The teachings of Mahatma Gandhi are famous worldwide, and they revolve around the concepts of ahimsa (non-violence), Satyagraha, and self-reliance. He is called the Father of the Nation since he carried the freedom movement on his shoulders and ensured that India became independent.
Gandhi's Educational Philosophy is a shining beacon for students; laying down the path they can follow to become the greatest minds of the century. Mahatma Gandhi believed that education was among the most critical facets of the functioning of the personality as well as society and the world overall. A nation with educated young people can evolve at a much faster pace than a country with an ignorant population. To promote the basic education he came up with concept of Nai Talim. Nai Talim is conceived as a craft-based education in which practical skill serves as the center and foundation of an individual's spiritual, cultural, and social development and in which skills such as literacy and mathematics are learned in context with and in service to their craft.
In order to put light on the same and promote Gandhi teaching our college GITARATTAN INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDIES AND TRAINING (GIAST) has celebrated the NAI TALIM WEEK from 26th Sept 2021 to 2nd Oct 2021.To celebrate the same different activities have been organized by the college in which the teacher trainees has to participate. The NAI TALIM week includes the following activities:-
For the seed plantation activity, pupil-teachers took initiative to grow a seedling or plant a sapling as per their capacity around their neighborhood. While Megha Aggarwal participated in this event by germinating few grams by keeping them overnight and later planting them in a pot, Khushi Panchal planted a sapling in her neighborhood. Shivangi Sainger, and Neha Maria Mathew also contributed to this initiative by planting few plants and saplings at their own home.
This was an extreme fruitful exercise not only because it encouraged the pupil-teachers to contribute towards the welfare of the society but also in becoming more self-reliant. A simple act of germination pulses was an example of how one can also develop their skills and take care of the personal needs at home itself. It also helped in inculcating a nurturing attitude as pupil-teachers took care of their plants. It was a learning experience for the future teachers who are similarly, supposed to nurture their students while also developing such social sense among them.
For Cleaning activity, teacher trainees spread the message by showing and keeping their home and surroundings neat and clean. Muskan gupta tried to bring awareness by doing cleaning at her home. As emphasized by Gandhiji, cleanliness is important for one's own development. Keeping in line with this thought, the student trainee cleaned her own house. While another trainee, Muskaan Oberoi made a poster emphasizing the importance of cleanliness. As Mahatma Gandhi saw a vision of Clean India with cleanliness and sanitation being an integral part of Gandhian living, it is necessary for all of us to keep our surroundings clean. This was the main idea highlighted through the poster because keeping oneself clean is a vital part of healthy lifestyle. Kirti Garg also clicked pictures while cleaning her house to spread the awareness among others of how necessary it is to keep the surroundings tidy and clean. Through her pictures she highlighted the very fact that cleanliness is essential in everyone's routine life. Yet another teacher trainee, Hanshika Singh made a video stressing upon the necessity of cleaning our own houses. Her simple yet very effective video highlighted that how cleanliness can be practiced in our day-to-day life for a healthy living. This was a great activity to make us remember that cleanliness is next to godliness. Maintaining cleanliness is the most crucial part of our day-to-day life and also for healthy living.
For the workshop, the honorable S.K Bhatia Sir was invited in order to enlighten us on Gandhi ji's views on education and accountancy and commerce. He said that Gandhi ji not said much about accountancy, but he believe that children from an early age should be able to do his work. He should engage in vocational learning and learn about trade and commerce from the same. He mentioned about Gandhi ji's satyagraha, Gandhi ji's conference, Wardha scheme. In it he emphasizes to provide free and compulsory education from 1 to 7 years of the child. Mother tongue should be the medium of instruction. He more and more emphasizes on craft and work education. He believes that student understands study boring but when we join education and craft together it become more engaging and lively. When you produce you'll get money, and you have to use that money wisely. And decide about you expenditures and savings. In these references Gandhi ji talk about commerce. Where he thinks children should know about maintaining their records and accounts. He emphasize on systematic accountancy but not on single or double entry system. Then he told his own personal experience when on the time of Gandhi ji's demise, he as an 8 year young child went to Gandhi ji's cremation place which was very far from his house. At last he praise Gandhi ji's efforts and sacrifice for the country.
For first aid activity teacher trainees, made their own first aid kits, and showed how we can make first aid boxes easily at the home and can use during the time of emergency. Any emergency can be handled easily with adequate preparation, including a medical one. A well stocked first aid kit, kept within easy reach is a must for every home. Preparing and maintaining a first aid kit is also a great way of teaching kids about safety, though it should be stored well out of their reach. Teacher trainees Swati Sharma, Pranshi Gupta and Pooja Kumari made their own personal first aid boxes and shared the process of making the same as well. Gandhiji was against violence and promote the concept of non-violence throughout his life. So to promote peace among the humanity, precautions are also importance. First aid kits include all the necessary items and tools which can be used in the emergency or during an injury.
At last in skill development activity, different teacher trainees participated and showed their innovative skills, which is way more important for the personal growth and development. Skill development is a vital tool to empower people, to safeguard their future and for the overall development of an individual. It is an important aspect that enhances employability in today's globalization. Skills are as essential as one's academic status. Education and skills should now go hand in hand. Swati Sharma showed her hand made different craft items, from handmade paper Mache to drawings and paintings. Also other pupil teachers Komal Yadav, Pranshi Gupta, Pooja Kumari and shivangi sainger showed her different and beautiful craft material like paper quelling, paintings, craft material and so on. On the other hand megha showed the skill of her cooking. Each and every article was so effortful. Every teacher trainer of our group, put great efforts in each and every other activity. They all made their immense contribution to make the NAI TALIM week to be the successful one.
