Physical Education: Meaning, Aims, Objectives & Post-Independence Development in India

Vocabulary flashcards summarising key terms, definitions, objectives, committees, schemes and institutions related to Physical Education and its development in India after independence.

Physical Education

An educational process that develops human personality holistically through selected physical activities and body movement.

Physical (word meaning)

Relating to the body and its characteristics such as strength, endurance, fitness, appearance and health.

Education (word meaning)

The systematic process of receiving or giving instruction that harmonises life with all existence (Tagore).

Charles A. Bucher (definition)

Defined Physical Education as an integral part of total education aiming to develop physically, mentally, emotionally and socially fit citizens through physical activities.

Delbert Oberteuffer (definition)

Described Physical Education as the sum of experiences that come to the individual through movement.

R. Cassidy (definition)

Stated that Physical Education is the sum of the changes in an individual caused by experiences centering on motor activity.

Chaver C. Cowell (definition)

Defined Physical Education as the social process of behaviour change originating from large-muscle play and related activities.

Brownwell (definition)

Viewed Physical Education as the accumulation of wholesome experiences via large-muscle activities promoting optimal growth and development.

J.B. Nash (definition)

Called Physical Education the field that deals with big-muscle activities and their related responses.

Jesse Feiring Williams (definition)

Defined Physical Education as the sum of man’s physical activities selected as to kind and conducted as to outcomes.

Aim of Physical Education (general)

To maximise physical ability and foster healthy, knowledgeable, skilful, creative, productive and influential individuals.

Ministry of Education Aim

Make every child physically, mentally and emotionally fit and develop personal and social qualities for happy citizenship.

Thomas Wood (view)

Asserted that the aim of Physical Education must be as broad as education itself and as noble as human life.

J.R. Sherman (view)

Aimed to influence experiences so each person can adjust successfully in society and satisfy increasing wants.

Value of Physical Education

Understanding the importance of physical activity for a healthy and active life.

Developing Interest in the Discipline

Objective of sparking enthusiasm, eagerness and dedication toward active participation in Physical Education.

Physical Development

Improvement of strength, muscle tone, endurance, posture and health habits ensuring body systems function properly.

Motor Development

Neuromuscular improvement enabling efficient skills such as running, jumping and throwing with quick reflexes and coordination.

Emotional Development

Cultivation and control of emotions like courage, loyalty and sportsmanship under normal and pressured conditions.

Social Development

Learning cooperation, tolerance, leadership and discipline through adherence to game rules and team interaction.

Mental Development

Enhancement of alertness, concentration, knowledge of rules, anatomy, physiology and problem-solving through physical activity.

Developing an Energetic Lifestyle

Spreading awareness of and appreciation for healthy, vigorous living.

Thriving Motor Skills

Acquisition of sport-specific motor abilities that support successful participation.

Character Development

Building traits such as resilience, morality and self-esteem while boosting academics and social behaviour.

Being a Better Citizen

Cultivating healthy societal ideals and effectiveness in serving the country via Physical Education.

Personal Growth

Opportunities to set goals, face challenges and achieve through participation in physical activities.

Dr. Tara Chand Committee (1948)

Recommended creating a Central Institute of Physical Education & Recreation and emphasised teacher training.

Central Advisory Board of Physical Education & Recreation (1950)

Advised government; made PE compulsory in schools and formulated the 1956 National Plan for PE & Recreation.

First Asian Games (1951)

Held in New Delhi; inspired Indian youth toward international sports participation.

Rajkumari Coaching Scheme (1953)

Introduced by Health Minister Rajkumari Amrit Kaur; led to 1961 establishment of National Institute of Sports, Patiala.

All India Council of Sports (1954)

Liaison body between government and sports federations; created state and district sports councils.

National Discipline Scheme (1954)

Aimed at developing strong youth for national defence; provided trained instructors and promoted integration.

Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE)

Founded 1957 in Gwalior; evolved to autonomous status (1982) and deemed university (1995).

Sports & Youth Welfare Department (1958)

Promoted PE; launched 1959 National Physical Efficiency Drive to assess fitness nationwide.

Ad Hoc Inquiry Committee (1958)

Headed by Maharaja of Patiala; investigated low sports standards, urged better training and facilities.

Kunzru Committee (1959)

Recommended integrating schemes in Physical Education, Recreation and Youth Welfare.

Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports (NSNIS)

Founded 1961 (renamed 1973); trains coaches and promotes scientific sports development.

National Fitness Corps (1965)

Programme established to make Indian youth physically strong.

Rural Sports Tournament Scheme (1970-71)

Engaged rural youth and identified natural sports talent.

Sports Talent Search Scheme (1970-71)

Promoted athletes at state and national levels.

National Sports Championship (1975)

Initiative to enhance women’s participation in sports.

Sports Authority of India (SAI) (1984)

Maintains Asian Games infrastructure; promotes sports and pursues excellence nationally and internationally.

Department of Youth Affairs & Sports

Evolved from 1982 Games; separate ministry in 2000, later bifurcated into Youth Affairs and Sports (2008).

NCERT National Curriculum (1988)

Introduced Health, Physical Education & Sports into elementary and secondary school curricula.

XIX Commonwealth Games (2010)

Held in New Delhi, further boosting India’s sports profile.

CBSE Physical Education Mandate (2018)

Central Board made Physical Education a compulsory subject for mainstreaming health and PE.