In the state of Karnataka at Brahmavar in 1981, a beautiful educational complex was established by Dr C.T. Abraham,the Founder of Priority One India. Educated in India and the United States,he had been extensively lauded for his contribution to education. I got the chance to interact with him during the year 1992,which was published in an International Youth magazine called' Young Media'.As on 8th October 2010,one year has passed he being called to Heavenly Home. The memoirs of him ofcourse will refresh and sharpen us to carry forward his legacy further for the betterment of humanity!
Excerpts:
Sir,what is Priority One India?
Priority One India is a non-profitable charitable minority trust which aims at the total development of people of India.It aims at organising spiritual centres,educational institutions,health clinics,poor homes and so on.
What prompted you to start such an organisation?
I believe that spiritual development is a must.The motivating force behind starting college with work study programme was my personal experience.I lost my father at 9 and I had to struggle.However,I got the opportunity for higher education in India and abroad.I want to give the same opportunity to underprivileged children.
Being an educationist,what is your opinion about the present system of education in India?
Where do you find a good system of education?Nowhere in the world.What is needed is a desire to make the best out of the available system.It is the people rather than the system.If our teachers and leaders set the right example for our youth,the whole story would be different.
What changes do you perceive in our system of education?
The values of which we were once so proud are no more important to our leaders.No system can be effective thus. I would strongly stand for a system that would provide freedom in education.Independent universities and schools with their own curricula and media of instruction must be permitted.
How do India and the West differ educationally?
In India,we practice spoon feeding.Even in postgraduate classes,the professor dictates notes.There is little independent study and research.Our children are very capable but we kill their capabilities and creativity in our classrooms.In the school we run,we have seen how well our children can do without dictated notes and spoon-feeding.
What is the condition of our youth today?
Youth normally reflect societal trends and in that way the condition of our youth is no different than in any other period.The concepts that society believes in like revolt and vandalism are naturally reflected in the youth.
Is our youth getting proper consideration and recognition from the elder generation?
We have youth wings in all the political parties and various organisations and our leaders speak at length about the potency of youth. All these are just attempts to calm the youth.Our youth do not receive the kind of attention they ought to be receiving because,we the adults,do not have the moral strength to give them the right consideration and direction.
Why is there such widespread youth unrest?
Today we are teaching people their privileges without making them aware of their responsibilities.Political parties fuel the fire for their own selfish ends.we must educate our people and let them know their worth,their duties and responsibilities.Enlightened individuals must take the courage to lead.
Sir,what is the uniqueness of your institutions?
We started them with specific goals,not to duplicate something already existing,but to try something new and good.The courses of study we provide in our college are different.Also,we try to maintain a family atmosphere in the campus.
What message do you have for young people?
You have a position in this world and due to this,you have a responsibility.Try your best to carry out that responsibility.We may criticise you and try to correct you. But be sure that we love you!
BY : DR GEE VERGHESE GEORGE,D.Litt.
Email: geeinjesus@gmail.com
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