustices. Think beyond yourself and be willing to make sacrifices. Be sensitive to the needs of the community and society, he said.
Who All Attended?
The convocation was attended by the Andhra Pradesh Governor and ANU Chancellor Biswabhusan Harichandan presided over the 37th and the 38th convocations of the university.
Education Minister B Satyanarayana, Vice-Chancellor P Raja Sekhar, and others attended.
Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court Prashant Kumar Mishra and other judges, too, were present on the occasion.
(With PTI inputs)
