What Amartya Sen said on reopening schools

August 23, 2021 14:13

There is no instant answer to the debate over the opening of school campuses amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Nobel laureate Amartya Sen said. Speaking in an online discussion organised by Pratichi on Sunday, Sen said that children are suffering a lot as schools are closed but also concerns over their health cannot be ignored if campuses reopen.

"In America, there is an ongoing debate between two groups on the same issue. In India, there are different opinions. But, what may be applicable in the east of Birbhum may not work in the west of Bankura. There cannot be a readymade reply, an instant reply at hand, the situation is not so," Sen said.

On the evaluation model in the present scenario, the economist said acquiring and sharing knowledge is more important. "Even if we put emphasis on the evaluation we must remember it is the last thing. Acquiring and sharing knowledge comes first. There are reasons to believe that the issue should be seen from different sides and perspectives," he said.

"When we learn something for the first time, when we first comprehend the matter....is that linked with evaluation? We have to see. Evaluation will be certainly of use, but how much and in what way? We have to see if there is a link between evaluation and real education," Sen pointed out. -- PTI

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

History repeating? India win toss; eye T20 WC trophy

Here's why history seems to be favouring India in T20 World Cup final

After Delhi, part of canopy at Rajkot airport collapses after heavy rain

The accident, which comes days after similar incidents in Delhi and Jabalpur, gave the opposition Congress an opportunity to target the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

Modi preaches consensus but practices confrontation: Sonia slams Modi

Sonia also described the mention of Emergency by the PM, the Lok Sabha Speaker as an attempt to divert attention from the "assault on the Constitution".

'Run feast for India if Shamsi bowls in T20 WC final'

Robin Uthappa believes Tabraiz Shamsi, a left-arm chinaman bowler, could be a liability on the batting-friendly Barbados pitch.

Day 2: South Africa fight back after India's record total

The Proteas began on a convincing note with the bat and remained safe at 29 for no loss at the lunch break.