Bihar is an important state of India. In
terms of population it occupies third position in our country. Most of the
population residing is under the age of 25 years. That is an indicator of a
potential youth powerhouse in the country. In spite of these positive
potentials the state is represented as backward state in various aspects in our
country.
The glorious
history of Bihar which can be traced back from the prehistoric periods as
evidenced by human remains found in Paisra, Munger followed by discovery of
rock paintings in Kaimur hills, Nawada and Jamui. The Neolithic settlement was also
confirmed in Bihar on the bank of Ganges at Chirand (2500-1345 BC). It has been
a major centre of learning having many ancient universities like Nalanda,
Odantapura and Vikramshila. The tradition of learning which had its origin from
the time of Buddha or perhaps earlier, was lost during the medieval period when
it is believed that predatory armies of the invaders destroyed these centres of
learning. Needless to say that the state was once a powerhouse of education,
culture, governance and civilization in the world when other parts of the
country and other nations were still in primitive conditions.
Bihar saw a
revival during the later part of the British rule when they established many
Universities. After independence Bihar lost the pace in terms of establishing a
centre of education. In 60s major educational reforms were implemented to
streamline the education structure of state; however the phenomenal changes
were short lived.
Modern Bihar
has a grossly inadequate educational infrastructure creating a huge mismatch
between demand and supply. This problem further gets compounded by the growing
aspirations of the people and an increase in population. The craving for higher
education among the general population of Bihar has led to a massive migration
of the student community from the state. The current state of education and
research is not satisfactory however the current state government doing many
things for that.
To achieve the
literacy rate of 90-100% in next century and to stop migration of students,
maintaining our socio-cultural values, we need more funds for education and research
and full freedom of education and human development, so that we again become a
beacon in the world. That means Bihar needs thousands of new schools, colleges,
universities and institutes of higher education in the coming years. It’s also
necessary to maintain existing educational institutions.
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