Read the passage and answer the questions based on it Mahatma Gandhi said: Education is "the basic tool for development of consciousness and reconstruction of society". The Universal Declaration of Human rights, 1948 (UDHR) states: "Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, atleast in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. "This was said prior to the labeling of the current 21st century as the century of knowledge; and before the level of education in the community was recognised as an index of human development. The Constitution of India, recognizing this aspect enacted initially the Directive Principles of State Policy in Article 45 to achieve the goal of free and compulsory education upto the age of fourteen within ten years, but the task remaining unfulfilled for over half a century, the fundamental right in Article 21A has been inserted as amendment to reinforce its importance along with corresponding amendments in Article 45 and 51 A. Teacher is the medium to achieve this goal. Hence, the quality of teacher education to provide quality teachers is an important component for the success of this programme. The report of the Education Commission states:" The destiny of India is now being shaped in her classrooms. This, we believe is no more a rhetoric." The key player in the process is the teacher. Mahatma Gandhi said, "I have always felt that the true text book for the pupil is the teacher". A true teacher is a role model who triggers the thought process of his students to realize their true potential. He teaches by 'practice' and not merely by "precept".
The commission referred as "Education Commission" was chaired by:
Understanding the Education Commission Reference
The passage discusses the significance of education as a tool for development and societal reconstruction, referencing important documents like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Constitution of India (Articles 21A, 45, and 51A). It emphasizes the crucial role of the teacher and quotes a statement from the report of the "Education Commission": "The destiny of India is now being shaped in her classrooms." The question asks about the chairman of this specific commission referred to in the text.
In India, various commissions have been set up over time to review and recommend changes to the education system. One of the most significant among these was the Education Commission constituted in 1964.
Identifying the Chairman
The Education Commission (1964-66) is widely recognized for its comprehensive and far-reaching recommendations on all aspects of the Indian education system, from primary to higher education. This commission is often referred to as the Kothari Commission.
The commission was chaired by Dr. D. S. Kothari, who was then the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
Therefore, the statement quoted in the passage about classrooms shaping India's destiny is from the report of the Education Commission, which was chaired by D. S. Kothari.
Analyzing the Options
- Sam Pitroda: Known for his contributions to India's telecom revolution and later chaired the National Knowledge Commission (2005-2009). This is not the commission referred to in the passage (1964-66).
- D. S. Kothari: Chaired the Education Commission (1964-66). This aligns with the historical context of major education commission reports in India and the significance attributed to the commission's findings, including the quoted statement.
- Lakshman Swami Mudaliar: Chaired the Secondary Education Commission (1952-53). While an important commission, it predates the 1964-66 commission referenced.
- Dr. Sarvpalli Radha Krishnan: Chaired the University Education Commission (1948-49). Also an important commission focused on university education, but different from the one constituted in the 1960s.
Based on the historical context and the prominence of the Education Commission (1964-66) and its chairman, D. S. Kothari, it is clear that this is the commission being referred to in the passage.
| Commission | Year(s) | Chairman |
|---|---|---|
| University Education Commission | 1948-49 | Dr. S. Radhakrishnan |
| Secondary Education Commission | 1952-53 | Dr. L. S. Mudaliar |
| Education Commission (Kothari Commission) | 1964-66 | Dr. D. S. Kothari |
| National Knowledge Commission | 2005-2009 | Sam Pitroda |
Therefore, the commission referred to as "Education Commission" in the passage was chaired by D. S. Kothari.
Revision Table: Key Education Commissions & Chairmen
| Commission Name | Period | Chairman | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radhakrishnan Commission | 1948-1949 | Dr. S. Radhakrishnan | University Education |
| Mudaliar Commission | 1952-1953 | Dr. A. Lakshmanaswami Mudaliar | Secondary Education |
| Kothari Commission (Education Commission) | 1964-1966 | Dr. D. S. Kothari | Comprehensive (all levels of education) |
Additional Information on Education & Commissions
The Kothari Commission (1964-66) was a landmark commission in the history of education in India. It aimed to formulate a national system of education and suggest policies and programmes for its development.
- The commission's report was titled "Education and National Development".
- It recommended a 10+2+3 structure for education.
- It emphasized the importance of science education and research.
- It suggested the development of regional languages and promoted Hindi as a link language.
- The commission also stressed the need for qualitative improvement of teachers and teacher education.
- Many of its recommendations influenced subsequent education policies in India.
The passage also mentions constitutional articles related to education:
- Article 45 (Directive Principles): Initially aimed at providing free and compulsory education for children up to 14 years within 10 years of the constitution.
- Article 21A (Fundamental Rights): Inserted by the 86th Amendment Act, 2002, making education a fundamental right for children between 6 and 14 years.
- Article 51A(k) (Fundamental Duties): Added by the 86th Amendment Act, 2002, stating that it is the duty of every citizen who is a parent or guardian to provide opportunities for education to his child or ward between the age of six and fourteen years.
Important Questions from Teacher education
Which among the following statement is not true about the teacher, according to the passage?
In which of the following, the demand for free and compulsory education was made at the first?
- The passage is focusing on establishing the importance of:
While making education as a fundamental right, which among the following articles of the Constitution of India was not amended/inserted?
