In his work, Amartya Sen discusses the importance of making schools appealing to both boys and girls in order to enhance their productivity and engagement. He emphasizes that education should focus on self-motivation rather than relying solely on strict discipline, and that stimulating intellectual curiosity is far more beneficial than fostering mere competition for excellence.

Sen reflects on his own experiences with the co-educational school he established at Santiniketan, which incorporated progressive educational practices. This approach highlights the value of creating a learning environment that nurtures individual interests and creativity, preparing students not just for academic success but for broader life experiences.