In light of the recent reports about sex-related crimes, it’s natural to ask, “How much worse can it get?” But, “How can we make it better?” is perhaps a better question. This article explores solutions that schools, educators, society, and we as individuals can implement. Ultimately, we have a choice: either remain trapped in a vicious cycle that fosters sex offenders or teach lessons of equality, empathy, and equity to shape a safer future for our country.

Rapists are not born, they are made. They emerge when seemingly normal actions subtly elevate men above the basic principles of humanity. For example, when boys are asked to sit with girls in schools as a “punishment,” when boys are not encouraged to form healthy friendships with girls, or when girls are told to dress a certain way, concealing their individuality and their skin, these experiences serve the dual purpose of making girls feel inferior and leading boys to believe that everything wrong with society is somehow related to women. If such harmful beliefs can be taught, then lessons of empathy, respect, and equality should be even easier to instil. Proper sex education, paired with eradicating the long-standing practice of asking only girls to adapt, can help dismantle these erroneous beliefs by promoting gender equality and mutual respect.

Gender-based stereotypes that focus on what a student ‘should’ do rather than what they ‘can’ do also create an implicit obligation to follow a set path, whether towards family, profession, or society. The human mind is a pattern recogniser—we see things and assume them to be the rule. Thus, when children see their parents taking responsibility for certain tasks at home, they assume this is what happens in every household, in every place. Parents need to constantly challenge gender stereotypes to prevent their children from learning them. By dividing kitchen duties, having both parents buy essentials, both making payments, and both participating in home repairs, parents can demonstrate that duties or jobs are not assigned by gender, thereby teaching gender equality.

Sex education is also seen as a crucial solution. We’ve discussed its importance, read about its significance, and debated its benefits. Yet, we’ve failed to give it the academic and societal attention it truly deserves. With children now having unprecedented access to technology, and experiencing both the wonders and horrors of the world, addressing this issue has become even more crucial. 

Advertisement

While efforts have been made to make sex education a mandatory course for adolescents, many states have opposed the idea, altering the course content to suit their preferences. Some schools have even gone to the extent of substituting the word “sex” with “adolescent” in the curriculum. The lack of proper sex education only exacerbates unhealthy attitudes towards sex, allowing non-consensual encounters and gender-based violence to persist. A study conducted on American students found a 56% reduction in the likelihood of sexual assault among those who received comprehensive sex education compared to those who did not. (This study, along with many others, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, highlights the benefits of sex education, including a better understanding of consent, a decrease in unwanted pregnancies and STIs, and a reduction in sexual violence and marital rape.)

We have always waited for the government, society, and the elites to recognise problems and take action, but we often fail to realise that we are the ones who shape the government, society, and elites. When we unlearn these problematic ideologies, we create a society that doesn’t victim blame, takes serious action against heinous crimes, and welcomes people into workplaces based on their talents and merit, not on the sex they were assigned at birth. Education can either build or break the future citizens of a country. When we make these changes on our own level, we shape the future law-makers, law enforcers, and law-abiding citizens. The future is indeed in our hands.

This article is authored by Sanvi Agarwal, a Law Aspirant, passionate about women rights, gender equality, and social justice

Advertisement

Since its inception, the World Wide Web has fundamentally transformed various aspects of our lives, with education being one of the most profoundly impacted fields. The web has revolutionised how we access information, learn, and teach, paving the way for a more interconnected and informed world. As we celebrate World Wide Web Day on 1 August 2024, it is essential to reflect on how education has evolved with the advent of the web and envision the future of schooling.

The Early Days: Access to Information

Before the World Wide Web, accessing educational resources was often limited to physical libraries, textbooks, and in-person lectures. The web’s creation in 1989 by Tim Berners-Lee at CERN marked a turning point. Suddenly, information could be shared globally via hyperlinks, making it possible for students and educators to access vast amounts of knowledge from anywhere in the world.

The early 1990s saw a surge in the number of websites, albeit a fraction of today’s online presence. By 1993, the web had grown from 50 servers to over 500, signalling the beginning of an information explosion. Educational institutions began to harness this potential by developing online repositories, digital libraries, and electronic journals, making learning resources more accessible than ever before.

Advertisement

The Rise of E-Learning

As the web evolved, so did its applications in education. The late 1990s and early 2000s witnessed the emergence of e-learning platforms, offering courses and degrees online. This period saw the rise of virtual universities and the proliferation of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), democratising education by making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

Web-based learning platforms like Khan Academy, Coursera, and edX have since transformed the educational landscape. These platforms offer interactive lessons, video tutorials, and assessments, catering to diverse learning styles and needs. The web’s ability to facilitate real-time communication has also enabled collaborative learning, with students and teachers engaging through forums, chats, and video conferencing.

Interactive and Immersive Learning

Today, the web continues to drive educational innovation. Interactive and immersive learning experiences are becoming the norm, leveraging advancements in web technologies. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are being integrated into curricula, allowing students to explore historical events, conduct virtual science experiments, and engage in simulations that were previously unimaginable.

Advertisement

Web-based tools and applications like Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, and Moodle have become integral to modern education, enabling teachers to manage classrooms, distribute assignments, and track student progress seamlessly. These tools foster a collaborative learning environment, breaking down geographical barriers and making education more inclusive.

The Future of Schooling

As we look to the future, the web’s role in education will only expand. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning will personalise learning experiences, adapting to individual students’ strengths and weaknesses. Predictive analytics will help educators identify at-risk students and tailor interventions to support their learning journeys.

The web will also continue to facilitate lifelong learning. With the rapid pace of technological advancements, the ability to continuously upskill and reskill will be crucial. Online learning platforms will evolve to offer micro-credentials and modular courses, enabling learners to acquire new skills and knowledge throughout their lives.

In conclusion, the World Wide Web has profoundly impacted education, transforming how we access, deliver, and experience learning. As we celebrate its anniversary, it is clear that the web will continue to shape the future of education, making it more accessible, personalised, and immersive. By embracing these advancements, we can ensure that education remains a dynamic and inclusive force for good in the digital age.

Advertisement

The world around us continues to grow, and we have emerged as a society that develops, innovates, and focuses on becoming more aware of its surroundings. Whether it is inventing new devices or addressing social issues, education is fundamental to our hope for a better future.

Indian education has evolved over many years to become what it looks like today.  During the Vedic period, the teacher-student bond was focused on holistic development. After British colonisation, the curriculum shifted towards creating more “clerks,” emphasising mathematics and science over subjects like astronomy, philosophy, and metaphysics.

Since gaining independence, the primary focus has been to reform the education system to help every child reach their full potential and excel academically. It’s undeniable that our country is brimming with talented young individuals. Today, our citizens hold prominent positions in international companies, engage in groundbreaking research, and make meaningful contributions on a global scale. Our system aims to acquaint students with a wide range of subjects so that they have a basic understanding of each before choosing their specialised field. This approach allows students to acquire broad knowledge, providing them with a better understanding of various fields rather than delving deeply into the specifics right away.

In the current times, the focus should be more on how things are taught to our students. Let’s imagine a history class where a teacher is giving a lecture. Many of us might envision students getting bored and yawning, worrying about having to memorise a bunch of dates. This is the problem – we have become too reliant on rote learning, and our goal of learning has been reduced to simply regurgitating information on answer sheets during exams. With the increasing emphasis on competitive exams in our country, it has become common for students to study just for the sake of it. In the long term, this takes away the joy of learning new things altogether. While exams and assessments are necessary, students should be made aware that they are meant to assess their conceptual understanding and encourage more efficient learning, rather than succumbing to academic stress. Rote learning and memorization are important tools for learning, but students should be made aware of their purpose and utility so they understand why they are studying what they are studying.

Advertisement

It has been 14 years since the release of the famous Bollywood movie “3 Idiots,” and the question it asked is still very intriguing and relevant to us all: “How many students are excited that they will get to learn something new today?” It still feels like a utopian dream to imagine a classroom where all hands go up. Perhaps we can integrate values from our ancient style of education and combine them with our modern ways to establish a system that harbours students’ curiosity, gives them the space to ask questions, and provides them with more opportunities and choices to learn subjects that fascinate their interest.

This article is authored by-
Vibhuti Singh,
Student

In recent years, the acronym STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, has become a focal point in discussions about education reform and workforce development. However, an increasing number of educators and policymakers advocate for the inclusion of the Arts, transforming STEM into STEAM. Integrating the arts into STEM education is not merely a trend but a vital shift that enhances creativity, critical thinking, and innovation.

Enhancing Creativity and Innovation

In fields like engineering and technology, where problem-solving is key, the ability to think creatively is invaluable. For instance, a student working on a design project in a robotics class might use principles from visual arts to create a more aesthetically pleasing and functional design.

The arts also foster an environment where experimentation is encouraged. Unlike traditional STEM subjects, where there might be a single correct answer, the arts embrace ambiguity and exploration. This mindset can lead to breakthroughs in STEM fields.

Advertisement

Improving Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

Integrating the arts into STEM education enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Artistic endeavours often require students to analyse, interpret, and make decisions based on incomplete or abstract information. These skills are directly transferable to STEM disciplines. For example, a musician must interpret a piece of music and make decisions about phrasing and dynamics, just as a scientist must interpret data and make decisions about experimental procedures.

Moreover, the arts teach students to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. In artistic processes, iterations and revisions are part of the journey toward a final product. This approach is equally important in STEM fields, where initial experiments or designs often fail, and resilience and adaptability are crucial for success.

Bridging the Gap Between Disciplines

The integration of arts into STEM helps in bridging the gap between disciplines, fostering a holistic approach to education. Traditional education often compartmentalizes subjects, but real-world problems do not fit neatly into these boxes. By blending the arts with STEM, students learn to apply diverse skills and knowledge to solve complex problems.

Advertisement

For example, environmental science projects can benefit from artistic skills in visualizing data and communicating findings through compelling infographics or presentations. Similarly, architecture, which inherently combines engineering and design, requires a balance of technical skills and artistic vision.

Engaging and Motivating Students

Another critical aspect of STEAM education is its ability to engage and motivate students. Many students who might be intimidated by or disinterested in traditional STEM subjects find the integration of the arts makes these subjects more accessible and enjoyable. By incorporating artistic elements, educators can reach a broader range of students, tapping into diverse interests and talents.

For instance, incorporating music or drama into a math lesson can make abstract concepts more tangible and memorable. An art project that involves creating geometric patterns can help students understand mathematical principles in a hands-on and visually engaging way. These interdisciplinary projects can ignite a passion for learning and inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields.

Preparing for the Future Workforce

Advertisement

The modern job market increasingly values skills such as creativity, collaboration, and communication—skills that are cultivated through the arts. Employers prefer individuals who can think creatively, work efficiently in teams, and have good communication skills. STEAM education helps develop these competencies, making students more versatile and adaptable.

Furthermore, the integration of arts into STEM aligns with the demands of the 21st-century economy, where innovation is key to competitiveness. Industries ranging from technology to healthcare to manufacturing benefit from employees who can integrate technical expertise with creative problem-solving abilities.

In conclusion, the importance of incorporating the arts into STEM education cannot be overstated. STEAM education enhances creativity, improves critical thinking, bridges disciplinary gaps, engages students, and prepares them for the future workforce. As we move towards an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the integration of the arts into STEM will be crucial in developing well-rounded individuals capable of tackling the challenges of tomorrow. By embracing STEAM, we not only enrich education but also empower students to become the innovative leaders of the future.

This article is authored by- 
Richa Thakur,
PRT- Math
Khaitan Public School, Rajender Nagar, Sector-5, Sahibabad, U.P.

Advertisement

The Ministry of Education is commemorating the 4th anniversary of the National Education Policy 2020 with a week-long campaign titled “Shiksha Saptah.” On the final day, schools nationwide are focusing on enhancing community involvement in education through the Vidyanjali and Tithi Bhojan initiatives.

Vidyanjali: Strengthening Schools through Community Involvement

Vidyanjali, a school volunteer management program run by the Department of School Education & Literacy, was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 7th September 2021. This initiative aims to improve the quality of education by involving the community, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and the private sector.

As part of the Shiksha Saptah campaign, the Department of School Education & Literacy has suggested various activities for schools. These include onboarding schools to the Vidyanjali portal and identifying local volunteers. Schools will feature active volunteers on a “Wall of Fame” and encourage principals, teachers, and students to write letters of gratitude to these volunteers.

Advertisement

Community awareness activities such as rallies, street plays, poster-making, and chart-making about volunteer activities are being organised. State- and district-level officials are actively participating to ensure the campaign’s success. These efforts align with the NEP 2020’s goal of increasing community participation in education.

The activities aim to build a strong support system for students and teachers, creating a better learning environment by bringing together schools, volunteers, and the community through the Vidyanjali portal (https://vidyanjali.education.gov.in/).

ThinkStartup, India’s leading entrepreneurship education platform, in association with the Management Entrepreneurship Professional Skills Council (MEPSC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and the Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE), announced the launch of the 4th edition of Youth Ideathon (YI24). This prestigious Innovation and Entrepreneurship festival aims to harness the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of young minds across India.

The theme for this year’s Youth Ideathon is “iStartup a Good Thing for India.” The competition will be held in five stages, initially online, and is open to all school students in India, divided into Junior (Class 4 to Class 8) and Senior (Class 9 to Class 12) categories. Students will compete in teams of 3 to 5 members from the same school. The grand finale is set for October 6, 2024. Last year, the Ideathon attracted over 1.5 lakh students from more than 8,000 schools, and this year aims to see participation from over 2 lakh students across 10,000 schools.

Dr Biswajit Saha, Director (Skill Education & Training), CBSE, remarked, “Entrepreneurship is an essential pillar of the New Education Policy 2020, and the Youth Ideathon platform allows students to think bravely and showcase their talents.”

Mamta Kumari, Deputy General Manager, SIDBI, added, “Initiatives like Youth Ideathon 2024 nurture the entrepreneurial spirit among young minds, creating over 200 internships for school students in fields such as technology and digital marketing.”

Advertisement

Shivani Singh-Kapoor, Co-founder of ThinkStartup, emphasised the importance of nurturing young talent, stating, “Youth Ideathon empowers the next generation by nurturing high-potential student ideas with incubation support.”

The competition is supported by industry leaders such as Esri India and MediaTek. Agendra Kumar, Managing Director of Esri India, noted, “Youth Ideathon channels the creativity of young minds towards addressing pressing social, environmental, and economic challenges.”

Anku Jain, Managing Director of MediaTek India, echoed this sentiment, saying, “By supporting platforms like Youth Ideathon, we aim to generate more startups, create jobs, and cultivate groundbreaking ideas.”

Sanjeeva Shivesh, Program Director of Youth Ideathon, highlighted the new frugal startup challenge, offering Rs. 1000 cash to the top 500 teams to build a prototype or small venture.

Youth Ideathon 2024 also receives support from SheAtWork and BRICS CCI WE. Ruby Sinha, Founder of SheAtWork, stated, “Youth Ideathon addresses both SDG 4 and SDG 5 goals of quality education and gender equality.”

Advertisement

Participants will receive certificates, with top teams competing for incubation grants up to Rs. 100,000. Special recognition will be given to teachers, mentors, and schools with high participation rates.

The higher education sector in India has seen a substantial increase in enrolment and rising equity over the past eight years, as revealed by the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22. The Economic Survey 2023-24, tabled in Parliament by Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, highlighted that total enrolment in higher education surged to nearly 4.33 crore in FY22, up from 4.14 crore in FY21 and 3.42 crore in FY15—a remarkable 26.5% increase since FY15.

This growth has been driven significantly by underprivileged sections, including SC, ST, and OBC communities, with a notable increase in female enrolment across these groups. Female enrolment in higher education jumped to 2.07 crore in FY22 from 1.57 crore in FY15, reflecting a 31.6% rise. This growing equity in higher education is expected to translate into better employment opportunities for previously disadvantaged sections of society.

India’s educational landscape is vast, with 26.52 crore students in schools, 4.33 crore in higher education, and over 11 crore learners in skilling institutions. The National Credit Framework (NCrF), announced under the National Education Policy 2020 in April 2023, serves as the foundation of a regulatory structure that promotes lifelong learning.

The Economic Survey underscores the importance of mission-mode and cost-effective implementation of educational programmes, especially at the primary level. Effective public spending on education should focus on pedagogy and governance, including monitoring teaching quality, recognising teacher performance, and employing local volunteers to ensure students are taught at the appropriate level.

Advertisement

India is making significant strides in research and development. The number of patents granted in FY24 nearly quadrupled from FY20, reaching almost 1,00,000. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), India had the highest growth in patent filings in 2022 at 31.6%. The country has improved its rank in the Global Innovation Index from 81st in 2015 to 40th in 2023.

Ph.D. enrolment has also surged, with an 81.2% increase from FY15 to FY22. Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) has more than doubled since FY11. The newly established National Research Foundation, ‘Anusandhan’, aims to bolster India’s R&D ecosystem with a significant financial commitment from the government.

India’s ascent in high-quality research is marked by its rise to 9th place in the Nature Index 2023, surpassing Australia and Switzerland. The government’s commitment to research and innovation is encapsulated in the interim budget of FY25, which includes a Rs. 1 lakh crore corpus for research, adopting the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan”.

Advertisement