This is a book on an important subject, namely, education. In spite of realization of its importance, except during ancient India, the state of education world over has remained by and large unsatisfactory, worrisome and moribund. The crisis in education has contributed to the crisis of survival of mankind. The various scholars have explored the field of education in order to develop appropriate philosophy of education, so that it ceases to be a negative factor, and it becomes a positive factor in the life of mankind. Mahatma Gandhi and Vinoba Bhave occupy a top-most position in this matter. They, as ‘educationists par excellence’, have contributed utmost to revolutionize the global education. This book studies and aims at explaining the philosophy of education of Gandhiji and Vinobaji.
The revolutionary educational system widely known as ‘Nai Talim’ or Basic Education or ‘Nitya Nai Talim’; the revolutionary concept of Acharyakul; the wise counsel given by Gandhi-Vinoba to students and Teachers, vedic role of teachers are discussed in this book. G-V educational paradigm would help in creating a religious-spiritual social order in all the countries of the world in the near future.
Laxman Madhao Bhole (b. 20-08-1943) is a retired Professor of Economics. After obtaining his M.A. and Ph.D., he joined Sydenham College of Economics and Commerce, Mumbai and taught there for two years (1971-73). Thereafter he joined HSS Department, IIT Bombay and taught and researched there for 32 years (1973-2005).
Prof. Bhole was awarded Maharashtra Government Open Merit Scholarship for four years; Ford Foundation Scholarship for two years; UGC scholarship for four years; and Italian Government scholarship for six months to study at the Institute of Planning and Development, Naples. He has to his credit more than 135 research papers/articles and seven books, including books on Gandhi—Essays in Gandhian Socio-Economic Thought, Collected Papers in Gandhian Thought, and Gandhi’s Hind Swaraj.
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction
2. Life and Work Profile of Mahatma Gandhi and Vinoba Bhave
3. Educational System in India during Vedic, Buddhist, and Islamic Periods
4. Modern Indian Educational System
5. Lessons from Experiments and Experiences in Education by Gandhi-Vinoba in South Africa and India
6. General Educational Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi and Vinoba Bhave
7. Nai Talim
8. Educational Revolution through Acharyakul
9. Gandhi and Vinoba on Students and Teachers
10. Towards New Education or Nai Talim
Appendix: Thoughts-Grains
Glossary
Select References