THE EDUCATION TRAP

Finally, I figured out...

Disregard the fact that I was just an 18 y/o kid when I wrote this article for the first time.

📖 Importance of education

Over 12.97 million youngsters in India are currently out of school. While we're talking about the educational system, there are a large number of kids who have no education and have no idea how to read or write.

It's not new to us. We've all known this since we were in school.

🎓 The education system

Before we start, I want you to do some quick research about who started this education system, when, and why.

In India, we never had a culture of going to school and reading books appearing for exams.

If you focus on Indian history and the Vedas, you will notice we used to have "GURUKULS". Where are they now?

• Vedic Period (1500 BCE - 500 BCE): The Gurukul system developed during this time, with education imparted in a home-like setting, focusing on the Vedas, philosophy, and arts.

• Maurya and Gupta Empires (322 BCE - 550 CE): Formal institutions began to emerge, including centers like Nalanda and Taxila, which attracted students from various regions.

Here, the change begins

• Colonial Period (1858 - 1947): The British introduced a formal school system based on the Western model, focusing on English and modern subjects, which led to a decline of traditional systems.

• Post-Independence Era: The Indian government established a formal education system, integrating elements from the Gurukul tradition while adapting to contemporary needs.

⏳ Gurukuls VS Modern Schools

Here is a beautiful comparison. Which option teaches more skills instead of just making labor?

𐎭 Prussian education system

Why was this system created?

In short, the Prussian education system was admired for its efficiency in producing a disciplined, literate, and productive workforce, which aligned with the needs of an "industrializing" society.

They aimed to create a literate and educated citizenry that could meet the growing administrative and industrial needs of the state. Basic literacy, math, and vocational skills were taught to ensure that individuals were productive in the job market.

How did the Prussian system shape British education?

During the Industrial Revolution, Britain adopted similar principles to educate a growing urban population that was moving away from agrarian lifestyles into industrial jobs. The British government increasingly took control of education through the Education Act of 1870, also known as the Forster Act, which laid the foundation for compulsory schooling and government oversight, reflecting Prussian ideas of standardized education.

As Britain industrialized, the demand for literate workers capable of reading instructions, operating machines, and managing accounts grew. The British education system, influenced by Prussia.

⏱️ Colonial Period (1858 - 1947)

The British introduced a formal school system based on the Western model, focusing on English and modern subjects.

"Which led to a decline of traditional systems."

• The English Education Act 1835: Following the Act, several English-medium schools and colleges were focused on subjects like science, medicine, law, and literature, modeled after British institutions. The curriculum was designed to serve the colonial administration's needs rather than the holistic development of Indian society. Read more...

The English Education Act of 1835 marked a profound shift in Indian education. By prioritizing English and Western knowledge, it devalued traditional Indian educational systems and created a new class of English-educated Indians who were crucial to the functioning of the British Empire.

🪙 Current impact of this system

So now you know how this idea of the so-called "Education System" emerged. And still, do you think this system will help you to fulfill your dreams? Are you still confident that what you're learning from this system will help you grow, achieve your dreams?

"Or you just wanted to secure a bare minimum package with a 10% increment yearly."

Still, we are having TIER1, TIER2, and TIER3 colleges. Still, we have the system of state-level education. Because after Independence, the government needed employees, and britisher already introduced this "Education Trap" to make you the next job seeker. And now you are on that path, my friend.

🛠️ A degree is all you need?

I heard this a lot that you can't skip school, college because if you don't have a degree, you will not get a job. People really mean it when they say it. Yes, a degree is all you need, my friend, only if you want to be a job seeker, only if you want to be an employee, only if you are ready to spoil your dreams, and only if you are ready to advise this same path to your child.

In reality, if you are passionate about your work and you have the right skills, you will end up getting a job without even a degree. The "degree certificate" was introduced to make the government's work easier and to hire a bunch of factory workers quickly. And nowadays, you don't even have that many government job openings, just think about that. And in the end, you end up being a private worker.

🧠 Skills over degree

In this whole process of making factory workers, 99% of us don't even know what skills they have or what they are passionate about. They never got a chance to interact with this real-world market.

So just move around and see what people are doing and what you really wanna do in your life. What is it that can give you the potential to achieve your dreams? And that is your skill.

If you are skilled, then always focus on your skills and keep improving. A degree can't stop you from achieving your goals.

📝 Conclusion

Moreover over we know the history, how this all happened, and all. Now it's your work to "escape this rat race" of job seekers. And find your way on your own. Look at all those big minds and see how they are different from us.

Thanks for hearing me out. Correct me if I'm wrong somewhere.