Colonial Education Model Doesn’t Fit Indian Needs, Says RSS Chief Bhagwat

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that the colonial-era education system is not suitable for India, and the country must now move towards a model rooted in Indian values and cultural knowledge. He made these remarks while speaking at an event in Kerala, where he emphasised that the education system we inherited from the British

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that the colonial-era education system is not suitable for India, and the country must now move towards a model rooted in Indian values and cultural knowledge. He made these remarks while speaking at an event in Kerala, where he emphasised that the education system we inherited from the British was never designed to empower Indians but to serve colonial needs. According to him, the time has come to rethink what we teach and how we teach, in a way that suits Indian society and national goals.

I’m writing about this topic because it directly ties into the ongoing national debate around education reform. The way our children are educated shapes how they think, work, and live. Bhagwat’s comments have sparked conversations about whether our current system is still stuck in a British-era mindset—focused more on producing clerks and less on thinkers, creators, or leaders. This is important not only for educators and students but also for every citizen who cares about the future of India. We need to ask whether our education truly serves the needs of our people or just follows an outdated formula.

What Did Mohan Bhagwat Say?

While speaking at a public function in Thiruvananthapuram, Bhagwat criticised the colonial foundation of India’s education system, stating that it was designed with the aim of creating obedient workers for the British administration. He pointed out that this structure has failed to reflect India’s cultural identity, local wisdom, and real-world needs.

He stressed that while many reforms have happened post-independence, the basic framework of our curriculum, teaching style, and evaluation system still mirrors what the British set up in the 19th century. His remarks come at a time when India is in the middle of implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to decolonise education and focus on Indian languages, values, and knowledge systems.

What Is a Colonial Education System?

The term refers to the model introduced by the British, especially under Lord Macaulay in the 1830s. This system prioritised:

English as the main medium of instruction
Textbook-based learning
Memorisation over practical application
A focus on producing clerks and administrative staff for British offices

This model largely ignored India’s rich traditions in science, mathematics, medicine, and arts. Even after independence, much of this structure remained in place.

Why This Debate Matters Today

Bhagwat’s comments are not just about history—they connect to the current state of Indian education, where:

Students often lack critical thinking and creativity
Focus remains on marks and memorisation
Local knowledge systems and traditional Indian disciplines get little space in the syllabus
Education is seen as a path to secure a job, not for building character or solving real-life problems

There is also growing concern that the present system does not prepare students to become problem-solvers, entrepreneurs, or active citizens who understand India’s social and cultural realities.

Role of NEP 2020 in Changing This

The National Education Policy 2020 is seen as India’s effort to move beyond this colonial legacy. Some of its key features include:

Use of mother tongue/regional languages as the medium of instruction till Class 5
Focus on foundational literacy and numeracy
Flexibility in subject choice and multidisciplinary learning
Integration of Indian knowledge systems, including ancient science, arts, and culture
Shift from rote learning to competency-based education

NEP aims to bring learning closer to life, community, and the country’s unique needs, rather than copying foreign models blindly.

My View: Do We Need a Complete Overhaul?

As someone who has seen both sides—the traditional school system and the evolving education reforms—I believe Bhagwat’s point has some weight. We do need an education system that helps our children connect with their roots, develop real-life skills, and think independently.

But at the same time, we must be careful not to swing too far in any one direction. Replacing colonial elements is necessary, but the new system must still prepare students for global challenges, modern careers, and technological change. A blend of Indian values and global readiness is what we should aim for.

Education and Employment Can Transform Society: Dinesh Gundu Rao Highlights the Way Forward

During a recent public address in Mangaluru, Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stressed that education and employment are two powerful tools that can shape the future of any society. He pointed out that when people are educated and have meaningful jobs, they can rise above social divisions, poverty, and other long-standing issues. His statement came while addressing students and faculty at a function organised at Srinivas University, where he also touched on the importance of knowledge-driven growth.

I felt the need to write about this because it’s rare to hear such a strong political focus on the link between education, employment and overall societal transformation. We often hear about schemes, budgets and infrastructure, but rarely is the bigger picture discussed—how these two sectors can change the life of a common person. This topic matters to all of us, especially the youth, who are navigating a fast-changing job market while also dealing with rising academic pressure. By writing about this, I hope more people start thinking seriously about how education is not just about degrees, and employment is not just about money—it’s about dignity, stability and progress.

Why Education and Employment Matter Together

Education and employment are often treated as separate issues, but in reality, they go hand-in-hand. Education gives people the ability to think, create and contribute. Employment gives them the opportunity to apply what they know, support their families, and be part of the economy. According to Dinesh Gundu Rao, these two pillars must be developed together if we want a fairer and more productive society.

He stressed that:

Lack of access to education pushes people into poverty.
Unemployment leads to frustration, crime, and brain drain.
A society that fails to create job-ready youth will always remain unequal.

This is why investing in schools, colleges, and job-oriented courses is not just a policy decision—it’s a moral responsibility.

Government’s Role in Creating Equal Opportunities

During the event, Rao mentioned that governments should focus not only on building schools and colleges but also on ensuring the quality of education. He said students from rural areas often struggle because they don’t have the same access to English-medium teaching or computer labs as those in urban areas. This kind of inequality reflects in the job market too, where rural youth get fewer chances.

He also pointed out that:

Many graduates remain unemployed or underemployed because they are not industry-ready.
There is a big gap between what is taught in classrooms and what the job market demands.
Career counselling and vocational training should start at the school level.

According to him, if we want to see real change, we need long-term thinking and serious government commitment—not just one-time policies or election promises.

Importance of Social Harmony for Progress

One of the key messages Rao delivered was about unity. He said education should be a tool to unite people and not divide them. The minister raised concern about how communalism and polarisation are slowly taking attention away from important issues like job creation and educational reform.

He added that:

When youth are unemployed, they are more vulnerable to divisive ideologies.
Education can help people develop critical thinking and tolerance.
A strong education and employment ecosystem reduces dependence on populist politics.

He urged young people to stay informed, ask questions, and focus on real-life issues rather than distractions.