Reimagining Education through Gandhian Thought: Social Implications and Implementation

Abstract

In this essay, the philosophy of education of Mahatma Gandhi is discussed. The aim of education for Gandhi was the development and integration of mind, body, and soul. He believed in learning by doing. That's why his scheme of education focused on handicraft training. For him, character- building and spiritual freedom were the two prime aims of education. The appropriate mediumof instruction, according to him, was the provincial language. He recognized the importance of vocational training and advocated self-supporting education. He was a proponent of the dynamic role of the teacher in the classroom and was against teachers being subordinated to the rigid curriculum as it was done in Macaulay’s education system. He had a critical view of the Western education system. His philosophy has been criticized a lot, citing his intentions to perpetuate inequalities. A section is devoted to a critical appraisal of his philosophy to have an intricate understanding of his scheme of education. This counters the common perception against the intent of Gandhi’s philosophy of education. If we read Gandhi anonymously, we can easily categorize him in the liberal Western traditions of Tolstoy and John Dewey. The national education policy of 2020 also tries to incorporate Gandhian principles into it. Gandhian Philosophy has become very relevant in our country, struck by high unemployment, climate change, and inequalities. Gandhi’s focus on primary education is the mainstay of his policy. It is concluded that despite its shortcomings, MK Gandhi’s philosophy of education  is still relevant today.