NEED FOR VALUE BASED EDUCATION

A global crisis is facing the humanity at the dawn of the 21st century. Our current system of education has been based on the material and economic needs of an industrial model of society. The rate of change in the scientific, technical, economic, social and political arenas have been rapid and education has been challenged to keep up with the expansion of knowledge and societal needs. There is increased evidence of a self-centered approach to life and there has been loss of a sense of purpose and increased hopelessness amongst children and youth, with many failing to find fulfilling lives, an increase in addictions, violence and lawlessness. Value based education is the crucial key to solving this crisis. It has the capacity to bring about the change in attitudes needed to ensure peace and sustainable development. The present paper talks about the meaning, need and ways for imparting value based education in schools.