(From an Editorial)
No question in Indian Educational politics is so thoroughly neglected and so thoughtlessly ignored as that of physical education. There would almost seem to be a conspiracy in regard to the matter and it appears to be agreed that it is a minor subject that may well be left to take care of itself. We would wish to be corrected if we are mistaken in saying that the recent Provincial Educational Conference held at Conjeeveram, which discussed and passed Resolutions on many important topics in the field of education, did not consider what we think is one of the most essential requisites, which it is the object of education to equip our children with a sound body. There are no valid reasons why such an extreme apathy should be so widely prevalent, except a woeful lack of perspective, and an exaggerated value attached to success in scholarship. Other subsidiary but equally valuable allies in making the subject unattractive are the want of facilities — funds, playgrounds, etc., — and the negligible place it is given in school life. There are, however, indications that the public conscience is becoming restive on this question, but they are yet indistinct, and for purposes of influencing the Government and the school authorities, almost of no value. A faint murmur was heard the other day in Calcutta, but whether that expression of discontent will materialise within a decently short time is more than we can say.