The old order changeth, yielding place to new/And God fulfils Himself
in many ways Lest one good custom should corrupt the world
Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809 – 1892), British Poet Laureate
The educational system in India dates back to ancient times when children were taught in gurukuls and the guru-shishya system was the primary means of education. Indian education system improved when universities like Nalanda, Takshashila and Ujjain came into prominence. The next major landmark on the Indian educational scene was launched by (Lord) Thomas Babington Macaulay.
After Independence a number of committees/commissions were appointed, the latest such recommended draft education policy 2019. These proposals were largely accepted by the central and state governments when COVID-19 stuck and violently upset the educational apple-cart.
Pre-Corona the educational scene was class-based with elitist, corporate-type schools at the apex — charging giddying fees. Corona has become a mighty leveller with classes being mainly held online. Post-Corona, whenever it is, will see a competition between class-based education and online classes. Let us not forget that a new highly self-interested class of equipment suppliers and those setting up the scene for online classes is emerging and is set to be a big lobby for online classes.
Both students and teachers have their own views on the subject. The fact is schools and colleges have opened, are opening and will be opening. Students have not shown a great hurry to return to the classes. Online classes, even partially, will not justify the dizzying fees corporate-type schools have been charging. To that extent, COVID would have left behind a more democratic, egalitarian educational scene.
