Human history becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe,” H.G. Wells wrote, and a century later Amartya Sen continued the refrain saying, “If we continue to leave vast sections of the people of the world outside the orbit of education, we make the world not only less just but also less secure.”

Hence, when one asks what can empower our nation, the obvious answer is education. Yet, when one reflects on the state of education in our country, glaring disparities come to the fore. Though India’s higher education system has won the admiration of the world, the state of primary education in our country remains a deep concern.

Of the 100 million children worldwide who rightfully should be at primary schools, but are not, 20 million live in India. These children are in the age group of six to 14 and 60 per cent are girls. There are socio-economic reasons behind this. Only through education can we bring about a transformation.

I am not an educationist per se. Still education is a subject that is close to my heart and I believe transforming this calls for a paradigm shift, a complete revamp of our education system.

My focus here is on, firstly, the need for a research orientation in our universities and secondly, a redefining of education.