Relevance Of The Educational Philosophy Of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam For 21st Century Modern System Of Education With Reference To National Policy On Education

Abstract

The investigator has tried to explore the educational philosophy of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam with special reference to concept of education, aims of education, curriculum, moral of education, research in education, methods of teaching, examination reforms. women education, virtual laboratories and virtual universities, reducing dropouts, role of the teacher and role of parents and to evaluate the relevance of the educational philosophy of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in the present education system with reference to National Policy on Education 1986.The findings of the study are: The primary purpose of education in 21st century is to guide the child to discover his true self and his world. Just as each seed contains the future tree, each child is born with infinite potential. A good education system is fundamental to a nation that wants to be independent in each sense. India still has a long way to go to reach this goal. Dr. Kalam has given an educational philosophy, which takes into account the present educational problems and future perspectives of education in India in 21st century so his thoughts about education are relevant in present education system. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam also wants such education that aims at building in the students the capacities to deal with the real world, to grow in their professional career and participate in the national development. He further adds that the aim of the education system should be to create employment generators rather than employment seekers. He says that education should develop the capacities for inquiry, creativity, technology, entrepreneurial and moral leadership. Education should develop children into good human beings with knowledge and value system. It should transform them into self-directed, self-controlled, lifelong learners. It should aim at developing a strong moral value system. He says that education should aim at harmonious development of the individual. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam insists that if the child misses the value-based education, no government or society can establish a transparent society or a society with integrity. He also adds that spirituality must be integrated with education and self-realization should be the focus. Everyone should be aware of his higher self.Since Universities are the reservoir of knowledge and also the prime knowledge generation centers of the nation so in order to promote scientific research, the brilliant minds in the university should be identified and should be provided with the right type of scientific environment to pursue fundamental research of their choice. Equal emphasis is needed in research in the areas of arts and literature, humanities, political science, law, economics, commerce, and management along with scientific researches to promote balanced growth of the societal system preserving the civilization heritage. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam also advocates that the education system has to be creative, interactive, self-learning and informal with focus on values, merit and quality instead of being textbook based teaching. He says that the real teaching is one where the teachers give theoretical lesson coupled with a live practical example available in nature. Women should be empowered through quality education and raise their capacity to contribute to the society as enlightened women are very important for nation building since their thoughts, the way of working and value system will lead to faster development of a good family, good society and a good nation. Thus, Dr.Kalam has contributed his educational thoughts to the present educational system in 21st century.