We must inculcate sound values for education to be meaningful

The National Curriculum Framework provides Indian schools a practical format to impart these

- ANURAG BEHAR

The National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023 (NCF) articulates five 'Aims of Education': rational thought and independent thinking, health and well-being, democratic and community participation, economic participation, and cultural participation. These guide the choice of knowledge, capacities, and values and dispositions that the curriculum must develop in students. Let us explore these values and dispositions.

Attaining the five aims requires the development of a range of consonant and inter-related values. For practical purposes, these are placed in three categories. First, ethical and moral values, which include empathy, sensitivity, integrity and courage, among others. Second, democratic values, including a commitment to liberty, equality and embracing diversity, a fraternal spirit and social responsibility, among others. Third, values that we hold about knowledge and truth, called epistemic values. These include scientific temper and recognizing sources of knowledge in different domains, among others.

The NCF also guides curricula to develop a few dispositions in students: a positive work ethic, curiosity and wonder and rootedness in India while being an engaged citizen of the world.

Its approach is for schools and the education system in general to work coherently on multiple key aspects.