"Educated" blacksmith: The late K. Raghavan
When I was just 8 years old I went to Kottayam to stay the summer holidays with my maternal grandparents.
Malayala Manorama was in the throes of being restarted after India obtained independence. A vindictive Dewan of Travancore, who had an aversion to Christians and anyone associated with the Indian freedom movement, had locked down the Malayala Manorama newspaper in 1938 and he had corrupted the justice system and imprisoned my grandfather on trumped up charges as he disliked journalists, (much like what is happening in India just today).
After coming out of prison and waiting for Indian Independence, K. C. Mammen Mappillai restarted the newspaper.
He acquired a second hand rotary printing machine. There were no drawings or instructions, just packages containing all the parts of the press.
There was a young blacksmith who was also a car mechanic working for the newspaper. He used to repair the treadle presses when they broke down.
He had a small blacksmithery above the house kitchen where he would cast the lead letters for typesetting. As he allowed me to fan the fire with the bellows, I used to spend many hours with him.
One day, he was called by my grandfather who asked him whether he could put together a team of workers to set up the old rotary press.
There was no hesitation from this young man, which spoke of great confidence.
He had no knowledge of engineering drawings, or any other training in any field of engineering.
He put together a group of similar youngsters and got to work. I watched, quite fascinated how he went about his work, opening each package and sorting the parts one by one.
Then they started putting the press together. Slowly the press started coming up, one side from the foundations and the other from the drive mechanisms. They worked feverishly and tirelessly, day and night, as it was a promise they made to my grandfather.
I went back to Bangalorc and came back for our next vacation. The press was almost ready and they wanted to start it up.
They considered me a mascot. Raghavan called me one afternoon and asked whether I would press the START button.
I pressed it but nothing happened. No one was disappointed.
They got to work again and shortly I was asked to again perform the honours.
This time this huge machine creaked and started to move to the cheers of the small group of workers.
Then it was a question of fine tuning and setting it up to run. Before my vacation was over, the machine was actually printing newspapers.
To my mind, that was the work of a highly educated individual, who in subsequent years earned the respect of printing engineers worldwide who came and set up the most complicated printing presses for the newspaper.
The engineers held Raghavan in great awe.
Raghavan was not even permitted to retire by the newspaper and continued as an "Advisor".
This simple man, older to me by almost 9 years, always addressed me as “Sushilchayan” a term of respect in our Malayali system.
One day I will blog much more about this fascinating person.
Today there was a report in my INBOX that said that the country which was most educated was South Korea. Finland was ranked 29th and India was near the bottom at 43rd out of 46 nations.
The basis of judging this was by the number of people who had attained a tertiary degree.
Ratings from report:
- South Korea: 69%
- Canada: 67%
- Japan: 65%
- Ireland: 63%
- Russia: 62%
- Luxembourg: 60%
- Lithuania: 58%
- UK: 57%
- Netherlands: 56%
- Norway: 56%
- Australia: 56%
- Sweden: 52%
- Belgium: 51%
- Switzerland: 51%
- United States: 51%
- Spain: 50%
- France: 50%
- Denmark: 49%
- Slovenia: 47%
- Israel: 46%
- Latvia: 45%
- Greece: 45%
- Portugal: 44%
- New Zealand: 44%
- Estonia: 44%
- Austria: 43%
- Turkey: 41%
- Iceland: 41%
- Finland: 40%
- Poland: 40%
- Chile: 40%
- Slovakia: 39%
- Germany: 37%
- Czechia: 34%
- Colombia: 34%
- Hungary: 32%
- Costa Rica: 31%
- Italy: 29%
- Mexico: 27%
- China: 27%
- Saudi Arabia: 26%
- Brazil: 23%
- India: 20%
- Argentina: 19%
- Indonesia: 18%
- South Africa: 13%
In another recent report the best education system in the world is considered to be in Norway, followed by Finland, Singapore and South Korea.
I asked AI to prepare a short essay about its view on the best education systems.
Title: Exploring the World's Leading Education Systems
Introduction:
Education plays a crucial role in shaping the future of any nation. Governments across the globe strive to enhance their education systems to provide their citizens with high-quality learning experiences. While there are several countries renowned for the excellence of their education systems, identifying the single country with the absolute best education system is subjective and depends on various factors. In this essay, we will explore some top contenders and shed light on their noteworthy aspects.
Norway:
Norway is often lauded for its exceptional education system. The country emphasizes inclusive practices that embrace diversity and provide equal opportunities for all students. Norwegian schools prioritize critical thinking, creativity, and student autonomy over rote memorization. Moreover, their curriculum is designed to foster skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. Consequently, Norway consistently ranks high in education-related metrics, promoting a culture of lifelong learning.
Finland:
Regarded as a pioneer in educational excellence, Finland has long been praised for its holistic approach to education. Finnish schools focus on nurturing students' overall well-being and personal growth, alongside academic achievement. Their curriculum places emphasis on playfulness, promoting a relaxed and enjoyable learning environment. Additionally, Finland places great importance on attracting and retaining highly qualified teachers, recognizing their role in driving educational success. This commitment has resulted in high teacher satisfaction and student outcomes.
Singapore:
Singapore, renowned for its high scores in international assessments, is often considered one of the world's leading education systems. The country prioritizes rigorous academic standards and a highly competitive curriculum. Singaporean schools emphasize mathematics, science, and technology, building a strong foundation for STEM-related fields. Moreover, the nation has a robust teacher training system, ensuring educators are equipped with the necessary skills to deliver quality education. Singapore's commitment to consistent improvement and innovation has contributed to its educational reputation.
South Korea:
South Korea is recognized for its strong educational achievements, with its students consistently ranking among the top performers in international assessments. The country emphasizes the importance of education and instills a strong work ethic in students from a young age. South Korean schools dedicate significant time to core subjects, particularly mathematics, science, and language. Additionally, their education system values discipline, dedication, and hard work, with students frequently engaging in additional tutoring and extracurricular activities.
Conclusion:
Identifying a single country with the absolute best education system is complex and subjective. However, Norway, Finland, Singapore, and South Korea represent nations that have achieved remarkable educational success. These countries prioritize various aspects, including inclusivity, teacher quality, holistic development, core subject mastery, and discipline. By examining the noteworthy aspects of these education systems, societies worldwide can gain valuable insights for enhancing their own education systems. Ultimately, the pursuit of educational excellence should be an ongoing endeavor, with a focus on creating environments that empower students to reach their full potential.
I then asked AI to write me an essay about education and whether achieving a tertiary degree was the criteria to define the education status of a nation.
Here is the interesting reply I received from AI
which fits quite well with Annikki and my practical experience:
Title: Exploring the Concept of Education: Beyond Tertiary Degrees
Introduction:
Education is a multifaceted term that goes beyond the mere acquisition of a tertiary degree. It encompasses a broader range of experiences, knowledge, and skills gained through formal, non-formal, and informal means. This essay aims to delve into the true essence of education and illustrate that its definition exceeds the boundaries of obtaining a tertiary degree.
Understanding Education:
At its core, education can be defined as the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, values, and understanding through various forms of learning. It involves both formal education, obtained through institutions like schools and universities, and informal education, which can be attained through real-life experiences, interactions, and self-study. Education equips individuals with the ability to think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, and adapt to a rapidly changing world.
A Broader Scope:
While obtaining a tertiary degree is undoubtedly an important aspect of education, it would be too narrow to confine the entire concept to this single accomplishment. Education encompasses a wide array of experiences and opportunities that foster personal and intellectual growth, beyond the boundaries of academic achievement. For instance, individuals can acquire knowledge and skills through vocational training, apprenticeships, or workshops that equip them with valuable expertise in various fields.
Non-formal Education:
Non-formal education plays a significant role in shaping individuals' lives, even though it may not necessarily lead to a tertiary degree. This category includes community-based programs, professional development courses, online learning platforms, and workshops. Non-formal education provides individuals with learning opportunities to acquire skills, gain new perspectives, and expand their knowledge outside the traditional academic setting. It enables lifelong learning, fostering personal and professional growth on an ongoing basis.
Informal Education:
Informal education is an indispensable part of one's learning journey, often occurring naturally within everyday life experiences. It includes learning through observation, interaction, trial-and-error, and self-reflection. Informal education enables individuals to acquire practical skills, socialize, learn cultural norms, and develop valuable life skills that may not be achieved through formal education alone. In many cases, informal education complements or even surpasses the knowledge gained through formal channels.
The Purpose of Education:
Education serves a broader purpose beyond the acquisition of factual knowledge or qualifications. It fosters personal development, empowers individuals, and promotes social cohesion. The goal of education is to nurture critical thinking, enhance problem-solving abilities, shape ethical values, and cultivate well-rounded individuals capable of contributing positively to society. Education equips individuals with a sense of agency, enabling them to make informed decisions, adapt to changing circumstances, and engage actively as global citizens.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, education is a far-reaching concept that should not be limited to the sole acquisition of a tertiary degree. Education encompasses formal, non-formal, and informal learning experiences that empower individuals to grow intellectually, acquire practical skills, and develop a wide range of competencies. While a tertiary degree holds its significance, it is only one aspect of the broader landscape of education. By recognizing and valuing various forms of education, we can promote lifelong learning, personal growth, and societal development.
Malayala Manorama launched its Manorama Year Book in 1959.
1984 Year Book which I brought to Finland with me and formed the basis of many lectures I gave about India.
The 2008 year book I recently gifted to a young Indian boy in Oulu who has a bent for curiosity.
Another year I gave the Year Book to a young Finnish girl in Oulu on her graduation. I was thanked profusely for it.
Many have asked me how I acquired such a broad General Knowledge.
When the first edition of the Year Book was being prepared, my uncle, the Chief Editor of the Malayala Manorama, set up a offer where he offered me Rupee 1 for every mistake I could find in the Year Book.
Rupee 1 was a huge sum those days for a 16 year old.
I meticulously read the Year Book, cover to cover, and earned a tidy sum!
That proof reading exercise paid me well then and later in my personal and professional life.
I am not a very clever individual but certain key steps in my life have paid me lavishly!
(I will blog a few other interesting helpful tips for life in a later blog!)
My friend and hero, Raghavan, is my model of an educated human being. No South Korean, Norwegian, Finn or Singaporean, could hold a candle to my Raghavan!
Raghavan did not even have a basic education.
