The Kodaikanal years were from late 1942 to March, 1944, a period of internment for Maria Montessori against her will in India. Yet in these remote hills, a fanfare and training course emerged, and so did the inspiration for an in-depth unification principle for the elementary program which we now loosely call Cosmic Education. These two…

Issues in the study of bilingualism and multilingualism in India and Pakistan are examined, including the delineation of linguistic boundaries, defining a society that is multicultural and yet has developed a "communication ethos" based on a core of common experience, the difficulty in interpreting language role and defining language…

The people of Kerala are among the most politically conscious and active in India. A number of educational reforms have occurred through political action. Three of the most notable of these reforms are: (1) The Private Secondary School Scheme of 1955; (2) the Kerala Education Act of 1958 and the Kerala Education Rules of 1959; and (3) the current…

This paper uses experiences in Pakistan to address issues in the application of European-based principles of disability-related concepts and services to cultures in South Asia, especially Pakistan and India. Emphasis is on understanding the South Asian conceptual world of disability so that "development" rather than "transfer"…

Describes the history of early childhood education in India from the 1890s to the present. Presents current programs ranging from Integrated Child Development Services serving over 10 million children to small, innovative programs in local communities, noted for flexibility and responsiveness to local needs. Examines findings from innovative…

A review of educational systems in ancient India and traditional Native America reveals that these cultures went beyond superficial, conventional, or rule-based morality and trained thoughtful, principled wisdom. Common characteristics that may have contributed to training character and creating moral citizens include: a strong sense of community;…

Since India gained its independence in 1947, three important commissions have examined the issue of educational reform. The first (in 1948) recommended a vocational emphasis in the intermediate (predegree) courses without sacrificing emphasis on preparation for university education. In 1954, the Secondary Education Commission resulted in the…

A discussion of language policy in India's educational system identifies substantive issues of both theoretical and comparative interest; presents a detailed account of the issues associated with policy-making for language in education in the Indian socio-political context; and discusses the current status of implementation of these policies, with…

American responses to educational problems faced around the globe can serve as models for developing nations. The following characteristics of American education with particular relevance for education in developing nations have been organized as inputs, structures and strategies, and outputs. Inputs to the system of American education, defined in…

An examination of the language-related educational policies of South Asia, and particularly of India, finds that language policies among colonial administrators and the native elite for over a century has left a deep imprint on contemporary language ideologies of different nations. The discussion begins with a look at the Indian dual education…

A problem-oriented history of education in postcolonial India is presented along with a forecast of India's educational future. The problems of providing quality education in India after 190 years of British rule, which left only l3 percent of the Indian population literate at the time of India's independence in 1947, are discussed. India's…

This research paper investigates endeavors in India over the last two decades to implement cultural integration and national unity through education. A major objective is to assess the relationship between the multicultural aspects of Indian civilization and the goal of a national consciousness. A description of the social, linguistic, and…