60 Ethics in Higher Education: Values-driven Leaders for the Future
shares in the truth. It is not to lead to relativistic
understanding of reality, but to acknowledge the truth of
the situation. The vedic saying, ekam sat vipra bahudha
vadanti (Rig Veda, 1,164) is to the point. The truth is one
and people behold it differently, for reality is greater than
what one encounters. This approach does not absolutize
any human statement out of proportion nor does it outright
reject any point of view. According to this stance, freedom
is guaranteed to all and naturally tolerance and reverence
towards others’ opinions are nurtured and fostered. The
more people are educated, the more humble they become.
Humility is the ornament of scholars. There is no room
for arrogance and violence in them. Instead, there is a
healthy exchange of ideas and perspectives. No coercion,
but cooperation. Wondering together and walking together
for wisdom is the ground for education. Dialogue of life
takes place. Celebration of differences becomes the
rhythm of life and progress. Higher education should
enable and equip pupils and leaders not only to tolerate
differences, but to appreciate and celebrate them.
(vi) “WHATEVER YOU WISH THAT OTHERS
WOULD DO TO YOU, DO ALSO TO THEM”
(Mt 7:12). The starting point of responsible leadership is
to follow the golden rule. As educated people, this is a
common minimum programme. Though there may be
different goals in education, its primary end is to bring
refinement and purification in thought, word, and deed. It
is enhancing the excellence of the subject through ethical
reflection that is of paramount importance in education.
Allowing the noble thoughts to form a person is a sine qua
non for an educational programme and its process.