Mumbai, March 1: Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has launched a scathing critique of the traditional education system on social media. He argues that the outdated educational model should be abolished, as it has become ineffective in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). The value of memorization has diminished, and the old paradigm of “memorize, repeat, pass, and get a job” no longer applies.
Varma stated on his X handle that the system was effective when information was scarce. In the past, doctors memorized diseases, engineers learned formulas, and lawyers recalled case laws due to limited access to information. However, AI can now scan millions of documents in seconds, a feat no human mind can match. Medical students spend years learning human anatomy, while AI can provide instant diagnoses. Engineers used to memorize calculus, circuit rules, and mechanical tables, but now AI tools can design circuits, optimize structures, and write code.
He cited the example of medical education, noting that a medical student spends about ten years—five years for graduation, two for post-graduation, and another two to three for specialization—learning about the human body and diagnosing illnesses based on symptoms and tests. If AI can diagnose and robotic surgery is becoming commonplace, why are parents pushing their children into courses that may not guarantee jobs in the future?
Varma expressed concern that underprivileged children are becoming scapegoats due to their parents’ outdated beliefs. These children are being sacrificed on the altar of old, sheep-like ideologies. He urged parents and educational gatekeepers to wake up and inspire children to master AI. He believes children should rebel and trust AI instead of adhering to traditional parental and teacher guidance.
He clarified that he does not blame parents and teachers directly; they fear change because they were raised in outdated beliefs that sometimes border on superstition. Children become victims as the system rewards obedience. When a child questions why they should memorize when AI can do it, teachers often respond with “it’s in the syllabus,” and parents say, “everyone else is doing it.”
Varma asserts that the time has come to dismantle the traditional education system, or it will collapse on its own. Without thoughtful consideration and hard work, a void may emerge as a backup plan. Everyone must think critically to ensure that the youth are not sacrificed to ignorant adults. Otherwise, the younger generation will rebel and take control of their own futures.
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