Education Ideals for the Modern Indian Girl by Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain first published in 1931.
From the most ancient times there has existed in India a system of education which though distinct in its characteristics and ideals from the modern western system has produced great men and earnest seekers after truth. This ancient Indian Education developed in the early period of history the science of grammar and mathematics. It has enabled India to make the mark in the sphere of high philosophy and metaphysics. Conditions of life have changed considerably from those prevalent in those early days and to work out without many essential modifications ancient theories and practices in education is by no means a practical proposition. Yes we must seek elements of value in our ancient heritage. We must assimilate the old while holding to the now. Thus will we render more beneficial our present educational system, the great defect of which is that it is an exotic in an alien soil. It is unsuited to our needs and requirements and incapable of developing the distinctive thread of our national thought and culture.