By: OM JI
Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, a great philosopher and educationist of India, has said, “Education to be complete, must be humane; it must include not only the training of the intellect but also the refinement of the heart and the discipline of the spirit.”
Education in Paddar has been and continues to be one of the major concerns of the modern as well as the traditional society. It is a powerful instrument that decides the destiny of Paddar. It is a major force behind the continuity of cultural tradition. In social control and social change, the contribution of education is immense.
In Paddar, the continued experience of society depends upon the transmission of culture to the young. It is essential that every new generation in Paddar must be given training in the ways of the group so that the same tradition will continue.
“Education” very simply means providing profitable experience. Learning is gaining through experiences. For efficient learning, education is necessary. Giving education to young in Paddar means providing such experiences to them which may help them to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Broad Objectives of Education in Paddar
The end of education is “to develop a sound mind in a sound body.” The main objectives of Education in Paddar are as follows:
- Education enables man to understand the way in which he is related to the social world in which he is living.
- Education by providing for transmission of culture establishes a connecting link between the past- present and the future, and
- Education by contribution to the development of both the individual and society, enhances human progress.
Issues related to education in Paddar
Though educational institutions have increased tremendously in Paddar the present educational system in Paddar have its own drawbacks. Some of the main defects may be mentioned here:
- Present system of education in Paddar is not very much linked with the socio economics need of the society.
- The present education does not generate the type of knowledge that is relevant to adjust ourselves with changed condition of society.
- The employment potential of our education is very inadequate for it is not associated with a particular body of the knowledge which is necessary for meeting the challenge of the technological world.
- Education in Paddar is not value based. It has failed to provide the value framework which may prepare committed leaders, professionals, businessman and others.
- The present education largely focuses on the individual material gains, it neglects the non-material aspects which are necessary for developing a healthy personality.
- It is alleged that the education system in Paddar has failed to inculcate the spirit of Paddari values among the children of the new generation
- Our educational system has failed to cater to the need of the villages in Paddar, and also of agriculture which is the backbone of the Paddar.
Low education status of the women in Paddar
The various causes for the low education status of women in Paddar are:-
1. Neglect of the Female Education Due to Gender Inequality:
Girls are neglected since their birth or even before due to our patriarchal system the prefer sons. In Paddar most girls are withdrawn from education once they attain puberty due to the conservative cultural values of the parents and society. Girls’ education is cut short by early marriage.
2. Imposition of Domestic Responsibilities on Girls:
In Paddar, unlike the boys, girls are made to assume domestic responsibility from an early age. Girls not only sweep, wash, collect water, fuel (dry wood), fodder, mind younger siblings and animals but also work in the fields and help their mothers. Girls belonging to poor class are also made to work in the houses of the well-to-do people as “domestic servants”.
3. Lack of Educational Facilities:
For a very long time we are not able to provide educational services to the remote places in Paddar. Parents of female children are reluctant to send their children to far away places especially in Kishtwar and Jammu. In Paddar, schools exclusively meant for girls are very meagre.
Some Suggestive Measures
The deficiencies and the short-comings that are found in our educational system in Paddar will have to be removed.
Educational system must strike a balance between the economic, political, social and other aspects and must guarantee the basic ethos of the Paddarian society. The role of education as an agent for transmission of culture should never be forgotten. Special attention is given to enrollment of girls in schools. Establishing educational institutions in the remote places like hilly areas. Various incentives and special concessions such as scholarships etc., provided for those students who are in absolute need of them.
OM JI
Post-Graduate in Sociology (Jammu University)
