Going beyond the Self1

Abstract

This chapter is a study of the efforts of Rishi Valley Institute for Educational Resources (RIVER) to transform teacher education in India; it explores the aims, intents and structure of RIVER’s Teacher Enrichment Programme (RTEP). Through RTEP, RIVER seeks to supplement the implementation of the Diploma in Elementary Education (DElEd) programme in teacher education institutes across Andhra Pradesh. RTEP is grounded in the educational philosophy of Jiddu Krishnamurti and places immense faith in the compassionate role of the teacher; it may be read as RIVER’s application of Krishnamurti’s ideas to the contemporary context of Indian teacher education. In attempting to bring about teacher self-knowledge in its content and form, as well as openness in its method of dissemination, RTEP responds to the existing institutional challenges of teacher education in India. In doing so, this chapter argues, RTEP represents and reflects the tremendous power, foresight, and malleability of Krishnamurti’s philosophical thought.