Education has long been regarded as one of the strongest pillars of society. For generations, schools were not merely institutions where children studied; they were places where values, discipline, and character were shaped. However, over the years, the landscape of education in India has undergone a massive transformation. What was once considered a noble and social responsibility has, in many ways, evolved into a highly commercialised industry. While infrastructure, branding, and modern facilities have increased, one often wonders whether the true essence of education has been lost somewhere along the way.
Picture this: more than two decades ago, schools were fewer in number, and every parent’s dream was to secure admission for their child in a reputed convent or a good school. Parents would stand in long queues overnight just to obtain an admission form for their ward. Getting admission into a school they admired was a matter of pride and aspiration for many families. Back then, education was both an economical and social affair. Teachers were deeply respected, and schools held an important place in society.
Parents, too, believed strongly in discipline. I still remember my parents telling my teacher, “Isko maaro bindaas, agar isne galati ki hai toh” (beat him if he has made a mistake). Despite such strictness, or perhaps because of it, we carried immense respect for our teachers — a respect that many of us continue to hold even today.
Fast forward to the present, and the scenario has changed drastically. Almost every locality now boasts an “International School”, “Global School”, or “World School”, all competing aggressively with one another. School fees today run into lakhs from the early years itself, and parents are further burdened with compulsory purchases of books, stationery, uniforms, and other school-related materials. The financial pressure on parents has become enormous. Despite government regulations, many schools find ways to bypass rules and continue operating education as a lucrative business.
In earlier times, students usually changed schools only when their parents were transferred to another city. Today, however, children are shifted from one school to another throughout the academic year itself. Many schools make grand promises to parents, projecting an ideal image, but often fail to deliver on those commitments.
The role of teachers, too, has changed significantly. The current generation of students does not always show teachers the same level of respect that earlier generations did. At the same time, teachers themselves are under tremendous pressure. In the past, a teacher’s primary responsibility was simply to teach. Schools organised a limited number of events such as Annual Day, Sports Day, and a few festive celebrations.
Today, however, many schools resemble event management organisations more than educational institutions. Events are organised for almost every occasion and festival, with teachers expected to contribute extensively to ensure their success. While these activities may appear enriching on the surface, many are largely marketing-driven, designed to attract admissions and generate revenue rather than genuinely enhance a child’s learning experience.
In this process, teachers have gradually lost the respect and stature they once enjoyed. Unfortunately, many school managements now treat teachers as mere numbers rather than as mentors shaping future generations.
The harsh reality is that education today has increasingly become a business and a money-making machine across much of the country. Yet, amidst this changing landscape, many convent and traditional schools continue to quietly shine. Without aggressively chasing profits or marketing gimmicks, they continue to impart education with sincerity and purpose. For them, education remains a noble mission and a social responsibility rather than merely a commercial enterprise.
As India continues to modernise its education system, perhaps it is time to reflect on what truly matters. Modern infrastructure, technology, and global exposure are important, but they should not come at the cost of values, respect, and the true purpose of learning. Education should not merely create successful professionals; it should create responsible human beings. Only then can we preserve the soul of education while embracing the future.
