Education boosts children's physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social development. More so when it is holistic and value-based, says Fr Gilson John CMI, principal, Viswadeepthi Public School, Adimaly
Holistic development refers to human development designed to accommodate physical, mental, emotional, intellectual and social growth of the individual. Holistic education emphasizes the three R's viz, Relationships, Responsibility and Reverence for all. Here education is focused not merely on passing of useful information, nor just on training people for employment but on the formation of the whole person. Holistic education advocates a transformative approach to learning. Rather than seeing education as a process of transmission and transaction, it promotes a change in the points of view, in the habits of mind, and in world views. Thus, holistic education is both humanistic education as well as socially responsible education. It enables the children to be able to rise and meet challenges presented to them in the future and contribute to the world in which they live in.
In holistic education the teacher is not a person of authority who leads, dictates and controls but rather "a friend, a mentor, a facilitator, or an experienced travelling companion". Schools should be seen as places where students and teachers work towards a mutual goal. Open and honest communication is expected and differences among people are respected and appreciated. Cooperation is the norm, rather than competition. Values are inculcated not through dictation or exhortation but through modelling. The notion of helping one another and growing together is emphasized rather than being placed above one another.
VALUE-BASED EDUCATION
In modern society there occurs a shift from substantial values to instrumental values along with the spread of relativity in values. This makes parents and teachers extremely difficult to inculcate genuine values. It is high time for our teachers to be specific in imbuing right values. The 21st century upholds values like inter-religious harmony, love for justice and peace, social hygiene, love for sustainable eco-system, special concern for the poor and the marginalized etc. Isolation of students from the callous realities of life is the real danger. Values are mainly grasped through modeling. So it is very important that parents and teachers should be role models to the young generation. In the light of values, teaching is not considered as a mere profession but a real vocation.
In a study it is found that Indian professionals lack honesty and financial rectitude, dedication and commitment to the organization and incapable to work as a team. This shows the lack of values in life.
India has always given importance to and showed high regards for knowledge, wisdom, virtues, character and will power. According to Indian Philosophy, 'Wealth of knowledge is the greatest thing to be sought after' (‘Vidya dhanam sarvadhanal pradhanam’). Therefore, knowledge is the greatest thing to be sought after.
A well-planned and sound system of education inspires human beings to control their senses, mind and intellect, so that they could be adjusted better in real life's environment. It guides people to achieve their goals within time and affordable parameters and to channelize their efforts towards the desired direction. In short, a sound education system imparts knowledge, shapes attitudes, cultivates skills, and builds work habits of people.