“We must find some meeting-ground, where there can be no question of conflicting interests. One of such places is the University, where we can work together in a common pursuit of truth, share together our common heritage, and realise that artists in all parts of the world have created forms of beauty, scientists discovered secrets of the universe, philosophers solved the problems of existence, saints made the truth of the spiritual world organic in their own lives, not merely for some particular race to which they belonged, but for all mankind” – Gurudev Rabindranath Thakur, Creative Unity, Macmillan & Co, London, 1922, pp. 171-72
As results of various secondary and higher secondary education boards have been declared, the admission process for higher education institutions has begun. The cut-throat competitive entrance examinations like CET, JEE, or NEET test the nerves of parents and students alike. The global uncertainties and technological transformations are generating greater apprehension and confusion about degrees and the entire educational process. There are evil forces that function like vultures, trying to manipulate democratic spaces to instigate and divert youth energy towards destructive, anarchic agitations. In such a scenario, rather than focusing solely on education for career and success, exploring The Art of Living holds a lot of importance. The institutional process that was unfolded forty-five years ago by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar Ji is one such movement that has channelised the energy of educated youth into constructive activities. While opting for academic courses, seeking a meaningful life along with a successful career is the key, and that is the real ‘Art of Living.’
The Macaulay-founded colonial education system has instilled a fascination for jobs, more so limited to government employment. Earlier, skills, the dignity of labour, and the ability to ask the right questions, with a creative and critical faculty, were key ingredients of the Bharatiya education system. The knowledge tradition never saw education and scientific temperament devoid of spirituality. The integration of knowledge, not compartmentalisation, allowed us to develop the best of the technique for harmonious wealth creation over the ages. The National Education Policy, 2020, has been trying to philosophically reignite the same spirit of education.
Students need to find the right courses that align with the objectives of their life. We need to assess our strengths and weaknesses to identify opportunities and mitigate threats. To accomplish this it is pertinent to seek advice from right people, opt for aptitude tests, and device our own career path. without blindly following others.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a challenge that we cannot avoid. If we know how to give the right prompts until we get a satisfactory answer, we can master the world of AI. This can be accomplished only if our fundamentals are clear. Along with academic hard work, regular physical exercise, and some spiritual practices, we can chart this journey joyfully.
The stress of choosing the right career arises from internal conflict and confusion, and not just from external conditions. To overcome this, we need the right guide who can help us maintain our composure and choose the right path. Instead of thinking selfishly, once we start thinking about others, our family, our society, the time and resources at our disposal and our ability to give back rather than to accumulate, it is then only the real education starts. As Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji said, “The Art of Living is more of a principle, a philosophy of living life to its fullest”. But the core value of this ancient art, in its modern manifestation, is to find peace within oneself and to integrate it with the objective of searching for truth for all mankind, as envisaged by another Gurudev, Rabindranath Thakur. Hope this education-focused edition of Organiser Weekly helps you find career options, guidance from the masters, and a purpose of education, not just for career but lead a meaningful life.
