Shri Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941), the famous poet and philosopher from Bengal, wrote, “Knowledge without action is worthless.” He did not find favour with the examination-based system of education. Instead, he looked at education as an exposure to the reality of life, nature, our needs and culture. What we learn we should be able to act upon it. That not only hones the learning but changes it into a lived experience. This kind of learning can happen when the children enjoy the freedom to learn as per their interest, at their own pace, and can observe the phenomena practically. Once having assimilated the learning in this way, then they set out to express it in creative ways using hands-on approaches. Further, Rabindranath Tagore emphasised holistic learning, where physical fitness, intellect and morals are all given their due. Self-development and service (action) were the cornerstones of his philosophy.
Shri J Krishnamurthi (1895-1986), philosopher, speaker, and writer, said, “Teaching is not the mere imparting of knowledge but the cultivation of an inquiring mind.” Krishnamurti Foundation follows his pedagogical vision of enhancing awareness in oneself and others through asking questions and taking action. Children while at play are exploring the environment through the senses, engaging with it, and then expressing their understanding in unique ways. One child might choose to build, another child might want to create a story or draw, and yet another child might want to engage in a playful conversation; all these are examples of action by the child propelled by his inquiring mind.
