The Productive Work

THERE is a need in this country to create a right atmosphere for productive work, which should be an important part of our scheme of education. When this happens, it will be possible for the school to earn enough to meet all its expenses from the work the boys would be learning and doing. Why should not carpentry be an integral part of our higher education ? Without weaving, education would be like a solar system without the sun. Where such crafts are properly taught, the students ought to be able to earn enough to meet the expenses of the school. The students must have the physical capacity and the will to do things. Of course, teachers will have to do their share of the work, namely, the creation of a favorable atmosphere—both physical and psychological. If a weaver was able to grow into Kabir, why cannot other weavers grow into a Gidwani, Kripalani or Kalelkar, if not Kabir ? If a cobbler could rise to be Shakespeare, why cannot other cobblers become good chemists or economists, if not great poets? It has to be understood that by falsely assuming a conflict between work and intellectual knowledge, we are greatly retarding the progress of the people.

— Navajivan : Sept. 23, 1928