National Education Day is celebrated on 11 th November every year in memory of Shri Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Union Minister of Education in Independent India. He is instrumental in laying the foundation of education system in Independent India. He is known for establishing UGC, IITs, IISc, ICCR, Sangeet Natak Akademy, Lalit Kala Akademy, Sahitya Akademy. On this occasion IGNOU Nagpur Regional Centre has organized a panel discussion
on “Inclusive Education – Needs and Measures with reference to Slum Dwellers, Commercial Sex Workers, Minorities and SC/ST Communities”.
Experts working for these under privilege groups for last several years are invited to share their ideas. Dr. P. Sivaswaroop, Regional Director IGNOU welcomed the Guests. He said that on this day, all people who are involved in the field of education should come together and discuss ways and means to provide education to all sections of the society. In light of this he explained the objectives of the panel discussion.
Dr. R. P. Singh, Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society, Nagpur Chapter who is involved in Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs) health and education issues, spoke about the educational aspects of Commercial Sex Workers. He said that the CSW’s have various reasons to study further. One lady CSW said that she want to answer her Childs questions, so, she joined IGNOU course. He thanked IGNOU for providing educational opportunity to CSWs and assured continuous cooperation in this
endeavor.
Shri. Rajeev Thorat of India Social Service Unit of education spoke on the educational needs and measures with reference to deprived sections, especially SC/ST community. He said that due to financial problems villagers were studying in the village school and after completing it they used to dropout. Those who could afford went to town
and cities schools and became educated. Those who were with less education have become labourer and their children needed special support. The govt. through various schemes like reservations, mid day meal and 25% seats in CBSE schools under Right to Education (RTE) etc. introduced. Through IGNOU many people are benefited irrespective of their financial and geographical conditions.
Shri. Jamshed Singh Kapoor, who is incharge for Langar Seva Sanstha explained the pathetic conditions of slum dwellers. He said that they face difficulty in every moment and so motivating them towards education is a herculean task. He tells them that education opens your mind and improves the quality of your work. So everyone be educated. A Tea vendor can also improve with education and do his business in a better way. At the bottom of these activity, everyone should have a inner desire to improve themselves. He said that IGNOU education is of very good quality and gives flexibility in study which is more useful for such people for whom daily working is essential for their
sustenance.
Shri. Tanveer Mirza, working in rural areas said that education is very essential for every member of the society. He emphasized education with character and also education with skills are very important. Otherwise we are having lakhs of applications for a class four post. The education system should change from “copy-paste” method to wisdom
development pattern. He said that we have crores of educated people but all our commodities, starting from tooth brush to crackers to mobile phones all are imported. He said that IGNOU’s education is very suitable to working muslims and muslim women as it has a inherent flexibility in studies.
At the end it is said that by educating all sections (especially weaker sections) of the society we are strengthening the Nation. The event was attended by invitees like Dr. P. T. Shukla, Dr. Gajghate, Shri. Satish Tata, Regional Centre Staff. Dr. Rishi Agrawal, Coordinator of IGNOU Study Centre, Hislop College conducted the
program.
