Ketiz Singh

The Mistakes India Made in Education and How China Improved: A Comparison

Hey there, young readers! Have you ever wondered why some countries like China have excelled in education while others, like India, are still struggling? Let me take you on a journey to explore the mistakes India made in its education system and how China adopted a different approach to improve.

Education in Ancient India and the British Era

Long ago, in ancient India, education was provided through Gurukuls and religious schools, focusing on scriptures and regional languages. However, with the arrival of the British, the education system took a different turn. The British aimed to train Indians as clerks and assistants to serve their purposes, not to educate the masses. They neglected primary education and focused on producing civil servants.

India’s Focus on Higher Education: The Birth of IITs

Post-independence, India continued the trend of prioritizing higher education. In the quest to keep up with global advancements, institutions like IITs were established to produce technical workers. This top-down approach led to neglecting primary education, unlike China’s bottom-up strategy.

While China focused on compulsory primary education, India built world-class universities. The consequences of these decisions became evident in the 1980s.

Results: Illiteracy Rates

In the 1980s, China had a significantly lower illiteracy rate compared to India. Due to China’s emphasis on basic literacy and numeracy skills, its population transitioned from farming to industrial and service sectors, propelling the nation’s economic growth.

Success Stories: A Tale of Transformation

One example is Zhou Qunfei from China, who went from working in a small factory to establishing a billion-dollar company. Education enabled individuals like Zhou to transform their lives from laborers to entrepreneurs, contributing to China’s economic boom.

In contrast, millions of underprivileged children in India are trapped in intergenerational poverty due to the lack of proper education opportunities.

Reflection: Examining India’s Education System Today

While India has produced exceptional talents like IITians who excel globally, the focus on higher education neglects the vast population lacking basic skills. The system rewards a few winners while leaving many behind, especially those from farming families or disadvantaged backgrounds.

Call to Action: Revamping India’s Education System

It’s time for India to prioritize primary education and adopt a holistic approach like China. By investing in quality education for all, especially in rural areas, we can unlock the potential of every child and build a brighter future for our nation.

Let’s learn from the past, rethink our priorities, and work towards creating an inclusive education system that empowers every child to succeed. The journey begins with a single step – are you ready to join the transformation?