Patna, Nov. 30: AN Sinha Institute of Social Studies, along with National Council of Rural Institutes and the human resource development (HRD) department, will organise a two-day national convention on Nai Talim that aims at introducing common school for students.

The concept of Nai Talim was originally expressed in Hind Swaraj by Mahatma Gandhi.

Addressing a news conference today, A.N. Sinha Institute of Social Studies director D.M. Diwakar said: “Gandhiji was of a firm opinion that original education should be natural, environment friendly and useful in life, resulting in all-round development of individuals and society with self-reliance and dignity of labour. Education through mother tongue is the best medium.”

He added: “Despite Gandhiji’s dream, all these initiatives were shelved (to main stream education) by the government after India gained Independence. However, the concept of Nai Talim still continues in Gujarat, Maharasthra, Kerala, Bengal and other parts of country.”

Speakers from various parts of country will share their views on common school pattern during the two-day convention, which will be inaugurated by chief minister Nitish Kumar.

During the convention, the delegates and academics will focus on steps for the revival of 391 basic education schools in the state with an emphasis on skills development.

There are 391 basic education schools in Bihar. But over the years, most of them have degraded with neither the state nor the Centre showing much interest. The first basic education school was set up in Champaran in 1954.