Education Should Reflect Indian Values, Not Just Western Thought: Dr. Harish Shetty
Pune, 26th February 2025: “Our entire education system is influenced by Western thoughts and values. Instead, our education system should emphasize Indian ethos and preserve them,” stated Dr. Harish Shetty, a renowned psychiatrist and National President of the ‘My Home India’ organization.
He further added that Eastern philosophies are more humane and socially oriented than Western ones, and therefore, the Indianization of education is necessary.
Dr. Harish Shetty was speaking at a special program organized by the Kaveri Group of Institutes at the G. M. Shetty Memorial Hall in Erandwane on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Kaveri Counselling Unit. Dignitaries present on the stage included Malati Kalmadi, Secretary of Kannada Sangh; Dr. Mohan Agashe, renowned actor and psychiatrist; Dr. Keerthi Pai, psychologist; Mukti Shah, psychologist; Dr. Devasena Desai, Associate Director; Freny Tarapore; Devika Nadig and Dr. Shobha Joshi.
Dr. Shetty presented his views on the topic ‘Significance of Mental and Emotional Well-being of Children and Adolescents and Its Impact on Adulthood’ through a multimedia presentation.
Dr. Shetty said, “Building trust in oneself is crucial in children. By instilling self-confidence in them, we can minimize the risks of aggression, violence, gadget addiction, lack of concentration, and other negative tendencies that emerge at a young age. Spending quality time with children, engaging in family activities, and providing undivided attention are essential.”
Parents and teachers must work together to keep a watchful eye, not as guardians, but as mentors. If parents and teachers keep this in mind, students of all ages will transition from a prison-like existence to a joyful one, he added.
Dr. Mohan Agashe stated that while there is an overload of information, there is a lack of experiential learning. He emphasized that every child is unique and requires a balanced approach that integrates thought, emotion, and the distinction between the real and virtual worlds.
Malati Kalmadi praised Kaveri Counselling Unit’s remarkable journey, marked by dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Dr. Devsena Desai highlighted the unit’s 30-year journey, sharing experiences and case studies. Dr. Keerthi Pai discussed ethics and limitations in counseling, while Dr. Sadhana Natu emphasized the diversity of aspiring counselors.
Mukti Shah discussed eight discomforts that therapists face, including idealization, managing devaluation, identification, unfinished business, helplessness, conscious incompetence, rupture, and tolerating ambiguity. She emphasized the need for therapists to metabolize these discomforts.
Smita Pradhan, Deepa Kajale, Samruddhi Karnik, and Shubhada Karnik presented the best practices from the Kaveri Counselling Unit.
