India Tomorrow
New Delhi: The Markazi Taleemi Board (MTB) hosted an online session titled “A Historical Overview of the Indian Knowledge System – Session 2” as part of its Master Trainers Programme.
The lecture, delivered by Dr. Sadat Hussain, attracted a diverse audience, including teachers, students, and professionals from various sectors.
Tracing the evolution of the Indian education system, Dr Sadat touched upon key elements of the Indian social hierarchy and the development of modern higher education.
He highlighted the foundational role of Indian knowledge systems alongside the global influences that shaped higher education, particularly the German, French, and British models, with a focus on universities like the University of Berlin, as well as the early Indian institutions in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras.
Dr. Sadat mentioned important historical milestones, including the contributions of Sir Ashutosh Mukherjee, the establishment of the Radhakrishnan Commission, and the introduction of the National Policies on Education (NPE) in 1968 and 1986. He emphasized their roles in expanding higher education, promoting the use of regional languages, and advancing science and technology.
Discussing the post-1990s reforms, Dr. Sadat linked higher education with economic growth. He noted how private investment, spurred by liberalization and globalization, led to the rise of private institutions and increased student enrolment. He also highlighted the establishment of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in 1994, a move that provided legitimacy to private institutions.
Dr. Hussain discussed the “human capital” approach, which views education as an investment contributing to individual productivity and national economic development. Drawing on the work of economists like Theodore W. Schultz and Gary Becker, he underscored how skills and knowledge enhance economic outcomes.
The session also examined present-day challenges such as massification, accessibility, social disparities, and the role of privatization in higher education. Dr. Sadat stressed the importance of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) in solving contemporary global challenges, aligning with the objectives outlined in India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
This informative session provided attendees with a deep understanding of the past, present, and future of Indian higher education, sparking fruitful discussions on the need for interdisciplinary approaches, privatization trends, and the growing importance of standardized testing and coaching culture in India.
