Lucknow,

03 May (HS): “Today’s world is a world of contradictions. On one hand, human

civilization is reaching unprecedented heights of technological

advancement—artificial intelligence, the digital revolution, and global

connectivity have made life faster and more accessible than ever before; on the

other hand, the planet’s environment is under severe stress, societies are

drifting away from their cultural roots, and the younger generation, despite

living amidst comfort and convenience, often lacks essential life skills. In

this context, it becomes crucial to reflect on the true purpose of education. Is

education merely a means to secure employment, or is it a process that teaches

us how to live meaningfully? Clearly, if education is not connected to core

human values, its impact remains incomplete. Therefore, the foremost

responsibility of educational institutions today is to nurture in children the

values of environmental conservation, ecological balance, cultural awareness,

and self-reliance, as these are the foundations upon which a safe and balanced

future can be built,” opined Dr Mani Shanker Dwivedi, Principal, Motilal Nehru

Post Graduate College Kaundhiyara, Prayagraj during az candid discussion with

reporters on Sunday.

“The

environment is no longer a peripheral subject; it has become a fundamental

question of human existence. Rising pollution, climate change, contamination of

rivers, rampant deforestation, and the reckless exploitation of natural

resources compel us to reconsider our direction. If immediate corrective steps

are not taken, future generations will face severe consequences. In such a

scenario, it is essential that children are not only taught theoretical

concepts about environmental protection but are also guided to practice them in

real life. Schools must transform their campuses into living laboratories where

students actively participate in tree plantation, adopt water conservation

practices, understand the importance of energy efficiency, and make cleanliness

a habit. When children engage in such activities, a sense of responsibility and

sensitivity toward the environment develops naturally within them,” he claimed.

“Similarly,

understanding ecology is equally important, as it teaches us the science of

balance in nature. Ecology explains how every component of nature—living or

non-living—is interconnected. Any disturbance in this balance affects the

entire system. For instance, deforestation does not merely reduce the number of

trees; it disrupts the water cycle, increases soil erosion, and harms biodiversity.

Likewise, the decline in bee populations is not just a biological issue but a

serious concern for food production and agriculture, as it impacts pollination.

Therefore, it is essential to provide children with a deep understanding of

ecological relationships so that they appreciate the importance of maintaining

harmony with nature. This can be effectively achieved through experiential

learning methods such as nature walks, studying local ecosystems, and engaging

in environmental projects,” he remarked.

“Cultural

preservation is another vital dimension of education, as culture forms the

identity and soul of any society. In a country like India, where diversity

itself is the foundation of unity, preserving cultural heritage becomes even

more significant. However, under the influence of globalization and modern

lifestyles, cultural values are gradually eroding. The younger generation is

increasingly distancing itself from its language, traditions, and moral values,

which poses a serious concern for the future. In this context, educational

institutions have the responsibility to reconnect children with their cultural

roots and instill a sense of pride in their heritage. Schools should give

greater importance to folk arts, traditional music, dance, yoga, and the study of

Indian history. At the same time, children must be taught that culture is not

merely a relic of the past but a living force that shapes both the present and

the future. The development of moral values—such as truth, non-violence,

tolerance, and cooperation—is also an integral part of this process, helping

children grow into responsible and compassionate citizens,” he added.

Self-reliance

has become one of the most essential competencies in today’s world. It is not

limited to economic independence but also encompasses the ability to make

decisions, solve problems, and adapt to changing circumstances. Unfortunately,

for a long time, the education system has emphasized rote learning and

examination performance, which has restricted the development of creativity and

practical skills among students. This approach must change. Educational

institutions should focus on equipping children with life skills such as

critical thinking, communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.

Additionally, vocational education and skill development programs should be

promoted to help students become self-sufficient. The proper and balanced use

of digital technology and innovation can also play a significant role in

fostering self-reliance among young learners.

If

these elements—environment, ecology, culture, and self-reliance—are integrated

holistically into education, we can nurture a generation that is not only

knowledgeable but also aware, responsible, and empowered. Achieving this

requires a transformation in the education system, including curriculum

reforms, innovative teaching methodologies, and changes in assessment

practices. Approaches such as project-based learning, experiential education,

and community engagement can make learning more meaningful and relevant to real

life.

“In

this entire process, the roles of teachers and parents are crucial. Teachers

are not merely providers of knowledge; they are role models and mentors who

shape the attitudes and values of children. Therefore, they must themselves be

aware and committed to these principles. Likewise, parents must ensure that the

home environment supports the holistic development of children. When consistent

values are reinforced both at school and at home, their impact becomes deeper

and more lasting. Ultimately, the decisions we make today will determine the

future we create tomorrow. If we continue to push our children into a race of

competition and consumption alone, we risk building an imbalanced society.

However, if we nurture them to be environmentally conscious, ecologically

aware, culturally rooted, and self-reliant, we can lay the foundation of a

strong, balanced, and prosperous nation. It is time to redefine education—not

merely as a pathway to career success, but as a means of building meaningful

lives—because a conscious, value-driven, and self-reliant generation is the

true strength of any nation,” said Dr Mani Shanker Dwivedi prior to signing

off.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi