Jesuit Father Rumualdo D’Souza, who was selected for Padma Shri award this year for meritorious service in education, says examination system should be scrapped to improve education in India.

The education system needs urgent overhauling, says Father D’Souza, one of 130 people the Indian government selected for three types of civilian awards on the occasion of India’s national day.

Since 1954, the government honors “outstanding people,” who have contributed to the country’s art, literature, sport, education, culture, social service, medical service and public administration on the occasion of its Republic Day, Jan. 26.

Up to 2010, 41 people have received Bharat Ratna, 270 Padma Vibhushan, 1,111 Padma Bhushan and 2,336 Padma Shri awards.

This year’s awardees include 13 foreigners and Indians living outside India and 17 women from various fields.

No one was selected for the top award, Bharat Ratna (jewel of India) this year. Six get Padma Vibhushan, the second highest award, for “exceptional and distinguished service,” 43 for Padma Bhushan for “distinguished service of high order” and 81 Padma Shri for “distinguished service in any field.”

Father D’Souza directed Jesuit’s premier management schools, Xavier Labor Relations Institute in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, in late 1980s and taught stress management among other subjects there.

He founded the Xavier’s Institute of Management in Jamshedpur and founding director of Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneswar.

The Jesuit priest also founded the Goa Institute of Management, National Institute of Construction Management and Marian Institute of Health Care Management, all in Goa.

While speaking to reporters who met him after he was named for the award, the priest said examination system should be scrapped. “Teachers should be allowed to assess the performance of students instead. The system of examinations promotes other bad practices like tuitions and extra coaching classes,” he added.

Source: UCAN

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