From the Editor-in-Chief 9 4

Abstract

Research is a pursuit of knowledge; a quest that can initiate processes of social 
transformation. This issue of Vantage explores interactions between theory, research, and 
evolution in society.  
A crucial precursor to research and social transformation is an education system, which 
enables critical inquiry. In this issue, the editorial by Prof. Bal Ram Singh, and the invited 
article by Prof. Mohd. Talib  focus on the need to revisit the education system. Prof. Singh 
quotes the ancient Indian scriptures, the Vedas, and the Upanishads, asserting that education 
is primarily about learning while the processes of teaching come next. In the essay by Prof. 
Talib, he revisits the concept of “Nai Taleem” envisaged by Mahatma Gandhi, Zakir Hussain 
and certain others. He argues that the purpose of education is not merely skill development 
but a holistic development of the individual-- a process that is in perfect harmony with nature. 
The invited article by Prof. Dhawan and his associates presents an innovative approach to 
plastic and its disposal—a research that has a direct impact on one of the biggest 
environmental challenges faced by society and the world. The article discusses the method 
undertaken by the researchers for efficient management of plastic; they designed tiles from 
plastic, thus addressing the problem of safe disposal of plastic.