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25.2.2002

Dear Shri Digvijay Singh ji,

I am taking the liberty of writing this letter because I have heard of a development in Madhya Pradesh that is rather disturbing. This is related to a decision at a local level to stop the Hoshangabad Science Teaching Program in the Hoshangabad district. Normally one might take a decision of this type as one of the normal academic excursions that would take it own route, hoping that after academic argument and discussion among academics themselves a solution would emerge. Unfortunately this decision has not been based on any such argument.

Hoshangabad Science Teaching Programme is based on a unique effort in the country and can be counted amongst the best efforts of this kind in the world. This is not just a hot-house adventure imported from elsewhere. The attempt has been to grout learning on the reality of the land without sacrificing the essence. Many other people in the country, and some from outside, have admired the manner in which innovation has been made a part of growing up, the manner in which reviews and discussions have been built into the whole process, the manner in which the examples of science and mathematics touch the familiar environment, enabling teachers and students in a process of knowledge acquisition and not teaching and learning in the normal sense. The fact that this programme found a fertile home in Madhya Pradesh is a tribute to the culture of the State that has nurtured it, and continues to do so. No programme is perfect for all time. If the process is right the programme continues to develop.

I am aware that very conservative or very lazy people may not like the discovery approach. I can also understand that some people may not be enamoured of an approach that leads to questioning and helps to create a temper that might resist brainwashing. If on the urging of such people one were to give up a truly remarkable effort it would be a great tragedy. Because of this program Madhya Pradesh is seen as a Teacher. The best of academics from the country have given of their time and effort since the time the program started over 30 years ago. I feel privileged that I was one of those who came in close contact with it on a number of occasions. Please do not let it wither away. Let the program be evaluated as often as required, as has been done several times in the past. But allowing it to be killed would be a tremendous loss to Madhya Pradesh and the country. Such efforts come only once or twice in a century.

I request you to give some time to this problem. Should you need to discuss it with me I can be contacted at your convenience.

With warmest personal regards,

Yash Pal