President Bill Clinton while in his office was incredibly touched and impressed by Pramukh Swami Maharaj (Swami Shri) of BAPS, Akshardham. During a dialogue on world peace, Swamishri said, "Our body represents the whole world. If any part of our body is injured, it causes pain all over the body. Similarly, if there is a violent activity in any corner of the world, it causes pain everywhere and leads to difficulties. To prevent such unrest, we chant the rosary and pray to God. And if politicians and diplomats like yourself: meet to seek initiatives, then peace will be established in the world." I am touched, the President responded.
We have numerous such anecdotes of enlightened souls nudging the world leaders to the path of peace and prosperity. Inspired by the thought that 5Ps: People, Prosperity, Planet, Peace and Partnership are the five pillars of Universal sustenance, the collective will of the entire humanity found a voice through the adoption of the 17 Sustainable Goals and 169 targets in 2015.
Education for transformation and sustainability requires the system's shift approach. The teachers must eschew to be a broadcaster and acknowledge that there are several alternative sources to knowledge. The COVID 19 has further exemplified it. The classrooms need a redesign to elicit students' love for learning and self - development. The new challenge is to achieve it even in the remote classes. The pedagogy must shun predictability and encourage curiosity, innovation, and participation. That entails the use of integrative, reflective, and collaborative pedagogies addressing the needs of the learners. Schools are a place where students learn to become responsible citizens and engage in community development.
The technology-dominated 21st century has pushed the teacher-student relationship to a new territory. It is a commonplace to believe that teachers are no longer the only receptacle of all knowledge. Today, there is a less-than-rosy picture to report about the teachers' orbit in society. However, the front line bravery of the teachers during the pandemic has redeemed their position to a more acceptable extent. A recalibration of teacher's position and their teaching style, with all the resources rooted in our ancient wisdom, knowledge system and modern technology, is the only way forward. With the expansion of education, it is time for the society to ensure quality education for all the children irrespective of their socio-economic background.
Equity and excellence for every child as a precursor to the success and sustainability of society is the goal. The NEP 2020 envisages this aspiration.
I invite the attention of the educators, learners, the civil society to reflect, comment and act. There is no substitute for individual resilience, innovation and learning from the competencies of the practitioners the world over.
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