Unemployment, An Issue Of Modern Education System

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Unemployment is among the most serious issues plaguing contemporary Indian society. This problem is chiefly attributable to the modern education system. In ancient Indian society, where the traditional education model was followed, there was hardly any unemployment.

Excessive emphasis on memorizing details and reproducing them in exams is a major drawback of the modern education system. The aspect of improving the knowledge level and skills of students is ignored. Consequently, when students step out of college and seek employment, they realize that the skills actually needed for specific jobs are lacking in them.

The system of ancient Indian education, imparted in gurukuls, was completely different. Students were provided knowledge about scriptures like the Vedas, the Vedangas, the Upanishads, and the Puranas. The chausath kalas, or 64 kalas, were also integral elements of gurukul education.

The teachers in gurukuls were individuals of integrity, deeply committed to providing the right guidance. They ensured that their pupils acquired the knowledge and skills enabling them to live in an independent, dignified way in the future. The focus was on the overall personal development of these young people. As a result, students were not hindered from building a successful career after leaving the gurukul. The focus was on enabling right attitudes, skills and knowledge in students.

Nowadays, pursuing higher education or advanced training has become imperative for students to secure a good job. But, most of the institutes offering these courses charge exorbitant fees. That is a thing beyond the reach of many students, and they are thus deprived of job prospects. The issue of unemployment is worsening.

But when the Vedic education provided in ancient gurukuls is viewed, things were totally different. Children used to live in gurukuls along with their teachers, until the completion of their education. This ensured, they had good role models to for inspiration, motivation and mentorship.

There is one more reason why most young graduates who have completed their academic education find it difficult to find suitable jobs. This is again attributable to modern education, which is primarily focused on providing only theoretical knowledge. Not much is done to hone the skills of students in handling real-life scenarios.

But organizations offering employment require the candidates to be skilled in resolving actual issues related to the given job profile. As most applicants are unable to match these specifications, finding the right job has become a major challenge for these people.

Here again, the educational model of ancient Bharat is diametrically opposite to the present-day system. The education in gurukuls also covered the pivotal aspect of teaching students the practical application of skills learned. They were provided with simulations of real situations and encouraged to solve them using their knowledge and skills. That unique approach had an advantage. It made certain that there was no dearth of employment and self-employment prospects for pupils immediately after they finished their education.

Today a vast majority of students study to clear exams. They are only exam-focused and want a degree. Unfortunately, they do not see the time spent during their education as time to gain knowledge and prepare for a life of responsibility as productive professionals. After getting their degree they try to make this transition but the majority of them fail to cope.