To all education – The Economic Times

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s contribution to education is philosophical, unique, irreplaceable and relevant even today. He felt that education, to be complete, must be humane and include not only training of the intellect but the refinement of the heart and the discipline of the spirit. He emphasised the need for moral education and self-discipline.

A fine system of education must aim at a balanced growth of the individual through knowledge and wisdom. It should train the intellect and wisdom by the study of literature, philosophy and religion that interpret the higher laws of the universe.

Integrity of character is necessary in every walk of life. Education will be incomplete if it does not initiate in the child the values of love, truth, goodness and beauty. Character-building is the key to all education.

Radhakrishnan defined education as the instrument of social, economic cultural change, national integration and for increasing productivity. He believed that “the importance of education is not only in knowledge and skill, but it is to help us to live with others.” The educational philosophy must be based on the principles of universal love and humanity, mutual help and cooperation, self-sacrifice and self-abnegation.

Let the end product of education be a free creative man who can battle against historical circumstances and adversaries of nature.


September 5 is Teachers’ Day