Democratic Education is Instrumental for Progression

Democratic Education is Instrumental for Progression of the Society and the Nation

An article on “Democratic Education is Instrumental for Progression of the Society and the Nation.” has been written by Soumik Ash. Assistant Professor of MIES R M Law College, which is an excellent law college in West Bengal. MIES R M Law College is one of the best law schools in Kolkata, situated at Sonarpur, South Kolkata. MIES R M Law College, Kolkata has completed many years of its glorious journey in the field of law education. This College is one of the best legal education providers in India. MIES R M Law College is one of the topmost renowned Law Colleges in India. Under Vidyasagar University and approved by the Bar Council of India.

Democratic Education is Instrumental for Progression of the Society and the Nation

Men can become a man only by true education. Idealists emphasize the total development of a man’s personality in and through a specially selected social environment which would impel him to draw out the best powers and nurture them for the realization of his intellectual, social, moral, and spiritual self. Mahatma Gandhi rightly defined education as “the all-round drawing out of the best in child and man-body, mind and spirit.”

Democracy and education have found a place in the Preamble, Part III, Part IV, and Part IVA of the Constitution of India respectively

A modern man needs faith in the power of man held by the early Greeks.
Sophocles expressed this faith in the heroic race through the Theban Elders in Antigone.
“Of all the wonders beneath the Sun
The most wonderful is man
He weareth Earth unweariedly
He hath taught himself speech
And wind-swift Thought.
Of the ages in history,
man felt that he was “a little lower than the angels.”

This faith in one’s power and respect for other’s power gives birth to the concept of Democracy. Which has earned such popularity not only as an ideology but also as an implementation that modern thinkers cannot but reflect on any aspect of human life as the principle of democracy.

Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa once said that “Education is the weapon through which you can think of revolution”. Therefore, for the proper prosperity of a country, education is very essential.  The subject of education found an important place in the international document as well as in the Constitution of India.

Literal Meaning of the term ‘Democracy’

• The English term ‘Democracy’ has been derived from two Greek words – ‘Demos’ meaning people and ‘Kratos’ implying the power of the people.
• The ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle defined Democracy as a government of many’
• The earlier humanist president of the USA said, “Democracy is a rule of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

Uses of Democracy in different contexts

Modern man, philosophers, and politicians have taken Democracy as the very way of living, under the purview of which comes the social, political, religious, moral, and economic aspects of life.

In this type of social environment, everyone is to develop himself fully obviously without interfering in the development of others. The individual and society thus come closer to each other and stand in perfect harmony, keeping in view the interests of both –the individual and the group.

John Dearey has defined democracy as more than a form of government. It is primarily a mode of essential living conjoint communicated experience.

The most salient feature of Democracy is the equal rights of everyone in thought and action and in sharing experiences. The utterance of equality, fraternity, and liberty, which pierced the air during the French Revolution constitutes the lifeblood of Democracy.

Place of Democracy and Education in International Scenario: –

The minimum standards on major aspects of democratic governance have been framed by International Law from time to time. But, International Law does not create a stand-alone “right to democracy” per se. However, Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,1966 (ICCPR) plays a major role in the development of democratic governance and genuine elections in international law. Article 25 expressly grants the right to participate in the conduct of public affairs and to equal suffrage.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted on December 10, 1948. This document is called the Magna Carta of Human Rights. In Article 26 of UDHR, the right to education has been recognized as the basic need of every individual. In Articles 13 & 14 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,1966, the right to education has found a profound place. Other than that, the concept of education has found an important place in Articles 28 & 29 of the Convention on the Rights of Child,1960, and Article 10 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, which recognizes equal opportunity in education for female students and also promotes coeducation.

Democracy and Education in the Indian Constitution

The Preamble to the constitution of India propagates the same message as discussed earlier and deals with true democracy such as “WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLICand to secure to all its citizens:

This deal facilitates the progress of both the individual and the society. Being a democratic republic means that India is governed by elected representatives. The government is accountable to the people, ensuring that every citizen has a voice in the decision-making process. Although for the non-performance of the duty provided in Part IV (Article 36-Article 51) of the Constitution of India, no case can be filed against the State.

Democracy and Education in the Preamble

Democracy and Education have found their place in the Preamble, Part III, Part IV, and Part IVA of the Constitution of India. Characteristics of democracy such as equality, freedom, freedom against exploitation, and cultural and educational rights are present in Part III of the Constitution of India. Article 45 of the Constitution of India states that The State shall endeavor to provide early childhood care and education for all children until they complete the age of six years. This section was substituted by the Constitution (Eighty-sixth Amendment) Act, 2002.

The 86th Amendment of the Constitution of India has inserted Article 21A of the Constitution of India for providing compulsory and free education for children aged 6-14 years. Under Article 21 A, The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years in such manner as the State may, by law, determine. Basic content regarding educational rights is connected with Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India. Article 19(1)(g) indicated the freedom of selection or continuing any professional or business. Article 19(1)(g) provided four important characteristics which are occupation, business, profession, and trade respectively.

Under these expressions, education has emerged as an important subject & profession. Article 19 (1) has also permitted an Indian citizen to carry to trade or business of his own choice. The professions relating to education such as the medical profession, the teaching profession, and many others are performing a significant role. With regard to any profession, education has an important role to play. The right to carry on the profession as an economic activity is implicit under the right to livelihood under Article 21 of the constitution.

Judicial Approach to Democracy and Education: –

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

In Mohini Jain vs State of Karnataka and OrsAIR 1992 SC 1858the Supreme Court observed that although the right to education had not been guaranteed as a fundamental right under Part III of the Constitution, Articles 21 (in Part III of the Constitution of India), Article 38, 39(a), 39(f), 41 and 45 (in Part IV of the Constitution of India) together is a clear document which provides that the framers of the Constitution had made it obligatory for the State to provide education for its citizens.

In Unni Krishnan, J.P. And Ors. Etc. vs. State of Andhra Pradesh and Ors.AIR 1993 SC 2178, 1993 it was held by the Supreme Court that the activities on the establishment of an educational institution can neither be trade or business or it can be professional within the meaning of article 19(1) (g).Further,the Apex Court has also stated that education is not commerce and it has opposed to the ethos, tradition and sensibilities of the nation.

Right to Education Act, 2009 in respect to Democratic Education is Instrumental for Progression

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

The right to Education Act (RTE) is also known as ‘The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act’.Right to Education Act, 2009 was enacted on 4 August 2009, by Parliament of India. This Act provides for the modalities of the importance of free and compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 14 years in India under Article 21A of the Indian Constitution. India became the 135th country to convert education a fundamental right of every child when the Right to Education Act, 2009 came into force on 1 April 2010.

The title of the RTE Act contains the words “free and compulsory”. “Free education” means that no child, other than a child who has been admitted by his or her parents to a school that the appropriate government does not support, shall be liable to pay any kind of fee or charges or expenses that may prevent him or her from pursuing and completing elementary education. ‘Compulsory education’ casts an obligation on the State to provide and ensure admission, attendance, and completion of elementary education by all children between the age group of 6-14 years.

DEMOCRATISING THE INDIAN SOCIETY

We are here concerned with the discussion of Education for Democracy. We should make one thing clear to make education an instrument for democratizing society. Moreover, education itself must have the principles of democracy.

The whole education program should breathe a spirit of democracy. So we should now consider a few basic principles of democracy in the texture of education.

Briefly Focusing on the Principles of Democracy as Democratic Education is Instrumental for Progression

Respect for every person in the country:

Respect for every individual must be ensured. The dignity of labor must be there. Every individual is an asset to the society. He should be given the fullest opportunity to express his powers, satisfy his interest, utilize his abilities but those must not clash with the interest of others. Education should be directed towards the harmonization of individual and societal interest.

Equality:

Democracy stands on the principles of equality.

Equality signifies the total negation of the discrimination between a man & another in respect of caste, creed, economic & social status. Moreover, that means a classless, casteless, equalitarian society. The concept of equality has also found its place in Article 14 of the Constitution of India.

Brotherhood:

Brotherhood or fraternity denotes the attitude of belonging to a community which gives rise to so many virtues like love, justice, equality, fairness and above all honesty. Democratized education through brotherhood attitude can elevate a race, community or a society or a country from the narrow feelings of provincialism, distinction in respect of caste used or language, religion etc. etc.

Freedom:

Spirit of Democratic education ensures freedom for every individual. Freedom is the basic need of the human soul. Nothing good enters into the human world except in and through the free activities of individual men & women. So, education must be tinged with the spirit of freedom such as freedom of thought, action, and movement. Freedom of thought, action, and movement means not only freedom. It means, whatever, one wishes to do with his emotion & sentiment of whimsical impulse, but with reasonable restrictions. This implies whatever activity one does, must be with such an action, not affecting any pain or loss to another person’s emotion, or policy of the State and also not violating the unity and integrity of the nation.

Tolerance:

The democratic ideal is harbored best in an atmosphere of tolerance. Everyone is from his sphere but everyone must have a feeling of tolerance and respect for other’s views, thoughts & actions. The present state of restlessness all over the world is the outcome of a lack of such tolerance. So, a democratic education system shapes individual students quality of tolerance.

Co-operation:

Democracy or democratic education teaches cooperation between man & man, man &woman, and woman & woman.That means all individuals of a society or a nation must have the spirit of cooperation with each other in doing deeds and duties, become prosperity and progress in human socially rest on cooperation.

Democracy and Educational Aim:

Educational process and its aim should be directed to democracy. All should keep in mind that democracy is not an extreme force; this is a way of life. So Education must be so oriented that it will develop the basic qualities of character which are necessary for the functioning of democratic life.

Democracy and Curriculum in respect to Democratic Education is Instrumental for Progression

We know that the objectives of the curriculum are reflected in the subjects of studies. Curriculum means the Total of the activities and experiences of the individual learner. So the democratic curriculum must be dynamic, diversified, living, activity-oriented, experience-oriented, and integrated. The curriculum must be a synthesis between the core and periphery. The general and special catering to the needs, demands, aptitude, interests, propensities of children, and the dreams of the society.

Democracy and Teachers in respect to Democratic Education is Instrumental for Progression

All the required features in a democratic education system will be fruitless if the educational environment does not have good teachers. A teacher is the artificer of a child’s mind, as they manipulates the whole educational environment. So every teacher must be an integrated personality with all qualities –innate & acquired. To fit in the profession, the teacher has a great part to play in helping & growing individuals or students to bring out their posers and nurture them in a suitable socio-cultural environment.

Democracy and Discipline:

Discipline, which is the watchword of good democratic education must be free discipline. Freedom must be the very breath of the academic atmosphere. This freedom will ensure the establishment of democracy. Today students’ unrest is a global phenomenon.  This problem can be solved if students are trained to bear their own responsibilities. The present system of students’ participation in Administrative Bodies’ of Colleges & Universities is a positive step towards democratizing the educational environment. But, there must be the inculcation of the ability of free-thinking, judgment, critical inquiry, and self-criticism in the minds of growing generations. There must be freedom for the students provided their thought, plans, action,s and words must be discipline oriented, so that teacher- pupil  relationship, democratic administrative set-up, congenial teacher-teacher relationship, free academic atmosphere becomes the salient lectures of such a discipline. Punishment and reward do not have any place in such discipline. 

Democracy, School, and Mass Media:

All theaspects of formal education system will have no bearing upon the development of an individual if the agencies of education are not patterned after the democratic ideal. School, the epitome of society, should be an ideal place of the individual and the group to reach the soul of obtaining full-fledged personality. School should be simplified, purified, better-balanced, graded vitalised society based on democratic principles.

Other than schools, there are other social agencies of education which are to be fully about their duties and obligations towards the young people. The mass media, like newspaper, cinema, radio, T.V. have broadened the horizon and ensured the people to be acquainted with the multifarious socio-cultural, economic and political conditions, which have, to some extent, made education accessible to all. This is the stupendous achievement of science too.

Conclusion of Democratic Education is Instrumental for Progression

Today, the intellectuals, planners & implementers have the scientific & inevitable option and opportunity to suggest conclusive & extensive democracy for education. The efforts will be very fruitful if all the aspects of schooling are effectively used & if there is an amicable relation between activity of the State and education. For curbing the exciting evils coming out of inequality, democratic ideals must come to combat the derogatory forces and to open a new chapter in society.

We should help the advent of such a society, filled with the high ideals of equality, solidarity, fraternity, and freedom. The universal man will come out of such a society, strengthening the power of humanity. Let a new world be enacted out of the equal. And able participation of easy individuals in the march towards the day of glory and abundance of faith in the spirit of Democracy.

MIES R M Law College is one of the law colleges in south Kolkata which provides three years LL.B degree course. MIES R M Law College (Under the MIES R M Foundation Trust) has a highly qualified and competent team of faculty, enormous world class infrastructure and facilities most conducive to academic pursuit, along with its remarkably successful campus placements along with student-friendly environment. We take extra care for our academically poor students. This is one of The Top Law colleges in West Bengal.