Whether education truly liberates the human mind in today’s modern, commercialized era remains a compelling question. Reflecting on this theme, prominent educationists, columnists, and thinkers gathered in Bhubaneswar during the second session on Day 1 of the 94th State-Level Birth Anniversary Celebration of legendary leader Pradyumna Bal.
The seminar, titled ‘Education is Freedom’ (Shiksha Hi Swadhinata), called for a structural overhaul of the education system to rebuild moral values, culture, and discipline.
Presided over by eminent educationist and columnist Prof. Dhaneswar Sahu, the seminar opened with a critique of the growing divide between modern English-medium institutions and traditional public schooling. Speakers highlighted how rural chatasalis, ashrams, and gurukuls once acted as the true foundational factories for character building—where learning the Barnabodha and mathematical tables under the guidance of a guru instilled lifelong wisdom, a sense of warmth, and self-discipline.
True Education Requires No Formal Certificate: Bijayananda Singh
Delivering the keynote address, noted educationist and columnist Bijayananda Singh emphasized that real education liberates an individual from ignorance and guides them from darkness to light.
“Knowledge expands human perspective and creates new paths in life. However, education cannot be restricted merely to textbook degrees or formal certificates,” Mr. Singh stated. Citing the example of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, he reminded the audience that Tagore never pursued conventional university degrees, yet stands among the world’s greatest thinkers due to his vast self-acquired wisdom. He added that during the Maratha and Mughal eras, formal universities were absent, and village avadhans successfully nurtured knowledgeable generations.
Policy Makers Must Lead by Example: Shisir Kumar Nayak
Addressing the declining standard of public education, Shisir Kumar Nayak, Chairman of the Pragativadi Pathak Parishad, pointed out a stark irony in modern governance.
“The biggest irony today is that politicians and high-ranking officials who champion public sector reforms refrain from sending their own children to government schools, preferring expensive private English-medium institutions instead,” Mr. Nayak asserted. He emphasized that transforming society requires changing the entire mindset and framework of the education system, rather than just upgrading school infrastructure. He also called for restoring traditional discipline in public schools to preserve the essence of learning.
Focus on Tribal Education and Moral Values
Renowned educator Bijay Kumar Upadhyay stressed the importance of value-based education starting right from home. Expressing his commitment to bringing smiles to the faces of tribal children, he noted that egalitarian values are eroding in modern society. “Without moral values, the very pillars of our educational structure will collapse into darkness,” he warned.
During the session, Mr. Upadhyay was honored with the prestigious ‘Pradyumna Bal Education Award’ (Pradyumna Bal Shiksha Samman) for his exemplary contributions to the field of education.
Adding to the discussion, columnist Dr. Uddhab Charan Nayak highlighted the urgency of developing proper human resources. He expressed deep concern over the fading presence of culture, heritage, and ethics in modern curricula, urging society to adopt an educational model grounded in rich cultural roots.
The session was coordinated by Santosh Kumar Dash, former Chairman of the Pragativadi Jayanti Committee, while Justice Manoranjan Mohanty, Chairman of the Jayanti Committee, delivered the vote of thanks.
