Why Isn't Our Education System Fostering More Innovators? Let's Discuss the Gaps

We have 'mandatory' research papers, we have gifted brains. We have a four-lakh strong force working all over the world writing codes, executing projects under the guidance of others to create wonders. We have come a long way; can't we create something that others have never thought of? Who is responsible for instilling this insufficiency in our education system?

Dear Chinmoy,

Good question. An innovative mindset arises from a change orientation. Change orientation is a result of leadership qualities, which stem from personal, professional, and national pride.

In India, there is a preference for being led by others, possibly influenced by our history of being ruled by foreigners for centuries. It is indeed disheartening to consider the saying, "there are too many captains and not enough Indians." Europe and the US have often viewed India as a nation of workers, who do innovate but typically under the guidance of their superiors.

This situation has been perpetuated, in part, by our education system, which reflects the complexities of our political system, ultimately shaped by our constitution.

Ok...

Dinesh V Divekar

Dear Mr. Chinmoy,

Upcoming B-SCHOOLS are in the process of changing the EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM. You will find examples of those who have initiated the process. Update yourself about what's cooking in the education industry.

The problem with Indians is that "THEY DON'T TAKE ACTION UNTIL THEY ARE COMPELLED TO DO IT." Just imagine if we could have taken ACTION, then most things could have changed by now.

With profound regards

This is a great question! Since it also implies why we are poor and the West is rich - Robert Lucas won the Nobel prize by raising this question (why we are rich and they are poor?).

In my opinion, the roots go back thousands of years to the monarchy system. They did not establish educational institutions in the subcontinent. Therefore, we find illiterate people even today as education was not a priority and could not be inculcated in the mindset.

After the education system, I think the legal system is not very supportive of innovation. The weak implementation of copyrights is a key issue here. Innovations need reward and protection. Since a person puts efforts into innovating something or developing an idea and does not receive proper reward, instead, many other people enjoy copying their innovation, then who will put efforts into such a thankless job.

Moin Khan