‘Education meant to inculcate good habits, moral values, prepare students for life’

EDUCATIONIST, literacy promoter and philanthropist Bhupesh Mehta talks to Mahesh Sharma during the Basic Education and Literacy Month about the need for upgrading the level of formal, behavioural and moral education at educational institutes.

How long have you been involved in the field of education?

Though imparting tips in education had been my passion since my college days, I started leading a group of educational institutes in 2008.

What exactly is the meaning of education in your view?

Unlike the routine implication of formal edification, I believe that education should be a lifelong process from womb to tomb, which includes preparing wards for coping in an ever-changing environment at home, educational institute, workplace and society on the whole. Education should not be considered as merely enabling students to achieve certain percentage of marks and getting diplomas and degrees, rather it should be aimed at inculcating good habits, moral values and preparing them for the hardest situations in life.

To what extent has the administration succeeded in providing basic education to the citizens of India?

Unfortunately, stakeholders have failed to understand that education is a fundamental right and it is the prime duty of the government to enable people to gain quality education at all stages. The financial burden to output quotient has never been encouraging when it comes to learning at government institutes.

How valuable is the private education system?

During the last few decades, education has emerged as one of the largest industries and private institutes have almost become indispensable.

What are your views about the increasing trend of students going abroad for studies?

It is just like considering all glittering objects as gold. The trend has resulted in the weakening of the local economy, besides brain drain. It is high time parents start trusting local institutes more than foreign ones.

How can philanthropists and NGOs help the administration in upgrading the standard of education?

Philanthropists, including leaders of international service organisations and local NGOs, should make education their first priority of service as better education facilities would eradicate illiteracy at various levels. Additionally, the funds being spent on organising elaborate functions should be appropriated towards honing the skills of teachers, providing them with aids and adopting poor students for higher studies.

What should be done to bring a noticeable upgrade in education?

As the district governor of a leading international service organisation, I have tried to make a noticeable impact at more than 100 localities across Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan by propagating the ‘one child, one teacher, one book and one pen’ outlook. I further request that all parents should serve as additional teachers to their wards.