Dr.Kulandaiswamy, writes a blatantly open op-ed in yesterday’s Hindu about the current state of affairs in India’s higher education system, specifically private colleges and the university affiliate system.
“…because universities alone have a continuous flow of young and fresh minds and an atmosphere highly conducive to talent and creative effort. “
Unfortunately, India’s colleges and universities are a far cry from this. The government, general public and the younger student community have the least awareness and understanding of how and why universities play a major role in ‘creation’ and ‘innovation’ aspects of a society. Isn’t that what our Indus valley ancestors envisioned? “The world’s first university was established in Takshila in 700 BC. The University of Nalanda built in the 4th century BC was one of the greatest achievements of ancient India in the field of education.” Yet, as an unexpected cosequence of a copy-cat modernization, the value of higher education is lost in a few thousand years of transformations. Prof.Kandaswamy rightly points out that India’s university system sorely lacks the research backing, both in terms of the funds, skilled teachers as well as the professional and industry support.
However, I do believe there is an inordinate amount of talent in college-going youth of India. Given the right amount tutorship, mentoring and guidance, wonderful things can be achieved. One of my ambitions in life is to cater to this. I also know a lot of people who feel the same. I think it is time to get into some kind action and just do it. I need to remember, ‘Now, is the best time for a baby step’.
