INSPIRING IDEAS – FROM Dr. R. RADHAKRISHNAN
It is increasingly recognized that a balanced view of education should be developed. In addition to intellectual training, imagination should be fostered and emotions refined. The inquisitive mind and the intuitive heart, the sensitive spirit and the searching conscience should be developed. In this age of science and technology, we should remember that the tree of life is quite distinct from a grid of steel. Even as we try to remove poverty by the application of science and technology, poverty of mind, requires to be removed by the fine arts…. Material poverty is not the only source of unhappiness. We should serve not the power interests of the community but its human interests …. Aesthetic and spiritual values contribute to the making of a full man; man’s creative side is nourished by art.
If India is to remain free, united and democratic educational institutions should train people for freedom, not obedience, for unity and not localism, for democracy, not dictatorship. Our youth should have a sense of purpose.
Buildings and equipments are not all. Good teachers who are interested in the welfare of the students, who have enthusiasm for their subjects and are able to impart it to their pupils – they form the central framework of a university. Our commercial – minded generation reserves its respect for those who make money and so the best ability is drawn into administration, business and the learned professions. We have to realize that the kind of education we provide for our children is determined overwhelmingly by the kind of men and women we secure as teachers. The low esteem in which teachers are held is the most eloquent evidence of the malady from which our society suffers. We must get the right type of men for the teaching profession and not the incompetent and unambitious person. Respect for the teachers cannot be ordered. It must be earned.
The scholars and scientists are not always immune to the political passions, which infect their countries. But in the pursuit of knowledge they, with their austerity and detachment can raise above them and see in their political enemy their professional colleague. In the Universities at least, we must be able to lift our gaze above national interests and breathe the pure air of disinterested inquiry.
Unfortunately, in our country today we find that we have not acquired as yet the true spirit of democracy. Differences become conflicts; angry words develop into violent action.
The students should learn to act with restraint and tolerate differences. Great opportunities and little minds do not go together. I hope that in the classroom, the library, the play field, and the Union the true democratic spirit is observed.