APPENDIX A (c) : REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE TEACHING OF GANDHIAN PHILOSOPHY
From time to time suggestions were received for introducing Gandhian Teachings into the curriculum at the school and the universi- ty stages, and the question was discussed in the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Central Advisory
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Board of Education. It was felt that so far no systematic attempt had been made to popularize the basic essentials of Gandhian thought which had achieved remarkable results. The Board, therefore, authorized the Chairman to set up a Committee which would take steps to see whether Gandhian Teachings could be introduced into our educational system and if so what methods should be adopted to make it effective and practical.
2. The Committee has been set up, and met at New Delhi on 23rd August, 1955. The Committee has submitted its report which together with the minutes of the meeting of the sub-committee appointed, is placed before the Central Advisory Board of Education' for consideration.
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE ON
GANDHIAN PHILOSOPHY HELD ON TUESDAY, 23rd. AUGUST,
1955, IN ROOM NO. 12, PARLIAMENT HOUSE. Meeting of the Committee on Gandhian Philosophy took place on 23rd August, 1955 with Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Education Minister, in the. Chair. The following members were present:-
(i) Shri Kaka Saheb Kalelkar
(ii) Dr. Abid Husain
(iii) Shri Avinashilingam Chettiar
(iv) Shri Pyarelal Nayar
(v) Acharya S. J. Bhagwat
(vi) Shri G. Ramachandran
(vii) Shri Magan Bhai P. Desai
(viii) Dr. P. T. Raju
(ix) Shri S. N. Agarwal
Also Present (i) Dr. K. L. Shrimali, Deputy Minister.
(ii) Prof. Humayun Kabir, Education Secretary.
(iii) Prof. K. G. Saiyidain, Additional Secretary.
(iv) Dr. R. K. Bhan, Deputy Educational Adviser.
(v) Dr. N. S.Junankar, Deputy Educational Adviser.
(vi) Mr. P. N. Kirpal, UNESCO.
(vii) Miss S. J. Narsian, Assistant Educational Adviser.
2. The Education Minister briefly referred to the circumstances leading to the constitution of this Committee. Some suggestions were made from time to time for introducing Gandhian teaching into curriculum at the school and university stages. It was felt that so far no systematic attempt had been made to popularize the basic essentials of Gandhian thought which had achieved such remarkable results. The Board, therefore, authorised the Chairman to set up a committee which would take steps to see whether Gandhian teachings could be introduced into our educational system, and if so, what methods should be adopted to make it effective and practical. This committee had therefore been set up of persons who were either close associates of Mahatma Gandhi or who had made a deep study of the subject.
3. The Minister pointed out that the Government had written to the State Governments and Universities to ascertain their reactions to this proposal. From the replies recieved it appeared that there was no unanimity of opinion on the methods to be utilized. A brief account of the replies had Already been circulated to the members. The Minister was anxious that the
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Committee should explore the possibility of including a study of Gandhian thought in educational institutions.
4. Kaka Saheb Kalelkar observed that Gandhiji's views on education, Satyagraha, Economics, Politics, Sociology, language and literature, mass awakening, synthesis of culture, race relations, marriage and sex could be introduced at the appropriate stage in the various subjects which formed the normal course of studies in schools and colleges. Shri Agarwal was of the opinion that Gandhiji's thought should form an, integral part of the educational system but pointed out that any attempt to introduce Gandhian philosophy as a separate subject of study would meet with resistance and its introduction would be fraught with difficulties. The Education Minister endorsed the views expressed by Kaka Saheb Kalelkar and Shri Agarwal and stated that Gandhiji's special and basic contributions should be selected and in particular his approach to the problem of "Ends and Means" should receive special emphasis.
5. Further discussion stressed the importance of the understanding of Gandhian teachings not merely as an intellectual matter, but as Shri Avinashlingam put it, as a subject which should be felt and lived rather than taught in the classroom so that they may affect the emotional being of youth. Dr. Abid Husain and Dr. Raju were of the opinion that there should be Chairs of Gandhian thought in some universities and Gandhian thought should be incorporated in subjects like Politics and Ethics at B. A. level. Dr. Abid Husain referred to the organisation of projects in Jamia Millia centring round certain significant themes and thought such projects pertaining to Gandhiji's life could be profitably introduced in educational institutions. He was also in favour of awarding scholarships for studies in the subject at post-graduate level. Shri Pyare Lal referred to the apprehension of Mahatma Gandhi that he might be regarded as an "apostle". Gandhiji was definitely against any new sect being set his name or any new sect being created after him. He related his reaction to the proposal that he should systematise his ideas and write an authoritative book on the subject. Gandhiji has stated that his life was an experiment and his ideas kept on growing and that others might possibly try to systematize them after him.
6. The question of availability of Gandhian literature was then taken up. Prof. Humayun Kabir declared that steps should be taken to disseminate Gandhian literature and spread his ideas through his own writings and through suitable books about him. It was also necessary to make source materials available. During the course of the discussion, it was revealed that all the writings of Gandhiji, could not be found in universities and libraries. It was agreed, that as far as possible, complete sets of Gandhiji's writings should find a place in University and college libraries. Suitable selections from Gandhiji's writings should be made available in schools. Shri Desai said that the material available in Gandhiji's writings, if placed before children, would infuse them and make his doctrines alive. The Minister drew attention to the stress place by Gandhiji on showing equal respect for all religions and his advocacy of cultural synthesis, tolerance and other important ethical ideas. In his 'Personal opinion, it was desirable that the fundamentals of religious thought-which were common to all religions-like the existence of God, the glory of God and the need for Prayer should be introduced in schools. Mr. Saiyadain dwelt on some of the fundamental and basic ideas of Gandhiji which were of universal significance and expressed his view that we should concentrate on them rather than everything that he had discussed, at least at the school level. He felt that the transmission of knowledge of Gandhiji's teachings and doctrines should be attempted through the various subjects taught in schools and colleges and they should be suitably incorporated in subjects like Ethics, Politics, Economics, Civics as well as language books. The extracts selected from Gandhiji's writings particularly for language readers-should be not only informative but in-
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spiring so that they might make an abiding impress. He also suggested that in addition to the publications of Gandhiji's teachings in cheap and popular and editions a volume of "Readings from Gandhi" should be brought out for use in schools at a price which may be within the reach of all students. Dr. Shrimali considered it important that there should be illustrated booklets for children and appropriate literature for High schools and a systemetic study of Gandhian thought at the higher stages of education. It was reiterated that it was not so much theory, as practical exposition of the concepts of life through activity which was necessary. The Committee also felt that it would not perhaps be feasible to have Chairs of Gandhian thought as an integral part of various subjects of study. A Sub-Committee consisting of the following was appointed to suggest the programme that should be adopted to implement the ideas of the Committee.
(i) Shri Kaka Saheb Kalelkar
(ii) Shri Pyare Lal
(iii) Shri Bharatan Kumarappa
(iv) Dr. Abid Husain
The Minister desired that whenever Shri G. Ramchandran happened to be in town he might also participate in the deliberations of the Sub-Committee.
It was agreed that after the Sub-Committee had reported, a conference of those interested in Gandhian thought and his teachings may be called for further discussions.
The meeting adjourned with a vote of thanks to the Chair.
List of the members of the Committee on Gandhian Philosophy and Ways of Life.
1 . Kaka Saheb Kalelkar, 2, Mansingh Road, New Delhi.
2. Dr. Abid Husain, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, Delhi.
3. Shri Avinashilingam Chettiar, M. P., 3, Western Court, New Delhi.
4. Shri Maganbhai P. Desai, Navajivan Trust, Ahmedabad- 14.
5. Acharya S. J. Bhagwat, 12, Tilak Road, Poona-2.
6. Dr. P. T. Raju, Professor of Philosophy, Rajputana University, Jaswant College Buildings., Jodhpur (Rajasthan).
7. Shri G. Ramchandran, Director, Gandhigram, P.O. Gandhinagar, Distt. Modurain.
8. Shri S. N. Agarwal, General Secretary, A. I. C. C. 2, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi.
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9. Shri Piyare Lal Nair, 90/16, Connaught Circus, New Delhi.
MEETING OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON GANDHIAN PHILOSOPHY The Sub-Committee on Gandhian Philosophy met in the morning of 12-9-1955 in room No. 58, North Block, Secretariat, New Delhi.
Members Present :-
1. Shri Kaka Saheb Kalelkar .......... Convenor.
2. Shri Pyare Lal
3. Dr. Abid Husain
1. It was explained that recently a letter had been issued to Shri Bharatan Kumarappa, Bombay, to find out whether he was willing to serve on this Comittee. A reply to his letter was awaited.
2. Shri Kaka Saheb Kalelkar stated that he had desired Shri G. Ramchandran to be closely associated with this Committee, to which the Education Minister had agreed. Further he added that it might be possible to, arrange for the next meeting of the Committee in a way so that Shri Ramachandran might also be present.
Item No.3 :The terms of reference of the Committee were as follows-
(a) To suggest methods in which Gandhian Philosophy could be incorporated in the curriculum of Primary and Secondary Schools as also in Basic Schools.
(b) To disseminate knowledge of Gandhian writings and to make source material available for this purpose.
Item No. 4 : The Committee decided upon the following points-
(a) To issue a circular to all publishing companies asking them to send a list of books on and about Gandhiji and to send five copies of such books which were considered suitable for school students.
(b) To publish Gandhiji's thoughts on Education in Hindi, English and other, regional languages.
(c) To prepare a handbook comprising Gandhiji's thoughts on experiments in education for the teachers in Basic Training Colleges. This book should be composed on the basis of Gandhiji's earlier as well as later ideas on education. It was stated that there was a compilation of selected articles by Gandhiji on education in Gujarat in two volumes. Regarding this handbook the Committee stressed that it should contain as far as possible extracts from Gandhiji's own writings on education. This publication should be recommended and, if possible, prescribed in all Basic and other training institutions.
Item No. 41.
Shri Kaka Saheb Kalelkar stated that Navjivan Publication House which was the copyright of Gandhiji's writings could be entrusted with the task of publishing Gandhiji's books on education in Hindi and English. They might already have Gandhiji's books translated in several languages. The Committee realized that for the composition of such handbooks assistance from experts like Sarvashri Ramachandran, Bharatan Kumarappa, K.G.Saiyidain, Dev Prakash and Magan Bhai Desai would be necessary.
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Item No. 5.
The Committee felt that amongst students Gandhiji's thoughts and philosophy would be better disseminated in schools if anecdotes relating to Gandhiji's life and ideas were compiled and presented in an attractive manner. Anecdotes are always catching and appealing and they make good readable material. It was felt that the collection of these anecdotes would be of help to writers in writing text-books for school children. For this purpose a list of books which contained anecdotes from Gandhiji's life and also a list of books written by Gandhiji which threw light on various subjects like Satyagraha, Education, Economics, Social Reform, Synthesis of religion etc. would, be necessary.
Item No. 5.1.
Shri Kaka Saheb Kalelkar referred to the book "Mind of Mahatma Gandhi" by R.K.Prabhu and U. R. Rao. Although a collection of thoughts of Gandhiji, it contained a brilliant exposition of Gandhiji philosophy. It was suggested that the style of the books of anecdotes should be on the pattern of the very lively book entitled "Nehru Flings a Challenge". The other material considered suitable for school children both boys and girls was :-
(a) Gandhiji's letters to children.
(b) Gandhiji's letters to Ashrama Sisters.
The first book might contain Gandhiji's letters to Sabarmati Ashrama boys and others who were allowed to write freely and frankly to Gandhiji on various problems and who in reply received his valuable advice. The second book already published is an interesting study of Gandhiji's way of teaching women their duties and responsibilities in life.
Item No. 6.
Since teaching Gandhiji's philosophy must be closely associated with practical expression of it in day-to-day life, Dr. Abid Husain suggested that teachers in schools might be encouraged to introduce project methods dealing with various phases of Mahatma Gandhi's life. He narrated the project method used in Jamia Millia for two or three weeks to celebrate the Prophet's birthday. During this time children write compositions on different aspects of the Prophet's' life. They prepare maps showing Haj route, draw charts and illustrations bringing out salient features of the Prophet's life,
The Committee suggested that the Jamia Millia might draw out a similiar experiment in connection with Gandhiji's life and submit a report to the Committee which may there after be published and distributed in Basic and Secondary Schools.
Item No. 7.
Shri Pyare Lal suggested that the celebration of National Week from 6th to 13th April which was inaugurated by Gandhiji but is now feading away might be re-started and vitalized Dr. Abid Husain pointed out that April might not be a suitable month from the point of view of schools and colleges as many schools close during this month and many others remain busy conducting annual examinations. The other alternative dates proposed were the last week of January, the third week of August and the first week of October. The concensus of opinion was in favour of suggesting these dates to all schools and also indicating :the manner and method of devoting one of these weeks to the spread of Gandhiji's ideas and ideals. The week may be termed "Gandhi-Week" or better still "Rashtra Pita Week". The members agreed that no compulsion should be introduced. Teachers and schools should be encouraged to conduct Gandhi-week in the manner they considered best.
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Item No. 8.
Shri Pyare Lal desired that Gandhiji's thoughts should be disseminated during "Shram Dan" and Sanitation Drive' week. He explained that most States organised sanitation drive and this was an appropriate occasion when young men and women might be informed of the philosophy behind these compaigns. He was also of the opinion that children should be taken to the slum areas and the quarters of the untouchables in order that they might learn of the spirit with which Gandhiji started his great campaigns against these evils in society. He proposed that school tours should also be arranged to places which are associated with Gandhiji such as Kirti Mandir, Porbandar,Sabarmati Ashrama, Yerwada jail, Wardha Ashrama and Rajghat Samadhi and also that schools should be provided with films and such other Audio-Visual Aids which would be a source of tremendous influence upon children's emotional and mental make up.
The Committee desired that a list of documentary films should be obtained from Sri Devadas Gandhi (Many documentary films are available with Gandhi Smarak Nidhi) and the information transmitted to schools and colleges.
Item No. 9.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting could prepare films for school use. Before the conclusion of the meeting, Dr. Abid Husain referred to the subject of installing a Chair of Gandhian Philosophy in some universities which are interested in the study of Gandhiji's life and teachings. He was firmly of the view that the Government of India should encourage the universities in which research is being conducted on Gandhiji,his life and thoughts by offering them suitable grants. He suggested that a few universities might have a Chair and the teacher should be of the rank of a professor who would receive an honoraria. The main function of the professor would be to guide students and assist them in interpreting Gandhiji and his philosophy and his teachings correctly. The members felt that in order to make it possible the universities should have a supply of as extensive and as exhaustive source material as possible and also experts who possess a close and deep knowledge of Gandhiji.