The world is changing rapidly, and we are part of a society that thrives on innovation, growth, and greater awareness. Whether it’s designing new technologies or solving social challenges, education is at the core of building a brighter future.

India’s education system has transformed significantly over the years. During the Vedic period, teaching focused on holistic development, with a strong bond between teachers and students. However, under British rule, education was reshaped to produce clerks, prioritizing subjects like mathematics and science over areas such as philosophy, astronomy, and metaphysics.

Since independence, efforts have been made to reform the system, helping students reach their potential and excel academically. India is home to countless talented individuals who lead in global corporations, conduct groundbreaking research, and make significant contributions worldwide. Today, students are exposed to a wide range of subjects, providing them with a broad base of knowledge before they choose their specialties. While this approach ensures exposure to various fields, it often sacrifices depth and passion for learning.

The way we teach matters as much as the content itself. Imagine a history class where students are disengaged, burdened by the idea of memorizing facts and dates. This reflects a common issue—education has become synonymous with rote memorization. With the growing emphasis on competitive exams, students often study solely to perform well on tests, losing the excitement of learning in the process.

Exams are undoubtedly important, but they should be designed to evaluate understanding and encourage effective learning, not cause stress. Memorization has its role in education, but students must also see its purpose and relevance. They need to connect what they study to real-life applications.

The 2009 Bollywood movie 3 Idiots raised a question that still holds true: “How many students wake up excited to learn something new?” The idea of a classroom where every hand goes up may seem far-fetched, but it’s not impossible. By integrating the holistic, curiosity-driven methods of ancient education with modern practices, we can create an environment where students feel inspired to ask questions, explore their interests, and discover the joy of learning.