“Learning by Doing”: Understanding the Gandhian Approach to Education

Abstract

Mahatma Gandhi was a visionary who walked ahead of his times. His vision and dreams of an Indian society embodying the values of brotherhood and equality in the true sense was rooted on the twin pillars of satyagraha and ahimsa. His hopes were anchored on the youth of the country. Gandhi strongly believed that only education could liberate the youth from the vices of the Indian society and propel them towards progress, freedom and self-realisation. One of the key components of his Constructive Programme was education. Gandhi spent a lot of time deliberating on how to structure and realise it so that all Indians would benefit. This paper intends to explore the idea of education proposed by Gandhi and his compatriots, especially the concept of ‘learning by doing’. The paper would briefly assess the new National Education Policy in this light.