Creation and Criticism

Translation: Dhritarashtra said: O Sanjay, in the sacred land of Kurukshetra, the field of dharma, what did my sons and the sons of Pandu, assembled with the desire to battle, do?

The opening verse of the Bhagavad Gita—“Dharmakshetre Kurukshetre...”— marks a profound moment of curiosity, moral conflict, and inner turmoil. Despite knowing that war was inevitable, King Dhritarashtra’s question to Sanjaya reveals a deeper unease— an internal struggle between attachment and righteousness. His inquiry, set on the sacred land of dharma, reflects not only concern for the outcomes of the war but also an anxious curiosity about how conflicting value systems— his own attachment-driven views versus the path of dharma —might influence the actions of his beloved sons.

If positively taken, this timeless quest for understanding resonates with the evolving landscape of education in modern India. Today, the system is shifting from rote memorization to inquiry-driven learning, where curiosity is nurtured as a path to wisdom. Education is no longer confined to textbooks; it embraces ethical reasoning, critical thinking, and real-world engagement.

Much like the “field of dharma” where the battle was to be fought, modern classrooms have become arenas where values meet knowledge. The learners are encouraged to explore, question, and analyze— not just absorb. They learn to understand perspectives, solve moral dilemmas, and seek truth through their own experiences and efforts.

In a fast-changing world shaped by technology, information, and global challenges, the curiosity to understand our surroundings is essential. The Indian education system now aims to channel this curiosity constructively, empowering learners to be not just knowledgeable, but also wise and conscientious.

The question of Dhritarashtra thus symbolizes a universal human urge— to seek clarity in moments of uncertainty. Today’s education aspires to nurture that same spirit, preparing youth to face their own Kurukshetras with courage, clarity, and conscience.

All the best!

Happy reading…

Abnish Singh Chauhan

Editor