MG's Educational Philosophy

Mahatma Gandhi’s aim of education was to bring out the best in a student by working on various aspects. He believed that education must be such that it develops a student mentally, physically, morally, aesthetically and spiritually.

The term literacy is often used synonymously with education. It is often said that we need to increase the literacy rate for the growth and development of the country. However, Gandhi ji did not conform to this idea. He believed that literacy alone cannot help.

He emphasized the need to understand the difference between education and literacy and promoted education. He said that merely teaching children to read and write and learn different subjects would not help. They need to be trained thoroughly to understand various other aspects and grow at a deeper level.

Gandhi ji strongly believed that a child can truly develop if we educate him properly and try to bring out the best in him. For doing so he suggested various tools. One of the main tools suggested by Gandhi ji to ensure better understanding of the subject was to focus on practical knowledge rather than theoretical knowledge. He believed that this was a good way to invoke the student’s interest in the subject and provide greater understanding about the same.

Gandhi ji also emphasized upon teaching the students in their mother tongue. He believed that students can understand a subject better if it is taught in their mother tongue. As per him, this will bring in clarity of thoughts and ideas. Besides this way students would not only be able to understand better but will also be able to express their ideas and views with ease. The classroom sessions would thus become more interactive and interesting.

Gandhi ji also believed that education must build a student’s character and not just impart knowledge on different subjects. He said that the students must be made socially aware from the beginning. Social awareness must be given to the students in school.

He also appealed to use non-violent ways to teach and train students so that they enjoy their sessions and look forward to them rather than staying in constant fear of the teacher.

Thus, Gandhi’s aim of education was simple. It was basically the all round development of the students and he suggested many tools and principles for the same.