Education About Understanding and Analysing, Not Rote Learning: Prakash Javadekar

New Delhi: The HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar while addressing students at the Gunn Gaurav Samman Samaroh, organised by the Central Board of Secondary Education, said that "education is not about rote learning".

During the event, which was held under the aegis of the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Javadekar spoke on "What is Education?"

The Union Minister emphasised on the fact that education is the ability to understand and analyse. “Education is not about rote learning. It is about having the ability to comprehend, communicate and analyse a situation. We have to realise the importance of these qualities," he said.

He further underlined the need of incorporating creative and physical education in schools. "Marks as high as 499/500 are scored by those who maintain consistency, focus, and discipline to reach their goals," he added.

Referring to the protests by Delhi University students, he said, “Sometimes educated people also don’t live up to their ideals. Last year, Delhi University students gathered outside the Vishwavidyala metro station. They were checked by a banana seller for their behaviour, for which the students attacked him because he had said,

'education does not encourage such a behaviour'."

At the event, which is the third consecutive of its kind, Javadekar felicitated 67 students of class XII, who topped in different categories from Delhi-NCR. These students, who came from various government, private and open schools, have scored more than 82% marks and above in class XII 2018 exam results.

There were five toppers from Delhi-NCR (including private schools), five students from Kendriya Vidyalaya, six from JNVs, 5 SC/ST category chidren, six students from Children with Special Needs Categories, 16 students from lower income group, seven students from Delhi Government Schools and 12 students from NIOS.

These students were identified on the basis of their performance and income criteria as recommended by the internal committee of CBSE.

Rina Ray, Special Secretary (Department of School Education & Literacy), Anita Karwal, Chairperson of CBSE, and other senior officials of the MHRD, KVs, JNV and CBSE were present during the event.