Education must go beyond marks, careers: Doon School Principal

In a conversation with The Tribune, Sanjukta Majumdar, Principal of Doon Public School, Hajipur (Hoshiarpur), emphasised that marks and grades, however high, alone cannot create disciplined human beings with noble character and moral values.

The word ‘Education’ is derived from the Latin words educare, meaning “to bring up or nourish,” and educere, meaning “to bring forth.” To me, the true concept of education is not merely the transmission of knowledge, but the nurturing of an environment where the hidden potential of a learner can blossom into its fullest form.

In ancient India, the gurukul parampara placed equal emphasis on discipline and knowledge. As the Rigveda defines it, education is that learning which makes a man self-reliant and selfless. I believe that students in those times were not only trained in essential skills such as reading, writing, critical thinking and problem solving, but were also taught the values of self-discipline, respect for elders, reverence for nature and love for the universe.

Sadly, I feel the scenario today has shifted. Modern education has become largely materialistic. The prime motive, in most cases, has been reduced to achieving high scores, securing lucrative jobs and chasing financial success. Qualities such as self-reliance, selflessness, respect and patriotism seem to have been forgotten. Today’s youth, I often observe, remain indifferent to nature, disconnected from the spirit of service to the nation, and less respectful towards elders. I firmly believe that marks and grades, however high, cannot create disciplined human beings with noble character and moral values.

It is time we rethink the goals of education. Schools, in my view, must not limit themselves to producing professionals for the job market; they must also prepare responsible citizens and compassionate human beings. The school curriculum should consciously inculcate patriotism, moral values and love for the country. Along with academics, I strongly advocate that activities such as community service, nature conservation, yoga, cultural education and national celebrations be integrated as mandatory into the daily life of students.

It is often observed — and I have seen it too — that when an Indian visits a foreign country, he or she behaves in the most disciplined manner. Nobody dares to throw trash on the streets, disobey civic rules, or offer bribes to bypass the system.

But what happens when the same person returns to India after a few days? The discipline vanishes. They litter public places, neglect civic duties and even attempt to bend the rules. This sharp contrast, in my opinion, raises an uncomfortable question—why do we behave like ideal citizens abroad, but not in our own homeland?

The answer, I believe, lies in patriotism. When you do not truly love your country, how will you respect its laws, care for its people, or even show gratitude to the land that nurtured you? If love for the motherland is weak, I feel, responsibility towards society also weakens.

True patriotism, to me, is not only about saluting the flag on national days or singing the anthem—it is reflected in everyday actions: keeping streets clean, respecting elders, protecting the environment and upholding honesty.

Blending the ancient wisdom of the Vedic system with the modern curriculum is not a step backwards but a step towards holistic education. I truly believe this is the need of the hour—to raise a generation of disciplined, value-driven and patriotic youth who can build not only their own future but also a stronger and more compassionate India.