Education Must Remain a Value, Not Just a Commodity: Archbishop Peter Machado at EDex Awards

Bangalore, Dec 13, 2025: Addressing the gathering at the Edex Awards 2025, Archbishop Peter Machado of Bengaluru, Vice President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops' of India (CCBI), reflected on the growing tension between education as a marketable commodity and education as a lifelong value—an emphasis he brought to the fore while speaking at Vivanta by Taj, Bengaluru.

“Education as a commodity is always marketable. It can be sold, popularised, even advertised,” the Archbishop said. “But education as a value is something entirely different.”

He observed that in an age shaped by artificial intelligence and rapidly advancing technology, education as a commodity continues to rise. Tools, equipment, presentations and digital aids, he noted, are increasingly used to impress and engage students. However, he cautioned that this must not come at the cost of forgetting education’s deeper purpose.

“The difference between education as something to be sold and education as a value to be eternally acquired continues to challenge us,” he said.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, Archbishop Machado reminded educators of the lifelong nature of learning: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow, but learn as if you were to live forever.” He stressed that the wisdom imparted to children must not only be attractive but enduring—something that remains with them throughout life.

Warning against hollow learning, he stated, “Education without character is as good as no education at all.” Such education, he said, fails not only as a moral pursuit but even as something of lasting worth.

While encouraging the responsible use of modern educational aids, the Archbishop emphasised that education must ultimately remain a value—one that uplifts people, improves social conditions, and constantly challenges both the learner and the educator.

“Intelligence—whether natural or artificial—is always transferable,” he noted. “But if values can also be transferred and instilled, that would be the best outcome.”

Addressing the educators present, Archbishop Machado acknowledged their expertise and responsibility. “You are the innovators of education and educational methods. You are the communicators, and therefore you bear a great responsibility—not to make education merely a commodity, but a lasting value.”

Concluding his address, he offered his good wishes and blessing to all those engaged in the field of education.

By Catholic Connect Reporter