Dr. Gopalaswamy had thought of imparting native model of education decades ago

Mysore/Mysuru: Primary and Secondary Education Minister B.C. Nagesh said that educationist Dr. M.V. Gopalaswamy had prioritised native forms of education as early as 1928.

He was speaking after releasing ‘Mahadhwani’, the Centennial edition of the annual magazine of  Lakshimpuram’s Gopalaswamy Shishuvihara Independent PU College at a programme held in the College premises here  on Monday.

Pointing out that the Indian system of education in the past focussed more on Gurukula and Shishuvihara form rather than University and Collegiate education, Nagesh maintained that the National Education Policy-2020 (NEP) too propagates this idea.

Recalling the contributions of Dr. Gopalaswamy to Mysuru, he said that the late educationist started Mysore Akashavani in 1925 and Gopalaswamy Shishuvihara in 1928.

Noting that Dr. Gopalaswamy had also served as a Psychology Professor at Maharaja’s College, the Minister said that the renowned educationist had stressed on child education in pre-independent days itself. Observing that it has taken over 75 years to implement Dr. Gopalaswamy’s  ideas on academic structure, Nagesh expressed hope that NEP will help in building a stronger and sturdy India in the near future.

Highlighting the salient features of NEP, Nagesh said the system features 5+3+3+4 form of education starting right from Pre-primary education till 12th standard. The Government will train teachers on getting adjusted to the new form of education envisaged in NEP, he added.

University of Mysore Vice- Chancellor Prof. G. Hemantha Kumar, in his address, said that the British form of education was aimed at limiting Indians to clerical jobs. Contending that change can happen only when there is innovation in the education sector, he said that at present, no Indian University finds a place in the list of top 100 global Universities. It is the vision of the Prime Minister that at least 10 Indian Universities make it to the list in the next 10 years through NEP, he said adding that everyone should strive in this regard.

Prof. Hemantha Kumar said that online education too should be imparted along with offline education, which will help in bringing about a transformational change in the education system.

Maharaja Education Trust President Dr. S. Murali, Secretary Dr. T. Vasudev, Gopalaswamy Shishuvihara Institutions President Dr. A.S.Chandrashekar, Secretary N. Anantharamu, College Principal B. Suresh Yadiyal, ‘Mahadhwani’ College magazine Chief Editor N.R. Manjunath and others were present on the occasion.