Author:
I am starting this conversation with you all to explore the challenges that we face in creating a World We Want, and the contributions that education can make towards realizing it.
My roots go back into a lower middle class family of UP(India), around Kanpur, Lucknow, Allahabad, Etawah. I grew up in a family of teachers in several generations. My parents invested in my education, though it was hugely subsidized. I have benefited from this system of education at IIT, Kanpur and IIM, Kolkata. When I was confused about what to do next, I was offered a lecturership at IIM, Kolkata. It was then that I realized that my interests in social and organizational change could be pursued well if I went for further education. I enrolled at Department of Organisational Behaviour, School of Management, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland USA for a PhD programme.
I decided to do my field work in the rural areas of southern Rajasthan, using my lens of OD to understand and support dynamics of rural development in the mid 1970s.
That âeducationâ was so powerful that I realized how little I knew about rural life, despite my impeccable âeducational qualificationsâ. And, since then, I decided to dedicate my learning and professional contributions to the field of development in India, and around the world.
In todayâs world, there are serious questions about the future of humanity; despite enormous progress that science has made, human deprivation has continued unabated; traditional and indigenous knowledge has been displaced with modern information; schooling has substituted for learning; experience has been devalued by expertise.
It is in this world that we want to create a World We Wantâa world that gives a sense of hope, peace, dignity and well-being to all citizens.
I believe that Education is key to realizing such a world; but, what education? Which pedagogy of education? In the classroom, or âlifelongâ? Education of skills and techniques, or education of ethics and values? What does âeducationâ for creativity, innovation and sustainability mean?
As you can see, I have many more questions, than answers. I want to engage you to generate our collective answers to these, and many other, questions.
Are you ready?
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