By Dr AK Srivastava
“A robust military education system in schools is not just about producing soldiers, but about cultivating a generation of responsible citizens with strong moral values, discipline, and a deep understanding of national duty.” – Anonymous
India has been making constant efforts to enrich and enhance her education policy since independence. Many changes were implemented in our education system immediately after freedom. The nation introduced three education policies in 1968, 1986 and 2020 in order to make the education curriculum more suitable and impressive according to the needs of the time. The country witnessed many internal and external security threats. Besides constant challenges from terrorism, numerous natural calamities hit the nation from time to time. We were also engaged in full-fledged wars with China and Pakistan. Under these circumstances, it is constantly felt that the nation should introduce basic military training in schools and colleges. The matter has been discussed at all levels including in our parliament. Many scholars and educationists have advocated in favour of this strategy. Recently, the nation decided to open many military schools and also to provide admission to girls in such schools.
Military education develops many outstanding qualities in students who are in their adolescent age. This age is the formative stage of one’s personality and character. Military education develops qualities like patriotism and unconditional love for the nation in order to save the sovereignty, integrity and independence of our motherland. Such an education widens the mental horizon of students and makes their vision global developing them well rounded personality.
Military training includes physical fitness, drills, discipline, self defence, first aid and knowledge of our values and cultural heritage. At the moment most of our educational institutions give maximum importance to the academic performance of students and the above-mentioned qualities are slightly ignored or overlooked. Since it is increasingly becoming difficult to find a suitable job in a highly competitive scenario, there is more stress on job-oriented education.
Here we should realise that military education will enhance one’s personality and make one more suitable for numerous jobs available on the market. Physical fitness, robust health and leadership qualities which are sharpened by military education will certainly make individuals fit for many jobs.
It is always seen that the military uniform develops passion and a deep sense of commitment in youngsters. It is such an inspiring and motivating force that automatically generates many qualities in adolescents. It develops lifetime bonds among them providing a unique network of friendship and support.
Military education develops the quality of leadership which is very much needed in a vast democratic country like ours. We need confident and highly motivated individuals who can lead and guide the masses at the time of internal and external security crises. Military training also develops team spirit; the ability to work and perform as a member of a larger team.
Champions do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months and years they spend preparing for it. It is rigorous training at schools and colleges that brings exceptional results.
Our nation has witnessed many challenges in internal security like terrorism and social unrest. Military training enhances one’s abilities to face tough situations and manage affairs against all odds because it teaches them critical thinking and problem solving skills. It is positive thinking and a constructive competitive spirit that helps at the time of trouble.
India is a vast country with a high population. Many natural disasters keep hitting the nation in different parts or states. If our younger generation is equipped with skills of disaster management and military training numerous lives can be saved. For example, these days Kumbha Mela is going on and we need more volunteers to manage the biggest congregation of humanity. Military training will help citizens to join forces of civil defence and make them capable facing odd situations throughout their lives. We need people to come forward and help the masses at the time of floods, landslides, and earthquakes and in many other situations of disaster. The volunteers, who come forward to help others at the time of disasters, promote social cohesion and national identity.
Military education teaches us to obey superiors and be respectful to seniors in rank or position. This promotes professionalism and loyalty. Students should learn such qualities as it would be assets to them throughout their lives. Such wonderful qualities will be instrumental in their success whatever job they may take up in future. At the moment, we have NCC training in many schools and colleges. It is very popular among boys and girls, and it gives them a feeling of pride. We need to promote this in maximum educational institutions.
Young boys and girls with military education have an edge over other competitors in army and paramilitary jobs. Students who study in military schools and army schools certainly find it easy to crack SSB and many types of interviews. Recently, the government has decided to start many military schools for girls as now girls are also part and parcel of our armed forces. They fly fighter jets and supersonic planes. Strong mental attitudes, resilience and perseverance are the game changers in both war and domestic challenges.
Introducing military education in schools and colleges is a daunting task as it requires substantial funds and qualified staff to be posted in schools and colleges. Retired military officers will be required to train the students. Here, Agniveers can also be useful as they would have four to five years military training during their service. That training can be imparted to students. We also need adequate infrastructure to provide military education in schools and college.
In conclusion, we can say that it is a good idea to introduce military education in schools and colleges. This will help the nation in combating both internal and external threats. Basic military education promotes many qualities in students and these skills help them to lead a successful life. They become role models to others as they develop many qualities like courage, loyalty, patriotism and leadership.
There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.
— Colin Powell
(Dr AK Srivastava is Principal, DAV Inter College, Dehradun)
