Surgeon Calls for Holistic Education to Combat Student Stress

In an era where screens dominate and stress runs high, a Bengaluru surgeon is calling for education that nurtures the whole student—not just the academic mind. Dr. John Ebenezer, an orthopedic surgeon, delivered a powerful message at Karnatak University Dharwad this Sunday, urging educators to look beyond textbooks and exams.

The Case for Wholeness

Ebenezer didn't mince words. He sees students buckling under mental stress, increasingly addicted to substances, and struggling with technology's double-edged sword. "There is a need to provide holistic education to students," he stated. "Along with domain knowledge, students must be strengthened mentally, physically, culturally, spiritually, socially and emotionally."

His prescription? Education that centers on the student themselves—not just their test scores. While acknowledging technology's transformative role in making learning easier, he stressed that physical activity and mental health deserve far greater attention.

Honoring a Visionary

The lecture also paid tribute to Dr. D.C. Pavate, a former vice-chancellor of KUD described by chief guest R.H. Gunaki as a "visionary educationist." Pavate's journey from a poor remote village to Cambridge University and national recognition served as a backdrop to the day's discussions.

Gunaki highlighted Pavate's lasting impact: authored mathematics books, established botanical gardens, and built student hostels that still serve the university today. Current Vice-Chancellor A.M. Khan echoed the need for teacher cooperation to continue this legacy of excellence.

"Teachers had a major responsibility to develop critical thinking, self-confidence and good values among students."

Ebenezer's words hung in the air—a reminder that education's deepest task isn't just information transfer, but human formation.