Education Refined
Jyostna Magesh- Principal, Sri Sankara Global Academy Pammal
Most of us raise our children under a misconception about education. We assume that getting
them into the best universities and securing placements means we have provided them with
the best education. But is this truly the purpose of education? Is education merely a pathway
to employment?
If that were the case, any Tom, Dick, or Harry could get a degree, find a job, and still live a life
of emptiness, unable to compete or grow meaningfully in an organization because they lack
holistic development.
It is not enough to provide children with an education from our perspective, raising them to
be polite, well-mannered, obedient individuals who function like robots. Real education goes
far beyond degrees and systematic instruction. Its actual purpose is to elevate consciousness
and evolve individuals to higher states of being. If we limit education to degrees and
employment, we risk setting our children on a fragile and unfulfilled path.
Education is crucial for developing a holistic understanding of the world. According to
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the most basic human needs include fresh air, clean water,
nutritious food, and quality sleep to maintain a calm, focused mind. Next come safety needs,
such as shelter and employment. While university education and communication training can
make young people employable, there is more they must possess: love and belongingness.
Every individual need good friend and nurturing relationships. They need a family
environment where they feel secure and valued, even in their teenage years, to foster
responsibility and emotional stability. Every child deserves a trusted friend to share their
thoughts and feelings with. Parents must educate children not to judge others constantly, but
to accept people as they are and develop meaningful social connections. Too many mental
barriers will prevent children from forming friendships, pushing them toward introversion,
which can hinder both professional and emotional development.
Furthermore, children crave recognition, respect, and a sense of importance. Acknowledging
their presence, efforts, and ideas keeps them motivated to enhance their skills and abilities.
When parents make sincere efforts to improve the family’s status with integrity and hard work,
children naturally adopt these values. Children learn their sense of belonging through the
importance parents give them. In many families, insecurity over losing attention causes
children to reject even their siblings. By prioritizing elder children while giving love and care
to younger ones, parents can foster a secure and happy family environment.
Another critical area that requires attention is the casual use of abusive language in daily
conversations, even in the presence of children. Every individual, including children, deserves
respect. It is essential to spend time listening to children and explaining concepts to them
thoughtfully, helping them mature appropriately.
Above all, children need opportunities for self-actualization. They should have the space to
express their creativity, discover their potential, and build confidence. Morality should be
nurtured by engaging children in case studies and discussions that help them discern between
right and wrong. Providing space for children to express their spontaneous thoughts through
activities allows them to develop presence of mind, accountability for their decisions, and
resilience, avoiding a culture of blame-shifting.
Experiential and experimental learning, including problem-based case studies, equips learners
with critical problem-solving skills, an essential need in today’s world. Research, discovery,
and invention foster a lifelong thirst for learning. When these pursuits are channelled toward
societal development and welfare, learners can fulfil their life’s purpose and experience
profound satisfaction.
Ultimately, when learners recognize the supreme power beyond science, they develop true,
unbiased spirituality, enlightenment, and unconditional love toward fellow beings and the
environment.
How many of us are truly working to provide this kind of education to our children? While we
run in the race for marks and rankings, we often forget that our children need to journey
through these six stages to fulfil their potential.
Education should never be seen as a destination. It is a never-ending journey. Let us ensure it
is a journey that leads to conscious, compassionate, and fulfilled individuals, prepared not just
for employment but for life itself.

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