A historical overview of the Indian education system in the Master Training Program of the Markazi Taleemi Board
New Delhi: As part of its ongoing Master Trainers Programme, the Markazi Taleemi Board (MTB) organized an insightful online session titled “A Historical Overview of the Indian Knowledge System – Session 2”. The lecture, delivered by Dr. Sadat Hussain, attracted a diverse audience, including teachers, students, and professionals from various sectors.
Dr. Sadat’s presentation explored the evolution of the Indian education system, touching upon key elements of Indian social hierarchy and the development of modern higher education. He discussed 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 referenced 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.
Highlighting the reforms of the post-1990s, 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 enrollment. The establishment of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in 1994 was also discussed, 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.
