Education Must Go Beyond Career Building: Mohan Bhagwat

• Mohan Bhagwat interacted with students from Class 10 to postgraduate level at a dialogue programme in New Delhi.
• He said education should focus on human development rather than being limited to career building.
• Bhagwat urged students to remain connected with India while discussing the issue of talent migration.
• He said India’s identity, in his view, is linked to knowledge of humanity and that the country should aspire to become a “Vishwaguru”.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 17th Sept: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat said education should not be limited to career building and should also focus on developing individuals and human values.

Bhagwat made the remarks while interacting with students from Class 10 to postgraduate level at a dialogue programme jointly organised by IILM University and Banyan Tree School in New Delhi. He answered questions from students and addressed teachers and participants at the event.

Speaking about the younger generation, Bhagwat said his personal experience suggested that the new generation was more honest than previous generations and naturally possessed greater courage.

On the issue of talent migration, he urged students to remain connected with India. He said young people may find opportunities and facilities abroad, but their identity remains linked to their country. He also called on them to contribute to society and the nation after meeting their own essential needs.

Bhagwat said the “real purpose” of education was human development, arguing that education helps distinguish human beings from animals and that nation-building is linked to the development of individuals.

Cites spiritual figures as examples
Bhagwat referred to Neem Karoli Baba and Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the spiritual teacher of Swami Vivekananda, while discussing the role of formal education and human values.

He said several spiritual figures in India had not received extensive formal education but went on to influence society, which he attributed to their high level of humanity. He also referred to Steve Jobs’ visit to Neem Karoli Baba while making the point.

Bhagwat said modern education should therefore be accompanied by an emphasis on qualities associated with humanity and character.

Bhagwat speaks of India’s global role
Bhagwat also said India should not limit its aspirations to becoming a military or economic power. He said the country should seek to regain a position of Vishwaguru, or global teacher, and described the “knowledge of humanity” as part of India’s identity.

The programme was introduced by IILM Chairman Anil Rai.