By Roli S
Education is the cornerstone of societal progress; it is responsible for shaping the minds of generations and preparing them for the future. In today’s globalised world, where diversity is celebrated, it is crucial for educational systems to reflect the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our global community. With the start of the new academic session, year after year I notice springing up of many new schools in India that follow European models of education. They all claim to be following the guidelines and objectives given in the National Education Policy 2020. It is indeed a matter of joy and satisfaction to see many such schools opening their branches in large metropolitan areas. Any number of schools are welcome in India because India is a vibrant economy, a very open and intellectual society, having many ambitious youths waiting to be a part of the planetary civilisation. The latest among them are schools from Finland making inroads in India, promising to impart sustainable education and instill values of care and compassion among students. Good promises indeed because the Finnish education system is known for its child-centered approach that promotes stress free education to students. Soon, we will be seeing more of such schools entering the two and three tier cities of our country as well.
Having said the above, I wish to delve into the vital significance of the curriculum followed in any school. I wish to remind you that the importance of culture in education is not far-fetched since the essence is to transmit the cultural heritage of a society to its younger generation. In fact, the curriculum followed in a school is a crucial tool for attaining the goals of a nation as well as that of humanity. It is pivotal for nurturing well-rounded individuals capable of engaging with the global community. It is essential to promote understanding, respect, and acceptance among students, preparing them for a multicultural world. Cultural competence is beneficial for teachers and students alike. Educators must understand diverse cultural norms and values to create inclusive classrooms. Students must develop empathy and respect, appreciating the richness of other cultures. Cultural relevance in education challenges stereotypes and biases present in traditional curricula. It becomes possible to encounter misconceptions and become a tool for dismantling prejudice and promote unity. A curriculum that incorporates diverse cultural perspectives also challenges students to think critically and problem-solve in various contexts. By analysing historical events from different cultural viewpoints, students develop analytical skills, enabling them to approach challenges with a broader perspective. This approach nurtures future leaders who can navigate complex global issues with nuance and understanding.
Cultural relevance in education also plays a pivotal role in preserving indigenous and local knowledge systems. Knowledge of the land Bharat or India is vastly different, and it is a civilisation which is thousands of years old, when compared to the countries of Europe or many other rich and developed countries of the world. In terms of history and civilisation, Bharat prides itself on its rich culture and traditions and valuable ancient texts that make the basis of the identity of its people. These invaluable, exceptional, one of its kind storehouses of wisdom and the oldest available texts in the history of mankind are even hailed by UNESCO. In the Ved and Upanishads, verifiable spiritual insights mixed with mass of myths and legends and cosmological speculations relating to the nature and origin of the universe wisdom are mentioned which have universal appeal and importance and their insights are the product of an equally scientific investigation into a different field of experience, namely the world of man’s inner life. In the modern-day world of artificial intelligence, when technology has begun to shape the way humans think and it is critical for humanity to understand their own inner worlds, no school that looks to develop balanced minds for the future should ignore these astute and original texts that promote the understanding of the same. Besides this, many indigenous communities in India possess invaluable knowledge about sustainable agriculture, traditional medicine, and environmental conservation. Integrating this wisdom into the curriculum not only will ensure its preservation but also equip future generations with essential skills for sustainable living. Education has the power to bridge socio-economic gaps, offering equal opportunities for all. Which is very much needed in schools that run in India. Cultural relevance in the curriculum should be instrumental in empowering marginalised communities. For example, projects focused on teaching traditional handicrafts not only preserve the country’s cultural heritage but also provide economic opportunities for women and other rural artisans. By incorporating these skills into the curriculum, education becomes a catalyst for social change, enabling individuals to break free from the cycle of poverty.
The impact of this culturally relevant curriculum will be profound. Moreover, the multicultural education approach will help break down social barriers that had previously been deeply entrenched. It will facilitate meaningful interactions among students, teachers, and communities, leading to the creation of a more inclusive society.
These days, technology offers innovative tools to make education culturally relevant, such as interactive digital resources that represent diverse cultures accurately and collaborate with the local cultures effectively as well. Are culture and context of learning really that important? Yes, absolutely! Local culture must be integrated as a tie that binds lessons to students’ lives. Starting from a person’s experience, we can inspire learning and make it stick. When education becomes a living thing, we can build a bridge to deeper lessons in life.
Our own culture of the land we belong to shapes our points of view and that is the lens through which we see, navigate and interpret the rest of the world. Grasping the context of culture can help us better communicate with others. We use it to address others aptly, speak a common language and manage social situations. Reflect on the language used in a formal setting compared to the language used in the comfort of family members. Understanding local culture offers clues on approaching and responding to educational, social and interpersonal situations. Time spent learning about local context and culture in schools can increase understanding and acceptance of others. Using this approach, we can shape a model for respecting other’s unique contributions inside and outside of classrooms. Just to put it simply and to appreciate the age-old wisdom I must put down these lines:
Vedic seers saw the world as a whole,
Their thoughts and ideas on a grander scroll.
Not piece by piece, like we do today,
But all together, in a magical way.
Modern science and Vedas, hand in hand,
Complement each other across the lands.
Look at Veda with Scientific sight,
And discover wonders, pure delight.
Educators, policymakers, parents, and communities within the country and around the world must collaborate to promote culturally inclusive curricula. This collective effort is essential for nurturing the next generation of empathetic citizens, compassionate human beings and culturally competent global leaders.
(Roli S is an Educator and Author based in Thane)
