SKILL DEVELOPMENT IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN INDIA AND ITS IMPACT ON SOCIETY

Abstract

In ancient times, India was a global center of learning, attracting students from various countries seeking knowledge. The ancient Indian education system was not solely focused on providing knowledge for earning a livelihood but was ingeniously divided into different stages and categories to impart scientific, social, cultural, and spiritual wisdom. This system instilled a profound sense of responsibility towards society, family, nature, and the environment in all students. Character building and scientific thinking were the cornerstones of this education system. This paper explores the various fields of education during the Vedic era of the ancient Indian education system (AIES), which is considered to be before 600 B.C. according to modern calendars. The ancient Indian education system was one of the most well-organized in the world, with knowledge being acquired either through ‘PARA’ (intuitive knowledge) or ‘APARA’ (through regular practices). The different components of this system have been compiled here, with a focus on how these fields were classified and what was taught under each category. The positive aspects of the AIES are discussed, along with their relevance to the modern education system. Given India's multilingual nature, the use of regional languages can play a crucial role in fostering interest in higher studies. Removing language barriers could be a transformative step in restoring the glory of the Indian education system. The paper highlights the benefits of incorporating multiple languages in higher education.