Education in Values and Spirituality :: Introduction to Values and Spirituality

Module 1 Unit 2 - The Need for Education in Values in India

Erosion of values is of concern for India. Commissions and committees set up by the Government of India since Independence have emphasised education in values for people to inculcate truth, peace, love and co-operation. Corruption, bribery and nepotism are prevalent at all levels of society despite laws against them. Greed is at the root of this attitude, which can be prevented only by voluntary self-restraint and inspiring leadership.

Education today is primarily focussed on material development and raising economic standards. Indian society is suffering from a loss of human and moral values as a consequence of this focus and the prevalent perception that education in human and moral values is unnecessary. Education in values and spirituality enriches our personality. When it is integrated into education, and provided to both genders equally, it equips people for civic life and helps boost the confidence of socially disadvantaged individuals and inspires them to claim their self-respect.

It is generally thought that only children and youth need education in values. But materialism and egocentricity in adults is setting a weak or negative example to the youth, therefore it is also necessary to teach values to adults. Voluntary self-restraint, education in moral and spiritual values and examples of moral and spiritual rectitude in the leadership are required. The public could be better informed about the dangers of all forms of addiction through education in values. They could also be taught skills to resist peer pressure.

India has always preached the message of non-violence, however, violence is an increasing problem nationwide. Although India is still a predominantly agricultural society, there is a lack of harmony with the environment. Greater awareness is needed to sensitise people to nature and caring for the natural environment.

Many traditional stories disregard the rights of women and encourage prejudiced generalisations. In spite of 150 years of efforts for female emancipation, women are still struggling for their social, political, economic, cultural and religious rights. Traditional stories usually advocate strict adherence to casteism yet it is against Indian law to discriminate on the basis of caste. The power of the oral tradition in forming social attitudes is significantly greater than the laws enacted by governments.

Educationalists and researchers in social development have found that change is successful when brought about at the micro level. Macro level attempts through legislation and development programmes have not been successful. Education in values at the individual level demonstrates the power of each one to influence society through example. People tend to act in an honourable way when presented with an example of high standards. The problems of the world, which are in fact an accumulation of individual actions, are more likely to be solved if you focus on yourself as an individual.