Problem with Indian Education System, which in turn defines the culture of the country, is its inability to introspect or to accept well meaning criticism. This is not limited to Education sector, but is almost a national trait. When one doesn't view criticism positively and introspect, one falls into the trap of mediocrity. And the negative reaction to criticism stifles intellectual debate, that can open the doors to new avenues.
Debate about the shortcomings of the existing system, and about future directions is a mark of a healthy society. We, as a nation, have become so immune to any comment that is even minutely critical. And to make the matters worse, there is section of the intelligentia and the media that rams down the throat of the nation their views on what is right, which is mainly status quo.
India gave a list of 50 wanted terrorists to Pakistan, but some of them are found to be residing in India. This embarassment should have led to a thorough debate on the effectiveness of the co-ordination amongst various intelligence organizations. Something good would have come out of it. Instead, the Home Ministry treated the matter with utmost disdain, and even refused accept the blame for the goof up. If you dont have the heart to accept your mistakes, you will never improve.
(I was fortunate to be brought up by a father who encouraged criticism. I had the right to call him an idiot. He will look at me sternly and say "Fine. Now either prove it or withdraw your statement", which means I have to defend my criticism of him. This led to two things. On the one hand, I was not restrained from criticising something which I felt need to be criticised, but on the other hand, I know I cannot get away by making wild criticisms or allegations (as Rahul Gandhi made in UP the other day) without backing it up. And he was a fair man. If he finds merit in my criticism, he will sit down and correct himself, though he will sulk for a couple of days. That was more out of vanity, for he was a proud man
It is why it is so sad that the Central Minister Jayaram Ramesh's remarks about the quality of IIT and IIM staff was met with so much derision by the academic circle. There is much merit in JR's remarks. Our top Engineering and Management faculty need to contribute much more in basic research and not just be satisfied with imparting their knowledge alone. They should look for new frontiers and in turn should inspire their students to have more social awareness and to find workable solutions to nations problems
