Investigating Mahatma Gandhi’s Thoughts as Lessons in Primary Classrooms

Abstract

Mahatma Gandhi viewed education as a means to nurture individual potential. His principles have influenced many across the world. This study seeks to explore how Gandhi’s ideas are represented in the primary school textbooks of two different educational boards in India—the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB). In addition to textbook analysis, the study also examines teachers’ perceptions of Gandhi and how they approach teaching his life and values in the classroom.

The findings suggest that Gandhi’s representation in primary-level textbooks contributes to students’ moral and character development. Teachers from both boards generally hold a favourable view of Gandhi’s contributions and regard the inductive method as particularly effective for teaching related topics. The study also identifies specific Gandhian values discussed in the textbooks and reflects on their contemporary relevance.