Students need to learn Indian languages, patriotism, says Advani

Stressing on a modern approach towards life while maintaining the Indian personality, BJP’s prime ministerial candidate L K Advani has called for an “Indian model” to develop education in the country.

Stressing on a modern approach towards life while maintaining the Indian personality, BJP’s prime ministerial candidate L K Advani has called for an “Indian model” to develop education in the country.

“I am not against English, and I do not think any Indian should oppose English for the sake of it. Over the years, it has become as much a language of Indians as it is a language of Britishers or Americans. (But), one of the ill-effects of globalisation has been the neglect of Sanskrit, Hindi and other Indian languages. It must be arrested and reversed,” he said during his convocation address at Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya in Hardwar on Saturday.

“(We must) develop a strong sense of patriotism among students — (They) should have sufficient knowledge of our national history, society, culture, our heroes, our achievements, and future goals, as it would make them proud to be Indians. There is a need to provide high-quality education in diverse streams of academic knowledge and skills, combined with values, morals and sanskaras. But it is the inner development of personality that can help him learn how to live life. (Thus) the core of the gurukul system is relevant today,” he said.

Quoting from the Mother, a follower of Sri Aurobindo, on the true meaning of education, the octogenarian said, “India will be a decisive player (globally) in the 21st century. A principal reason is our enormous pool of human resources — two-thirds of India’s population is below 35 years. As many as 10 crore young Indians will be voting for the first time in the 2009 parliamentary elections. If this vast reservoir of human resources is properly educated and empowered it can indeed create miracles in the future,” he said.