Suddenly the Indian education system is in the global limelight. Although a concrete foundation for the knowledge infusion and expansion was laid by Jawaharlal Nehru, his hard work is paying rich dividends for the nation today. A careful analysis of the reception received for Indian education institutions around the world points toward a new development – Indian education is the most sought after one today. The non stop applications of Japanese to Indian schools and the popular contestant from democrats in the U.S presidential elections – Barack Obama’s speech about the American need for Indian education are some of the many brewing future possibilities.
According to the current trends in Japan, Indian schools run for the NRIs and expatriates are receiving admission applications 400 percent above the intake capacity. The Japanese find Indian schools better off in teaching and imparting mental abilities. The core school subjects like Mathematics and science are considered to be the weakest links in the Japanese education system. Too much of adoption of western style education has dented the Japanese social development inter alia education. The consequences were felt everyday by the parents and the policy makers. While the latter seems to be not bothered about the declining standards of student abilities, the former has taken the lead in correcting the malaise. The Japanese parents found Indian education as the role model for progress in the mental development. Hence they are rushing to the schools run by Indians in Tokyo, Osaka, and other cities of Japan. These schools teach traditional subjects like Mathematics, science, history in combo with bharatanatyam, yoga, pottery, arts & crafts. Students from the Indian schools in Japan excel in every field of knowledge. Their English language ability is amazing. Indian school students self confidence level impresses every Japanese. All these factors have moved Japanese to seek admission instantly. Unfortunately only ten such schools are there which can meet the educational needs of Indian nationals and ex patriates. Naturally door is shut for such interested Japanese.
According to the current trends in Japan, Indian schools run for the NRIs and expatriates are receiving admission applications 400 percent above the intake capacity. The Japanese find Indian schools better off in teaching and imparting mental abilities. The core school subjects like Mathematics and science are considered to be the weakest links in the Japanese education system. Too much of adoption of western style education has dented the Japanese social development inter alia education. The consequences were felt everyday by the parents and the policy makers. While the latter seems to be not bothered about the declining standards of student abilities, the former has taken the lead in correcting the malaise. The Japanese parents found Indian education as the role model for progress in the mental development. Hence they are rushing to the schools run by Indians in Tokyo, Osaka, and other cities of Japan. These schools teach traditional subjects like Mathematics, science, history in combo with bharatanatyam, yoga, pottery, arts & crafts. Students from the Indian schools in Japan excel in every field of knowledge. Their English language ability is amazing. Indian school students self confidence level impresses every Japanese. All these factors have moved Japanese to seek admission instantly. Unfortunately only ten such schools are there which can meet the educational needs of Indian nationals and ex patriates. Naturally door is shut for such interested Japanese.
In the primaries and caucuses of Washington D.C, Maryland and Virginia, Barack Obama stressed on the need to revamp American education system. He is not the first and the last one to talk so. Earlier Bill Clinton in his tenure made last minute efforts to check the loopholes in the education system. His successor from the Republican camp – George Bush pumped in huge sum of money to invite Indian teachers and impart oriental languages for the development of American students. His step was to strategically prepare American system to understand the hidden animosities in the Islamic world and China. The popular worry in the American establishment after 9/11 is the growing anti-Americanism in the Muslim world. Apart from this “clash of civilization” syndrome, the American students are considered to be weak in the knowledge of world affairs. So much so even the American president George Bush gaffed many times with his ignorance of other nations on stage. This has caused a major insult to the psyche of American public. Result of this multi-sided attack on the American system has compelled the policy makers to seriously consider the revamp of their education system. One of the popular recommendations was replicating the Indian model of education.
If one thinks that Japan and America are odd cases, then the person is making a Himalayan blunder. Rest of the world is silently switching over to Indian tutors and guides. No wonder Indians are considered as the gatekeepers of cyber world. Through online tutoring system, British, Germans, French, Spanish, Chinese are seeking Indian guides. The success of Indians in the software industry combined with the open approach to foreign languages has given the much required edge for India. Koreans are coming in groups for school and higher education in India. The biggest advantage along with these trends is the English language skills. Ironically, Indians are teaching American and British upgrading their English communication skills.
Currently there is a heavy rush of Indian students to America, U.K, Australia and other OECD countries. More than a lakh of Indian students reach American shores for higher education every year. The old glory of American education and to boast an abroad degree, students are tempted to go there. With the declining standards of education and increasing racial violence this trend may get reversed. In addition to this, foreign universities are reaching India through various partnership methods. University of London’s external programme in India is one such best example. Through three Indian edupreneurs including the Indian School of Business and Finance (ISBF), New Delhi, 180 year old prestigious university has reaching out to Indian students. All in all, India is waiting to become educationally happening place in the coming years.
Now the ball is in the court of New Delhi. It must take advantage of the new development and expand its education system. Liberalizing the education provision is the best bet to move in the forward direction of global status.
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