Alleviation: An International Journal of Nutrition, Gender & Social Development, ISSN 2348-9340, Volume 9, Number 9 (2022):1-8 © Arya PG College (College with Potential for Excellence Status by UGC) & Business Press India Publication, Delhi http://apcjournals.com, www.aryapgcollege.ac.in

Role of Physical Education in India and its Importance in Higher Education

Abstract
Physical education has been an integral part of the educational system in India for many years. It encompasses a wide range of activities such as sports, exercise, and games, which help in the overall development of an individual's physical, mental, and emotional health. The importance of physical education in higher education cannot be overstated, as it not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also in stills important values such as team work, discipline, and leadership skills.
In recent years, there has been an increased emphasis on the role of physical education in higher education in India. With the rising awareness of the benefits of physical fitness, many universities and colleges have introduced courses in sports science, physical education, and sports management. These courses provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue careers in the sports industry and related fields.
Physical educational so plays a crucial role in the holistic development of students. It helps in improving cognitive function, reducing stress and anxiety, and promoting social interaction. Moreover, physical education has been found to have a positive impact on academic performance, with students who participate in physical activities often performing better in their studies.
Overall, physical education holds immense importance in higher education in India, not only for promoting a healthy lifestyle but also for enhancing the overall well-being and development of students. It is essential for educational institutions to recognize the significance of physical education and provide adequate facilities and opportunities for students to engage in physical activities. It will be of great interest to study an extended role of physical education in India and how it affects the higher education scenario.
Keywords: Healthy Habits, Higher Education, Holistic Development, Physical Education.
Introduction
Physical education plays a pivotal role in all round development of a human personality. Every human being has a full right of access to physical education and sports. As we have seen sports have travelled a long journey on the way of their upliftment in Indian society. It is a good sign for the country that we are receiving positive results in all the sports activities with the continuation of sincere efforts on the part of both government and public. We can hope for such exemplary achievements by our sports persons. Physical education is an essential component of the educational system in India. It is aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and well-being among individuals. Physical education is an integral part of the curriculum in schools, and universities also offer courses in physical education.
The concept of physical education is one of the most important factors in cross-cultural integration today. The unique language of sports can provide a mean for international understanding and competitions, physical and leisure activities are included in these.
Requirements of Physical Education and Sports
Sports are viewed as a distraction from daily mundane activities of daily life. If we ask anyone as to why they are involved in sports, the response will equate “fun” and “enjoyment”. Physical education is the most important part of modern education. In every school and college, students join various sports and games after class work. They show great deal of interest in all kinds of sports activities. General population has some implicit assumptions about physical education, which makes as a vehicle of ‘escape’ more than an ‘avenue’ of education.
Importance of Physical Education in India
Physical education in higher education is not just about preparing students for a career in physical education. It also helps in the overall development of an individual. Physical education courses in higher education help students to develop leadership skills, teamwork, and communication skills. Theses kills are important in any profession and are transferable to other areas of life.
Physical education in higher education also helps to promote a healthy lifestyle. It encourages students to make physical activity a part of their daily routine. This not only helps in maintaining physical fitness but also in reducing stress and improving mental health.
Situation of Physical Education in India
After India got Independence in the year of 1947, the government of India did various efforts to improve the deteriorated status of physical education. An important step in this direction was the establishment of a committee which was named “Tara Chand Committee”. This committee came into existence in the year of 1948.Various recommendations were made by this committee to improve the condition or status of physical education in the country. Some other important committees and boards were appointed for promotion of physical education and sports, which are as under:
• All India Council of Sports (1954).
• National Institute of Physical Education as “Laxmi bai National College of Physical Education (1957)”.
• National Institute of Sports, Patiala (1961).
• All India Sports Congress (1962).
• National Sports Policy (1980).
• Ministry of Sports and Youth and Affairs (1982).
• National Sports Policy (1984).
• National Sports Development Bill (2011).
Physical Education and Sports Courses in India
The Teacher education programmes have developed over the decades in the country. It is interesting to note that the oldest of professional courses have been the certificate courses in physical education and sports and now bachelor degree. The master degree in physical education come up in 1963-64 as a step forward towards development of physical education as an academic discipline as well as professional course at par with other professional courses like: medicine, engineering, technology, and law etc. Since then it has been known by various names like: masters of education (physical education) of one-year duration offered by the Punjab government college of physical education, Patiala under the university, Patiala (later several other institutes introduced it and called it MPED). In order to bring about uniformity and also to facilitate administration in educational institutions. The National Council of Teacher Education has standardized the post graduate degree in physical education. Finally, the course is known as masters of physical education of two years of duration.
Role of Physical Education in Higher Education
Physical education is not just limited to schools, it is also an important component of higher education. Universities in India offer degree programs in physical education. These programs provide students with knowledge and skills required for a career in physical education. Students learn about various aspects of physical education, including sports psychology, physiology, and biomechanics.
Physical education in higher education is not just limited to the class room. It also involves practical training in sports and fitness activities. This practical training helps students to develop their skills and also gain hands-on experience. Physical education courses in higher education are designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become fitness trainers, sport coaches, and physical education teachers.
Importance of Physical Education in Higher Education
Physical education in higher education is not just about preparing students for a career in physical education. It also helps in the overall development of an individual. Physical education courses in higher education help students to develop leadership skills, teamwork, and communication skills. These skills are important in any profession and are transferable to other areas of life.
Physical education in higher education also helps to promote a healthy lifestyle. It encourages students to make physical activity a part of their daily routine. This not only helps in maintaining physical fitness but also in reducing stress and improving mental health.
Physical education in higher education also promotes sportsmanship and fair play. It teaches students the importance of playing by the rules and respecting their opponents. This helps in developing a sense of sportsmanship, which is important in all aspects of life.
In conclusion, physical education is an essential component of education that has numerous benefits for human life. Physical education programs promote physical fitness, mental health, socialization, and teamwork skills, and can help to address societal issues such as obesity and mental health problems. By prioritizing physical education, individuals can develop lifelong habits that promote a healthy and active lifestyle, which improves their overall quality of life.
Physical Education in Human Life
We face a lot of stress and troubles in our daily life which can be coped with the help of physical activities.
Physical activities help in developing the various kinds of intellectual qualities in a child. Thus, with the help of physical education, it is possible to develop children intellectually. Group-coordination, group efforts, co-operation, loyalty to the team and strongties can be developed in participants by participating in physical activities, hence, these qualities help in building good moral character of the individual.
Physical education plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of human life. It is an essential component of education that promotes physical fitness, mental health, and overall well-being. Physical education programs aim to develop physical skills, promote healthy habits, and provide opportunities for social interaction and team work. Through regular physical activity, individuals can improve their cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility, which reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, obesity, and diabetes (Sharma 2019).
Physical education also has numerous mental health benefits. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve cognitive function and memory. Physical education programs help us to develop a positive self-image and improve our self-esteem, which enhances the overall mental health and well-being.
Physical education also promotes socialization and team work skills. Through sports and physical activities, individuals learn to work with others, communicate effectively, and develop leadership and problem-solving skills. Physical education programs also provide opportunities for individuals to develop friendships and create a sense of community, which can improve their overall quality of life.
Furthermore, physical education programs can help to address societal issues such as obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and mental health problems. By promoting physical activity and healthy habits for young age, individuals can develop lifelong habits that can help prevent chronic diseases and improve their overall health and well-being. Physical education programs can also help to reduce the burden on the health care system by preventing and managing chronic diseases.
In conclusion, physical education is an essential component of education that has numerous benefits for human life. Physical education programs promote physical fitness, mental health, socialization, and teamwork skills, and can help to address societal issues such as obesity and mental health problems. By prioritizing physical education, we can develop lifelong habits that promote a healthy and active lifestyle, which improves our overall quality of life. So, we can say that:
• Physical activities boost organic system and functioning of the body.
• These bring universal brotherhood and integration among players and their respective natures.
• Participants become emotionally mature.
• Participants become good decision makers.
• Leadership qualities are highlighted among the players.
Impact of Quality Physical Education
• Givesstudentsknowledgeandskillstoparticipantsinalifetimeofphysicalactivity.
• Teaches movement skill and how to access physical activity.
• Uses materials that are suitable for age and skill level of the students.
• Uses activities that keep students active for most of class time (morethan50%).
Benefits of Physical Education
• Fitness is improved.
• Person becomes more active.
• Unity, team-spirit and togetherness get inculcated.
• Regular exercise improves the respiratory, cardiovascular and other body system.
• Physical exercises are fun and enjoyable.
• Students will be encouraged to set an aim meeting the in target. Over a period of time they become good goal setter sand achievers.
• Boosts self-spirit and relaxes.
• Reduces boredom.
Steps to Upgrade Physical Education in India
Upgrading physical education in India requires a multi-faceted approach involving various stake holders such as the government, schools, teachers, and the community. Here are some steps that can be taken to upgrade physical education in India:
1) Increasing Funding
The government should allocate more funds towards physical education programs in schools and colleges. This could be done by increasing the budget for sports and physical education departments and providing grants to schools for the development of sports infrastructure.
2) Encouraging Sports Participation
Schools and colleges should encourage students to participate in sports and physical activities. This could be done by making sports a compulsory subject in schools, organizing sports events, and providing incentives for students who excel in sports.
3) Improving Teacher Training
Teachers should be provided with proper training and professional development to improve their skills in teaching physical education. This could include workshops, seminars, and training programs to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Developing Sports Infrastructure
The government should invest in the development of sports infrastructure across the country, especially in rural areas. This could include the construction of playgrounds, gymnasiums, and other sports facilities to enable students to participate in various sports activities.
4) Promoting Awareness
The government and schools should promote awareness about the benefits of physical education and sports. This could be done through campaigns, workshops, and awareness programs to educate parents, teachers, and students about the importance of physical education.
5) Encouraging Community Participation
Local communities should be encouraged to participate in sports and physical activities. This could include the organization of sports events and community-based sports programs to promote physical fitness and health.
6) Supporting Athletes
The government should provide support to athletes by offering scholarships, grants, and financial assistance for training and participation in national and international events.
Conclusion
Education and research in physical education and sports is growing at a rapid pace. Post COVID peoples have become more conscious about health and fitness. In is evident when we see rapid mushrooming of health clubs and fitness gyms all over India also. Activities in public gyms in parks are encouraging people to take interest in their overall health. People are also getting attracted towards games due to many incentives offered on various stages in the form of cash prizes and reservation in jobs under sports quota etc. All the short comings at every level should be eliminated.
In conclusion, physical education in India is not just limited to the classroom; it is a way of life. Upgrading physical education in India requires a collaborative effort involving the government, schools, teachers, and the community. By implementing the above steps, physical education can be improved, and a culture of sports and fitness can be promoted across the country.
References
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