With the advent of intractable technological and scientific advancement combined with recalcitrant influences and transformations in our educational environments, there lies deep concerns and challenges in our educational ecosystem for the scope of fine arts, as a subject for learning. As we begin to explore the complexities of educational philosophy and its varied ways of direct influences on the current generation of our progeny, the roles and scope of fine arts as a subject to be pursued for lucrative career vistas has been a matter of deep-seated concern. How can Indian art forms contribute to a global culture, and what is the impact this treasure trove's role in education?
Our Several Art-Forms
As a country, India has been the connoisseur of several art forms. If we turn around the golden pages of Indian history and philosophy, we witness Arts and its various forms, forming the crux of the edifice of Indian culture and heritage. The finest art forms of poetry, paintings, sculptures, and textile arts have been a gift of the Indian diaspora to the entire world. Whether it is Madhubani, cave or the bewildering Warli paintings - we as Indians have always taken immense pride in our fine arts tapestry of work. Whether stone, metal, terracotta, woodwork or ivory sculptures, Indians have always spearheaded these exquisite sculpture forms that have garnered adulation at both national and international levels. The wide spectrum of Indian poetry is well-renowned too. We are proud owners of an immense and diverse body of literature which ranges from ancient writing work of Vedic and Sanskrit literature to the contemporary regional forms. The iconic Indian textile crafts like Kalamkari, Pashmina, Banarasi, Chanderi are testaments to the deep rooted Indian Art forms, and its magnificent reach for creativity and workmanship.
Art-Form in Schools
Amidst this prolific array of artworks that represent Indian cultural heritage with such magnanimity, why does the Indian Educational System have a limited scope for Fine Arts? As I begin to ruminate over this issue, you may consider this a quixotic but an honest attempt to fray the fabric of this education dilemma. It is not surprising to assess that the focus of our Educational Policy Design will be to equip the younger population with skills and knowledge base that enables them to achieve employment and contribute to the overall economic growth.
With approx. 25% of the Indian population, the children aged between (1-14), promise a brighter future for our country, if they are nurtured rightly and guided into a more productive and sustainable way of exploring their unique potential and building their careers for greater good of society and themselves. I logically and most naturally arrive at the present predicament to detect the modicum importance of Fine Arts in our education system. Practically, one may surmise, of what de minimis significance will Fine Arts be to Agriculture or Manufacturing or Transportation or Trades.
All the civilizations that have flourished, have evolved through creative and artistic processes and celebrated their impact on their cultural and social structure. Whether it is the Mesopotamian, or Egyptian or the Indus Valley Civilisation, all of them thrived under the influence of creative ideas and traditions that enabled a holistic approach to upgrade their quality of lives.
Impact of Arts
It is true that a nation prospers only after it has addressed the basic needs of its citizenry that includes, Food, Electricity, Water, Housing, Education and Healthcare. It is only then, when its creative and artistic sources contribute to its expansion of quality of living standards.
As educationist, we must absorb the influence of Indian Art and Culture in our educational design and utilise it to create a productive and prosperous future for our next generations. Our educational policies may be job-oriented; however, we must also bolster the emphasis on implementing Fine Arts programs in the classroom curriculum. On a macro level, we may assess it to be of zilch importance, but as we put on the lens for details, we find that Fine Arts is the only creative force that can exercise a humongous impact in our society and culture.
Conclusion
Fine Arts is metamorphosing, both in its spirit and impact. The educational auspices of providing Fine-Arts based learning opportunities across institutions lies in the hands of modern educationists and policy makers. A society without creative influences will eventually become regressive bedrock that will lead to its own destruction. Are we heading towards one?
Out standing