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Education and examination go hand in hand. Education is learning and examination is the litmus test to gauge the true level of understanding of the subject taught. In India the course curriculum is as vast as the country itself. The pressure of covering the syllabus and giving the exams takes the fun out of learning.

Till Ninth standard, the exams are strictly as per syllabus and relating to book learning. The extra curricular activities are essential in these formative years but are not given equal weightage as the core subjects. Hence this important aspect jof life skill and passion becomes redundant.

X th standard…the evaluation is through CCE method. The book learning method, which has been formed as a habit for the student becomes redundant.

XII th standard....The main focus is on Board exams and its results. Most of the students reel under the pressure of coaching and schooling. The CCE becomes redundant.

College Admission…. The college admission is through competitive exams. These exams call for a totally different type of preparation and the way student prepared for board exam becomes redundant.

Job….Again competitive exam/results decide qualifying for the job. Scoring in the college again becomes redundant.

The students spend whole year studying for a particular type of exam and excel too but they end up giving completely different type of exam, for which they are unprepared. It so happens that the student is always unprepared for the next stage of competition. This causes unnecessary struggle and frustration. If competitive exams pattern is included in the curriculum then he will give exams with least of stress and with his best smile.

Another important issue is the changing interest and passion among the kids. Some have an artistic bend, the others are good in sports and few are good in abstract subjects and logics. It is not necessary that the child may maintain the same interest through out his schooling. It is totally unfair to judge the caliber through a stereotyped evaluation. Secondly, Some kids do very well in primary classes and due to a change in their interests in subjects and extra curricular activities may not do well in later years. If the evaluation for higher studies and job is dependent on the results of twelfth standard exams or competitive exams only, then it is grossly unjustified evaluation as it makes the effort put in till tenth class redundant. Would it not be better if we opt for a continuous assessment system where the child is evaluated right from day one in the school and builds his record. In such a case even if he falters at a particular or a crucial stage he will not suffer much as he is being supported by his previous performance too.

If such a system is feasible then it would help our kids enjoy the learning.

 

 

 

We all are bundles of imperfection, born with innumerable limitations. Apparently this reflects in our intelligence, behavior, functions and perceptions. Some of us realize these weaknesses and modestly work towards improving selves. Such people lead a very humble life for they know that we are just an imperfect void in this perfectly functioning cosmos. The rest, of course, are the self righteous persons who consider themselves to be a benchmark personalities. Their perceptions are restricted to their poverty stricken wisdom. They run around the world like a horse tied with blinders and consider this limited vision as being focused.

Recently we have seen an upsurge in the self righteous group. They can be easily identified for their radicalization of issues. They argue untiringly with their mental filters on. They approve of issues which are Appealing to personal considerations rather than to fact or reason. The moral policing is a product of such holier than thou attitude groups. There are umpteen numbers of instances involving almost all aspects of social life where a certain groups try to control general public with arrogant superiority and a haughty disregard for others. The Karni Sena rampaged the whole country for some scenes in the movie Padmavat. They have been charged with rioting, arson and assaulting general public. Such acts of damage are not justified at all for any good cause. Falling in line are the opinion of the people on social media. Few Argue or speak in defence of the tweet or post and the rest join to contradict it. Although the volley of posts does not cause any physical damage but the involvement of a large people, their outpours, dissents, often creates a hatred for each other. It’s like throwing a stone unnecessarily in the otherwise still water. This collateral damage is lot more dangerous than the physical damage to the nation.

It is good to be concerned about the welfare of the Society and coming generations but how far is it justified to go on rampaging and intimidating the general public in the guise of a good cause. And what example are the groups setting up for the youngsters by bullying the common man.

In a far off country in the West, two boys found the beaches littered. Instead of picking fight with people who dumped the trash, they started cleaning the beaches. Their act was lauded and appreciated. Impressed by their efforts many volunteers joined them. The group came up with one more amazing idea of making bracelets with waste material they collected. The sale proceeds by selling these accessories were used to fund the movement. How constructive!!! This group too fought for a right cause but with a different perspective.

There is an iota of justification in each ones perspective. We should respect it. Nobody is either entirely correct or totally wrong. Parading good work, being uncompassionate towards others opinions is self righteousness and not rightfulness. Society is in a continual process of changing and improving. Frictions are inevitable during such transitions. It is best to resolve with matured discussions and mutual respect. Take up the issue at the root cause and not by punishing the aggrieved.

Judge not, that ye be not judged.

 

This is a big world and the universe is much much bigger than the planet we live in. The magnanimity of the cosmos makes us feel very tiny small and miniscule. This macrocosm is full of mysteries. A number of things happen dynamically every moment. It is absolutely beyond our comprehension and logical limits to understand all the events.

As a human being we experience the existence on a threefold platform. Life is having more than one decidedly dissimilar aspects. One is, physical (the body), second is the mental (the thought process) and the third is spiritual. Each one is entangled with the other and intricately influencing each other too. A set back in physical health, invariably changes our thought process and in turn a change in attitude influences our spiritual outlook. Likewise a spiritual bend puts everything materialistic in back ground.

Our existence and everything around us are so complexly entwined that it is hard to understand the cause and effect of events. This is the origin of confusion where we all take refuge in the wisdom of omnipotent and omnipresent God. It is more than convenient for us to believe that what all is happening is happening as per His will. We attribute events beyond our comprehension as luck and miracles. Luck and miracles are unexpected and pleasant surprises. We look for them at the end of every effort and hard work done. They are like an extra bonus gifted to us.

An iota of greed, a feeling of frustration and a fear of insecurity creates an intense desire for luck and miracles. As god is invisible to our faculties the weak ones turn towards Godmen, who guarantee a miracle. Dissatisfaction, Disgruntlement and Disappointment are the key feelings which land one at the feet of Dis (Dis is god of underworld; he is counter part of Pluto). Such Godmen are experts in taking advantage of scathed psyches. They project themselves as the shortcut to God and his miracles.

Hinduism allows equal opportunity for us to be a theist or an atheist. It neither supports nor contradicts the rituals. As a result all Hindus adopt a procedure and faith which suits them at the moment. The greatest strength of Hinduism lies not in the innumerable options we have in life but the rationality which we should exercise.

The role of Guru has been of great significance. He is the one who leads us through the path of rationality. But Alas! In the present times the dignity of Guru has deteriorated from Guru to Conmen. These so called Godmen are actually incarnation of Rakshasas. In fact their hunger for power, greed to possess and insatiable lust beats the rakshasas.

Life is equally fair or unfair to all of us. We all have our share of happiness and sufferings. Those who are strong wade through the rough waters, but those who are weak are swept into refuge of conmen. Our sincere efforts, faith in self and positivity alone can sail us through life. No one can do it for us, Not even God. We should brace the situations and not let the conmen take advantage of us. Life is precious. Nourish it, Cherish it but don’t perish it.

 

 

Education is a priority item on the Nation’s agenda. The same is reflected in our slogan ‘Padega India, Tabhi toh Badega India’. The government in its current Union budget allocated 9.9% more in comparison to previous year’s budget for the education sector. India allocates 3.3% of GDP whereas , globally the share of education sector is 4.9% of GDP.

As per the statistics 73% of colleges are privately managed (58% Private-unaided and 15% Private aided) and 27% are Government Colleges. A further cross section of data reveals that 31% of the students enroll for graduation in Arts with next highest, ie. 19% enrolment for Engineering. Having said that, it implies that of all technical courses BE /B Tech are the most sought after courses. Further analysis reveals that the highest enrolment for Doctorate Courses is 22% for Masters in Science and closely trailing behind are 20.5% Engineers opting for PhD. The data quite obviously points out that a large chunk of job aspirants are technically savvy, Professionals.

Although a strong thrust is being projected by advocating foreign investment, startups and likewise initiatives for proper utilization of the talent of the young educated force, yet the actual scenario is not even remotely serving the purpose of these initiatives. Professionals are being recruited for a paltry amount of salary and the nature of job in most of the cases is not associated with the curriculum in the college. All the specialized courses across India are facing a similar fate. Most of the fresher are compelled to initiate their career with a meager amount. (Approx @ Rs. 15000).

Undoubtedly the fresh graduates experience the employment shocks. One apparent reason for this jolt is probably that education does not seem to appear correlated to being optimally employed or may be there is a skill gap ie., a mismatch between the skills being learnt and the demand of the jobs.

As per the UNESCO Reports 34.4% (between the ages of 24-29 years) are still uneducated in our country. With the persistent push of the Government policies if all are educated then the job market scenario will be even worse.

Entry level jobs decide the psyche of the youngsters. If the Professionals are not being optimally employed both with respect to their expertise and also with respect to the salaries they draw, then they are bound to be disenchanted. One of the main purposes of higher studies is not achieved and this leads to disillusionment. The situation is alarming because it’s a challenge to find a befitting job for the highly educated. The expected cycle of education and employment is that higher education makes way for greater skills and this in turn yields greater productivity and subsequently higher income. But the same is not happening.

Job markets depend a lot on national and international business scenario. Majority of the aspirants prefer to do wage jobs hence it’s pertinent to mention that skills should be developed as per the requirement of the job market. However, ‘The Startups’ and ‘Skill India’ initiatives urging the talented youth to create and generate employment has not yet gained momentum.

The ‘Pandits’ like economists and academecians should give a thought to this issue of skill mismatch, under employment and vocational/technical curriculum to build confidence in youngsters and stop the brain drain.

 

Education is backbone of the society. Every parent strives hard to ensure good and quality education to their children. The government too is keen on quality education. A right to education bill is in place and a government is making an all out effort to improve the stands of government and government aided school. Schooling for girls is being popularized in a big way and many companies have opted to provide aid to girl education as Corporate Social Responsibility. All said and done education, and being educated is a very important part of our society, our life and up bringing.

A major part of parents earnings and savings is spent on children’s’ education. Government aids too form a considerably amount of grants. The administration has laid down several rules to ensure that children are not taxed by travelling long distance to school. Several measures are taken to keep the curriculum updated as per the changing needs of society and global scenario. As a nation, society and family we put lot of things at stake to ensure good education.

We perceive education as an answer to all the issues and evils in society. Education makes a person a human being. It elevates him to a level where he can understand the difference between needs and greeds. It should bring sensibility and maturity in him. This indeed is the purpose of education. But how do we perceive an educated person. These days academic qualification is the parameter of being educated. Person with certificates, diplomas and doctorates are considered educated. The whole of nation is committed to the cause of quality education, yet we have lost the focus of the same. We are investing our energy not on quality education but securing admission in brand name of school. We are inclined to push kids into several co curricular activities rather than identifying the talent and the interest. Most of the schools treat good education as scoring high. The students aim not at acquiring knowledge with humility, but to top. Competing to top is basically to surpass a fellow student, whereas the purpose of knowledge is to compete with the self, to improve self irrespective of what others are doing.

These days sole purpose of education is to secure a good job. A good job doesn’t actually signify a drive or an urge for job satisfaction and passion but fashion. Education is not to make us literate but to open a new horizon of understanding, humility and empathy.

 

 

It is quite ironical that the most commonly used words etiquette, manner or civic sense are most difficult to explain. The norms that classify a manner or etiquette as a good one or bad one is the culture and society one is bound to. It wouldn’t be out of context to quote that shaking hands is good manners in west but here saying Namaste with folded hands carries lot more value. Yet, the simple thumb rule of good manners is respecting the space and privacy of others in the society. Every society has a different set of norms and taboos but basic level of good behavior is universal everywhere.

Is being well mannered a social binding or a prerogative of the individual is yet another aspect of debate.

A casual glance across will reveal umpteen number of instances of lack of etiquettes. Few of our behaviors have become a habit and characteristic of our social affairs. Impolite language is one of such habits. While speaking in public we hardly realize that, how rude and abusive we are being. First of all the volume of our speech in public, itself, is high enough to covertly indicate a disrespect for others space and privacy. Next in line is our weariness to queue up. We find it a gross waste of time to stand in a queue and wait for our turn. We strongly believe that mobbing up the counter actually clears the things faster than a systematic queuing up! Habit of queuing up and waiting reminds us of a habit that should naturally come to us while climbing a bus or boarding a metro or entering a life. Its seems quite logical that we should first make way for those who are alighting, but Alas the hurry is such that we not only block their way but also elbow our way inside, quite unmindful of the predicament of the people who wish to move out. Ironical enough creating a nuisance value is yet another aspect of valued glorification. Take for example Marriages and Rallies. The success of such occasions is proportional to the inconvenience caused to the public by creating noise and occupying public space, roads, parks etc. The reflection of our callous attitude can be seen on each street, road and lane. The informal markets too compete ferociously for their neglect of concern for neat roads and lanes. The bubbly weekly markets actually leave a very pathetic, foul, run-down and repulsive site. The trash that is left behind stinks unapologetically. Selling and buying is their business but clearing the stench bomb that they leave behind is none of their business. It is Strange, yet true. It would not be inappropriate to quote some traffic etiquettes. Stopping for pedestrians, restraining from honking are some of the basic etiquettes on roads. But for us not following traffic rules is a way of Demonstrating intelligence; wisdom, cleverness or ingenious behaviour. Every person who breaks rules on the street actually feels he is being street Smart! Our habit of Wrong lane and wrong side driving with a self styled justification to save time is as stupid as quenching thirst with poison. Spitting with utter disrespect to mother earth, Treating every nook and corner as dustbins and spittoons are a few of our bad habits that don’t even catch our attention. The list is endless. The latest additions to the list are the users of mobile phone. Plugged earphones transform these individuals drastically. They are so intensely focused that they forget they are in midst of a fast moving vehicles, or on a railway track with an approaching train, or in way of moving out passengers. They stroll with an attitude of ‘To hell with the world’ but end up being in one.

Effortless and unstudied observation too would infer that we lack etiquettes and courtesies because we fail to appreciate others opinion, sentiments, religion and space. Gross disrespect of laws and rules is also a major contributor for lack of etiquettes; in fact that is the root cause of all evils. The debate forums on various TV channels clearly reflect our cavalier towards courtesies. Our elected leaders and role models fight shout and cross talk during deliberations. The purpose is not make a point but a noise. Etiquettes are not habits to be cultivated. They should be imbibed as a natural temperament and attitude. Respecting each others space and values is etiquette.

 

In the last two weeks the city has swagged and staggered under the triple tragedy that struck us involving youngsters.

A 17-year-old girl was killed near a Rohini park allegedly by her school senior. Police claim that 19-year-old boy killed the girl as he did not like her speaking to other youths. The victim was a bright student and had 10 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) in Class 10. The boy and the girl had studied at the same private school , the girl was one year junior to him. On Wednesday evening, the boy confronted the girl while she was going to a coaching centre in Rohini Sector 17, not far from her home. They went into a park where they had an argument. They then moved to a narrow bylane nearby where they were involved in a scuffle during which boy caught her by the neck, killing her on the spot. Finding the girl lifeless, the boy panicked and rushed home, leaving her body on the spot.

In the second instance, The mother of a teenage boy in Kerala said her son died playing the dangerous and addictive Blue Whale Challenge online game, which the government banned recently. The game provokes players to do daring, self-destructive tasks for 50 days before taking the “winning” step of death by suicide. The player is asked to film and share photos after finishing each level as proof. The 16-year-old boy was found hanging from a ceiling fan of his home

 

In the third instance, A 24-year-old died after he lost control of his sport bike and slammed into a wall near the Mandi House metro station in Central Delhi. An elderly person was crossing the road. The speeding bike hit that person and lost control. It hit the wall of Lady Irwin college. The accident was captured by the helmet camera that one of his friends riding behind him wore. They found the damaged Benelli TNT 600i motorbike, pieces of glass and blood splattered on the road.

 

These three instances were miles apart from each other in nature but very similar in one aspect. In all these cases there is a clear indication of recklessness. The youth today doesn’t care for the consequences. The thrill is more important than will of conscious and sensible choice and decision. The life and its values are rendered insignificant when compared to material pleasures and inflated ego. There is a distinct disrespect for morals, rules and social fabric. The perception of youth has narrowed down to the extent that they die of suffocation. They are so dangerously self centered that they don’t even care how it will affect their parents in case of eventuality. The temperament is being destroyed at a menacing speed. Apart from the above quoted three instances there are several issues like drug addiction, materialistic approach and lack of perseverance, which point a finger towards the lack of substance in this generation. They have lost the strength to face failure. They are so used to comforts of life that even a minute failure upsets them and drives to an extreme effect. This is nothing but an emotional imbalance which zeroes their sensible judgments. The failure make you stronger provided you have the positivity and strength inside you. Persons with negativity are doomed in challenging situation.

Having made a candid observation of the situation, its mandatory to find the root cause. It’s the failure of the society to educate the children to be strong in character and inculcate good values. In our zeal to win the race of life we have conveniently forgotten about leading a good life and focused on the mad race. It’s the pressure of unrealistic expectations of society that has resulted in digression. To put the youth on right track we need to revisit the approach of curriculum in schools and colleges. The present curriculum covers history of India and world, discoveries and inventions, language and other social sciences. Although the curriculum is complete in itself, yet it is not instilling and infusing the desired values into the youth. It seems we should relook and change our perception about the interpretations of text book knowledge. When a student is being taught about the glorious past of India and the valour of kings and queens, it should also be impressed upon them that we are descendents of these brave people and we all should strive hard to be like them. Discoveries and inventions should be discussed in light of the necessities in the current situation in our country. Languages should be taught in way that its decency and goodness reflects in our everyday conversation.

The youth is full of energy to traverse far but they need a direction. Let us all make them competent and capable to do so. Let’s help them be strong, courageous and scrupled.

तसादुम ए दिलो दुनिया की कश्मकश

तजुर्बे की राह मे हादसे हुए कैसे कैसे

 

न पूछिये इज्जो इंकिसारी का आलम

भरी महफिल मे रुसवा हुए कैसे कैसे

 

हवाओं को किया क़ैद अपने कफ़स मे

ज़िंदगी की धूप मे इंसान मिले कैसे कैसे

 

In the recent years, as per the data provided by Government of India, we have witnessed a five times (455%) increase in drug hauls in our country. India has become a prime market for illicit drug trafficking. As drug dealing, for obvious reasons, is a clandestine operation, it becomes quite difficult to assess the actual damage it is causing. Albeit the data collection is tough still the Narcotics Control Bureau indicates that of the 236 foreign nationals arrested for drug trafficking, Nepalese topped the list with 100 people followed by Nigerians and Myanmar’s with 48 and 40 people arrested respectively.

“Golden Crescent” and “Golden Triangle” apparently seem to be glistening terms but in the world of Narcotics it is euphemistically used for the deadliest and darkest routes through which drugs are being pushed into India. Golden Crescent covers Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran. Golden Triangle covers Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. India is sandwiched between the most pernicious and baneful routes. Porous borders, with neighbouring countries, is the foremost reason for the seamless trafficking. Punjab is the worst hit casualty. Punjab shares a 553 km border with Pakistan, which is used as an entry point to smuggle narcotics into India. A state once referred to as granary of India for its agricultural prosperity is today beleaguered by the drug problem.

Punjab accounted for almost half of all cases registered in India under the Narcotic Drugs. According to NCB data, 41% of all opium seizures in India took place in Punjab, a sign of the drug’s popularity in the state. Statistics reveal that at least 25,426 people committed suicide due to drug and addiction related problems in the last 10 years across India. This comes down to an average 2,542 suicides every year, 211 per month and 7 per day. According to official data from the ministry of social justice and empowerment, India has an estimated 3.4 million drug abuse victims. This number excludes alcoholics, who figure at around 11 million in the country.

Having discussed the causes and impact at macro level, let’s take a look at micro level and possible causes why the youth is taking refuge in drugs. The school and college students take to drugs for the cool factor. ‘Weed’ as it is usually referred to, is popular in rave parties. Any occasion for celebration calls for inclusion of drugs as a status symbol. At this stage it is partly out of innocence coupled with misinformation and peer pressure, the kids get deeply entangled in the clutches of the abuse. The social media allows flaunting the fake happiness statuses and sweeps many unacquainted and gullible kids into its lethal ambit. Apart from the social media, the entertainment world too is responsible for popularization of drugs. The pathetic wording of songs like ‘char bottle vodka, kam mera rojka’ and many movies which glorify drinking, smoking and drugs play a catalytic and detrimental role in the youngsters’ life.

The other reason for turning to drugs is stress and pressures of life, goals, jobs and expectations. Drugs seem to be the cheapest and easiest way out. For the moment, everything is forgotten and to hell with the next moment…this is the attitude which urges the one hooked to drugs to fall in the fathomless pit of addiction. The running away attitude, the show off attitude, the don’t care attitude ultimately leads them to the dark tunnel of depressing death.

It is very natural for the youth to try new things in life and be adventurous in their ventures. Experimenting with drugs is absolutely unacceptable. Jeopardizing the well earned life just to feel high through drugs is also unacceptable. Teenagers who have a tendency to seek thrills and adrenaline rushes through drugs is also unacceptable. Youngsters with low self-worth to engage in self-abusive behaviors such as drug are also unacceptable. Drugs for any reason surely are unacceptable.

The problem as on date is graver than we all can imagine. Till now we all had been reading in the newspapers but the time is not far when this problem may knock the doors of any one of us. The situation is deteriorating with a lot more menacing speed than expected. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’, envisaged the creation of a drug-free India.. The drug abuse puts the addict into a vicious circle. To accommodate his needs he has to spend a handsome amount daily. To earn this amount the addict is left with no option but to be a part of the illegal business of drug pedaling.

The call of the hour is a strong political will and equally strong implementation of rules to block the passage of drugs into India. It is important to strengthen and sensitize the vulnerable group. The most important of all is to support the kids to cope up with psychological trauma and help them as a family.

Life is a series of situations. Some are pleasant, some are happy, some are anticipated, some are tough, some are bad and so on… we tend to attach a tag to each situation. This is basic human nature to classify situation as a cognitive process. It’s a psychological result of perception learning and reasoning. A situation may be pleasant and happy for one but the same situation may be tough and challenging for the other. Mathematics exam is a classic example of the above statement. A student who is good in mathematics is looking forward to appear for the exam with full enthusiasm where as, a student who dreads mathematics has already experienced several nightmares prior to the examination date. Similar is the analogy of History or Chemistry papers too, indicative of a comfort zone of each student. Apparently the degree and interpretation of a situation depends a lot on our capabilities. Capabilities are nothing but our strength, ‘THE INNER STRENGTH.’

The pressures in our lives are mounting day by day. The unrealistic ambitions, unhealthy competitions greed etc.. are waning out our inner strength. The recent news items have disturbed every heart in the city. A girl was stabbed 28 times in broad day light! A teacher was stabbed in front of the whole class!

Psychoanalysis of the underlying causes of aggression and rage are many and varied. The upbringing, mainly, at the long last, is the root cause. Incidents of humiliation, deprivation, rejection etc, in weak beings, find an outlet in the form of violence and aggression.

As per the statistics of the National Crime Records Bureau, 41 % of total crimes are committed by Youth in the age group of 18-30. This is exactly the phase of life when a person has to meet the real challenges of life and prove himself to come up to the expectations of his kiths and kins. In brief this is the most trying and crucial period in our life.

The statistics of UN reveals that India has the World’s largest youth population. Youngsters are booming with energy and great potentials, they are instrumental in carving the nations destiny. In a scenario as depicted by UN data, we need to harness this potential to become a prosperous strong nation.

Wisdom and patience is an alien concept to the aggressive personality. He lacks the strength and loses sensibility. Aggressive personality tends to justify the wrong reasons and often turn violent and inhuman. Just imagine the fate of a country whose youth force lacks sapience! The call to put the youth on right and constructive path is of utmost urgency.

The upbringing starts at home but doesn’t end here. The education system and the workplace are an integral part, independent, but interrelated elements comprising a unified whole in the process of upbringing. The conduct of youth is an echo of our social ethos. Social and cultural values are respected only when the youth as an individual is respected. Respect begets respect. The parents keep hammering the dos and don’ts at home, the teachers keep pressurizing for better marks and the bosses at workplace keep expecting excellence in the performance, without giving a moment to care, understand and appreciate the efforts of the individual. We all are responsible for the ‘I don’t care’ attitude of the youth today. We should Endeavour to understand them and be concerned for them. Let us not be overly focused on mundane daily chores or top rank marks or project deadlines. Let us strive to nurture the youth with virtues, values and empathy. Such strengthening of the individual to the core will help him face any type of situation in life with sensibility and wisdom. When confronted with a humiliating situation, a strong man will not pick the knife to kill, but will handle the situation with skill to resolve and move forward to build a good life, better society and the best nation.