Vivekananda’s Vision of Education for Women and

Transcript:Vivekananda’s Vision of Education for Women and:
Vivekananda’s Vision of Education for Women and the Downtrodden Masses of India Course EDCH Part III Paper VIII Group A Unit I Dr. Md. Nijairul Islam Assistant Professor Deptt. of Education Gazole Mahavidyalaya Vivekananda’s concept of ‘education’ in a nutshell Vivekananda defined education as “the manifestation of the perfection already in man” (C.W. , IV, 1966,). Education enables one to form character, increase strength of mind, expand intellect and stand on one’s feet (C.W., V, 1970). “Education is not the amount of information that is put into your brain and runs riot there, undigested, all your life…we must have life- building, man-making, character-making assimilation of ideas”(C.W., III, 1969). Concept of women education In the times of Vivekananda, education was not easily available to women. He said that education must embrace the whole society, with special attention to women who are most in need of it. He quoted Manu to assert that “daughters should be supported and educated with as much care and attention as the sons” (C. W., V, 1970). For women, problems can be many but none that cannot be solved by that magic word –‘education’. “Educate, educate”, he exhorted his disciple, “than this there is no other way” (C. W., VI, 1968). Concept of women education (contd.) Women must be educated, for it is the women who mould the next generation, and hence, the destiny of the country. Education would make them strong, fearless, and conscious of their chastity and dignity. He was sure that the womenfolk could be empowered through education. Women would study drawing, modelling, painting and other fine arts, religion, rudiments of science, housekeeping, cooking, sewing, hygiene, etc. along with japa, worship and meditation. They should even learn self defence technique (C. W., VII, 1970). Concept of education for underprivileged masses In the times of Vivekananda, education was not for the masses; it was confined to the well to do persons only. He felt that the neglect of the masses was the main cause of national plight. The democratic principle that an ideal society should provide the resources as well as the opportunity for each of its members to develop his or her potential to the maximum was asserted by Swami Vivekananda more than a century ago. In Swamij’s educational scheme for India, the upliftment the masses through education received the highest priority. Concept of education for underprivileged masses (contd.) Swamiji said, “… a nation