June 2014Rally

June 2014Rally

June 2014Rally

Prof. Julia Pradeepa

THE MOST IMPORTANT aspect of education is the delivery of knowledge, skills, and

information from teachers to students. This is no more relevant in today’s context. But

what is no more relevant is the guiding principle of our education system. We still look ateducation as a tool to get a higher paying job, which allows us to be more financially

secure. When the board results are announced, we find number of students as rank holders

and all these rank holders (atleast 90%) want to be engineers or doctors and serve thesociety. Are we creating a society filed with engineers and doctors? Where are we heading?

We find parents forcing their children to choose a particular course to pursue so as to

get a good job and settle well in life. And the irony is arts subjects are neglected andchosen by people who have no other choice. Sometimes a child is forced to study a course

that he/ she has no interest in for one of the two reasons: the institution is reputed and

somehow the child will be placed (Brand name matters) and the course has wider jobopportunities.

What does education mean to us in the 21st century?

Pope Francis emphasises that education in our times “is guided by a changinggeneration, and that, therefore, every educator – and the Church as a whole is an educating

mother – is required to change, in the sense of knowing how to communicate with the

young”. The youth are techno savy and get more information on the internet and othersources than from the schools, colleges or universities. But not all information is knowledge.

The role of a teacher is crucial in this scenario. His/ her role as a dispenser of information

is very minimal ; the teacher has to become a facilitator and help students turn informationinto knowledge, and knowledge into wisdom. 

The most important task is to change the way people think about education. In the

current scenario, the education system fails to provide real-life skills and opportunities totalented students who have the potential to do achieve greater things in life. Education

has to teach an individual in the society, how to think critically about various issues in life

and take decisions about them being free from bias and prejudices, superstitions andblind beliefs. Thus, he /she has to learn all these qualities of head, hand and heart through

the process of education.1

June 2014Rally

Education in the 21st century should make learners

CompetentCreative

Compassionate

It is not about learning the subjects and scoring high marks. The curriculum has to beredesigned in such a way that it is interdisciplinary, integrated and project-based. Education

must teach its students truth before anything else.

One of the themes of Jesuit education is to form men and women “for others.” TheSociety of Jesus has always sought to imbue students with values that transcend the goals

of money, fame and success. It wants graduates who will be leaders concerned about

society and the world in which they live; Graduates who desire to eliminate hunger andconflict in the world and who are sensitive to the need for more equitable distribution of the

world’s goods; Graduates who seek to end sexual and social discrimination and who are

eager to share their faith with others.Education is a fundamental right of every child. But, in India today, 4% of our children

never start school. 58% don’t complete primary schools. And 90% don’t complete school.

Let’s make Education fruitful and relevant for the young minds. Let’s make education acelebration and a burden.

What is the point of scoring centum in all subjectsand why so much hype about such scores? We have beengetting these kind of ‘catchment season news’ every year.At the same time not enough class 1 officers in service and corporatescontinue to complain about quality of employability skills.

Every child whom we meet in our day to day work, from age 22 till 45,comes with ‘I have not lived my life, I lived my parents dreams’ feeling. Thatconverts in to anger, sadness, depression, fear, no self image etc whichpermanently impairs their happiness and personal productivity. I am saddenedby seeing these children in my every day work. Our society is full of thesechildren irrespective of class, caste and gender.

Jacob Raj, Ex-AICUFer

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EDUCATION HAS become a promising commercial venture. Capitalistsprefer this sector obviously for many reasons: 1) It assures a steady incomeflow over a long period, 2) There will be a huge demand in the years tocome, 3) This sector has the potential to generate highest ROI (Return OnInvestment) over a long period, that too with little tax 4) It gives and increasessocial status (criminals and culprits are badly in need of this), and 5) It is asafe haven to park your illegal and black money. And hence, the capitalistsview education sector as a money spinning sector.

A few years back I went to a renowned hospital seeking medicalintervention for my wife’s cough. Upon arrival we were extended a verywarm welcome and got the audience of an MD after a short wait. Heexamined and asked us many questions. The way he probed us gave apersonal feel and prescribed a series of test. He even took us to X-Rayroom and directed the attendant to have X-Ray taken. Then blood and urinetests followed. We both of us were on CL (paid holiday being governmentservants) on that day. It was in the evening we got all the reports in a neatlypacked costume with which were ushered in to have the second audiencewith the doctor.

This time the doctor did not speak much and did not spend much time,only a few second at the report. He handed over the prescription sheet thatwe could not understand for it was clumsy. I really wondered if doctorswere trained to have a bad hand. Only in hospitals, a bad hand is considered

Corruption to the corein Education

Dr.G.JohnNational Animator

a boon. We gave the prescriptionsheet to the pharmacist in themedical shop who in turn was aboutto give us Benadryl syrup. I queriedher if the doctor has prescribed anyother medicine? ‘Only Benadryl Sir’was the reply. I said ‘we have that atour home and already my wife istaking that syrup’ and left thehospital thanking God that it was nota serious ailment.

This narrative had become a peptalk over the next few days with myfriends and colleagues, sometimesover a cup of tea. Only then I realizedthat I was the last one to have sucha hilarious experience. Each one hadhis own tale to share, some arefunnier and yet some are murkier.Though I don’t want to jump into alopsided conclusion, lest I may bewrong, one thing is for sure –practices like these are rampant. Isay this with conviction becauseonce I had to shell out Rs.5000 foran MRI scan of my back bone andstill pain continued. When I went toa famous doctor (you have to wait21 days to get an appointment) inour vicinity working in a Missionhospital, he did not even bother tolook at the MRI Scan and its report.He prescribed a course of medicineand got cure for the problem whichwas very acute.

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Connect the above episode withnews items that regularly appearregarding the capitation fee collected bymedical colleges. By the time acandidate completes his/her MBBSdegree in a private medical college undermanagement quota he would have spentsomewhere between 1 to 1.5 crorerupees. When such a person startspracticing medicine can we expect himto be ethical?

My memory refuses to part with thedialogue I had with some studentstravelling in a bus. A group schoolstudents were travelling in the oppositedirection of Trichy. This triggered my curiosity to fathom the truth. It isusual to come to Trichy for studies as this has many reputed institutions.But those boys and girls were travelling away from Trichy for studies – 10th

and +2. My conversation revealed that there was greater scope for scoringmarks in that school that often produces district level ranks and sometimesstate ranks.

As my sister-in-law worked in that school I asked her about this fact.She too admitted that there is a greater scope for scoring good marks. Iasked her ‘how’? She said ‘we teachers help’ in a mocking voice. Iencouraged her to talk further. She said on the day of the exam, all theteachers teaching that particular subject will have special duty – duty ofsupplying bits to students. She further lamented that at the end of theexam day she used to feel terrible pain in her fingers due to continuouswriting of bits that are supplied to students by the appointed couriers in theexamination hall. That school produces centum results every year and yousee huge hoardings displaying the student’s photos with their respectivemarks in many places and news paper advertisement is also given soonafter the results. Schools have become mark producing machines and theseschools are run by capitalists. For a capitalist profit is the main objective.He will do anything and everything, by hook or crook, to get the profitmanifold.

Any business venture involves risk and is subject to demand & supplyfactors. Higher the risk and greater will be the expected profit. Lower therisk less is the profit. A capitalist would always prefer a field with greaterscope for profit. He manipulates supply side to influence demand so as toincrease his profit. He has learned the nuances of manipulating the supplyside that includes infrastructure, quality education, all round development,character formation, and good marks. All these are not that easy except

‘good marks’ that can bemanipulated to his advantage. Butmaking students get good marksdepends on many factors likeintelligence of the students, qualityof teaching etc. These are not in hiscontrol. Hence he chooses unfairand unethical means to makestudents score marks. That is whyin many schools +2 lessons aretaught during +1 itself. My niece(studying in a convent school on ahilltop) who is going to 10 th thisacademic year says that ‘they havecovered almost all the 10th syllabusalready in the 9th standard.

For a capitalist ‘number’matters. He must be able to getsanctioned strength of students ineach class. Each student pays ahefty sum. Even for +1 and +2 itranges in lakhs. He would be able toattract students only if he producesgood result. For him, ‘anyone whocan pay the price’ is the admissioncriteria. Once a student is admittedhe becomes the ‘possible output’.This output has to be good others

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wise he will not get admission next year. To have good output – finalproduct, he uses various mechanism like teaching +2 portion during +1itself, repeated tests, residential schooling, rigorous schedule and training,developing the rote memory skills, unfair means during exams, and handpicking a few students who will be targeted to get district level and statelevel ranks.

They have two principle aims: 1) achieving centum results and 2)producing high marks and rank holders at district and state levels. Boththese are used as baits to hook the general public to admit their wards inthat school. A friend of mine confided to me that his son of average intelligencewas able to score more than 70 percent because of the ‘unfair means’adopted by that school during exam. That school has continuously gotstate level ranks in Tamilnadu.

When the final product, often measured by marks, is good an educationalentrepreneur is able to control demand. By producing good results, heincreases his demand. As the demand increases he starts dictating termsand conditions that the general public fall prey to. For the general publiconly ‘marks’ matters. But education is not all about marks alone. It ismuch more than that.

This is the danger when the capitalists run the educational institutions.Most of the educational institutions are run by politicians, persons withcriminal record and dubious background. Once I was invited as a chiefguest for inaugurating the club activities of a college whose secretary wasa doctorate. But his name was not in any department teachers list. Onlylatter I came to know that he finished all his degree by post offered by auniversity in Chidambaram and got a doctorate from one university in NorthIndia. The person who revealed me this also told me that it is possible toget degrees like MBBS and D.Lit etc by paying some money. Of coursethey are not recognized degrees, but given in the name of a university.

Though getting capitation or donation is against law the practice issimply rampant happening right under the nose of the law enforcing agencies.Almost all the colleges of engineering have a fixed rate for each branch.The fee depends on many factors like branch, rank of the college, nameand fame of the institution, locality, pass percentages, employment recordsetc. It is rare to come across an engineering college that admits studentswithout donations. Some of the famous private arts and sciences admitstudents ‘for a price’. There are a lot of agents operating who can get seatsfor a price even in minority run schools and colleges and some of them arereputed institutions enjoying national patronage.

In the current system, a student should really make efforts to get failmark. Only effort he should make to get through a particular paper is to fillpages neatly and legibly, and write appropriate question number. ‘Paper

valuation’ is a complete mockerywhere any one with a little trick canget through.

Most of the teachers never careto read the question and still worseis they never apprise themselves ofanswers given in the scheme ofvaluation. The only thing they verifyis question paper pattern before theystart valuing the answer scripts.Double valuation system followed forPG courses is a humbug. Examinerssimply exchange papers wherein thesecond valuer will just copy the marksof first valuer with some moderationand vice versa. In the name ofspeeding up of valuation processmore than seventy papers are givenper day per examiners.

Some of my friends boast thatthey have valued more than hundredpapers, a day’s allotment, just in twohours, on many occasions. As thereare number of autonomous collegesin a city, often the days of valuationof different colleges over lap. If anexaminer gets valuation appointmentfrom more than one college, drivenby a sense of dedication, hemanages to shunt between collegesand finish the valuation work. I haveseen people who have attended tovaluation duty in three colleges on asingle day.

On a number of occasions, Ihave seen my own friends, who haveneither studied nor handled aparticular subject, valuing papers.Their speed and agility often stunnedme. Just a few minutes of browsingover the scheme of valuation, andthey are off to a good opening. If thevaluation system is fair, according to

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my objective estimation, not more than fifty percent would pass and of theremaining, a half of them would never be able to get through.

The worst affected are the good performers. The system being inprevalence ensures that inefficient students get pass marks, but renders agreat injustice towards meritorious students. The gap between a very goodstudent and a poor student is very thin, just ten or twenty marks apart.Marks secured by students don’t reflect the true and fair view of ‘mastery ofsubject’ gained. That is why a professor who authored a book on HRMpublished by an international publisher and who has been teaching thesubject for nearly two decades at PG level, could manage to get just sixtypercent in his MBA examination. His own students, whom he taught HRMand valued their papers, got much more than what the professor got.

Practices like these are rampant in ‘money minting courses’ like MBA,MCA, M.Com etc. These are the ‘collection centres’ for private colleges. Ifstudents fail, they would not join the course and subsequently the futuredemand would fall. To sustain demand and marketability, the students needto pass and that too with a good percentage. The present system of valuationwould take care of this.

It is easy to get a regular degree without attending a single class. It isnow possible but of course unofficially. Only condition is you have to beirregular regularly. That is why these category of students are called‘irregulars’.

This is how it works:a) To get a B.Ed degree, for example, just find out a college where some

seats are vacant, negotiate with the management through brokers,pay thirty or forty thousand extra than what is charged for a regularcourse.

b) Your attendance is taken care of (some times cent percent attendance).c) Submit your assignments and record notes in time, through someone

or in person if possible only (you will receive proper information).d) Pay five thousand rupees and you will be given ‘teaching practice

certificate’.e) Pay the exam fees, appear for the exam and the system will see you

through.By the same method, you can also become a teacher and there are

many teachers who qualified like these. We need to be very grateful to anumber of distance mode education providers for doing this kind yeomenservice to the society. Thanks to them.

This kind of modus operandi is vogue in many institutions whereby youcan get B.Ed, BL, M.Tech, MBA and other degrees. In many privateinstitutions, the management is generous enough to educate their teacherswithout B.Ed qualification by enrolling them in regular B.Ed programme.While teaching, they get a regular degree from the same institutions. On

the day of commission visits andexam day they are relieved fromteaching work and the rest is takencare of by the system. A neighbor ofmine got her ME degree withoutattending the college. All that shewas required to do was pay the fullcollege fees and sit for the examslike any other students. When shewas doing ME, she was working inBangalore with a software company.We know that to sit for the exam,one must have minimum prescribedattendance which if taken care of.Now she is teaching in anengineering college in Chennai.

To improve the value in theminds of consumers, anothermarketing strategy adopted bycolleges is the manipulation of datarelating to campus interview.Companies are paid a hefty sum tovisit these institutions for campusselection. Multi stage screening isdone to select suitable candidates.a) First, minimum requirement is

fixed. (60 % in 10th, HSC andup to current semester,without arrears)

b) Written (aptitude and general)exam is conducted. Thosewho are found eligible at thisstage are called for personalinterview.

c) A few candidates are selectedand given appointment letters.Manipulation takes place here.

All those who appear for interview aregiven appointment letters so that theHEIs can advertise “100 %placement”. What they mean is allthose who appeared for interview gotjobs which is factually true.

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Information is conveniently hidden to make it a perfect score by these HEIsso that they will have a good demand. Invariably all the HEIs advertise “100% placement” by which general public is cheated. For these institutiononly concern is filling up of seats. Any vacancy results in loss of incomeand a poor show (lack of demand) that may affect future prospects of earningincome (demand). By hook or crook, customers are attracted and thenmade to pass by fair or unfair means so that their future ‘demand creation’is not affected.

In many cases, those who got jobs are made to sit in benches formonths, and ultimately some of them settle for some other jobs. Even ifthey manage to get, they are directly or indirectly coerced to quit citinginefficiency or other reasons. Some of them are given pink slips while inprobation period citing reasons of ‘inefficiency’.

Another vulgar practice adopted by schools and colleges is the creationof an ambience for copying in the examination. On the day of the exams,the teachers who handle the subject are busy supplying ‘bits’ to students(at school level). Education departments may appoint umpteen number of‘flying squads’ but all can be purchased. During the days of examination,there will be ‘briyani mela’ for all the staff members including the flyingsquad members and education department officials – a goodwill measure.

There is a care free copying in examinations conducted by some ofthe distance mode exams. More the scope for copying more is the popularityamong the consumers. There is a cut throat competition among differenteducation providers and franchisees. This is the easiest way to attractconsumers. On one occasion, almost everybody, in an MBA exam resortedto copying, including professors who happen to study MBA by distancemode. There was not even a seating arrangement in place: students simplychose to sit as they liked.

It is a open secret now that a VC post costs around Rs. eight crores.It was quoted in the news papers and even one of the UGC members openly

acknowledged the fact. Almost allposts are sold to the highest bidderby the politicians. We know thequality and character of some ofthose people occupying the highestpositions in the academia. When aperson invests so much money(risky capital) to occupy a post, it isnatural that he will expect a decentreturn on his risky investment. Meritand character have become thecasualty as a consequence.

Likewise, all the teaching posts,barring some institutions run byChristians missionaries, sell theposts. They never seem to care forthe quality of teachers they choose.How can we expect a person soappointed to keep up high moralityand standard which are the basictenants of teaching profession?

When the whole system ofeducation is reeling under absolutecorruption, the future prospect ofIndia becoming a developed nationlooks very remote. Unless and untilwe root out corruption and unethicalpractices from education, India willnot be a better place to live in.

The secret in education lies in respecting the student. Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty oreighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” 

 Henry Ford

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A LOT of things come to my mind, when I pen abouteducation system of India. Basic education is more thanjust learning how to read, write and calculate. Itencompasses the broadest possible sense of learning:formal, non-formal and informal and at any stage of life.Learning takes place in and out of school: in the home,the local community, the workplace, and in recreationaland other settings. Not confined to childhood and theformative years, it extends from infancy throughout thewhole of life.

What exactly does basic education mean? Basicrefers to the competencies, knowledge, attitudes, valuesand motivation that are deemed necessary in order forpeople to become fully literate and to have developedthe educational foundations for a lifelong learning journey.Education in the wider sense is a life-long process. Itbegins with the birth of a child and ends with his death.It is a continuous process. Continuity is the law of life.Education is not limited to the classroom alone; it isalso not limited to a particular period of life. Educationis a lifelong process and goes on from womb to tomb.Throughout life one goes on learning to adjust oneselfto the changing patterns of life. Change is thefundamental law of human existence. Life is a continuous

Antony Lourduraj. A

Education is the most important lever

for social, economic and political

transformation. A well educated

population, equipped with the

relevant knowledge, attitudes and

skills is essential for economic and

social development in the 21st century.

-12 th Five Year Plan, Planning

Commission, Government of India.

Transformation in Totality

process of growth and development and so education isalso a continuous process.

Today our society is slowly habituating to evil thingslike suicide, rape, cyber-crimes, theft, acid attack etc.A country where every Indian kneels before GoddessDurga, Lakshmi or Saraswati cannot respect a girl,because our education system teaches themdifferences, but not how to bridge them. Obviously weare all part of this society and definitely we will be atgreater risk if the precarious situation continues to be.Education must be interested in four outcomes:Knowledge - What they know; Practice - What ourchildren are able to do; Character - The kind of peoplethey become; Passion - This is a positive energy thatcomes from focusing on what excites an individual.

Knowledge is power and without practicalapplication of knowledge it is of no value. What is theforce that influences an individual to have moreknowledge? It is only the passion or interest. Knowledgewill give you power but character will give you meaningto life. Character includes wide range of positive humanvalues which are authenticity, courage to challenge,confidence, responsibility, leadership and hard work. Itdoesn’t mean all these should be acquired during days

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of school or college. But children will acquire all theabove from parents, family, schools, friends and society.Hence Education is not a process that doomed betweenfour walls; rather it should bring transformation of selfand society as a whole. Children are the foundation ofour motherland. I feel it is our responsibility to enhancethe education of our children by imbibing knowledge,practice, character and passion from the primary stageitself.

It is more appropriate to mention these facts to bringabout the hidden realities to the light, so as to understandcontextually the Indian System of Education. InNamakkal district in Tamil Nadu, schools which top thestate results fail to crack the IIT-JEE and AIEEE. Thisclearly shows what education means to them. Anotherexample shows where our future teacher is : in the TET(Teacher Eligibility Test) which was conducted forteachers to get a government job, 80% of them failed.This shows where this education system stands. Staff,who have to teach students fail in the test which depictsthe flaw in our educational system. There is no entranceexam so most schools teach only 12th and skip the 11th

syllabus completely.Even though the government is making a lot of plans

and trying to provide good education system but peopleare not getting proper benefit and the reason is corruption.Corruption is not only in politics, corruption is proliferatingeven in education. If all the universities in India startworking with 100% faith I promise not even 40% ofstudents would pass. I would like to say that, oureducation system needs a reform for sure. Every reformis made to rectify a serious policy paralysis. Few of ourfriends aired their anxiety about reservation; howeverwe must understand and accept that we cannot put anend to reservations in 64 years for the discriminationoccurred for thousands of years. Moreover, without suchreservations, we can’t have inclusive and sustainablegrowth in the country as we still prohibit people, whoare living in forests and hills to join the mainstream. It isup to us to change in the mind-set of the citizens andthe political icons of India. 

My apprehension lies in the privatisation ofEducation and turning education into an industrial hub.

In the preamble of our constitution we call India as“socialist”, however we lately made alterations in thepolicies or so-called reforms resemble India as a countryof downright crony capitalism. If you are a political topbrass either in state level or in union level, you willpossess a quite number of arts and science colleges,polytechnic institutes, 1 or 2 engineering colleges, or ifyou like even a medical college. The only requirementis you need to be a hard politician of India nothing else.This sort of privatisation surely ruins the nation. As weall call Indians or a die-hard democrats must realise theimpact of capitalistic elements in society. Education isnot a business, therefore stop building colleges andschools if you can’t build a better candidate.

We can privatise anything in the country excepthealth and education. But alas, India is cautious inprivatising these both. Creating awareness about familyplanning to curb rapid growth of population, increasingtransparency in human resource development, increasingfree and qualitative educations via constitutional meansrather than the counterfeit socially sponsored schemes,reducing gender gap in education, mandating primaryeducation through mother tongue, establishing basiceducational institutes people friendly, increasing health,reducing the level of poverty and so forth need to beaddressed with paramount vigilance. However we, thecitizens and the elected representatives have forgottenall these societal blockades but focusing on US “thedisgustingly dishonest capitalist country.”

Albert Einstein said “Everybody is a genius. But ifyou judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will liveits whole life believing that it is stupid.” that’s exactlyhappening to us, I think every single kid in our world hasits own ability, but we, the stupid people, judge them ina poisonous way, we want to kill their ability and weforce them to study all the subjects, all the topics, butthis is not smart, if you put Sachin to dance, and Bieberto bat, nobody can show their talents. So we mustrespect the uniqueness in everyone in avoiding theauthority dependence. Newton was sitting under a tree.An apple fell on him and he thought that why it didn’t goup and hence discovered gravity. But if a hungry stomachis sitting under a tree, he will only think to get all apples

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down. That is what our education system does to ourpresent young generation. It hardly provides opportunitiesand when it provides it never let us to grab theopportunities. The Ignatian Pedagogy insists on creatingmen and women for others; Jesuits not merely informknowledge but form character. We must salute the zealand ardent spirit of the Jesuits in forming the studentsto transform the World.

Here I pen few things to create a positive outlookon educating a child.1. Where does our child’s education start from? We

all forget that our child starts learning first at homeand then at nursery/primary level. This is where thestrong foundation to be made.

2. Every parent should bother about the knowledge,problem solving skills, aptitude, language skills werebuilt for their child or not. These evaluations areirrespective of marks/ranks they score.

3. Every parent should spare time to better understandtheir child’s interest, the areas where they excel,the areas where they can be moulded to excel.

4. We all very well know sitting & speaking about theexisting Education system is not going to help usimmediately. Remember, in INDIA changes forbetterment are NOT SO EASY. This is not to blameour country but pertaining to what & where thecountry is driving, we can’t expect betterments inany field soon. We take the responsibilities tochange our generation & neighbours by makingthem understand & implement the responsibilitieswhich are very well feasible & under control by them.

5. Educate your child either in your native/foreign(English) language the problem solving techniques,situation handling, social awareness, behaviour,analytical skills, etc. For doing this parents needTo Be EDUCATED. Our country had great scholarsin ancient days when we had no formula foreducation. Our scholars had excelled in many areaslike astrology, mathematics (vedic), business,attitude (joint family has rendered way for TEAMWORK, DISTRIBUTION of work,RESPONSIBILITIES, PLANNING checklist

preparation for performing prayers during festivals,etc.).

6. Ensure your child understands the concepts/basemethod & is able to recollect it.

7. Place your child in RIGHT PLACE where theirknowledge & attitude is well built rather than puttingthem in TOP NOTCH schools & colleges.

8. Teach your child the self-learning capability.In our present context education has very little

meaning, except in learning a particular technique orprofession. Instead of awakening the integratedintelligence of the individual, education is encouraginghim to conform to a pattern and thereby hindering hiscomprehension of himself as a total process. To attemptto solve the many problems of existence at theirrespective levels, separated as they are into variouscategories, indicates an utter lack of comprehension.

Education, according to Jiddu Krishnamoorthy, isa transformation of human mind and creation of newculture. Education must free the mind and spirit ofchildren. He remarked, “Without a change of heart,without goodwill, without the inward transformation whichis born of awareness, there can be no peace, nohappiness for mankind.” “Education should encourageself-observation and experience of life as a whole, not‘me’ and ‘mine’ but to go above and beyond to discoverthe real.” That is why education should be concernedwith the totality of life and not with the immediateresponses to immediate challenges.

Education should bring about the integration ofthese separate entities – for without integration, lifebecomes a series of conflicts and sorrows. Of what valueis it to be trained as lawyers if we perpetuate litigation?What significance has technical and industrial capacityif we use it to destroy one another? What is the point ofour existence if it leads to violence and utter misery?Education does not mean only acquiring the knowledgeof subjects but to develop complete and responsiblehuman being. By complete education means love andcompassion, which can transform the present situationin its totality. Thus sustainable future is not a utopia buta reality.

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CHANGES IN THE EDUCATIONSYSTEM THAT INDIA NEEDS

Crislin Rozario, TYBA,St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai

“Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.”-Nelson Mandela

That is a powerful and correct statement. Education has the ability to change the world as we know it.But this can only happen we are imparted with the right kind of education in the right way. And to ensurethis a few changes in the current scenario would definitely help.We tend to rely a lot on the western style of working and living and many a times we imitate them inhopes of creating a better environment for ourselves. Learning from others and bettering our failures isboth sensible and smart. But while we ideate, compare and imitate we forget one very important fact.We forget to innovate and improvise depending on our situation here. We have different cultures, differentgeographic areas, different political systems and even a different population. This difference makes itvery important to improvise when we take ideas from the west pertaining to our education. We go aftercreating international schools, with fewer students and extraordinary infrastructure facilities but whatwe lose out on is number. This high educational standard is given only to the elite section because ofthe huge expense it involves. We have an exceptional demographic dividend and that is because themajority of our population is between the ages of 25 to 45, which is the most productive age structurefor an economy. But with the way we prioritize our education we may just lose this window of opportunity.

Certain sociological theorists like Samuel Bowles and Herbert Gintis have a critique towards theeducation system saying that it propagates the “Hidden Curriculum.” They basically say that theeducation system creates only a passive and docile workforce that is meant to fit into the capitalisticworld. This can be applied even in the India scenario where education is more of rote learning ratherthan applying your mind. Focus and emphasis is given on theory whereas application and actionoriented leaning takes a backseat. Unfortunately we also have a very narrow approach when it comesto professions and while a select few are encouraged, a huge number of them are neglected or given noimportance at all. The biggest example would be of the teaching profession. Teachers are the mostvaluable assets of a country because they build and train the future of a country. And yet, in India it isunderrated. Our perspective on education itself needs to be reviewed.

“Education is not the learning of the facts, but the training of the mind to think.”-Albert Einstein

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Lastly, I think the most important feature of education is Critical Thinking. Like me professor says,“criticizing the obvious.” We need to be taught and encouraged to question not just accept. Both as

teachers and students we need to learn to have healthy debates and discussions that widen ourperspectives. We may believe something as an individual but if we cannot be objective about the

opinion of others we have failed our education. Our system needs to create open-minded, flexible andgood citizens rather than a rigid and orthodox workforce.

India’s biggest and most critical drawback is not policy paralysis but the failure of implementation. Wehave the Right to Education as a fundamental right and yet a majority of our population is either unaware

of this policy or does not have the required infrastructure to make the most of it. Rural India faces amajority of these issues but unfortunately even urban metropolitan cities like Mumbai face the same

issues. The government schools have shoddy infrastructure, an absence of teachers and a curriculumthat does not match the quality of the students. The lack of political will in this area is disheartening

because or country’s future is being compromised by our country’s today.

“The true purpose of education is to make minds, and not careers.”-William Deresiewicz

“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain athought without accepting it.”

-Aristotle

ALEXIS PREM KUMAR SJ (Madurai Jesuit Priest fromSivagangai Diocese) has been kidnapped by Talibans in

Afghanistan on Monday June 2. Dear friends kindly prayfor his speedy release. — with Alexis Premkumar

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June 2014Rally

CAMPUS life is a brilliant

experience for all people in India.

It remains always as a nostalgic

memory in the minds and dreams

of everyone throughout their lives.

The silly jokes which were

received with open hearts, small

fights which were so seriously

seen during college days and

which will be remembered with a big laughter during the

send off days, those romantic moments which were enjoyed

in college canteens and under the shades of banyan trees,

all these always remain in the hearts of the people as a

memory which recharges their energy when they feel tired

in their busy life schedules in the future.

This is not a diary entry, nor it’s a fictional imagination,

it is just a sharing of a small experience which I had during

my campus life. Like any other campuses in Kerala, ours

was also a campus which had all the interesting features

as mentioned above. I was a good observer of all the events

and all the relationships among which some were termed

as “friendship” and some were boldly  termed as

“romances” by the people involved.

But it was during that time I noticed a young girl

(respecting her dignity, I can’t reveal her name) who was

with me learning through Shakespeare and Chaucer. Her

face always reminded me of the ‘solitary reaper’ of

Wordsworth. A girl who had all the necessary qualifications

which a typical male dominated mind would want. She

had a unique taste in her to dive deep into the world of

literature. Though she won’t ask any doubts in the class

(she might have thought it as “anti-womanistic”), she

always used to come to those who learn well with all her

doubts and would be always having an unsatisfied mind

till she gets a proper answer or solution.

The most important thing which we friends noticed in

her was the deep silence and blush which she had in her

face. She even did not have a single word to anyone who

SHE WAS SILENT, ALWAYSAlbin Thomas

criticizes her and also to those

who praises her beauty. She

was always in the corridors of

our campus with a smiling face

and so many unspoken words.

Her absence or presence was

very hard to be noticed because

very hardly we could hear her

voice echoing in our class of

eighteen students.

Once during a pleasant morning, when we were in the

campus, when the “bright students” were in their

preparation for the first hour and when the “ Romeos”

were busy flirting with their never static “Juliets”, she came

in front of the classroom. We friends were amazed since

such a scene was never seen before. With a head bowed

down (even today I don’t realize what was the meaning of

that bowed head) she invited us for the most important

ceremony of her life, her MARRIAGE. She was congratulated

by a few among us who considered marriage as the only

aim in their life. Some were very busy with their books that

they did not get the time to join her in her “happiness”.

Some were so sad because one among their JULIETS  has

found her ROMEO. But I could not explore any expression

of a bride in her face. She was decorated with her ever

remaining silence on her lips.

As a ‘DULHAN’, she was well decorated with all her

jewellery which is the measuring scale to detect the status

of the bride’s family. We were well treated on the wedding

day. Even during the romantic songs played in the bride’s

house and in between the small children who created an

overall chaos, I could find the same silence which she had

when she once came to me asking to explain the short

story of Premchand for her. The same doubt the same

confusions.

Slowly months passed and the memories of our silent

friend also started fading from our classroom. We again

went back to dive deep into the literary sea to catch the big

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June 2014Rally

fishes which were the poems and novels which we never

got. After a long period a cute morning welcomed me with

the news that our friend has reached the most highest

“qualification” of a woman...... MOTHERHOOD. Collecting

every single rupee from each one, some of our friends

bought a small baby dress which was to be given as a gift

from our part.

We visited her in the hospital where her room was

filled with her relatives. They moved out of the room so

that we could have a friendly chat with our friend and

could see her child. Even though there were eight girls with

us, I was the one who got the first chance to take that most

innocent creation of God. After visiting the “first mother”

of our class, we were preparing to come back. I looked

once again into the eyes of my friend. The eyes which once

were amazed by the beautiful words of Shakespeare, the

mind which was once confused over the tough literary

theories, were now being tensed and confused for all the

responsibilities which she would have to encounter. Her

face which attracted lots of ROMEOS of our campus was

now worried for the smoke and heat which is awaiting her

in the four walls of her kitchen.

Coming back from her I prayed to the almighty “Lord

give my countrymen an awareness that silence of a woman

is not always a symbol of silent approval and also the

basic need of a child, whether it be a boy or a girl, is not

marriage but meaningful and good EDUCATION.

DURING my tenth standard, I needed to fill my exam application for getting hall ticket. There were two sections

called “RELIGION” and “CASTE”. I, having zero adherence to the concept of God, filled “NIL” and submitted that. Next

day my Principal called me asking why I filled so. I replied “What is wrong with filling so”? She was flabbergasted

with my reply and that whole day my class teachers fired bullets on me giving free preaches to expose my caste and

religion. I will leave the rest to your imagination. Next, in my final year schooling there were many counseling

programs for students. All were asked to complete a sheet consisting of their ambition and future plan in life.

Except one or two, all the others single mindedly filled Engineering and Doctor. For ambition to settle in life! What

a great ambition!! Money is the fruit many temples of education preach, and students believe it. These two

scenarios, I think, are enough to express the state of our education system. Money and sectarianism control our

limits of education. We have been taught we should forget our creed differences and stand united. But our basic

education still enforces us to reveal it even if we don’t wish to. Earning money is claimed to be the ultimate aim to

today’s education.

Where are the real fruits of education viz, virtues, values, knowledge, dignity and growth. All these are severely

bent today for Money and Religion- Caste. It is a well known fact that more than reading, hearing and writing,

practicing helps us learn much faster. But are we exposed to that. What exists in class is a monologue usually. A

teacher speaks and student listens. Instead imagine class where literature is taught through skits and songs,

science is taught outside class rooms and laboratories, mathematics through real scientific modules, history in

archeological sites. Sports being a daily compulsory routine even during “Board” classes. It will make true

ambitions in students and also help them connect beyond the thought of creed, while working as a team. Are we

exposed to this? Finally I wish to quote Margaret Mead, Anthropologist, here: Children must be taught how to

think, not what to think.

NEED FOR CHANGE: MOST WANTEDSibi, Chennai

CHILDREN MUST BE TAUGHT HOW TO THINK, NOT WHAT TO THINK.Margaret Mead

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June 2014Rally

WHILE I WAS rushing home from Borivali last night around 11pm, a tensed and anxious lady boarded the fast train

at Andheri. She grumbled and mumbled about the 3minutes halt, the train made at Andheri and said “yah train la kai

jhale, late aali and atta thambli” (what has happened to this train, it arrived late and now has stopped). Blabbering every

minute amidst umpteen calls from her relatives to check where she has reached, this woman was the compartment’s

centre of attention and annoyance. I walked up to her and asked her what was wrong and she said she has to board a

train to Kankavli from Dadar and the train departs at 11.50pm. The time now was 11.25pm and we were reaching

Bandra. I convinced her to calm down. Focus on things within your control was my next advice.

We rushed to the door of the train. She tucked her sari and we dragged the back that had her luggage. While all

these preparations were on, she whispered in my ears, that she had never been to platform 7 at Dadar station and

reaching there was her main concern. After assuring her that I would accompany her to Platform 7, she was relived and

joked… it looks like God wants me to board the train so I met

all the right people along my journey who were helpful. The

auto rickshaw guy sped through the lanes and streets of Andheri

to reach her to the station in record time, she got a fast train to

Dadar and now she met in me a person ready to reach her to

the platform. I told her she would be more at peace, had she

left the house at least 30 minutes early and it is then for once

she said… yeah I know it was my fault I left late from home.

Our train entered Dadar station, I informed her the route

to platform 7. It was 11.32pm and there was much likely hood

she would make it to the train. I helped her with the bag, we got

off the train, went up the bridge and ran (like we would for our lives). We reached the stairs and now it was time to run

down the steps and there I heard a bang, when I looked at that woman I realized that she was so exhausted that she left

the handle of her bag and now I was the only one struggling with that heavy bag. The woman could barely walk and I was

worried she would roll down the stairs. Somehow we reached the entrance to platform 7 and the clock showed 11.40pm

as the time. I was happy we made it and told here “look you reached” and she replied “ kuthe aalo aapan” (where have

we reached).

I was zapped….. did she loose her memory… Then calmly I pointed to the BIG 7 at the entrance and said this is

platform 7, your train is waiting for you. She was so happy that she rushed through the security gate without scanning

her bag and she was called back to get her bag checked. I waited patiently till I watched her reach the train. I expected

her to turn back and smile and say thank you……..But she didn’t turn back and was lost in the crowd.

A lot of thoughts crossed my mind!!

Did I help her expecting her to thank me?….. No I didn’t.

Did I accompany her expecting her to express grateful ??... No I didn’t.

But human that I am, a kind smile would have lit up the moment.

Well now I had to rush to platform 1, to board a train to Vikroli, coz my parents were anxiously waiting for me, my

husband was awake, waiting for me to reach home. By God’s grace I reached home at 12.15am with the joy within of

being of help to someone.

Tale of the night.....Aileen S. Marques

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June 2014Rally

- NO PRIDEBUT PREJUDICE

Vidya Anand,Chennai

THERE ARE a million reasons why India is stillonly developing and the education system definitely has

its fair share to contribute to this tragedy. The criticismthat follows this topic is endless, no doubt. To begin with, let

us talk about choices. They say, We Are Our Choices! Withouta hint of dubiousness, one can agree that it is true. To elaborate, it

means an individual is who he is in terms of his achievements, attitude,character and a lot more only because of the choices he makes. This

brings us to the understanding that we get to choose only from the optionsavailable to us. Therefore, here is the heart of harsh reality: Students are

forced to take up a career within the few ever-so boring departments during highschool that are available to them. Because if they do not they would have to stay

illiterate thereafter as it is this or nothing. Hence, the depressing solution is to mightas well pick one of those not so interesting subjects and move on. Our country has too

much to handle, too many other “important” issues that there is no time to sit back andcreate new, innovative areas of study for the young. Design, animation, pure literature, art,

anthropology and much more are areas that hardly have a space to exist in many schools. Inaddition, to top this beautiful mess we dwell in, there’s the marking system, a system that condemns

a student for not being good in a subject he is not interested in. Well, this is just one side of the bigstory.

On the other hand, we have the magnanimous network of colleges. Stained by the ruthless thirst for so-called donations, there is seldom any appreciation for those who are truly talented. Despite so many

movies that have criticised and humoured at this fake system, not much has changed. The foulexchange of college seats for monstrous amounts of money is an act that without reluctance

puts the respect of our nation at stake. The fact that most of what students learn is neverpractically taught or put to use during their career is grim joke in other countries! One other

huge drawback is that our education system comprises only of academics- no other partof a student’s growth matters. Maturity in terms of morals, ethics, fitness, aesthetics

and other necessary skills are considered irrelevant. However, in truth if there is noholistic learning, there can be no growth at all. Isn’t it about time we agree English

is the International language and make sure the kid is fluent in the language?There is only increasing scrutiny for trivial and not-so-worthy facets of

education. No denial that some of us wish there is a change for thebetter, but it is a long way to go, and we have still not really begun.

THE INDIAN

EDUCATION SYSTEM

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June 2014Rally

WHAT OUR education system doesn’t realize is that

each child blossoms at his/her own rate. It is extremely

unfair to pressurize and force children to learn things they

quite frankly do not want to learn. This coupled along with

parental and peer pressure can really zap the confidence

out of a child. Our education system is in such a way that

each and every student is forced to study subjects that he/

she particularly doesn’t like or can’t understand. Instead

of providing children various options suited to their liking

and interests we have a set methodology of subjects and

exams that the children are pressurized into doing . Such

levels of stress at such a young age can be detrimental to

a growing child. Not doing well in exams

often leads to the child being

ridiculed and the child is

deemed a failure.

What i admire

about the western

style of education

is that the

children have the

option of choosing the

subjects they want to major

in and thereby they are in

complete control of what

they want to learn. It is

completely tailor-made to

suit each and every child. At

least in that situation the

children will have a reason

to look forward to class

because they choose only

what they like. In India on the

other hand children are

forced to study subjects that

they have no liking for and on

top of that are pressurized to

do well in those subjects. The

number of suicides in our country because of fear of failure

has gone up remarkably in the last decade or so. Parents

also play a major role in this as they have to stand by their

child and not ridicule them and brand them as failure.

What we don’t realize is that failure is just an event, it

WhoseChoice is it ?

Sai Sanjit

doesn’t necessarily mean that the child is a complete failure

in life, this is what has to be conveyed to these children. To

add to this, parents barely let the children decide what

they want to do, most parents push their children into

learning what they want their children to learn without

sparing a thought of how the child might have certain

ambitions and dreams that are being selfishly suppressed.

Failure and constant rejection from a young age can

really dent a child’s life beyond repair. I think our education

system should be more accommodative and versatile

wherein children have a set of subjects to choose from

and they can pick the subjects that they are interested in ,

by doing this you make the child responsible

for his/her own decisions. If a

child picks a subject he/

she likes and doesn’t

do well in it he can

be answerable to

someone. If a child

is forced to learn

subjects he/she has

no aptitude for but is

forced to study,it is only

because they do not have a choice.

This creates a negative

image in the child’s

mind and this makes

learning so much

harder .If the child does

not have the aptitude

for a particular subject

he/she is going to find

it hard. Education in the

modern world cannot

be stressed upon

enough. In a world with

such fierce levels of

competition let children

have a say of their own. Let them face the consequences of

their decisions both good and bad. Let them not live in

regret of the past for the rest of their lives , a past they had

no control over.

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June 2014Rally

– a businessor a service ?

JohnFran

cis,

Loyola

College

.

IN INDIA, Education isviewed as an effective tool for

bringing social change through communitydevelopment. Though students become very good in

intellectual domain, now a days education has become atool to enter into a job for earning money. A high value is placed

on education, as it ensures a stable future. All parents want theirchildren to attend the best private English schools, but places are limited.

So it is highly competitive.

Most Indian schools are giving importance to the academic subjects and a fewfor creativity and rarely extra-curricular activities. Today’s education system is so

unfair. In ancient times, education made a man /woman know about their life andtaught them how to face the difficulties in life. But presently, it makes the students to

go to school for 8 hours and just see their books. They come back home and write theirhomework. It is all bookish knowledge. There is no chance for the students to express

themselves in what they are good. Scientific education is given less importance. Teachersalso do not teach the subjects related to the social world. This system must be changed. I

think in India, it is easy to kill a person than to write 10th and 12thboard exams. Parents,relatives and neighbors keep telling the student to study well so that they can score moremarks. It increases the stress and some of them even commit suicides when the results aredeclared. Now a days studying means getting up early, memorizing what is in the book andvomiting in the exam conducted in class. Parents are giving so much stress in their studies.

Education is every Individual’s right but still many children are uneducated. Recently I visited auniversity and I found that students from other countries there studying with the help of theirGovernment. I do not say that our Government is not helping, but still it has not reached thepeople who need that help. Government is providing free scholarship, uniforms, books andeven afternoon lunch is provided for the poor students. But still it is not reaching the poor andneedy people. Women’s education is to be made compulsory. Presently Girls are very good instudying than boys. For example you can see the 10 th and 12th results. ‘Samachirkalvi’makes easy for the students to study. We find students scoring 500/500 but are thesestudents developed holistically is a question we need to raise.

But the main drawback of today’s education system is that it is becoming a marketplace. Though students are memorizing and getting marks it is not valuable in someinstitutions. Money plays a vital role in this society. Students who are getting

above 1150 cannot enroll in good institutions but students who get less than800 can go to good universities. This happens because of money. Change is

needed. It is in our hands to change the society. Hoping for a bettereducation system where education is not a business but it is a life.

Educ

ation

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June 2014Rally

The educational system at present is an utter waste,

Framed by people who were in such haste!

They claim to have framed a system which is ‘uniform’,

But, the system is now frowned upon!

Students till standard ten rejoice

Because ‘The System’ has muted education’s voice;

They have little or nothing to study,

They go on with no care or worry!

But when they enter standard eleven,

They’ll feel like they’re studying twenty four- seven;

‘The System’ has made studying so easy for

students up to Standard ten,

An idiotic system famed by a bunch of old men!

A system, forced to be enforced by dim wit politicians,

Politicians who lack basic education!

Once students step into higher secondary,

The volume of portions goes up alarmingly;

They get unused to studying portions so voluminous,

That they feel the burden in higher secondary is

tremendous!

The evaluation system in the high school board

exams is so lenient,

Getting a good score makes students feel so

magnificent!

This makes students over confident,

Over confidence does not make you triumphant!

We need to raise our voices against ‘The System’,

Create a change that would benefit generations to come!

We need to bring about a revolution,

A revolution, that would change the face of education;

The revolution should remove education’s every flaw,

It should make people look upon education with such we;

Learning should be made delightful,

At the same time education should be given plentiful;

Let’s join hands together and revolutionize education,

Let’s promise a brighter tomorrow for our future generation!

In the name of uniformity ….David Joseph

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June 2014Rally

IN INDIA the education system is more of theoretical conceptsand we have very less practical knowledge on the subject. Butthe good aspect is that we concentrate more in moral values anddiscipline which actually develops the character of the student.Each student is equally capable, that is the IQ level is same foreveryone but the opportunity make the differences. Some studentsare given special training which is not affordable by studentsfrom weaker section. More over students from the rural sectionsare not aware of the opportunity. If every student gets equalopportunity then there won’t be question of who is more capable.Obviously uniform syllabus is the ultimate solution to bringequality in education. It will help determine what ought to betaught and learnt by students in different age groups. Differentboards had different expectations. There is a belief that studentsfrom particular board are more capable. Even this can be provedwrong if uniform syllabus is followed all over India.Schools adopta system of “teaching to test” and not testing what is taught.More emphasis should be on thinking and rational skills. Moreover development in communication skills and soft skills is moreimportant in this competitive world. Teachers must be giventraining to educate students from government schools. Unlessteachers change their perspective, it will be impossible to bringabout qualitative changes in the classroom. The governmentshould also provide good infrastructural development.

There is no such thing called quality education. The teachershave to make education a quality on to the students. Now a day’seducation has become a business. We can see a lot of engineeringcolleges ready to offer seats when you pay money. But do theyprovide good education? The answer is no. But still there aresome charitable institutions which try to give good education ata lower price.

The children should be encouraged to excel in sports also.Most of the parents want their children to excel in academicsand do not allow their children to take part in sports and games.The government gives a lot of allowance to people who excel insports. For example you can take the cricket players they earnmore than a doctor, engineer etc. Education with sports is reallygood for a student life. It not only helps them to be physically fitbut also helps them to be more focused.

QualityEducation

orEducation

- aQuality

Akshya Rajendran

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June 2014Rally

Education as quoted by “Swami Vivekananda” is manifestation of“perfection in man”. But when the education system lacks perfectionthat is expected, perfection in man cannot drive out.

It is believed that purpose of education is to transform the societywhich we term as “social transformation”. But let’s correlate thesethings with the present scenario existing in India. The reason why“3 idiots film” became a huge success in India was mainly becauseit depicted the “flaws in education system”. The major drawback ofthe education system is that the bookish learning it promotes.

We are unfortunately blessed with a generation which believes thatthings in prescribed textbooks are the essence of education. Thepracticality of the subjects remains unknown to the students evenwhen they have a graduation in hand because the practical aspectof the subject was told only for examination purpose. The very basicproblem of today’s generation is that most of them study only forthe sake of exams and marks. This is the reason why we find most ofthe graduates are unemployable, though they have marks. The verybasic reason many fail in the life even though they achieved successin their exams is that they think that marks are the only criterion forsuccess in life. The teachers also promote students with moreacademic brilliance rather than those good in other extra-curricularactivities.

The teacher nowadays has just become a person who comes dailyjust to finish their portions in the prescribed time. The teachers arenow finding it difficult to have a bonding that used to exist betweenthe students and teachers in the previous generations. At the endwe have a box to dump our responsibilities i.e. government. Seriouslyit lacks vision to bring a fruitful change in “the educational scenarioin India”.

“We need to produce sensible and enlightened intellectuals whowould bring about the much needed change of the hour”.

LACK OF

PERFECTION

IN

INDIAN

EDUCATION

SYSTEMAarthi Sri Selvam,

III YrB.A. French Lit,

LoyolaCollege, Chennai.

I am not ateacher, but anawakener. 

Robert Frost

Right educationshould help thestudent, not onlyto develop hiscapacities, butto understandhis own highestinterest. 

J. Krishnamurti

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June 2014Rally

WITHOUT a second notion, we dismiss the rationality behind the statement that 2+2=5 because ithas been mathematically explained to us that 2+2=4 and rightly so.

Is killing a girl in the womb right? Unfortunately, given the present situation of the mankind, wehave two opinions. Few may even answer ‘don’t know’!

How are we able to ridicule the former and have two or more opinions for the latter?The answer could be either the latter is not morally explained to us or we choose to believe

otherwise.o what is more important, to know that 2+2=4 or to have clear conscience on wrong-doing andrightdoing?The duty( not job) of a teacher is as important as of a soldier because it is hopeless to protect a

civilization that has become morally dead. Isn’t it?This is the biggest challenge our educational systemfaces today.

There is more emphasis on Articles 14 to 35 defining 6 fundamental rights in our constitution butlesser on fundamental duties.Our educational system should take responsibility in playing a pivotalrole in crafting the future generation by assimilating holistic values in the young and eager hearts andalso empower them with the most important character that separates us from all other living organisms-Humility.

‘Bedtime stories for kids are on the verge of extinction with rising satellite families and parentscompromising on time over monetary benefits leaving their imagination constrained. Socio-economicfactors and security concerns have restricted the kids to their apartment premises. ‘Life is a race’theory has resulted in shrinking childhoods. All thesefactors affect the education system indirectly but ina very high magnitude.

Our world has been a witness to the works ofsome fascinating minds and all of them had onequality in common- ambiguity. They often connected tothe rest of the world in a language that could not bedecoded from its face value - Antony’s speech onCaesar ’s death ,The Psalms from the Bible, DA Vinci’spaintings and William Wordsworth’s poems to namesome. Therefore, to throw light on that path ofambiguity and unlock the code, we need a Guru- which means guiding light in Sanskrit. But a real Guruis rare to find in our modern educational system given the robotic approach that is trending. Blessedare those who have already found one.

2+2=5“To know and to not know, to be conscious of complete truthfulnesswhile telling carefully constructed lies, to hold simultaneously twoopinions which cancelled out, knowing them to be contradictoryand believing in both of them” - George Orwell

Shivam Bharadwaj, New Delhi

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June 2014Rally

AGSDM (All Gujarat Students DevelopmentMovement) A.Y.C.M (Adivasi Yuva Chetna Munch) AICUF(All India Catholic University federation) GJYM (GujaratJesuit Youth Ministry) had organized national level campon Personality Development and social Awareness from19th to 25th of May at Sevaliya Adivasai AsharamVijaynagar, Gujarat.

The camp started on 19th May evening at 4 o’clock.The ice-breaking session was conducted by Fr.Vijay(State advisor Gujarat). He conducted few games forstudents to make them familiarized with each other.

The 2nd day of the camp started with the exercisecum meditation at 7 am conducted by Fr.Vijay. Throughthese mediations students learnt to be focused on theirself. The inauguration ceremony was held at 9 am.Fr.Larumbe, Fr.Peter, Prof. Mitali, Prof. Dr.JitendraKharadi and Fr.VijayD’souza were the dignitariespresent. The ceremony began with lighting of the lamp.Fr.Larumbe in his inaugural speech said that service tothe humankind is service to God. He added that weshould work hard and give our best to the society. ThenFr.Peter Principal of St. Mary’s school, Sevaliya AshramVijaynager briefed about the area and gave motivationto students and gave his best wishes for the camp.Dr.Jitendra spoke about Adivasi culture, tradition, ritualsetc. He further added that through this camp studentscould understand the situation of Dalits and Adivasis inour society. They will be exposed to the sufferings ofDalits and Adivasis. He also explained our role as adalit or adivasi and what our responsibility is.

Ashwin, NT of Gujarat explained the schedule ofthe entire camp. The dynamics of the camp werepresented by Jitendra Lata. He explained about AGSDMand how it has arranged such programs and camps forstudents and has been providing platform to students to

AICUF/AGSDM SUMMER CAMPTheme:-Personality Development & Social Awareness

Venue: - SevaliyaAdivasi Ashram, T.A Vijaynagar, Dist.Sabarkantha Gujarat.

Rahul R Rathod

come up with their talents. Through such camps theyhave raised their voices against corruption, injustice,inequality, caste system, tribal issues and currentissues. That has made them aware about the socialsituation.

He further added that AGSDM is a college students’movement and works for the betterment of students andthey are involved in decision making process of AGSDM.Every year AICUF/AGSDM organizes issue basedsummer camps for a week at national and state level.The group thanked Jitendra Lata for the Dynamics.

After the inaugural and key note address we wentin groups for the discussion on environmental hazards.Through this participants could understand aboutenvironment, importance of environment, ecologicalissues and environmental degradation and how to protectand sustain our environment. Students who wereattending the camp for the first time tried to learn morefrom those students who are part and parcel of AGSDM.

The AGSDM core team organized a 3 km rally fromSaroli to Vijaynager main market. The team had alreadygot permission from the government authorities. Thestudents prepared rally charts on the topic. The rallytheme was to generate awareness among the peopleabout the environment and ecological issues. Studentsprepared charts in their groups on ‘save environment’,‘save the wild animal’, water, trees etc. and decreasethe use of plastic and polythene begs. After preparingcharts and slogans for the Rally , the students beganthe Rally at 4 pm. The participants were veryenthusiastically shouting the slogans. When studentsreached the main market Prof. Mital Katara addressedthe crowd on Environmental issues. A group of studentsperformed a street play on the constitutional rights ofAdivasis and how their land was grabbed by the

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government and landlords. The aim behind conductingsuch rally was to create awareness among the peopleand it was a learning experience for the participants.

The students shared their rally experiences. Someof them shared that they for the first time took part inthis type of rally and it was a marvelous experience forthem.

On 21st May 2014 the camp started as usual withthe meditation session conducted by Rahul and Dipika.Then the report was read by the group. The first sessionof the day was by Fr.Vijay on Social Awareness. Hegave a presentation on Caste system and how it cameinto existence. He added that the major benefits go onlyto the upper castes and how the minorities and dalits,adivasis are still suffering socially and economically.He described in the presentation about the arrival of theAryans and their domination over the indigenous/nativestill today.

Then Fr.Vijay shared his own experience. He furtheradded that we should accept ourselves as we are,whatever the socio-economic background we belong to.He went on to say that the people who we call asValmikyor Harijan, are also God’s children. They cleanthe whole country so that the benefit goes to everyonebut the people who make the country dirty, what shouldthey be called was the question raised to us. Dr. Jitendraalso added the history of Adivasis in the next session.He challenged students and asked why the tribal peopleare still deprived of their rights? Why is the tribal societystill backward? Then he explained the areas we have towork more and pay attention. He shared his experiencesas an Adivasi.

After the session students were divided into differentgroups. Three questions were posed for discussion andrelate to their life. In the afternoon a movie session wasarranged for students. They watched Chakravyuh movie.It connects students to the real scenario. And the actualcondition of tribal people. Then in the evening wegathered for discussion on the movie in groups. Theneach group gave presentation and their view on the movie.Fr. Vijay and Dr. Jitendra analyzed the movie.

The next day after the meditation session, Prof.Mitalfrom M.B Patel Science College introduced Prof.MehulMehta and Prof.Rajiv Bhati from the Vidhyanagar NatureClub. Dr. Mehul gave a lecture on environment andecology. Humankind has polluted environment in manyways and day by day it is increasing. It is not limited toone or two countries but it is global problem. Then hediscussed types of pollution like, noise pollution, airpollution, etc. Then we visited Polo forest and an ancientJain temple in the midst of forest. Instructions about theforest, like, how to relate to nature, what were the thingsthat we have to keep in mind, make observation on birds,trees, old temples, rivers, insects etc. were given. Thenwe visited one more ancient Temple which was built inthe 15th century. The visit was very enriching andeducational.

After supper we gathered for another session byDr. Mehul Mehta on the Galaxy. Then he talked aboutdifferent planets like Mercury, Venus, Earth, Marsh, andJupiter. After that we went on terrace to gain practicalknowledge.

On the 5thday of the camp, students attendedmeditation session as per the schedule. The day wasreserved for the exposure visit. Students were dividedinto 4 groups. Local youngsters were givenresponsibilities to lead each group. Then Fr.Vijay andDr.Jitendra explained the circumstances and what weshould learn and observe in the exposure. The do’s anddon’ts were very well explained. Groups proceeded totheir destination. Students were sent to Modhari,Kelavi, Ghodhavada, Toldungari villages. In theevening all the groups came back to Saroli. Each groupwas given time for the presentation. The groups preparedcharts which included all these points.· Description of Village· Facilities available in the village· Castes & Sub-caste· Livelihood· Government Schemes· Major Problems· Connectivity· Education

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WASMO - Water and Sanitation ManagementOrganizationIWMP - Integrated watershed managementProgramme24th May was the last day of our camp. The day beganwith meditation. After completing meditation and reportswere given. There was a session on history of AGSDM,AYCM, AICUF and IMCS. Vimal Dabhishared theAGSDM history (All Gujarat Students’ DevelopmentMovement). He said that AGSDM is a college students’movement. Since AGSDM has its own constitutionaccepted by AICUF it is a special unit with a uniquename as AGSDM. This movement was Gujarat’s biggestmovement which completed 25 years in 2012. Ex-AGSDM students as well as youngsters organized abig event to commemorate the occasion and gatheredat Anand. Ex-Aicufers recalled their memories andshared their experiences. Vimal spoke about “JYOT”magazine. JYOT is student’s magazine published byAshadeep (AGSDM Office) and it gives platform tostudents to raise their voice, express their opinion, viewsand knowledge. After that Jitendra Lata, former NT gavea presentation on history of AICUF. He further addedthat Fourteen (14) states are connected with AICUF. Inother states AICUF is associated with colleges. AICUF

works in four areas -Adivasis, Dalits,Refuges, and Women.Every year it organizessummer camps, trainingprograms, Council, etc.Then he talked aboutAYCM (Adivasi YuvaChetna munch). AYCMis also part of AICUF. Every year AYCM organizes campsfor Adivasi students. AGSDM/AYCM also organizedmany camps during this year. After that Vimal gaveinformation about IMCS (International Movement forCatholic Students). He said that AGSDM is connectedwith AICUF at national level. AICUF is connected withIMCS at international level. IMCS is working in 80countries. Many AGSDM students get thechance toparticipate in international programmes like MAGIS.After that Fr. Vijay offered the Mass.In the valedictory mass, certificates were distributed byFrs. Larumbe, Sobers and Sr. Mary. AGSDM thankedthe priests and nuns who gave their full support andalso gave us place for the camp. We also thanked alltheir staff, cooks, volunteers etc. Vimal specially thankedFr. Vijay for giving support to students, building theirconfidence and training throughout the year.After the valedictory function students began preparationfor the cultural night. All students enthusiasticallyparticipated in cultural night. Students performed AdivasiDance, Solo performances, Garba, etc. After the culturalnight the camp ended. Indeed the camp was successfuland left an everlasting impression on all of us.

Observations

Facilities Livelihood Government Schemes Major Problems

· Primary/ secondary school· CHC centre· Roads Available· Gram Panchayat

AgricultureAnimal HusbandryLabour workNatural Resources

Indira AwasyojnaNehru AwasyojnaWASMOIWMP

AlcoholismLack of SanitationLack of TransportationLack of Infra structureLack of Employment

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TRUE EDUCATION is the education of the mind.

Everyone has both virtues and vices in equal measures.

Education helps us to realize our virtues and vices and

thereby propels us to overcome and control our intensity

of vices. For this to happen ‘self realisation’ is the first

step. That is why Socrates said ‘know thy self’. Knowing

oneself is the first step towards knowledge. We need to

become fully aware of who we are and what we are.

Through continuous introspection and self examination

we become aware of the ‘self’. It has both open and

hidden side. Our behavior and actions are more driven

by hidden motives about which others may not be aware

of. A person lacking self realization may not even know

this fact and continues to live in

a fool’s paradise. He develops a

false image and continues to

believe in it and lives it, making

mockery of himself.

What others think of me’ is

more important than ‘what I think

of myself’. There should be

congruency between the two.

True Education!‘WHAT OTHERS THINK OF ME’ IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ‘WHAT I THINK OF MYSELF’. THERE SHOULD BE

CONGRUENCY BETWEEN THE TWO. WE NEED TO BECOME FULLY AWARE OF WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE

ARE. THROUGH CONTINUOUS INTROSPECTION AND SELF EXAMINATION WE BECOME AWARE OF THE ‘SELF’.TRUE EDUCATION WOULD REVEAL THE ‘TRUTH’ IN ONESELF AND ‘TRUTH’EXISTING OUTSIDE. TRUE EDUCATION

IS THE EDUCATION OF THE MIND AND THE TRUE TEACHERS ARE THE ONES WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE

LIVES OF THE STUDENTS.

Dr. G. JohnNational Animator

ACTALYLST is actuallyl a deliberate spellilng mistake of ‘CATALYST’. It just invites usto ‘act as catalyst’. These stories could be of great use for uniting the units in focus

Objective assessment of oneself and accepting the

reality of such assessment would bridge the gap

between ‘what others think of me’ and ‘what I think of

myself’. When it happens, we will be closer to ‘truth’.

True education would reveal the ‘truth’ in oneself and

‘truth’ existing outside. When we find the ‘truth’ we will

be happy and consequently we will fall in love with oneself

and others.

But the present system of education cares nothing

about this fact. It lays more emphasis on data and

information. Data and information exist more in the

bound volumes of books and storage devices. Any one

who can store more data and information in his brain

cells is considered more

intelligent. Bookish knowledge

only burdens our brains by

storing data in bits and pieces in

our brain cells. Children in our

schools and colleges are

assessed and rewarded for this

skill – skill of storing data and

retrieving such data.26

June 2014Rally

Look at the examination system of our schools and

colleges. Look at the numerous competitions held to

assess intelligence. Closely observe the General

knowledge questions. Look at some of the GK questions

asked in ‘Master Mind’ competitions.

· What is the average runs scored by Sachin

Tendulkar in ODIs?

· A flag is shown and asked to identify the country

and its capital.

· Which film has won the maximum Oscars?

Google chrome can answer these questions better

than anyone else! Can we employ Google chrome? Why

on earth should I store these data when I can find these

details by the click of the mouse, or tap over my Android

device in a few seconds? Should I be wasting my

precious brain cell to store such mundane data? Our

system of education has turned our brain into a storage

device in which ‘garbage in is garbage out’ is the rule.

What goes inside simply comes out. Do we call this

intelligence?

An engineering student came to meet me and there

was a sudden power cut in my house. When I checked

the Main, I came to know that one of the fuses was

blown off. I pulled a thread of wire from the old wire and

connected both the ends of the fuse and thereby I

restored the connection. The boy was looking at me

with bewilderment not being able to understand how I

understood these things. He asked me how I knew all

these? I said these are simple basics of life every one

should know. He revealed

saying ‘Sir, if this thing

happened at our home, we

immediately call the electrician

to rectify the mistake’. Mind

you, he has a degree in EEE –

Electric and Electronic

Engineering.

Such is the sorry state of affairs of our education

system. Recently, when I was in the interview panel for

selecting lecturers for an Engineering college as an

external member, I asked an ME graduate who has

scored more than 80%, a simple question: What is the

function of ‘Mercury’ in a thermometer? He drew a blank.

Asked him if he knew mercury is inside the

thermometer? He said ‘Yes’ but was not sure. He would

have seen a thermometer a number of times and did not

develop any kind of curiosity to know how it functions.

In fact, the present system of education kills curiosity

and promotes and rewards only rote memory. It doesn’t

develop the mind to think and probe.

Teachers are the fulcrum of education. But they

have failed miserably and completely. They are not to

be blamed entirely because they are the byproduct of

faulty education system. Nothing much we can expect

from them as they have slaves of existing system. For

most them, teaching is a means of livelihood, not an

vocation. They eke out a living out of their storage device

called brain. They don’t make any difference in the lives

of students. They are more known for their knowledge

than their lives. They are no more role models for the

students. They fail impact the lives of children. But there

were a good number of teachers, and there are still some,

who are real role models and make a difference in the

lives of students. A true teacher makes a difference, by

his words, by his conduct, by his attitude, by his

manners, by his objectivity, by his neutrality, by his

scientific temper, by

his tolerance for

ambiguity, by his

character and

knowledge.

What do teachers

make?

The dinner guests

were sitting around the

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table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to

explain the problem with education.

He argued, ‘What’s a kid going to learn from

someone who decided his/her best option in life was to

become a teacher?’ He reminded the other dinner guests

what they say about teachers: ‘Those who can, do.

Those who can’t, teach.’ To stress his point he said to

another guest; ‘You’re a teacher, Vicky. Be honest. What

do you make?’

Vicky, who had a reputation for honesty and

frankness replied, ‘You want to know what I make? (He

paused for a second, then, began...).

‘Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought

they could. I make an A grade feel like Bharat Ratna. I

make kids sit through 90 minutes of class time when

their parents can’t make them sit for 5 without an I Pod,

Game Cube or movie rental. You want to know what I

make?’ (She paused again and looked at every person

at the table). I make kids wonder. I make them question.

I make them apologize and mean it. I make them have

respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write.

Keyboarding isn’t everything. I make them read, read,

read. I make them show all their work in math. They

use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.

I make my classroom a place where all my students

feel safe.  I make my students stand, placing their hand

over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the

Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in the

Democratic Republic of India.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use

the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their

hearts, they can succeed in life. (Vicky, paused one

last time and then continued.) ‘Then, when people try to

judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn’t

everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no

attention because they are ignorant.... You want to know

what I make.

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make Mr.

CEO?’ His jaw dropped, he went silent.

Learning and Discussion

1. Today’s education is making the students

materialistic. It does not prepare the students to

listen to their inner voice.

2. Do we develop critical thinking? In the name of

critical thinking, we become cynically critical which

is very dangerous.

3. We need to develop ‘Objectivity’ – looking at things

and people very objectively without any bias,

prejudice and preconceived notions.

4. Don’t allow your previous experiences to affect your

future behaviour and attitude.

5. Teaching is a calling and not a money making

endeavour. Though money is essential it is not

everything.

6. What is your attitude towards teachers and

teaching. Are you ready to take up teaching.

7. Every AICUFer is expected to play the role of a

teacher in his own surroundings making a difference

in the lives the people.

8. Let us learn to respect teachers who make a

difference and try to become one.

Note: Anecdotes, cases and stories are not mine and

most of them are found while wandering in the ‘net world’.

I have incorporated a few changes in them to match the

context. You are most welcome to add anything to it

and give feedback so that we can enlarge and expand

our learning experience. Send them to the Editor or to

me [dnjohn@rediffmail.com] only by email.

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Supplement

THE INDIAN higher education system has emerged as one of the largest in the world, with 14.6 million studentsenrolled in more than 31,000 institutions. The number of institutions has grown at a Compound Annual GrowthRate (CAGR) of 11% while student enrollment has grown at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6% andthe Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) currently stands at about 13.8% compared to 60% in the US and Canada, and21% (average) in the BRIC countries.

Out of 1.21 billion populations in India, around 234 million fall in the age group of 15-24 years, which is expectedto increase by 13% over 2005-2020 as compared to the world average of 4%. Hence, India is an attractive marketfor the higher education sector.

India’s education and training sector is estimated to be about US$ 40 billion market, with a potential 16% five-yearCAGR. The market size for higher education is projected to treble in next 10 years to $115 bn.

As per an estimate in FICCI-Ernst &Young report 2010, the higher education spend is going to increase to INR155,015 Cr and requires an investment of INR 360,640 crores ($ 76 bilion) by 2020 to create the additionalcapacity. The amount accounts for around 1.9 % of the current GDP based on Purchasing Power Parity.

Key Challenges

The public spending is low in spite of 10 fold increase in the 11thplan with Rs 2.2 trillion deficits for plannedexpansion of higher education as estimated by the Planning Commission. Although government plans toaugment the public funding for education by 30-40% in the 12thPlan, the government is looking at ways toattract private & foreign investments into the sector to achieve the target without compromising on quality andrelevance.

The Sectors suffers from imbalanced growth across the country: The rural areas, which represent about65% of the total population, have just 20% of the total professional colleges. Similarly about 58% of all HigherEducation Institutions (HEIs) are located in six states of south India.

R&D expenditure is low at 0.81% of GDP compared to 1.13% in China & 2.60% in US.

The student- teacher ratio at 26 is high compared to BRIC avg. of 16 and developed economy average of 15.3which further adds to the complexities.

Acute Faculty shortage continues to impact the quality of Higher Education. Currently, about 25% of Facultypositions in Universities remain vacant while 24% of faculty in universities and 57% in colleges are withoutPh.D degrees.

Lack of appropriate Industry-academia linkages and engagements have been identified as one of the criticalreasons for the lack of quality of graduates in the country.

Recent Developments

The Government has set itself a highly aggressive target of achieving 30% GER by 2020 which translates intoan enrolment of 40 million students in higher education system.

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Private sector will play a critical role in meeting the demand as bout 63% of the total higher education institutionsare private unaided institutions.

Vocational training and skill development are the thrust areas for sustaining and continuing economic growth ofthe country and therefore has been the priority sector for 11th & 12th Five Year Plans.

Government is in the process of streamlining the regulatory framework to make higher education more accessibleand to improve the quality of education delivery.

There are several Bills that Government has initiated on higher education recently.

The cabinet has cleared these crucial bills in the education sector on May 10, 2012:

National Accreditation Regulatory Authority for Higher Educational Institutions Bill (NARAHEI), 2012 :This Bill will improve the quality of higher education in the country as it will make accreditation of highereducational institutions mandatory and provide for an institutional structure for registering, monitoring andauditing accrediting agencies. The NARAHEI Bill will be re introduced in the Parliament and is likely to bepassed by both the houses in this Session only.

Innovation Universities Bill 2012:

The innovation universities bill will now be introduced in the Parliament and will be referred to ParliamentaryStanding Committee for their perusal. The cabinet also cleared the Universities for Research and Innovation Billthat provides for establishment and incorporation of universities for research and innovation which would be atthe forefront of making India a global knowledge hub.

Educational Tribunals Bill, 2010:

The Educational Tribunal Bill to establish a two-tier structure of Educational Tribunals at the State and Nationallevel to adjudicate on the entire gamut of disputes arising in higher education has been introduced in LokSabha on 3rd May, 2010 and passed by Lok Sabha on 26.8.2010. The Bill has been amended based on therecommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee and is to be introduced in Rajya Sabha.

Higher Education and Research Bill, 2011:

The higher education and research Bill provides for the establishment of an over-arching authority called NationalCommission for Higher Education and Research for determining, maintaining and coordinating standards inHigher Education. The Bill has been introduced in the Rajya Sabha on 28.12.2011 and has been referred to theParliamentary Standing Committee (PSC).

Prohibition of Unfair practices in Technical Educational Institution, Medical Educational Institutions andUniversities Bill, 2010:

The Prohibition of Unfair practices in Technical Educational Institution, Medical Educational Institutions andUniversitiesBill to prohibit and punish malpractices and adoption of unfair practices in technical and medicaleducational institutions and in the university system, to protect the interest of students and applicants seekingadmission, has been introduced in the Lok Sabha on 3rd May, 2010. Amendments to the Bill have beenproposed based on the Parliamentary Standing Committee’s report. The amended Bill will be moved forconsideration of Parliament shortly.

The Foreign Educational Institutions (Regulation of Entry and Operations) Bill 2010:

The Foreign Educational Institutions (Regulation of Entry and Operations) Bill for regulating the entry andoperation of foreign educational institutions in India has been introduced in Lok Sabha on 3rd May, 2010. TheBill was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC). The PSC has submitted the report andcertain amendments to the Bill are being proposed The Bill shall be introduced in the Parliament after approvalof the Cabinet.

Source: http://www/ficci.comsector11Project_docsFICCI-sector-profile-Education.pdf

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UNIVERSITIES play a vital and critical role in the development and evolution of societies. The universitiesgenerate new ideas, encourage innovation, educate young minds and create awareness and dynamic citizens inthe country. The University Grants Commission (UGC) set up a committee for university reforms which emphasizedthe importance of interdisciplinary, a broader background for undergraduate education, a uniform semester andcredit system, a science-technology interface, the importance of enhancing skills in mathematics and languagesand changes in the regulatory regimes. Hence, Delhi University introduced the “Semester System” to change thestructure which will bring quantum leap in the teaching, research and innovation.

The university committee wanted to improve the learning processes to benefit the students so they introducedsemester system rather than remaining with the annual system to enhance value to the students. This semestersystem is beneficial for a number of reasons. There may be various advantages and disadvantages of semestersystem in education. Let’s discuss it in detail:

Semester system will provide an opportunity to students for continuous learning and assessment/feedbackand a better paced understanding of the subject. Semester systemwill bemore focused class interaction becauseof continuous engagement between students and teachers.

Semester system will provide regular study habits among students. The main advantage is that the performancewould not be judged at the end of one year rather conducting examinations twice a year will help in regularlyevaluating the student progress.

The examination study load of the students shall be halved since they would be required to prepare half of thecontent as they are currently required to prepare for the final examination. As a result it would enable a more in-depth study and understanding of their concerned subjects.

Interdisciplinary learningwould play an important role in the way subjects are being conceptualized and knowledgeintegrated across diverse disciplines. Semester system would facilitate the possibility of undergraduate studentsimbibing relevant knowledge and skills that are not contained within the disciplinary boundaries of their primarysubject areas.

A semester system allows greater freedom and scope for designing and delivering a variety of courses that thestudents can pick flexibly to enhance the quality of their learning.

The current situation of Universities are inflexible in terms of accumulation of credits which would allow movementof students across universities in India and abroad.

Students from other countries who come on short term ‘Study Abroad’ programs to the Universities are awardedcredits to the students who are studying in the respective universities. Therefore, introducing a semester systemwill allow greater exposure to those of the students who get the opportunity to study elsewhere.

Adopting a semester system at the undergraduate level will lead to a harmonization with the changes made atthe postgraduate level as well as with undergraduate courses that are already being run in a semester system.

The students accepted the proposal of introducing the semester system and have a number of reasons in supportof it. While some feel that the semester system will lighten the examination load since they would not be confronted

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with vast syllabus as in the annual examinations. In comparison with the annual system, students perceived thesemester system to be favorable and continuous learning and evaluation with a better focus on the program theyhave opted for.

The students and teachers are not completely in favor of the new system and feel semester system will createmany unwanted challenges for the students. They felt that the success of the semester system being closelyrelated to adequate time available while others felt that it would overburden them. The students were under thefeeling that the system of examination would become an internal one which would lead to a lack of uniformstandards. Anxiety about the less time for extracurricular activities was also spoken.

The drawbacks of the semester system are as follows:

Inadequacy of Time:

The classes are under the semester system starts on July and the admission is on till August, which adverselyaffects the proper starting of the classes. When there is no clarity in the system it had been decided that thefirst semester exam would be held in December.

A vacation of 20-25 days before the exams implies that neither the teachers have enough time to completethe course nor the students have adequate time to prepare well for the first semester exam. While theteachers are revealing in annual examination system, teachers have the right amount of time to complete thecourse and students have enough time to prepare well for the exam.

Increasing Work Load:

The Universities have many departments and colleges. The declaration of result in every 6 months woulddouble the work load of departments since semester exam implies more revaluation and the declaration ofresultsat the right time.

No extra classes:

The new OBC quota and the existing quota for SC/ST and physically challenged students who have reservedcategory need special attention.

The compulsory part of the yearly examination mode is to have extra classes but due to time scarcity in thesemester system it is difficult to conduct extra classes.

Reduction in Co-curricular Activities:

Earlier in the yearly examination system, students had ample time to participate in the co-curricular activitieswhich is an essential part for the students overall development. On the contrary, in the semester examinationsystem, very few cultural activities have been organized for the students. As a result students interested inparticipating in these programs will have to miss their classes and no relaxation has been provided by theuniversity on attendance.

The Students and Teachers believe that the semester system affects the students and is not beneficial for theirdevelopment.

The syllabus of the semester system has resulted in the deletion of some of the important topics and chapterswhich are very important and vital to enhance the nature of knowledge of the students to learn.

By all theses pros and cons it is clear that little thought has been given on balancing the requirement of access,equity and quality. The semester system is seen in different perspectives by different people and have differentopinions of their own. Can this system turn out to be a lesson for the universities or of a beneficial interest in theinvestment of higher education?

Source: http://blog.oureducation.in/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-semester-system-in-education/

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Introduction

THE BASIC CHARACTER of education is that it informs the person and enlightens them about things they donot know and thus initiates them into asking all sorts of questions about nature, about life, about society and itsorganizations. Thus education makes a person capable of thinking for themselves and finding answers to questionsthat are significant to one’s life. So education is said to be a liberating force.

Higher education refers to education in post-higher secondary institutions, colleges and universities. Since itconstitutes the top most stage of formal education, it is called as higher education. More importantly it is concernedwith processes in the more advanced phases of human learning. The entrants are about 18 years of age, mentallymatured and capable of performing at the abstract level.

The three aspects of higher education are:

Socio-economic and industrial development has created a pressure towards greater specialization.

As societies grow more complex, more selective and efficient means of cultural transmissions evolved resultingin formal institutionalized system.

Research has emerged as one of the most significant dimensions of higher education today.

During the nineties in India higher education was mostly funded and governed by the state and central government.Since nineties the output from the higher secondary/intermediate courses has significantly increased the growthof private colleges. This growth of private colleges is mainly in the field of arts and science rather than professional/technological colleges. This has created a big gap in purview of nation’s knowledge which is more important forthe all round development of the nation. This would be worth mentioning about the concept of liberalization,privatization and globalization (LPG). The LPG has forced India whether to go for Privatization in General orPrivatization of Education in particular.

The wave of Privatization is sweeping across the world. It is aimed at breaking the monopoly of the public sectorin a number of areas including education. The essence of Privatization lies in the induction of Private ownershipand publicly owned enterprises. This can lead to zero-public ownership to various degrees of private ownership inform of joint-ventures. This is in narrow sense in which the concept of privatization is used. In a broader sense, itconnotes besides private ownership, introduction of private management and control in public enterprise.

“Privatization is the general process of involving the private sector, the ownership or operation of a state ownedenterprise”. Since the impact of privatization of penetrating in all sectors of the economy, it is bound to affecteducation sector as well. The question arises why is privatization being recommended in education?

Causes of Privatization

The major causes of privatization of education include the following:

The expansion and establishment of education institution is increasingly high and the same has been shoulderedmainly by the state. A stage has now come when the state is finding it very difficult to meet the democraticaspirations of the people for further expansion of education system due to paucity of resources. It is thereforefelt that the private sector be inducted in education so that it can share the burdens in funding education.

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Knowledge explosion is taking place in the world and underdeveloped economies must keep pace with thisknowledge explosion. Education or knowledge industry is becoming the key factor in the process of development.This being so education is no longer viewed as a social service rather it is considered as a necessary economicinput. In this effort the private sector is also considered to play its part since it is a major beneficiary of theknowledge industry.

The world is passing through fourth industrial revolution. This consists of information technology, bio-technology,nano-technology, robotics, application of lasers and new industrial materials. The growth of satellite TV hasfurther strengthened information revolution in the world along with development in computer technology. Thesetechnological developments have increased the requirements of educated and technical manpower at a muchhigher level. Since the public sector due to limitedness of resources allocated to education cannot meet theneeds of industry and other sectors of the economy, it is vital that private sector is initiated in the programmesof skilled manpower to take advantage of growing technologies.

Privatization can respond to market signals or market demand for labour in the more efficient and promptmanner than the public sector, which finds it very difficult to introduce flexibility in operations of human resourcedevelopment.

Over years, the public sector has failed to generate resources from the recipients of education, it has becomemore or less free public good and this has devalued the education in the eyes of recipients. Privatization maylead to changing for the service provided which is likely to generate great responsibility among the recipients ofeducation. This results in greater efficiency in teaching learning and improvement in its quality.

Privatization by generating more resources from students’ fees will help to reduce fiscal burdens of thegovernment.

Components of Privatization

Establishment of institution imparting education and skills in the private sector namely schools, colleges,polytechnics, research laboratories, professional colleges in agriculture, engineering, medicine, managementand research organizations.

Introducing full cost on the individuals or on the institution may be a burden or both. So the withdrawal ofsubsidies can be then over a period of time, with the help of state support in the interim period and finally thestate support can be completely withdrawn over a period of time.

To introduce the culture of private organization by granting the management the right to hire and fire academicand other supporting staff.

To grant the right to the management to start or stop a course or courses depending upon market signals.

To persuade the users of the output of the educational institutions to contribute towards the funding of theeducation expenditure.

Scenario at Higher Education Level

The higher education institution in India can be grouped into four:

Those founded funded and run by the state governments.

Those founded funded and run by the private agencies.

Those founded and run by the private agencies but funded by the government.

Those founded and run by the private agencies but funded partly by the government and partly by non-governmentalsources.

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Forms of Privatization

Zero privatization of education with total responsibility to be taken over by the state at all levels.

Mild privatization of education by gradually increasing recovery cost of education by way of fees to 50% level.The remaining cost should be subsidized by the state.

Intensive privatization by insisting at least 75% cost is covered by students’ fees and employers’ contribution.

Total privatization with total freedom to private sector to establish educational institution and recover full costfrom the beneficiaries or even charge cost plus pricing and generate profit from investment in education – theso called commercialization of education.

Merits of Privatization

The burden of the state is reduced as a consequence of privatization in establishing educational institution.

The democratic aspirations of the people for further education are many times disturbed due to the paucity ofresources. This can be overcome by privatization of education.

The knowledge divide among the rural and urban between backward states and advanced states, developednations and developing nations, can be minimized through privatization, which opens door for more number ofpeople and for easy access for knowledge.

This will proceed India to meet the challenges of modern industrial revolution in the global scenario.

This would easily help India to advance well in the areas of information technology, bio-technology and nano-technology.

Since the fiscal burden is partly shouldered by private sector, the government will be less burdened to meet theother needs of the nation. Thus the economy of the nation could easily recover and rise along with the economictrends of the other fast developing nations and developed nations.

This will also attract foreign students from under developed, least developed and developing nations and evenfrom developed nations and paves way for foreign exchange.

Privatization may lead to international standard of infrastructure.

Privatization provides more opportunities to develop teaching and learning competencies. Hence there will bean improvement in the quality of education output.

Demerits of Privatization

Quality assurance is not guaranteed through privatization.

Accountability in education becomes a question mark due to privatization.

Intercultural and inter social changes may take place which may not be easily acceptable by Indian minds.

The public sector institutions at higher level have much better record of responding to the societal needs of SC/STs and other backward sections of the society than the private sector institutions. There is no assurance forthe socially underprivileged groups in the higher institutions of private concerns.

There may not be any limitation in the fee structure and the fee structure may be depending upon the richnessof the institution.

With respect to the faculty selection, the private institution may acquire the right to hire and fire both theacademic staff. The same is case for the starting and stopping a course.

Autonomy of students and teachers, teaching learning freedom and the democratic set up may not exist.

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Privatization may lead to more autonomy of institutions. The degree of acceptance of the Degrees obtainedfrom these institutions is unknown by the job market or industry and institutions of higher learning. Theseinstitutions may not go for compulsory assessment and accreditation of national boards.

Conclusion

The nation has to experiment privatization in a rational and judicious way for a selected period of time in selectedareas and resources. But it is not advisable to keep away ourselves from the process of privatization. When thereare good role models of developed nations, having become developed nations because of privatization. To put it ina nut shell privatization is inevitable in this world of new industrial and technological revolution and to meet thegrowing needs of human power.

Education in India is worst compared with other countries as in India, education is very theoreticalbased anddeep practical or logical knowledge is missing in some or the other way. There is no expertise in particularsubject. Students study the subjects so as to gain maximum marks or they pursue a career as they think theywould get a good job with good salary Whereas when education in foreign nations they focus on practicalaspect with lot of expertise. There are wide and broader aspects and prospects of education in foreign nationsas students not only are focused to marks but to knowledge and developing a student will help the country todevelop are there ideology.

In India after scoring marks, to get into the best college or institution a student has to pay donations whichmight be quite hard for a middle class family but there are no quotas for them but caste matters a lot but iflooked towards foreign nations when they complete their studies and get certificates they get their jobs .Studies there is more technical and modern equipments are used which India lacks.

Indian education is tough .There are many people who come from US after completing 10th. And they find itdifficult to cope with HSC syllabus. It’s obvious that you get a quite lot of money staying abroad because of theconversion factor. And when you return after 10 yrs to India..I’m sure you’ll have 5 economic years in hand(thatmeans if you don’t go to work for 5 years you’ll be able to sustain with all the money that you’ve earned duringyour abroad years(job))for . In India there is depth of knowledge outside it is width…IIMS pay 1 crore paypacket which is equal to what a normal JOB IN ANY COUNTRY WILL OFFER YOU.

When looked from an different angle in Indian education the teacher-student relationship is better than inforeign nations as in India they have a friendly and cordial relations which helps a student to get motivated andit can be a factor which would help to develop which lacks in foreign nations.

So it totally depends on a student or an individual how or what atmosphere what facilities he/she wants from aninstitution. Even the factor is the student aims and goals. So it depends from person to person. Many studentsknow the pros and cons of every education system but his/her decision depends on goals, aims, where thatperson wants to reach and many factors.

Source: http://www.bms.co.in/education-in-india-vs-foreign-nations/

Source: http://studentcounselling.blogspot.in/2009/04/privatisation-of-higer-education-in-html

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