Why did Mahatma Gandhi want to teach children handicrafts?

Mahatma Gandhi gave more emphasis on skill development rather than an ability to read and write. He felt that a person should learn the necessary skills to earn livelihood and to be independent.

The main reasons were:

(i) This would develop a person’s mind and soul.

(ii) Western education focused on reading and writing rather than oral knowledge which do not count as education.

(iii) Education ought to develop a person’s mind and soul. Simple learning to read and write by itself did not count as education.

(iv) If people are allowed to work with hands, learn a craft and know how different things operated, this would develop their mind and their capacity to understand.