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 We need to ask whether our education truly serves the needs of our people or just follows an outdated formula.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.
