Since many years I have been contemplating on the morals and values involved in traditional versus modern educational system. While most of the ancient forms of knowledge seeking approaches realize the importance of “Karma (duty)”, we are tempted more towards result oriented educational system. The supreme lord said in Bhagwat Gita “O Arjuna, do your duty efficiently as a service or Seva to Me, free from attachment to the fruits of work”. Are these fruits taking precedence over karma? Look at the modern educational structure of corporate services: management, technology, finance, marketing, health, law, media and many more. Students are taught in schools to act smart (but not hard) so as to follow the shortest path to success. The definitions involving critical intricacies of hard work, patience and respect are getting distorted.
The society is approaching with zeal for an educational platform where minds can think free and remain out of fear. The foundations are lead but are maligned by the prevailing atmosphere of distrust and dishonesty. The corruption may not be evaluated with financial or economic metrics but has to be understood with a clear mind to uphold the dignity and moral values of an educational system. How many students today can remember the name and teachings of their Guru? How many of them actually show any respect to the acquired knowledge? Students show disinterest in learning subjects which are assigned as their courses and are more inclined towards options and opportunities in gaining temporary financial assets.
Probably this might be a utopian dream but a place where the mind is not afraid of seeking true knowledge in whatever form it comes in its way should exist somewhere in this world to uphold truth eternally. This place could stay in the stable mind of a Karma Yogi (who believes in doing his duty) or in the form of an educational system where students will show boundless enthusiasm towards knowledge as if it is not a curse but a divine blessing to human beings from their Lord.
