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is vital for an individual to excel not only intellectually,
but also socially,physically, and emotionally, which can only
be achieved by linking education with culture, and at the
same time keeping pace with rapidly changing technology. For
education to be effective and result-oriented, it has to be
culture based, and it must take into account the cognitive,
emotional and spiritual needs of the student.
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Culture
and education are not mutually exclusive: both aim at improving
the quality of life through the medium of academics, imparting
knowledge on various disciplines and sensitizing the student
to aesthetics, moral values and creativity in thought and
action, thereby refining his/her personality. |
The
National Policy of Education (1986) recognised the need of
education to be culture-based. The role of education in developing
democratic citizenship was recognised. Knowledge of culture
plays a prominent role in democratic thinking : a democratic
citizen is known for his ability to sift truth from false
and he/she is more receptive to new ideas. True education
also brings clarity of thought, compassion and concern for
mankind and is a basis for human rights. |
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importance of in-service teachers training was also stressed.
Change in educational system can only be brought about if
the teachers have been trained and prepared to understand
and recognise the need for a changes in the methodologies
of teaching. Since the teacher training is limited to nine
months, it cannot possibly produce teachers well-versed
in crafts. Therefore trained craftsmen though not fully
educated in the formal way, should be associated with the
trained teachers in the teaching of crafts to the pupils.
Educational visits to museums, monuments and historical
sites are arranged to expose students to the rich Indian
cultural heritage. |
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The
main function of the Centre for Cultural Resources and
Training (CCRT) is to conduct a variety of training programmes
for in-service teachers drawn from all parts of the country.
The training provides an understanding and appreciation
of the philosophy, aesthetics and beauty inherent in
Indian art and culture and focuses on formulating methodologies
for incorporating a culture component in curriculum teaching.
This
training also stresses the role of culture in science and
technology, housing, agriculture, sports, etc. An important
component of training is to create awareness amongst students
and teachers of their role in solving environmental pollution
problems and conservation and preservation of the natural
and cultural heritage. |
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The
Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) also
organizes various educational activities for school students,
teachers and children belonging to governmental and non-governmental
organisations under its Community
and Extension Feedback Programmes which
includes, educational tours to monuments, museums, art
galleries, craft centres, zoological parks and gardens,
camps on conservation of natural and cultural heritage,
camps on learning crafts. These educational activities
emphasize the need for the intellectual and aesthetic development
of the students. |
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The
Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) organizes
academic programmes on Indian art and culture for foreign
teachers and students. Workshops are
conducted in various art activities like drama, music, narrative
art forms, etc., to provide practical training and knowledge
in the arts and crafts. In these workshops, teachers are
encouraged to develop programmes in which the art form can
be profitably utilized to teach educational curriculum. |
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Over
the years, The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training
(CCRT) has been collecting
resources in the form of scripts, colour
slides, photographs, audio and video recordings and films.
Each year the CCRT's documentation team conducts programmes
in different parts of the country with the objective of reviving
and encouraging the art and craft forms of rural India which
can be used for the preparation of educational programmes
for disseminating information about India's culture to the
student-teacher community. Some of the resource materials
are used during teacher training programmes of the CCRT. These
are distributed as part of the Cultural kit (sub link) and
other productions free of cost to schools from where teachers
have received training from CCRT.
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The
Centre also prepares publications which
attempt at providing an understanding and appreciation
of different aspects of Indian art and culture. These publications
also highlight the influence of nature on artistic expressions
so as to create an understanding of the impact of ecology
on cultural manifestations.
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One
of the most important functions of The Centre for Cultural
Resources and
Training (CCRT) is to implement the Cultural
Talent Search Scholarship Scheme. The Scheme provides scholarships
to outstanding children in the age group of 10 to 14 years, studying either in
recognized schools or belonging to families practicing traditional performing
or other arts to develop their talent in various cultural fields particularly
in rare art forms. |
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The
Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) has
also instituted CCRT
Teachers' Award which is given every
year to selected teachers in recognition of the outstanding
work done by them in the field of education and culture. |
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Globalization and emerging technologies are making new demands
on professional educators at all levels. The Centre is preparing
Cultural software
for wide distribution and viewing by teachers and students
all over the world, both at urban and rural levels. These
modules have been developed on themes having an universal
appeal to those working in the field of education and culture.
Most of the video productions and programmes on Indian Art
and Culture are available in the form of CD ROMS. In an attempt
to put the Centre on the global threshold, networking with
similar cultural institutions worldwide is being established.
An inventory of Indian Culture, vast and comprehensive, is
in the pipeline. To have access to a rich source of information
the Centre is developing an online Cultural Data Network Service.
The Centre also plans to utilize the Video Conference Service
to bridge the gap between geographically separated experts
in the field of art and culture in order to enhance the reach
of Centre's training programmes.
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