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Mahatma Gandhi's 'Basic Education' or `Nai Talim.'

 Discuss Mahatma Gandhi's concept of 'Basic Education'. How far was it a departure from conventional system of education?




Gandhi laid emphasis on 'Basic Education' or `Nai Talim.' He believed that the proper development of personality should always take into consideration the requirements of mind, body and spirit.

Gandhian education was quite distinct from conventional system of education. To him, the conventional system of education made the students only literate parasite. It promoted division between intellectual and manual work. It did not prepare them for the practical life.

Gandhiji suggested that the students should be taught handicrafts during the school period and a part of the expenses of his education should be met out of the sale proceeds of articles which he himself made. It was to ensure self-confidence and self-reliance on the part of the students when they would leave the school.

Gandhian education method meant to create self-reliant personality, trained in the art of living. Gandhi favored a scientific and pragmatic member of the society capable of earning money and inquiring about the processes in his surroundings.

True education for him was the exercise of training all bodily organs i.e. hands feet, ears and nose. Thus, Gandhian education intended to create a highly capable student. 

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