Tribal Knowledge And Values: The Importance Of Education

As we are very much aware of the difficulties faced by the lower section of the society was the result of several years of discrimination and struggle but this is still in continuation after various efforts made by the government. The only way to reduce the inequality is through education but despite several attempts made to eradicate the issue, the system is still faulty at many levels. The knowledge of the tribal people, their culture, and their values are rejected in the curriculum designed for the mainstream and the dominant group of the Indian society. The concern is not only about the curriculum but also the whole process of schooling. Since there are major issues that affect the accessibility to schools such as geographical location,
Here comes the notion of what is worth teaching. There are different aspects of looking at the worthiness of the content to be taught. One is from the view of learners and other is from the intrinsic value of what is ought to be taught. We cannot let slip the fact that the process of education involves a huge number of students and not just one child. And the framing of curriculum and teaching methods according to each child is beyond the bounds of possibility. So, the teaching methods are created based on generalized child psychology and adults are required to perceive things from child’s point of view. Though, it has its own limitations also. Generally, children receive and understand knowledge that has been presented in engaging and fascinating manner. Also, the biggest concern is at a very tender age children are unaware and have very little knowledge to be able to choose what should be taught or not. Another facet of what is worth teaching is the knowing the content in terms of intrinsic value. It is, however, dependent on time, culture, society and history. So as to implement the constitutional provision of 350(A), that focus usage of mother tongue for linguistic minorities at primary level, there will be a need for huge number of teachers who are acquainted with that tribal language. The political ignorance towards the SC/ST education also has retarded the growth. This issue had to be noticed and worked upon with selfless efforts. The inequality, discrimination on caste, class and gender, injustice and disparity can only be reduced by the upliftment of the education levels. The identity and the self-esteem of the weaker section has to be strengthened by giving due respect to their knowledge and not suppressing their culture. The school environment should be made children friendly and the teachers should promote their local knowledge without getting influenced by the