As per the ancient literature, Gurukul education system prevailed in India. The Guru did not only teach subject knowledge but also taught good values to the shishya. The pedagogy was highly practical and activity oriented. Pupils also learnt discipline and self-dependence in the Ashram by waking up early, contributing their labour to keep the Gurukul clean and washing their own clothes and utensils. This invoked value of “dignity of labour”. The Guru emphasised on understanding of the concept andon learning the things for lifetime. After graduating, the shishya went to pursue career as per own capability and interest. Some took up jobs, some further went to universities and some became teachers. This way each student was able to earn decent livelihood. India was the breeding ground for various scientific accomplishments in astronomy, numerical system, metallurgical sciences, health sciences etc. only due to this education system.

Albert Einstein emphasised the importance of general education before specialized education. Foundation of all knowledge is formed through general education.

Present education

Now cut to the present era, knowledge is generated more frequently, knowledge is more scientific and available in real time. But our capacity to absorb information is not growing at par. This resulted to what is called Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Students are going for accumulating more facts, but not paying attention on basics. Education is not for lifetime but for scoring good marks. Skills and practicality in education is missing. Education is officially limited to mean literacy i.e. ability to read and write. This has made our demographic dividend quantitative and not qualitative. Pedagogy is tending towards one size fits all approach. Students are aspiring for few “respectable” jobs only like doctor, engineer, lawyer, civil servant or chartered accountant. This has resulted in high inequalities in the society. Professions like farmer, cleaner, security guards etc. are losing respect.

Dhara’s Vision and Mission

Ankit Kumar, founder of Dhara For Sustaining Life, identified this grim reality very early on during his days as a student. He strongly opposed standardisation of education because that results in commercialization. Each student is unique and deserves need based guidance. Each student may have different area of interests. Teacher’s work is to identify this uniqueness and train the student accordingly. Teacher is a role model who can influence the students’ behaviour. Students learn faster when they learn in their own style.

• • We want to revive the old systems of learning where the modern technology is acting as a supplement
• • We want to inspire the teachers to focus on the basic concepts and teach through activities and practical approach
• • We want to guide the students about the career opportunities available so that they can take informed decisions
• • We want to generate a level-playing field for each student where irrespective of class, caste, community, religion, gender, or place of birth, students can attain their potential
• • We want to generate awareness among the parents and teachers to focus on the first-generation learners more

Dhara’s Activities

1. 1. Providing support to the teachers in designing child friendly methods of teaching in order to improve learning outcomes
2. 2. Emphasising importance of learning for lifetime rather than just for exams
3. 3. Informing the students and teachers about career opportunities for the students as well as desirable steps to take in order to achieve their goals. This helps in continuation of education.
4. 4. Encouraging students to maintain balance between academic and extra-curricular activities for overall personality development
5. 5. Spreading awareness about government programs and schemes that can benefit students and aspirants
6. 6. Helping the school authorities to spread awareness in the families of the first-generation learners in order to ensure a favourable learning environment at school as well as at home and to reduce dropouts

How you can help?

1. 1. Donate to our projects related to Education. You can follow the ongoing and completed projects here .
2. 2. Volunteer with us to help execute the ongoing projects and to help kick start the upcoming ones
3. 3. Share your idea about how we can benefit the students more or how we can reach out to more students
4. 4. Partner with us and we can jointly work to create more impact

Contact

Drop us an e-mail at dharaforsustaininglife@gmail.com or call us at +91-9999-801-394 or drop by at our office in 10/70 Basement, Old Rajender Nagar, New Delhi-60.