'When asked how much educated men were superior to those uneducated, Aristotle answered, "As much as the living are to the dead." ', said Diogenes Laertius (2nd century). The whole of Kerala seems to resonate with this thought. In a state that has achieved 100 percent literacy, it seems little wonder that education is largely emphasized upon.
The rulers of Travanore and Trivandrum deserve special mention in their efforts to make education a part of their subjects' life. Maharaja Marthanda Varman's and King Swathi Thirunal have crusaded long to make their subjects well versed in arts, sciences and other disciplines. The latter championed of the cause of women's education.
Kerala Schools:
Lower primary and Upper primary education has been actively promoted by the Government of Kerala. Besides the private schools, a number of Govt. aided and Govt. run schools have mushroomed in the state and a high level of basic facilities in these schools have been maintained. Most of these schools have been provided with drinking waters and clean washroom facilities. Higher education in schools is being promoted actively by the ministry for education and the number of girls being educated is almost equal to the boys.
Kerala Entrance Exams:
Every year after the Higher Secondary Exams are held, the various colleges hold entrance exams to technical courses such as MCA, PG in science subjects, Law College Entrance Exams etc. However the most important among these is the Kerala Engineering And Medical (KEAM) Entrance Examinations held by the Government of Kerala. Based upon the performance in these and on a consistent academic performance, the student is offered admission in the medical and engineering colleges of the state.
Kerala Colleges and Institutes:
Kerala boasts of a number of colleges that impart undergraduate and postgraduate studies to the students Medical education is provided by a number of dental, nursing and pharmacy colleges among others. Engineering colleges are aplenty and good number of students study in arts colleges too. Other vocational training institutes are founded and run by the Government to assist in technical education. The IIM at Kozhikode is among the premier management institutes in the country.
Kerala Universities:
Kerala has about of 7 universities as on date. The Universities of Kerala, Calicut, Mahatma Gandhi and Kannur have about 186 Arts & Science Colleges affiliated to them. Out of these some 38 are Government Colleges and the rest are private aided. About 290121 students had enrolled in these Universities alone in the year 2000. Besides these there are long distance study centers for education through correspondence.
Thus, as higher education is emphasized both by social dictates and by government policies, the younger generation is taking to highly technical education and acquiring excellent vocational skills
Last Updated on 30 May 2011
