Mahatma Gandhi, a prominent leader in the Indian independence movement, was not

only a political figure but also a philosopher with strong views on education. His
philosophy of education, often referred to as "Nai Talim" or "Basic Education," was a
fundamental part of his vision for a just and inclusive society. Nai Talim aimed at
holistic development, integrating intellectual, social, and moral dimensions of education.
Gandhi believed that education should develop all the capacities of the child so that he
becomes a complete human being, it means full development of the body, mind, heart,
and soul of the children

1. Vocational aim: Gandhiji wished that each child should through his
education, be able to learn a productive craft to meet his future needs life
by adopting some industry or business. Hence, he advocated education for
self-reliance and the capacity to earn one’s livelihood as the main aim of
education. Gandhiji also suggested that there should not be any inferiority
or superiority regarding work, We should do every work/everything with the
thinking that those works are mine and they have value whether it is
sweeping or work in an office
2. Cultural aim: Gandhiji wished that education should develop Indian
culture. Hence he advocated that together with vocational education,
cultural achievement should also be achieved. Two aspects of
development should go together side by side. He believed that the cultural
aspects of education as more essential than its academic aspects” Culture
is the main foundation and an essential and special part of education.
Hence all types of human activities should bear the imprint of culture and
refinement.
3. Perfect Development Aim: Gandhiji insisted that education should
develop all the aspects of individuality, harmoniously. He believed that the
real education is that which fully develops the body, mind, and soul of
children”
4. Moral or character development aim: Gandhiji believed that one of the
essential aims of education is moral development or character
development. About this Gandhiji considered character building as the
main and essential basis of educational development”
5. Liberation aims: According to Gandhiji is that education Should liberate the
body, mind, and soul. By liberation, he meant two kinds of liberation. One
was the liberation from all kinds of economic, social, political, and mental
slavery. The second was the liberation of the soul world by pursuing and
devoting itself to higher forms of spiritual living. Education should provide
this spiritual freedom for self-growth and realization of itself.
 1. Mother Tongue as a medium of teaching- Medium of teaching in primary
classes as mother tongue- Gandhiji were always in favor of mother tongue
as medium of teaching specially in primary classes. Because interest
development and conceptual clarity is the main objective in primary
classes which can be fulfilled by only mother tongue. Our New Education
Policy also support mother tongue in primary classes.

Job Oriented Education-Gandhiji in his Basic Education Policy emphasized that

education should be job oriented. If we see our education system it is more theoretical

than practical syllabus.NEP recommend that our education should include vocation

education so that students would be able to earn his livelihood after completing his

education. NEP recommend that our education should include vocation education so

that students would be able to earn his livelihood after completing his education.

Gandhiji had full faith and respect for Indian values, that is why he wanted to introduce

in education also. New Education Policy 2020 also have provision of value-based

education.Curriculum frameworks will be developed for ensuring that these skills and

values are imbibed through engaging processes of teaching and learning.

-Gandhi's philosophy promotes education for all, irrespective of caste, creed, or

economic status. The NEP shares this commitment to inclusivity, aiming to provide

equitable access to quality education for all segments of society, with a focus on

reducing disparities.

Flexible and Integrated Curriculum:

Both the NEP and Nai Talim emphasize the need for a flexible and integrated

curriculum. Nai Talim integrates intellectual, moral, and physical development, while the

NEP advocates for a more flexible and multidisciplinary approach to education, allowing

students to choose subjects based on their interests and aptitudes.

Flexible and Continuous Assessment:

Both educational frameworks acknowledge the limitations of traditional examination

systems. Nai Talim and the NEP advocate for a shift towards continuous and

comprehensive evaluation, focusing on assessing a student's overall development

rather than rote memorization.

Multilingualism and Cultural Context:

Gandhi's Nai Talim underscores the significance of learning in one's mother tongue and

being rooted in local culture. The NEP also advocates for the promotion of

multilingualism, recognizing the importance of preserving and promoting regional

languages and cultures for a more inclusive education.

In conclusion, Gandhi's philosophy of Nai Talim remains relevant in the contemporary

times on education, particularly in the context of the new education policy. Both stress
the importance of a holistic, inclusive, and locally rooted approach to education,

recognizing the need to prepare individuals for a socially just and sustainable future.In

Gandhi a scheme of education, knowledge must be related to activity and practical

experience. Need of the hour is to reorient education so as to channelize the manpower

in the right direction. In the reports of the various committees and commissions the

need and the importance of education has been emphasized to make it vocational.

Thus, it is quite justified to say that the fundamental principles of basic education are

still valid and fruitful in the context of our present educational reform. They are relevant

to be used as guiding principles of modern education. Our NEP2020 has fulfilled

Gandhiji’s dream of education in many ways.