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organised. Organisation includes classification, tabulation, pictorial representation etc. In this connection, the observation of Al Beruni, the 11th century traveller, on the state of Indian Science at that time, is very relevant. He commented that, we lacked classification and gave equal value to 'pearls' and 'rubbish'. Organising information reflects organising our thoughts. It arises from both creativity and tidiness. It often makes all the different between the right conclusion and the wrong one. 4. Comparison of Information: This is an important process in the scientific thought. We compare only after we bring the observations to a common base. This sounds commonplace, but its implications are deep in everyday life. The farmer rarely calculates his yields/acre or hectare and can hardly calculate the rate of application of fertilisers or pesticides. The urban shopper rarely knows the price per kg. of the packaged product he buys. By not comparing we lose the opportunity to adopt the better of two alternatives and improve. Comparison implies exchange of information. 5. Recording of Information: Lack of habit of recording is another cultural weakness in our society. A large part of our history has been written by ancient travelers. We do not realise that information is a capital asset and by not recording it, we are throwing away assets. Then we spend more money and time collecting it again. Or else, we forego it and suffer the consequences - lack of progress. 6. Recognising Trends and Patterns: This is an intellectual skill. This should also be practiced. We can start from kindergarten and train our new generation to look for trends and patterns. From trends and patterns we begin to wonder and question "Why?" and "How?" Rural Development Through Education System 177
