Ancient-education-system and its relevance in

the inclusive-education
Dr. Shyam deo Mishra
Assistant Professor
Rashtriya-Sanskrit-Sansthan,
New Delhi

tudents especially from physically and economically weaker sections are in the
focal point of Inclusive-educational-system. Hence, the motive of this type of
education is to reach out and support each and every student of the society.
Though, this kind of thinking introduced various systems of education like: Distance education,
correspondence courses, virtual classes and workshops etc; over the past few years yet, this
system is still lacking some key points which can be borrowed from ancient educational system.
Ancient educational system was very much inclusive in its own terms. Actually, the
inclusiveness of education is very well ensconced in ancient educational system which is
exquisitely expressed by the word "Shiksha"(f'k{kk) itself. "Shiksha" is the Sanskrit term for
education, which has more comprehensive meaning than its English synonym. Since, it not only
means 'to educate' but it also means 'to donate knowledge ("f'k{kfo|ksiknkus v=k nkukFkZ%" by
'Saayan', the commentator of 'Rig-Veda') Here, word 'Donation' (of knowledge) certainly
explicates more desperation, devotion and sincerity than the word 'Education' does. This
endowment of knowledge indicates the supportive nature of "Shikshak"(Guru or teacher), who
is ready and tenacious to go beyond his routine duty, in order to provide any kind of help
whether economical, social or mental to the student (or the recipient of knowledge). Hence,
ancient education reached out to the socio-economically & physically weaker section of the
society. Because of the emphasis on inclusive education, various forms of knowledge like;
Agriculture, Architecture, Metallurgy, Medical science, Iconography, Painting, Art, Dance,
Music etc; for addressing every single student of society, developed from various Aagaamas
(technical sciences).
Despite numerous efforts, current educational system could not able to reach out to the
student who is at the bay of society. In present scenario, restructuring of educational modal and
redefining its inclusiveness in real sense, is much needed for the resurrection of educational
system and representation of weaker section in the mainstream. Ancient educational system can
play a pivotal role in this.
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