The Impact of Modern Education on Moral Values and Fulfilling Lives in Nepal

Introduction

Nepal, a beautiful country nestled in the Himalayas, has a long history of rich culture, yoga traditions, and the Gurukul system of education. However, with the introduction of modern education, the country has seen a decline in moral values, discipline, and the pursuit of fulfilling lives. In this episode, we will explore how modern education has affected these aspects of Nepalese society.

 

The Decline of Moral Values

Modern education has focused more on academic achievements and career success, often neglecting the importance of moral values whereas the Gurukul system of education has its influence left across the world. Social awareness, character building, developing personality, discipline, self-control, being spiritual and learning about ‘Sanatan Culture’ and imparting knowledge in an open ground were some of the features of Gurukul system of education(Bhattacharya, 2021). Moreover, it lays great emphasis on character development, compassion, and ethical behavior. Even so, unfortunately, as modern education gained popularity, the teaching of moral values took a back seat.

 

Discipline and Order

The Gurukul system instilled discipline by following a structured routine that taught students time management and self-control. However, modern education system being emphatic on individualism and flexibility often struggles to develop self-discipline and self-control which are essential for navigating one’s life challenges.

 

Fulfilling and Happy Lives

The Gurukul system embraced a holistic approach, focusing not only on academic learning but also on emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, and spiritual growth. Students were encouraged to find fulfillment in both material achievements and inner peace. However, modern education tends to prioritize on external validation, academic success, career advancement, and material possession as the indicators to define a happy life where in the meantime it has failed to address the need of remaining mentally sound and content.

 

Revisiting the Gurukul System

To address these issues, modern educational institutions can reintroduce moral education as a core component of knowledge. By placing greater emphasis on character development and ethical behavior, we can help students develop a strong moral foundation alongside academic excellence.

 

Balancing Tradition with Progress

While progress and modernization are important, we must also recognize the value of traditional systems that have successfully shaped generations before us. Finding a balance between traditional and modern education can lead to a more holistic and fulfilling educational experience.

 

Conclusion

The decline of moral values, discipline, and the pursuit of fulfilling lives in Nepal can be attributed, in part, to the dominance of modern education. By reintroducing moral education by embracing a balanced approach, we can create an educational system that not only imparts knowledge but also fosters character, ethics, and overall well-being. This will help Nepal regain its cultural richness, honor its yoga traditions, and nurture a generation of fulfilled and empowered individuals.

 

References

 

Bhattacharya, C. D. (2021, November 11). Gurukul System versus Modern Education in India–A Need for Amalgamation of the Two System to Eliminate the Crisis of Illiteracy, Economy and Social Problems of the Society. International Journal of Recent Advances in Multidisciplinary Topics, 24-26.