The Need for Identity- A Talk by Dr. Shailesh Shirali -17th Feb 2022

The Need for Identity Identity has been an issue of significance and consequence in human society for some time, and the present time is no different. If anything, the issue is assuming greater significance in current times. There is the issue of identity as it relates to religion or nation, or any kind of large group, and this almost invariably leads to division and lines of fracture in society, and consequent violence. We see this through much of history. Then there is the issue of identity in daily living, in our responses to each other, in the way we hold our memories, and in the way we respond to the challenges of living in a technologically advanced environment. These are not distinct categories, but they have different flavours. In both cases, there are significant implications for education. In this talk, Dr. Shailesh Shirali dwells on these aspects, highlighting the observations that Krishnamurti has made and exploring the possibility of living without such psychological baggage. About the Speaker Dr. Shailesh Shirali has been with the KFI schools since the early 1980s. He is a trustee of the KFI and has served as Principal of Rishi Valley School; he is currently the Director of Sahyadri School KFI. He has also been in the field of mathematics education for many decades, and is the author of several mathematics books for students and teachers. He serves as Chief Editor of the mathematics magazine At Right Angles. He has a particular interest in ancient Indian mathematics, and in facilitating enquiry into fundamental issues among teachers and students at the school level.