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/ Vol. VI, ISSUE - I, Sep.'08

Surjya Chutia, Lecturer in Economics.

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ACTA's Diamond Jubilee Year Programme at Tinsukia Collegeacademic and other social issues of the society. Tinsukia College teachers unit is one of the strongest units of the ACTA and it performs all the programmes and activities of the association successfully in time. As the association stepped its diamond jubilee year on last 26th February, 2008 the unit organized a day long celebration programme on the day in response to the call of the ACTA central committee. The programme started by hoisting the ACTAs flag in the morning by Mrs. Bontimala Devi, president of the college unit and the days programmes ended with lighting of sixty (60) earthern lamps at the college campus in the evening.

The Assam College Teachers Association (ACTA) can be called an organisation of organic intellectuals, which dreams for a better and seeks to respond to the need of the changing society. ACTA has a well built net work of nearly 8000 lecturers working in 189 provincialised colleges of Assam. The Association has stepped into its diamond Jubilee Year on 26th February, 2008. On the eve of this diamond jubilee celebration, the association has been able to add a golden feather to its cap by securing pensions and other retirement benefits to the retired college teachers and employees which was a long standing demand of the association. Apart from the agitational programmes, ACTA is equally concerned with2

Health Counselling Programme by Womens CellA s per U.G.C. Guidelines the Cell forSuch a counselling programme was organized by the cell on last 12th March, 2008 at the Makum G. K. Girls High School. Apart from the members of the cell, the counselling programme was attended by reknowned gynaecologists Dr. Khritendra Chakraborty and Dr. Chandralekha Saikia as the Chief Cousellors. Health consciousness among girl childs and

Womens Study and Development of Tinsukia College was set up in the year 2005. Since its inception the cell has been organizing various programmes like health camps, awareness camps, workshops and counselling programmes on various women related issues in different time at different places.


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difficulties in their adolescene age were mainly higlighted in the counselling. About 300 girl students and female teachers of the school took part actively in the programme. Various problems faced by several girl students in their adolescence age group were discussed freely and friendly and many valuable suggestions were also given by the counsellors in this regard. In the discussion of women related issues, social norms have been identified as the main factor hindering the development process of girls child in our society. The counselling programme ended with the vote of thanks offered by Mrs. Bantimala Devi, president, Womens Cell, Tinsukia College.

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Seminar on Environment and Climate ChangesTinsukia College authority in collaboration with

the Assam Bijnan Lekhok Santha (ABLS) organized a seminar on 8th May, 2008 at the Tinsukia College. The main topic of the seminar was Environment and Climate Changes. The seminar had two sessions. Inaugural Session was presided over by Principal Tinsukia College Dr. Bhuban Ch. Gogoi. Welcome address was given by Shri Dhiren Deka of Doomdooma. In the session Dr. Pramod Ch. Neog, Secretary, ABLS gave a brief description about their organization. Second session was the seminar session and the session was presided over by Dr. Amol Ch. Tamuli, Ex Scientist (Jorhat) and the Chairperson of the ABLS. There were three appointed speakers in the seminar session. They were Dr. Bhuban Ch. Gogoi, Principal, Tinsukia College; Mr. Hiralal Verma, HoD, Geography

Dept., Tinsukia College and Dr. Rupali Gogoi, Senior Lecturer, Zoology Dept., Tinsukia College. Resources persons highlighted various factors and issues of present climatical changes and its effect on our environment. The seminar was well attended by teachers, students guardians and other dignitaries from different parts of the district.

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International Science Day ObservedT insukia Science Society observedprogramme started with hoisting the Assam Science Societys flag by Shri Dilip Kalita, President Tinsukia Science Society, in the

international Science Day on 28th February, 2008, with a day long programme. The

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morning in front of the societys office at the Tinsukia College campus. Then a popular lecturer session was held on Science is Fun at the A New High School where Dr. Rajib Bordoloi, HoD, physics Dept. Tinsukia College and Shri Dhurjyoti Prasad Mazumdar, retired head master, Tinsukia Railway High School and prominent social worker was the resource person. Shri Mazumdar displayed various models made by him and showed a few scientific tricks which entertained the gathering present there very much. A good number of students, teachers from different schools and colleges were present there. The lecturer session was followed by an interaction session which was very interesting. The day long programmes ended with the vote of thanks by Dr. Dipika Bhattacharya, Secretary, Tinsukia Science Society.

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Inauguration of KKHSOU Centre at Tinsukia Collegebenefited through this centre. Other speakers who took part in the discussion included Shri Amulya Khatoniar, President, Tinsukia Press Club; Ajit Ch. Phukan, Sushanta Kar, Surjya Chutia, Nilimjyoti Senapati, Bhadreswar Choudhury (All are lecturers of Tinsukia College) etc. The inaugural meeting was well attended by students, guardians and other dignitaries of the district. Study materials were also distributed among the students at the end of the meeting. Now classes are being held every Sunday regularly.

The Tinsukia College Study Centre of Krishna Kanta Handique State Open University (KKHSOU) was officially inaugurated on 30th March, 2008. In this respect an inaugural meeting was held at the college under the chairmanship of Principal, Dr. Bhuban Gogoi. Earlier Shri Kanak Kr. Chanda, coordinator of the study centre explained the purpose of the meeting and also described the aims and objectives of the centre. Mrs. Banuma Borthakur former principal and present GB member of the college, while speaking as a guest of honour of the inaugural meeting stated that present society and the education system are responsible to a large extent for the moral degradation of the youths and remedies must be found out by society. She also expressed hope that the students of entire Tinsukia District who could not complete their education, would be6

Tinsukia College Students Shine in BBA ExamBachelor of Business Administrative (BBA) course under Dibrugarh University three years back. The first batch of the BBA course of the

Keeping in view of the challenges of rapidly changing academic world, Tinsukia College introduced a career oriented three years


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college shown spectacular performance in the final examination, the results of which were declared on last 24th July, 2008. Out of 5 candidates appeared in the final exam, all the five have secured 1st class rank. Beside this, the college has bagged the top position in the university. The topper in D.U. from the College is Smt. Peenaz Iftekhar Hussain who has secured 76.44% of marks. The whole college community along with the people of the locality have

expressed satisfaction over the performance of the BBA Dept. of the college. The new session (2008-09) of BBA course was formally inaugurated in a meeting held on 15th July, 2008 at the Centre for Management Bhawan of the College. Principal, Dr. Bhuban Ch. Gogoi; VP, Mrs. Kiron Goswami, Former G.B. Chairman Advocate Sujit Roy were present in the meeting besides the students and faculties of CME and Commerce Dept. of the college.

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Career Counselling Programme at CME2008. Two experts on CAT/ MAT Entrance examination Sri Gaurav Khemka and Sri Harsh Khemka from the Institute of Management Studies (IMS), Guwahati were present as the resource persons. Apart from all the students of BBA, most of students and all the teachers of commerce department were present in that programme and they were very much impressed by the counselling programme. It is mentionable that the Guwahati Branch of IMS is agreed to offer regular coaching in this regard if our students desire. The programme was ended with vote of thanks offered by Dr. Chaytanya Bora, co-ordinator, CME.

A counselling programme on preparation for CAT/ MAT Entrance Examination was organised by the Centre for Management Education of Tinsukia College on 5th August,

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Freshers Social HeldIt is a tradition of Tinsukia College tomorning followed by hoisting the students union flag by Shri H.S. Tomar, HoD, Hindi Dept, of the college. Shri Binod Kr. Lohia HoD of Commerce Dept. formally initiated the programme of floral tribute at the Martyrs Column. Then the college wall magazine Bhaskar was inaugurated by Shri Kanak Chanda, HoD Bengali Dept. This issue of the Wall magazine was edited by Sri Kamal Gogoi, magazine secretary of the college students union this year.

organize Freshers Social, a function of friendship and merriment during the 1st month of beginning of new session every year. The main objectives of the function is to welcome the new comers into the college officially. In this year the much awaited Freshers Social function was organized by the college students union on 25th July, 2008. The day long programme started ceremoniously with the unfurling of the college flag by Principal, Dr. Bhuban Gogoi in the

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In the occasion of the Freshers Social, a general meeting was also held under the presidentship of the principal, Dr. Bhuban Gogoi at the college auditorium. Dr. Abdul Qadir, Principal, Doomdooma College was the Chief Guest of the meeting. Mr. Dipak Changmai, Director, Civil Defence, Tinsukia and Dr. J.P. Chaliha, retired Vice

Principal, Tinsukia College attended the meeting as guest of honour. Distinguished guests and teachers welcomed the new comers in the meeting with their encouraging words. In the afternoon an interaction session (Antoranga Alap) amongst the new comers was held at the college auditorium which was very interesting.

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UGC Cluster Programme at Chemistry Dept.Digboi College took part as the Resource Person. Major students of the department specially 3rd year students were benefited a large by the programme. The Chemistry department will continue to arrange such programmes in future course of time. It is hoped that other department will also take initiative in this respect.

As per the UGC Guidelines and Cluster Programme Mrs. Monika Devi, HoD, Chemistry Dept., Tinsukia College arranged the departmental major classes during the last summer vacation for the first time. The academic programme was held from 16th May, 2008 to 8th June, 2008, where Mrs. Jonali Dutta, senior lecturer from the department of Chemistry,10

NCC Unit Adjudged the BestTinsukia College NCC (D Coy) Unit iscategory. The 62nd Independence Day wasnt an exception. The cadets of the unit performed well there again and got the first prize. In response to the growing importance of NCC, the womens wing is also introduced in the college this year under the ANO, Shri Dipankar Baidya.

one of the best NCC Units under 10th Assam Bn, NCC Dibrugarh. The Unit regularly participates in the Independence Day and Republic Day parades organised by the district authority. It is also remarkable that the unit takes home the first prize regularly in its

Surjya Chutia (1st from the left in the pic) one of the founder editors of Pragyan is busy in final editing of the 15th Issue of Pragyan in one evening in the month March, 2008. The journal completed 5th years of its successful existence by the issue. Rajarshee Gogoi (3rd) and Krishna Borah (4th) of 'The Assam Computers' are busy with their respective computers with all their enthusiasm to celebrate 5 years of their company with the journal.


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Campus UpdateAdit Goel made Tinsukia College proud this year by securing 1st class 1st position in B.Com final examination under Dibrugarh University. He had Major in Accountancy. He is now eyeing for MBA. To get properly couched for CAT he is these days staying at Delhi. Thinking that his experience will motivate his juniors we did contacted him there & took an interview through telephone. This is what he has to say about his achievement. Editor

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How do you feel after securing 1st class B.Com Final? Literally, I was on cloud nine. It was like a dream come true. I felt like finally I have achieved something in my life. However, its a long way to go. To whom you give the credit for your success ? The credit goes to my family members who gave me much needed support to come with flying colours. In fact, it was with their immense support that I didnt lose my determination at any point of time. But above all its the Almighty who gave me strength to cross the hurdles at every phase of success. What is your mantra for success ? My mantra for success is to learn, to love studying and make it interesting. Work hard, be sincere, trust God, give quality time to your reading and the success will touch your feet. Who is your inspiration ? My parents are my source of inspiration. Their eyes full of dreams motivated me to work harder and prove myself as their pride. I wanted my parents to be the happiest and proudest persons in whole world. What are the advantages of having from an educated family ? Well, its a sort of trump card for me. I was awfully benefited with my studies in degree course as my uncle, Shashi Goel (ex-lecturer in Commerce, Tinsukia College : Editor-Prag.) is a Chartered Accountant and my cousin presently staying in Delhi is a Company Secretary who extended their helping hands in each step of my education. Moreover, belonging to an educated family gives me a sense of proud and somewhere my inner voice encourages me to bring pride to my family. But weighing the pros and cons, belonging to an educated family also creates a pressure of standing up to the expectations of people in and around me. How a business family background helps student of Commerce ? A business family background enhances a students theoretical and practical knowledge simultaneously. As such I could excel in answering explorative questions in a much polished and technical way. What are your future plans ? Right now I am looking forward to pursue MBA and hope to attempt CAT in the coming November. What is your suggestion for improvement in the curriculum ? I would like to suggest the management to change the college timings (10 am 3 pm) and instead shift them in the morning classes thereby making the timings flexible for the students and allowing them to do part-time jobs which would enhance their practical knowledge as well. Moreover attendance should be made compulsory. What is your opinion about the faculties ? The faculties are very supportive and understanding and in my opinion they are the best in their business.

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Karmashree Hiteswar Saikia College, Guwahati

Seminar to foster exchange of info on NE Tai studiesEastern Tai Literary Association, Purbanchal Tai Sahitya Sabha in collaboration with Tai Literary and Cultural Council, Society for Traditional Knowledge and Karmashree Hiteswar Saikia College of Guwahati is going to organise a threeday international seminar on Ethnics of North East India from February 15 next. The theme of the seminar include all the ethnic tribes of North East India, including all Tai ethnics like Ahom, Khamti, Phake, Aiton, Turung, Khamyang and others of SE Asia, Southern China and all the tribal and non-tribal ethnic communities of North East India along with others in eastern Indian provinces, and also of Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh etc. Organisers have invited papers from the college and university teachers and otherscholars. The scholars, who get interested, may contribute papers on history, culture, literature, language, politics, economics and other aspects of these ethnic communities. Papers will have to reach the convenor before September 30, 2008. Circulars and formal invitation letters would be issued immediately after the arrival of interested participants letters seeking participation. The communicating address is Dr Puspadhar Gogoi, chief convenor and president of Purbanchal Tai Sahitya Sabha, Chao Siba Buragohain Bhavan, Dhemaji Tiniali, Dhemaji787057. Another address for communication is Dr Sikhamoni Konwar, Principal, Karmashree Hiteswar Saikia College, Panjabari, Guwahati.

(Buljit Buragohain, [email protected], [email protected] & The Assam Tribune,15.07.2008)

NERIM, Guwahati

Lecture on Entrepreneurship The American way of lifeRamgopal Sarangapani, an NRI Assamese, did his MBA from Sam Houston State University, Texas and Masters in Hotel and Restaurant Management from Hilton School, now works as senior analyst of Texas Workforce Commission, USA. He recently visited the NERIM campus at Khanapara on June 19 and delivered a lecture on Entrepreneurship The American way of life. Swapon Jyoti Sarma, reader and chief administrative officer of NERIM, welcomed him. Sarangapani made a brilliant speech on Entrepreneurship in America. In his presentation, he highlighted various aspects ofsuccessful entrepreneurship. He said the spirit of entrepreneurship in India was not as vibrant as in the US. During his speech, Sarangapani emphasised how the spirit of entrepreneurship could bring economic prosperity and industrialisation to the Northeast. Students and faculty members of NERIM had a lively interactive session with Sarangapani.(Anyone who wants to interact with Ramgopal Sarangapani may subscribe to assam-request@ assamnet.org a yahoo group. He is a regular participant there.)


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Two-day Conference on Higher and Technical EducationT he two-day Conference of Ministers of StateGovernments of Higher and Technical Education concluded at Delhi on 24th July,08. The following broad consensus points emerged at the end of the deliberations in the two days Conference: Participants felt that discussions over the two days were very useful, and there were suggestions that such a conference should be organized by way of follow up every 6 months. States have also suggested the need for a common platform, where they could discuss medical and other institutions along with the other higher and technical education sectors. It is gratifying to note that all states subscribe to the objectives of Access, Equity and Excellence in Higher and Technical Education. Most of the states conceded the need to strive for 6 percent of GDP and the Ministers have promised to go back and take it up appropriately. In respect of enhancing access, many states want higher allocations to states with low Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) without insisting their full share - however, it has been pointed out that in view of the limitations on the overall availability of funds, this could be possible only if some other schemes to such states are dropped, because of the non-availability of any additional funds. However, for the States in the North-East Region, the MHRD will coordinate with the DONER to reduce

the burden on the NE States. There was considerable agreement on the critical need to pay attention to quality of institutions and programmes. States were unanimously of the view that bad institutions with poor infrastructure should be closed down. There is a need to prepare a perspective plan for balanced development of the regions. AICTE should finalise this perspective plan urgently in consultation with State Governments. Thereafter the permissions of professional institutes may be granted by the regulatory authority considering State G o v e r n m e n t s recommendations. The AICTE should also permit diploma level courses to be run in engineering colleges during the second shift subject to availability of required faculty and other infrastructure. Some states have mentioned about the delays in approvals by the AICTE and also pointed to divergence in assessment of standards of some institutions by the AICTE and that of the affiliating universities. The Council would look into all such cases In respect of States involvement, it was resolved that States should be kept fully informed of the releases of grants to universities and colleges in the respective States, which are made by the

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UGC, and also the various approvals being granted by the AICTE. This would enable States to monitor the proper utilization of funds as well as the functioning of institutions. States also agreed to lay down transparent guidelines for dealing with applications of institutions applying for Deemed University status. It was discussed and agreed that States would make efforts to bifurcate and trifurcate the existing big universities so as to bring down the number of affiliated colleges to a manageable level of about 150 colleges. The UGC would give suitable assistance for starting Post Graduate Courses for the new universities. States also agreed that all universities must prepare perspective plans (academic, research and infrastructure) for their future growth and utilization of resources made available to them. States agreed to persuade State Universities to give permanent affiliation to colleges so that they become eligible for release of grants under Section 12 B of UGC Act. States agreed to set up State Councils of Higher Education, wherever there is no such Council at present, and also to set up a Committee to assess the requirement of faculty. States also agreed to have a clear plan of action for filling up all vacant positions of faculty. The MHRD would once again write to State Governments, not to have any direct/ indirect ban on teaching faculty and essential laboratory/ technical staff etc. Planning Commission would also be requested to review this at the time of Annual Plan discussions. The Conference endorsed the view expressed by Prof. Yash Pal on having porous boundaries and not water tight compartments between various disciplines, as knowledge / technological innovations take place only on the boundaries of disciplines. In regard to reforms in technical education, it was resolved that AICTE should permit the co-existence of other non-AICTE mandated

courses in the same premises (like B.Sc., BBA, BA etc.) with a view to optimize capacity utilization. States have endorsed the urgent need to exploit opportunities through the use ICT, Many States have shown their willingness to share 25% of costs relating to Broad Band Connectivity, but the States in the NER expressed that their share be limited to 10% of the costs. States have shown great interest in the National Mission on Education through ICT, and have by and large agreed to support providing of Broad Band Connectivity and encourage convergence between Open and Distance Learning and the Conventional System. In regard to the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model of investments and management of Higher and Technical Education, most of the States indicated their enthusiasm to tap not for profit private investment, for implementing the various XI Plan initiatives, ensuring that PPP should not lead to any erosion of access to poor sections of society. However, NER States were of the opinion that the PPP mode should not be insisted upon for the region. Some States have indicated their willingness to their share and to give land free of cost for the IIITs. However, the NER States expressed the view that the proposed IIITs should be established by the Central Government as they did not have industry required to participate in such projects. While unanimously endorsing the scheme to establishing colleges in districts with lower than the national average GER, some States wanted that the Central share may be made available through the CSS route, some other States felt that the UGC route of assistance to universities would be easier, while a few States preferred the Additional Central Assistance for the purpose. States also expressed the need for the Central Government to pursue legislative initiatives for ensuring access with equity and controlling the fee charged by private institutions


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and institutions deemed to be universities. States also drew attention to the need for regulating Foreign Education Providers and also regulation of distance education. States also want UGC to have suitable regulations for admissions and fee structure in deemed to be universities. It was also pointed out that in some states; some of the Minority Educational Institutions were really not acting in the best interests of the minorities. It was pointed out that the National Commission for Minority Education (NCME) was empowered to look into all such instances and take action All States unanimously agreed to bring Research into focus in the university system and pay due emphasis and encourage Research in all universities and also encourage affiliation of institutions desirous of taking up new emerging frontier areas of knowledge. About Rs.20,000 crores is going to be earmarked for incentivising States for 373 degree colleges, new Universities, expansion, 1000 Polytechnics, bringing hitherto uncovered institutions under 12 B of UGC Act etc. This would be allocated between the States/UTs based on population, GER and backwardness, who should send proposals for CSS/or through UGC. States agreed to encourage and depute their

teachers for summer training and other Refresher programmes being organised by AICTE & UGC for teachers and also agreed to take up the other faculty development measures on the lines indicated by MHRD. State Governments expressed their support and agreement to the need for reforms in examination system, introduction of semester system, streamlining of admission procedures, introduction of credit system to facilitate spatial and temporal movement of students. States also agreed to work towards voluntary/mandatory accreditation. States agreed to increase their efforts in eliminating ragging. States agreed to take immediate action against fake universities and dubious institutions under the Indian Penal Code. States also agreed to instruct Registrars of Societies to consult UGC, whenever an application is received under the title of University or its regional synonyms; and to create public awareness against fake and dubious institutions and to accord priority in ensuring closure of these institutions that are defrauding gullible students and bringing the entire system into disrepute. www.indiaedunews.net

Exam Reforms Yield Best-ever HS ResultsThe Assam Higher Secondary exams 2008 this year threw up the best results in the history of the state, thanks to wide-ranging reforms brought in by the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC) on the recommendations of the Council of Boards of School Education (CoBSE). The results saw the highest ever pass percentage in science stream 80.73 an almost 12 per cent jump from previous years 68.44 per cent. The Arts and 11


Commerce streams fared well enough with 69.96 and 65.33 pass percentages respectively. The Assam education council attributed the stupendous show to its serious efforts to follow CoBSEs recommendations to bring about examination reforms. The CoBSE provides a common platform for mutual consultation to ensure quality school education. It all started in May, 2005. CoBSE called a meeting in New Delhi, which was attended by AHSEC officials. Various recommendations were adopted at the end of the meeting to ensure quality education. The AHSEC decided to follow the recommendations. First they decided to do away with the stress factor from the examination and accordingly chalked out a new question paper module. The council started setting question papers, which students could finish quite early and get adequate time for revision to avoid mistakes. The results are showing now.

Besides, a pep talk to examiners to drop their ego before starting evaluation also contributed to the success. Last year, just before evaluation of answer scripts started, the AHSEC convened a meeting of examiners and requested them to shed their ego and their conservative mentality of not giving full marks. They were told that no student should be deprived of his deserving marks. The CoBSEs stress-buster suggestions included allowing candidates 15 minutes time before the start of an examination to read the question paper thoroughly. Besides, the syllabi of Classes XI and XII were de-linked. The exam was based on questions only from the Class XII syllabus. The first rank holder of this year in the Arts stream, Mukul Haloi of Nalbari, attributed his success to the improvement in education standards in small towns. [PEB]

A Toast to Womens Liberation in Rural AssamA sari-clad group in Dhubri is beginning to look beyond domestic chores and perhaps for the first time, taking its political and economic rights seriously. It was the womens organizations of rural Dhubri which have worked overtime to ensure that the district unit of the Asom Mohila Samata Society tasted a convincing victory in the panchayat elections last year. Seventy-three members belonging to various women groups affiliated to Asom Mohila Samata Society won the elections from the district. The amazing story began a few years ago, when 458 mahila sanghas (womens bodies), spread across six blocks of the district, began inspiring coy housewives to step out of their huts and take up income-generating ventures.Soon micro-credit and finance and entrepreneurship became a part of everyday parlance for these village women. Of late, they realised that empowerment of women will remain incomplete and meaningless if our 25,000 members do not take part in panchayat polls. So they encouraged women members to contest elections and now we have strong 73 members in the panchayat Anju Moni Gogoi, the Dhubri district unit programme co-ordinator of Asom Mohila Samata Society said so to the media. She also told that for months, the 25,395 strong mahila sanghas were explained how all attempts at empowerment would be rendered futile if women were not in a position to take decisions in the panchayat. The rest, as they say, is history.


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The brave and desperate programme coordinator now hopes that the panchayat members in Mahamaya, Rupshi, Debitola, Bilasipara, Gouripur and Birsingh Jarua

development blocks would help the womens organisation raise awareness about various issues from sanitation, domestic violence to the right to information. [PEB]

Garbage Power Project Near GuwahatiAssams first public-private partnership project, a multi crore waste-to-energy venture between the government and the Ramky Group has been approved and is ready for initialization. The project involves door to door collection of daily garbage, sorting, processing and conversion of the inorganic waste into electric energy. A 6 MW power plant will be set at Borgaon near Guwahati for the purpose. The organic waste will be used for composting. Ramky, a leading environment and waste management group of India will invest over 65 crores on the 102 crore project while the rest will be provided by the Assam government. A new venture called the Guwahati Waste Management Company Limited (GWMCL) has been floated with the Assam Government and Ramky EnviroEngineers Limited, the R a m k y subsidiary that will execute the project, as partners and an agreement has been signed with the Guwahati Municipal Corporation ( G M C ) . According to the agreement GWMCL has been authorised by the GMC to collect, transport and process municipal waste for a period of twenty years. www.allaboutassam.com

Einstein Letter Shows He Didnt Believe on GodAlbert Einstein regarded religions as childish and primitive legends, a private letter he wrote a year before his death has revealed. The great scientists views on religion have long been debated, with many seizing upon phrases such as He [God] does not throw dice as evidence that he believed in a creator. But the newly-unveiled letter, a response to the philosopher Eric Gutkind, has cast doubt on the theory that Einstein had any belief in God at all. In the letter, dated January 3, 1954, he wrote: The word god is for me nothing more than the expression and product of human weakness, the Bible a collection of honourable, but still primitive legends which are nevertheless pretty childish. No interpretation no matter how subtle can (for me) change this. Einstein, who died the following year aged 76, did not spare Judaism from his criticism, believing Jewish people were in no way chosen by God. He wrote: For me the Jewish religion like all others is an incarnation of the most childish superstitions. And the Jewish people to whom I gladly belong and with whose mentality I have a deep affinity have no different quality for me than all other people. 13


All Things Equal, Girls Score in Math: Study links gender gap in performance with discrimination

New research has revealed that girlsperformance in mathematics is related to gender inequality in society, demolishing a popular notion that boys are inherently better at mathematics than girls. A team of economists in Italy and the US has found that girls under performance in mathematics relative to boys observed historically across several countries disappears in cultures with greater gender equality. The researchers analysed the scores of 276, 165 15-year-olds from 40 countries who took identical tests in mathematics and reading, and correlated them with measures of gender equality in those countries. Their findings, which recently (May,08) appeared in the journal Science, show that girls scores in mathematics were on an average 10.5 lower than boys scores, but displayed wide variations from country to country. In Turkey, girls scored 22.6 below boys, but in Iceland, they scored 14.5 higher than boys. In countries with high gender equality such as Sweden and Norway, the gender gap in performance disappeared. According to Paola Sapienza, an economist at the Kellogg School of Management, who led the research, The gap doesnt exist in countries where men and women have access to similar resources and opportunities, The gender gap in mathematical skills had long fuelled a debate whether it could be attributed to biology or the social environment. Some scientists had argued for a biological explanation, pointing out studies that

indicate men perform better in spatial tests, while women do better in verbal tests. The new findings shift the burden of evidence from biology to culture. The Study shows culture is among factors that influence performance. So its implied that policies aimed at greater gender equality in society are likely to have impacts on educational achievements. India was not part of the 40-country analysis, but its findings hold lessons for Indian students, parents and teachers .If the country can create the right environment, girls will perform as well as boys. The study also revealed a gender gap in reading skills. In every country, girls performed better than boys with average girls scores 32.7 points higher than boys. In more gender equal societies, girls are likely to gain an absolute advantage over boys. In gender equal societies, the findings suggest, girls and boys appear to deliver better performance. Theres a positive spill-over effect on men. It doesnt happen at the expense of men. [PEB]

Politicians are Most Unscientific, Says Indian ScientistThey may be taking decisions that affectmillions, but politicians are a most unscientific lot in India, says a new study based on the opinions of 1,100 Indian scientists. The study, Worldviews and Opinions of Scientists in India, carried out by Trinity College of the US with the help of the


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Centre for Inquiry (CFI) India, a non-profit organisation, has found that politicians have a very low level of scientific literacy. On a scale of one to seven, the 1,100 scientists surveyed said the scientific literacy of politicians in the country is very low at 1.9. Interestingly, they believe schoolteachers are scientifically the most literate. They rank schoolteachers as having the highest rate of scientific literacy while ranking politicians the lowest, the study found. Interestingly, the media scored the third highest, just below young men and above young women. Media people scored 3.1 points as against 3.6 points by school teachers. While young men got 3.4 points, scientists gave 2.3 points to the Indian population as a whole. Government officials and business people too were better aware of scientific principles than politicians, according

to the scientists. It is unfortunate that our policy makers are unscientific. Its bad for the growth of science in a country, the scientist told IANS requesting anonymity. The study also found that 75 percent of Indian scientists believe that under representation of women in the scientific community is due to cultural influences and learning rather than any biological or genetic reasons. Governed by faith, social values and ethics, 64 percent of the scientists said they would refuse to design biological weapons and 29 percent said they would not go for human cloning. The study that sampled participants from 130 universities and research institutes in India between July 2007 and January 2008 found that Indian scientists are very secular but are firm believers in god. ( IANS)

Baby : the first known photograph of the great grandfather of modern digital computers

A room sized, one ton jumble of wiring, valves and racks that was 640 million times less powerful than its descendant, the pocket-sized iPod. The Baby was the first machine that had all the components now classically regarded as characteristic of the basic computer. Most importantly it was the first computer that could store not only data but any user program in electronic memory and process it at electronic speed. Baby made its first successful run of a program on June 21st 1948 www.telegraph.co.uk(Contd. on page 79)

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Panorama

Do you Know ? ...That :Coca Cola was originally green. The most common name in the world is Mohammed. The name of all the continents ends with the same letter that they start with. The strongest muscle in the body is tongue. Women blink nearly twice as much as men! You cant kill yourself by holding your breath. It is impossible to lick your elbow. People say, Bless you when you sneeze because when you sneeze, your heart stops for a millisecond. It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky. The sixth sick sheiks sheeps sick is said to be the toughest tongue twister in the English language. If you sneeze to hard, you can fracture a rib. If you try to suppress a sneeze, you can rupture a blood vessel in your head or neck and die. Each king in a deck of playing cards represents great king from History. Spades Kind David; Clubs Alexander the Great; Hearts Charlemagane; Diamonds Julius Ceasar. If a statue of a person in the park on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in the battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as a result of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes. Honey is the only food that doesnt spoil. A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out. A snail can sleep for three years. All polar bears are left handed. Butterflies taste with their feet. Elephantsaretheonlyanimalsthatcantjump. In the last 4000 years no animals have been domesticated. Shakespeare invented the word assassination and bump. The ant always falls over on its right side when intoxicated. The electric chair was invented by a dentist. Rats multiply so quickly that in 18 months, two rats could have over million descendants. Wearing headphones for just an hour will increase the bacteria in your ear by 700 times. The cigarette lighter was invented before the matchbox. Most lipstick contains fish scales. Like fingerprints, everyones tongue print is different. What do bullet proof vests, fire escapes, wind shield wipers and laser printers all have in common ? All invented by women. A simple but interesting number game. 11 11 = 121 111 111 = 12321 1111 1111 = 1234321 11111 11111 = 123454321 111111 111111 = 12345654321 1111111 1111111 = 1234567654321 11111111 11111111 = 123456787654321 111111111 111111111 = 12345678987654321 Compiled by Rajeev Mohan, Lecturer in English


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James Manktelow [Its a online article posted to [email protected] by James Manktelow, editor of www.mindtools.com. Pragyan is subscriber to this site.]

Are you motivated to achieve what you really want in life? And how hard do you push yourself to get things done? Wanting to do something and motivating yourself to actually do it are two different things. So, whats the difference between those who never reach their goals, year after year, and those who achieve one goal after another? Often, its their self-motivation. Selfmotivation is the force that keeps pushing us to go on - its our internal drive to achieve, produce, develop, and keep moving forward. When you think youre ready to quit something, or you just dont know how to start, your self-motivation is what pushes you to go on. With self-motivation, youll learn and grow - regardless of the specific situation. Thats why its such a fundamental tool for reaching your goals, achieving your dreams, and succeeding, Questions 1. 2. Im often unsure of my ability to achieve the goals I set for myself. When working on my goals, I put in maximum effort and work even harder if Ive suffered a setback. I regularly set goals and objectives to achieve my vision for my life. I think positively about setting goals and making sure my needs are met.

in this journey of life. So, how self-motivated are you? Weve put together a short quiz to give you a better understanding of how self-motivated you are. After the quiz, well discuss some specific tips for improving your self-motivation, so that you can achieve still more in your life. The Self-Motivation Quiz Instructions: For each question, circle the answer that most applies to you. Please note: This tool is designed to help you understand your current levels of selfmotivation and identify techniques that will help you improve it. While we hope it will be useful, it has not been validated through controlled scientific tests. Therefore, please use common sense to interpret results. Mind Tools Ltd., 2008. Not at all 5 1 Some times 3 3 Very Often 1 5

Rarely 4 2

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Questions 5. I use rewards (and consequences) to keep myself focused. For example, if I finish my report on time, I allow myself to take a coffee break. 6. I believe that if I work hard and apply my abilities and talents, I will be successful. 7. I worry about deadlines and getting things done, which causes stress and anxiety. 8. When an unexpected event threatens or jeopardizes my goal, I can tend to walk away, set a different goal, and move in a new direction. 9. My biggest reward after completing something is the satisfaction of knowing Ive done a good job. 10. I often tend to do the minimum amount of work necessary to keep my boss and my team satisfied. 11. I tend to worry about why I wont reach my goals, and I often focus on why something probably wont work. 12. I create a vivid and powerful vision of my future success before embarking on a new goal. Score Intepretation : Now add up the numbers youve circled, and apply the results to the scoring table below. Your Score : Out of 60 Score Comment 44 - 60 Wonderful! You get things done, and you dont let anything stand in your way. You make a conscious effort to stay self-motivated, and you spend significant time and effort on setting goals and acting to achieve those goals. You attract and inspire others with your success. Treasure this - and be aware that not everyone is as selfmotivated as you are! Youre doing OK on self-motiva28 - 43 tion. Youre certainly not failing however, you could achieve much

Not at all 1

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Some times 3

Often 4

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Comment more. To achieve what you want, try to increase the motivation factors in all areas of your life. Read the relevant sections below, and work on them to strengthen your self-motivation. You allow your personal doubts and fears to keep you from succeeding. Youve probably had a few incomplete goals in the past, so you may have convinced yourself that you arent self-motivated - and then youve made that come true. Break this harmful pattern now, and start believing in yourself again. The tools and tips below will help you get back your motivation.


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Factors in Self-Motivation : Self-motivation is complex. Its linked to your level of initiative in setting challenging goals for yourself; your belief that you have the skills and abilities needed to achieve those goals; and your expectation that if you put in enough hard work, you will succeed (or at least be in the running, if its a competitive situation). Four factors are necessary to build the strongest levels of self-motivation: 1. Self-confidence and self-efficacy. 2. Positive thinking and positive thinking about the future. 3. Focus and strong goals. 4. A motivating environment. By working on all of these together, you should improve your motivation very quickly. Lets look at each of these factors individually. 1. Self-Confidence and Self-Efficacy (Questions 1, 2, 6, 8) For questions in this category, fill in your scored answers in the table below, and then calculate your total. Score Question 1 Question 2 Question 6 Question 8 Total Out of 20 Part of being self-motivated is having good levels of self-assurance, self-confidence, and self-efficacy. More on these below! Being highly self-assured means you will set challenging goals for yourself, and its also a resiliency factor for when you encounter setbacks. If you dont believe in yourself youll be much more likely to think, I knew I couldnt do this instead of, This one failure isnt going to stop me! Albert Bandura, a psychologist from Stanford University, defined self-efficacy as a belief in our own ability to succeed, and our ability to achieve the goals we set for ourselves. This belief has a huge impact on your approach to goal setting and your behavioural choices as

you work toward those goals. According to Banduras research, high self-efficacy results in an ability to view difficult goals as a challenge, whereas people with low self-efficacy would likely view the same goals as difficult as beyond their abilities, and might not even try to achieve them. It also contributes to how much effort a person puts into a goal in the first place, and how much he or she perseveres despite setbacks. By developing a general level of selfconfidence in yourself, you will not only believe you can succeed, but youll also recognize and enjoy the successes youve already had. That, in turn, will inspire you to build on those successes. The momentum created by selfconfidence is hard to beat. Take these steps: Think about the achievements in your life. Examine your strengths, to understand what you can build on. Determine what other people see as your strengths and key capabilities. Set achievable goals for yourself, work to achieve them, and enjoy that achievement. Seek out mentors and other people who model the competencies, skills, and attributes you desire. As you begin to recognize how much youve already achieved and understand how much potential you have you will have the confidence to set goals and achieve the things you desire. The more you look for reasons to believe in yourself, the easier it will be to find ways to motivate yourself. (1) 2. Positive Thinking and Positive Thinking about the future. (Questions 4, 9, 11, 12) For questions in this category, fill in your scored answers in the table below, and then calculate your total. Score Question 4 Question 9 Question 11 Question 12 Total Out of 20

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Your life today is the result of your attitudes and choices in the past. Your life tomorrow will be the result of your attitudes and the choices you make today. - Author Unknown. Positive thinking is closely related to selfconfidence as a factor in self-motivation. Its important to look at things positively, especially when things arent going as planned and youre ready to give up. If you think that things are going to go wrong, or that you wont succeed, this may influence things in such a way that your predictions will come true. This is particularly the case if you need to work hard to achieve success, or if you need to persuade others to support you in order to succeed. Your thoughts can have a major influence on whether you succeed or fail, so make sure those thoughts are on your side. Positive thinking also helps you think about an attractive future that you want to realize. When you expect positive results, your choices will be more positive, and youll be less likely to leave outcomes to fate or chance. Having a vivid picture of success, combined with positive thinking, helps you bridge the gap between wanting something and going out to get it. To apply the power of positive thinking, do the following: Become aware of your thoughts. Write down these throughout the day. Challenge your negative thoughts, and replace them with positive ones. Create a strong and vivid picture of what it will be like to achieve your goals. Develop affirmations or statements that you can repeat to yourself throughout the day. These statements should remind you

of what you want to achieve, and why you will achieve it. Practice positive thinking until you automatically think about yourself and the world in a positive way, every day.2 2. Strong Goals and Focus (Questions 3, 7) Fill in your scored answers in the table below, and then calculate your total. Score Question 3 Question 7 Total Out of 10 As weve said above, a key part of building self-motivation is to start setting strong goals. These give you focus, a clear sense of direction, and the self-confidence that comes from recognizing your own achievement. First, determine your direction through effective goal setting. (3) When you set a goal, you make a promise to yourself. Part of the strength of this is that it gives you a clear direction. Part is that youve made this promise to yourself, and youll want to keep this promise. And part is that its a challenge, and its fun to try to meet that challenge! But dont set just any goal. According to Lockes goal-setting theory, your goal should have the following characteristics: Clarity - Effective goals are clear, measurable, specific, and based on behaviour, not outcomes. Challenge - Goals should be difficult enough to be interesting, but not so difficult that you cant reach them. Commitment Goals should be attainable, and should be relevant - that is, they should contribute in a significant way to the major objectives youre trying to achieve. Regularity of Feedback Monitor your progress towards your goals regularly, This helps you maintain


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your sense of momentum and enthusiasm, and enjoy your progress towards those goals. Sufficient Respect for Complexity - If the goal involves complex work, make sure that you dont over-commit yourself. Complex work can take an unpredictably long time to complete (particularly if you have to learn how to do the task on the job). When you have a variety of goals, be sure to schedule your time and resources effectively. You can achieve the focus part of selfmotivation by prioritizing and establishing a schedule that will help you succeed. It doesnt make sense to work until youre exhausted or give up one goal to achieve another. (4) Using Premium member tools like the Urgent/Important Matrix and the Action Priority Matrix, you can quickly and easily see how each goal activity fits into the bigger picture of your overall objectives. If you fully understand your priorities, you probably wont feel as pressured to do everything at once. This can reduce stress and help you to concentrate on the most important strategies. Premium members can see our article on Prioritization for a summary, and for links to our top time management and prioritization tools. 4. Motivating Environment (Questions 5, 10) Fill in your scored answers in the table below, and then calculate your total. Score Question 5 Question 10 Total Out of 10 The final thing to focus on is surrounding you with people and resources that will remind you of your goals, and help you with your internal motivation. These are external factors theyll help you get motivated from the outside, which is different from the internal motivation weve discussed so far. However, the more factors you have working for you, the better. You cant rely on these environmental or outside elements alone to motivate you, but you

can use them for extra support. Try the following: Look for team work opportunities. Working in a team makes you accountable to others. Ask your boss for specific targets and objectives to help you measure your success. Ask for interesting assignments. (5) Set up some goals that you can easily achieve. Quick wins are great for getting you motivated. Tell people you trust to be enthusiastic about your goals, and ask them to help keep you accountable. Try not to work by yourself too much. Balance the amount of time you work from home with time spent working with others. When you start your self-motivation program, you may tend to rely heavily on these external factors.As you get more comfortable and confident with your self-motivation, youll probably use them only as needed, and for a little extra help. Key points: Self-motivation doesnt come naturally to everyone. And even those who are highly self-motivated need some extra help every now and then. Build your self-motivation by practising goal-setting skills, and combining those with positive thinking, the creation of powerful visions of success, and the building of high levels of self-efficacy and self-confidence. Your attitude and beliefs about your likelihood of success can predict whether or not you actually succeed. Set goals, and work hard to achieve them. Examine ways to improve your self-motivation, and regularly reassess your motivation levels. If you actively keep your internal motivation high, you can significantly increase the likelihood of achieving your hopes, dreams, and visions of the future. PS: If you know anyone who might benefit from this newsletter, please tell them about it! Just go to http://www.mindtools.com/pages/ main/newMN_TAFN.php and let them know. Id really appreciate it! Note : 1. Our article on Building Self-

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2.

3.

Confidence teaches you how to develop this self-confidence, and gives you steps you can use to start feeling great about yourself. It will also put you firmly on the path to self-assurance and self-efficacy. For even more tips, see our article on Rational Positive Thinking. You can also take our short quiz, Are You a Positive or Negative Thinker?. To set comprehensive goals in all areas

4.

5.

of your life, use our Life Plan Workbook. (Worth US$27, this is one of the bonuses you get when you join the Mind Tools Career Excellence Club.) to use this tool you will have to subscribe first to www.mindtools.com using your e-mail address. See our article on Maximizing Job Satisfaction for tips on getting the most from your job.

She was the biggest success story of amatric exam that set another record: of the highest-ever pass percentage. She conquered ovarian cancer to clinch a top 20 slot Neelakshi Baruah, who wrestled with painful ovarian cancer and diminishing selfconfidence to clinch the 17th position on the merit list. She is daughter of Kanak Chandra Baruah, an official of Gauhati University. Her journey dont ends here. Rather it has gained speed and momentum. The student of St Marys English High School at Maligaon is saying with full motivation I am determined to fight on now. I want to become a doctor and give life to those who are suffering like me, She got letter marks in Assamese, English, General Science, General Maths, Social Studies and Advanced Maths. When she was detected with ovarian cancer last May, it was as if the sky had fallen on her family. But she showed great courage and determination to fight on. Over three months, Neelakshi underwent three rounds of chemotherapy at the Apollo Hospitals in Chennai. As her father reported to the media, When the effects started to show, like hair loss,

she started losing confidence. But all those who care helped her overcome her fear. Despite her ill health, she studied for 12 to 14 hours a day to prepare for the examination. As a father, I could not have asked for more, Sister Lissy, headmistress of St Marys School, from where six other students were placed among the top 20 on the merit list rightly said , Neelakshis success story would serve as an inspiration to all students to excel even in the midst of extreme adversity. We are all proud of Neelakshi as well as the other successful students, she said while approached by the media. If Neelakshis story is heartwarming, so is the stupendous show by Assamese-medium schools, especially for those who have been lamenting the decline in standard of vernacular educational institutions. Students from at least 35 Assamese-medium schools found space in the top 20 list, led by Monimoy Buzarbaruah of Axam Jatiya Vidyalaya in Guwahati. Monimoy, who wants to be an astrophysicist and work for NASA, is among four rank-holders from the school.


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IIT hopefuls can no longer afford to ignore school and focus entirely on coaching classes. From next year, they may need to score at least 70 per cent in their Class XII board exams. Students seeking admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology are required not only to clear the IIT Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) but also to score a certain percentage in their Class XII exams. The IITs are gearing up to raise

this cutoff from the current 60 per cent to 70 per cent. On the other hand the Union HRD ministry is considering raising the eligibility (board) marks for the All India Engineering Entrance Examination from 50 to 60 per cent. This move to raise the eligibility marks to 70 per cent for IITJEE is aimed at discouraging students from depending purely on their coaching classes, neglecting school.


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[A t J> " y-yA *W t [[W t [A >, t *A t H k "[ "[ "A A [ " "K i "t [ A = [[J K, " [W [zt -[A [t "A t t = " [A t J>t [[t [A t J> = A A "C , 2007 W > "= ;, "W \>A "[ \> &A &A A = [J[ "=W , " \t > A > t [W >A [* t * v k A , t Jt W > [n t > > A A > A i i > A [A A '[A KK [ J A [ " [ t , & Qi > " l [ A A o A A [t [t A > A = A Z t [t > J l ZW o A o A & l [ "[ A &A [ [W z t , " [zH &A &A i }K[ => "> > A [ t J [ " t > " "` t " [ " [[J " &i A = A [ i , K[d [A t J> W t > [W z }y z > A A A t t t Jt A [v N l o [ J A >A t [W z "A A t ">[ot A (: 16) "[ [[J[, \-t [A A A = t * >[ l [ l = l [ [t [, > [n &A [[A >, A A [ [[A (: 46) t t K[d [>\ \> "\ l R A l J A [, t * [A > [A &i [[A "[ W g \> [[J[, A > J [? A > A [A [At [J " n t*A `> \ "A J A[ =? [Att [>\* &A-&Ai [W --- [W [t > t A "[t > N>g y (" 11, ` > 5-2) [T [Wz &A "Ao z &\> &A JA > K[d "K [A t > "[ [A t n "> !! "[* [t K [A t

n l-[tA [[J t* [[J, [W[A; [` >A t &\> >A [ &A A -> A [ [>[ [t [> A =[A A , t z y [t [> [ t t t * " > t K[t " A t * [n "[ [[J, .... "W A =i A > > A ` > "\> A W >A [ t * Q \> > A [ > \ t [ [A A A= [t "[ [[J, A >A [W t A t t A [t A [ t = \>A [>\ Kn [t A "[ \ "t A * \ =A & Z t * \Kt , [A > > \Kt [A }JA [[ "[ \t A > (" 12, ` >, 5-3) " W > Kt K[d J[t > [JA W > t > A [ " > "[ = " W t > t " " A \ K ` >\> \ = t t * [W z l J A [ [>\A A [k > [ i *t [= A " "P "Kt > & " n t * "[ A y-y t = o k A A A A A "> > "W [A [A t J> & [n "> A [ &[t "[ "K }Jt t [= [ t J\ [ \>t > [ t* A y [ @ ....[A "[ [W [ A n > A [t " \> &A o =A \> >-A " > A [K J "> A *W W [ [n \> "A A t "> [ot A , A "A ` > [ A & A = > [v Kt yt W , \ yt t > [t }N A J "[, t [t t * J l ;> [t " A [ > [t [[A " \[ [i "t> [W J t* \> [, t[t \[[t [ l > Qi l ;[t W l v [t [o [k "> }N \> J [ t [t t * = >* " [ \\ t A [


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\\ W i t [t i > \[t [ [A Qi \[t [ [A [i zt > "> N [ [ A = [ t [t A > t A [ A > [A A [= [t [>|o \> J [ t[t A[li "[H A[ A[li [n K K [t t A -[A t > A \> J [ t [t i t A [ > & [t i A [o [A [ " [zt A [l i t &[t ` >* A [ A A [t [> W t =} [ A "=W IBM > [Jt A [l i [>t } W > =W i W > [[> A 1943 >t t * [[ Ki [t J [ W i > A [l i \ [W [ &>A A A Kt t [[J, ... A W > [A U [t & \> A [ &i o A [ [ " t A [>\ [>|o }A W >-o A [ [ t z "t z [A "[ [ " A *t [>|o A A [ "[ "[t A A t K[ [ "A >=, >=, " A , >> [}t "[* t A t "> A "[t [t A [ [ "[ N \> \ [ =[ [>[R A &A o A A [ , J[i J > " [o ` > e A [ "A "[t A A [A [W y A t z [ " ` > [t >t > }\> Qi [ [A > \> [t t [t J [>[ [> A [v [A \ [A z *t " t J [ [[v > "[\ &A A "Kt [>W " o "-R [v A >* i [A > \> A >[ l Hi A [l i " [[W * A W > [W t A & \> J [[ e ot [n =A &\> H Q [> t >*A [A t * l t A [>W t * &J> i W A [A [> [ A = >

[A e o y\> A &A [W [ [t A \ t [t " l t A A A &J> i W A " A [ [ > [J [ [> [> A \ k y A [ * "[ [>[> A [` >t n } W W t A &J[> o A t * t t =[A t [ i W A [> \ A \ " [> \t [>\ Q W [t [> P i > W ".".[i . " A [ &> &i > [> \[ > [J " \> A > }J* Jl &i A > } W W t A i "[\ [l H [-A [ A > Kt " &A > [A \>[t A -"=>[t A ">> >> ">U A &[t A [ l [k > [A >i " t o [t A [v [l l [ Love Story 2050 &[> * [ [A A " A [t [, K [ [A " ? t * l v "[ &A > K *[ "P K =[A t t [ [K t t t "=; K A t * J o >[ [A [A K [ &J> A > A [[, [J> t > >=A , =A \A [ \\ > >*t "[ > [= "=; t \>t "y o W K t z [ [> y l [k >, [> y t A A [ A > t "t [= "[K K[t A t * A [ > t [t &A A [> A > A [ [ [> A > A [> A > l t K[o[t A "[ t * "Kt >[ A &J> t \> >[ [A Q i > = [J " z "[ t * [> t [t = "[ t A [>A \ &A '[t [A zt [ A [W , [A [> t A K[o[t A [v i [A "[, K A >A t A > [v Ut J [>[ l t [A &\> K[ot [ A i A A [[ [> t [t A t >, > z

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"[ ` t t \\ W W P o [n K[ K A [ t [ "A A W "[ y o [ot [t \\ o e >A K[ > t [t \\t l k >, A [z A l [ " A [ [*> [ [e [> t A &[i K[o[t A >G t A [ [t W [i t [ [> t A = W [A zt A [, [[> t "o i t "=;, [A [ A * "n " [ [e [ "zt @ W [i t t l \\ > >t "[ &[t , & > A =i > [A ? A =i "[ " A [ \>A [ "[ [= >t >[ l >[ [A > > > QA > \> "> > A "[ " & = i " \[ "t z \ t " K [A A = [[J[ "W t [Jn A "[ " & = i "t t ; [oA A A = [[J [ = [W i " \[ &A o \ A A A [ "zt @ o y-y, k A A t >A A > "> K \> "[ " A >A yk A A "A [n W [A & [J = ", [i A [ ` > [t = }Jt & = "t "[ [[J[, A > > & > > A A t \> =[A t ">[ \>i o A A t [t > t [t i [ot =[A t ">[ "[ [t [>i Kt K A [ * t ; [oA , A > " QA > & QA > i > "[ ot >[> t = t ; [oA \>A \> [ [W [ t A z > > A o &A >[A [ " >t =A \>i " t t A "[ [ [W [ t A z> > A [J> >, [A A " * > K[t A

z> > A " [ [ t &A [J (Objective) [ [v * >=A > > A A " > [ &\ K t z t [ " t > zt [i t =[A , l , - Ni A > K[t A > z> > A " [ [ [v [J (Subjective) "=;, z> > t @ [> A " "u[ *t "[ [> "K[n K =A zt Kt &A [A A \t " > [[t K =A , " z[t K =A = "t " [t "A W t = "t , "[ [t & t Q Q Q[ " &A l A [[ [t [>i \ i " &[t \> " t " t &A > *t [J> A J K J> " " [t A J> *[ " K [A " Q Q[ Q &[t J > &[t " " >t "[ \ [t [>i &> &A A [A =A A = [[J &> "[ [A A t &i "=t "> A [ =A "=;, [t [>i A [t [ A * J &i [ A > [ A = [[J t A > [>[ [o > "[ A >[> \> A , i * [> \> > \> [W [ A > [W [JA "W o >A >[> t ; [oA \> *t " [>|o J A =A [A > l [t \> o A [ A A [ [K P ">[ A [ [ "= >A [ = [ [A \>A [t > A [ >[ [A "t "[\ t >J A [ t J >[, [>t A \ >[ [t "[ > t [t > >k [A > A "[ [ A [ "[ A -[[Q>, K-[ ">[ l [> A [ > Jt t t "u> A [ [A >A "[ [ Z A [


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A >-A &A [zt [ =A [ " > A , [ >t J- A [ t z J> J "[ [>z t A } " Jt >t > t "[A > [ [W yi *t > [ "A i A "[ Z ">[ [ A [ t " "= A > [W z A A > \> > "[ > [J A > W * A [>t l[ WtA t At " Q[> "> A "[ > [J " &A [=A "[H A "= &J> [=A > " " K A [ t [ [ > >J [A t [ " [>\ [v Kt " [\A zt [i t =[A "[ [ W t > A = [[J "[, [ t "[ A , A > &A [>[ t [i [t "[ i [ }A t [k A [ " > A > "W t " \> t = [t t =t J[J t [t W t > t A > t " \>A Q[t A [ >t [ot A "A > " Jt >t >A "Kt > "}J \>t t= At AA l[t A [[> A A t t [n " t [ \[t A \t "[> & W > &r i A [A [> W A [ = [ &i t * [ > e t > &A A> t*A [>\ K[n t > [J " A &[t t * > t * t [> t t * \ y A "[> &[t [>\ &J> [g[>[} A [> K[n t [ "K[n \>t "[ t A t > "}J > J t > > J A = A A A [ >K [A t > "}J > A = "[ [* * [J> "[ [ A [ " A A >t J " > [ [W [ t A & i " [A > > Kt Kt t z> A i t "[Z [[Q>, K-[ A = >A > A = A &A [A [\ & z> t =

zt [t &\> > [ }K [A o t *t [> A [ \> > >i [J = > > K[t A [A > [J " A > [ "> A > &\> [v A [ > "[ = Z \> >A A [ >A A A > A o > [A > A > & W t > [t "A > KA [t Kt " "[ A >i A [J [> A "[ A > [ [ t *t Jt "[ " J* , [A [ K t Qi > &>A " t > A A J &A " K[ n t " A > [ ` > t t A > "W > &J> A A A = &[t * A > A [ >, "zt @ A > A [ t > "[ J > "[ A A [ " e "[t y A [ t [ [ "[ A >; [A J &A " K[n t [ "[ > J &[> ` >& N " [A t > &A " K[n t ">[ot A [ "W >t [ot t "[ A A \\t A A [t > K [K "[ t i W " &>A * \>t [ [v t * -[[QA l R A J A A r A [ [T W t > [t A [ > W A t > [A [ t *A " A " J >t A * l R >A A [\[ A [l [>A t &A l ^t l o A > [* t *A A \ > "t >, > [\A [t y > &> [A \ t = [[> DZnet Australiat W [Jt A [l i [>t } IBM W > = *i W > 1943 W >t A [l i \ A [A [A >A [ [[ t A "[ [[J 1959 W > >t & &A i IBM & o A [[ N [t 5,000 t A [ \ > Xerox & 1981 W >t [

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Ki [[ A [l i t A 637 A [ [ [t A > , 640 A [ A [l i t A [ [ A = l R y i "Kt &A K e i > [ [l * W " W [ [ [ W > " t * A \> [[ 2005 W > W t YouTube [t A [[ [ > t 1.65 [[> l [ Google & i A [> [A [> t A "W t > *t # [A [ A =A t &> A "[ "W t A [t "W o A " "` t " Kt " A [A K> A [ [W W =t " Kt \> =t l \ &>A W [o a, R t A A > A W A W A \> [> " A >A W A K[n t [ [ A "[ [ }Jt " [t [[J "t t @ A > A = W A t [ > " t \t "i t A l R >i A A [ \> > > [> l R "u [\>A A t *A > [ l k [A > > > " A " Z \> [>t Q W A > " A t A *t &A o W "[ > W @ &\> y [J-n [A > A > A [[J K "[ & = [> "t J Q A > i A "Kt [ A[ K t> t;[oA A >, A "t }A , Q[ yt > " "i t A l R A = t A J > l ; [> ">A l k t t "t "[ [[J[,... [J n t A > [\A | > t = W t > J " A [ > [ A [ "[\ \>, "[\ =[A t J[ [t &\> y A Kt "m [ [> A i A = [ t [t [ [ t [t A t A [t t * \[ " [A Ki A = [ " [

A [ [ > K[d l R }[A t;ot t [K J A ", "=W A A " t [ A = A " [A [J "= > [v t "[ >A " A= >i "= " > J \ >t >A [ A[ [ " t= t [A "A >t >A [ A[ [ " >[> \> A> [>t Q W A > " At A *t &Ao W "[> W &>A *i[> "[ " >[> \> *t z A[ A> A *A A >> "[ " iA [A A[ t [ K t [= [> &A [ > [P[i [ [ \tU* t[t *i[> " "[ =[A [> K [P[i [ [> [ , [> [ }Jt, [> [ "At o K [A t>A "K[n [ t A K "ot Kt [t [ *Wt K &A > [P[i [ [ > "[ > t [v \ No A[[ t t o o A t "Ktt t* Kt t z "[ [A [A> W "[ t "[N [ ot " [> [ >, [> [ " [[Wy [> [[Wy [> [[Wy >[> \> [> [ " [[Wy A [o tt[A [[Wy " t= t= [W }N y t A " > \[ [ A[ " `> r, lt A[ " A A "A y J A> ? &, > [J K "[ > > J &[> ` > t z [t[>A "W>tA "W> t> [ [ > ! t [ A &> Wt> A > [ \ K " " !!! A >A , [ "t [J "t t @ t .....


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Dr. Akhil Ranjan Dutta, Reader in Peace & Conflict Studies, Dept. of Political Science, GU.

The contemporary period in history is marked by unbridled greed for accumulation in almost all spheres of our life. There has been steady penetration of the logic of commodification both into the material and non-material domains of our life. The domain of education- at all levels- is not free from these trends. Obsession with knowledge, knowledge of whatever kinds- has been one of the important fall outs of these trends. Knowledge in the contemporary world has also been perceived as impartial and class neutral inputs for development. The world of higher education has also been forcefully pushed into this knowledge syndrome. Go and acquire knowledge, enrich yourself as well as the society has become the fashion. Privatization, collaboration, university-industry relationship etc. are the new mantras that we often hear today in the universities and other higher 31

educational institutions. Academic exchange is getting new impetus. Projects, workshops, seminars, lectures are also becoming the parameters of ranking the universities. However, there have emerged cautious skepticisms in different quarters regarding the very motive of this obsession with knowledge. Many of we are familiar with the phrase knowledge is power. Michael Foucault originally conceived this phrase. He, of course, had very specific context and contention while phrasing it out. Let us not delve into the details of the Foucaults arguments on the interrelationship between knowledge and power. Let us just keep in mind that Foucault was trying to understand the complex nature of domination and subjugation in the society in which knowledge is also used as a means of domination. Discourse on domination and subjugation is not, however, very new. Before Foucault, both


Marxism and Liberalism had already developed extensive discourses on domination, exploitation and subjugation etc. These discourses identified the important institutions that perpetuate domination and subjugation in the society. Marx referred to the institution of private property and liberalism referred to the all-powerful feudal state or the church or any collective agency enjoying the power of social intervention as important institutions engaged in domination and subjugation. However, it was the theorists on deconstruction and post-modernism who unveiled more avenues/domains of domination and subjugation in the society. Foucault, who is one of the pioneers of postmodern thinking, unveiled multiple domains of domination and subjugation. Knowledge is such a domain. When we say knowledge is power, what we usually imply is that you acquire more knowledge, you will find out more ways of liberation and empowerment. But, the important question to be raised is, has knowledge been a neutral/impartial category helping every one equally to achieve liberation and power? Or, it is just the opposite. In other words, does knowledge have no class dimension; caste dimension and also a gender dimension? Do not we encounter with such knowledge paradigms in our society? Why do we use the words like man to mean both man and woman or he to mean both he and she in general contexts? How is this patriarchal knowledge paradigm constructed and whose interests does it serve? Why does the Brahmins enjoy different social position and respect, and why not the Shudras? Is it merely due to the economic factor? Yes, economic factor is all-important. But, along with the economic factor, many other factors are equally important. And among them the kind of knowledge that the society develops is very important. To be very specific, in a hierarchical society the knowledge is developed in a way so that it serves the interests of the dominant class/ caste/ gender. (Bold letterby us - Edr)

Why is it so? Why do the dominant classes penetrate into the knowledge system? It is for the

simple reason that ruling in the society as well generating legitimacy for that is very challenging. It becomes more challenging when different social strata develop consciousness about their due rights and engage in a war against the dominant classes/ castes/gender indulging in violation of their rights. We are living in such a situation. Theoretically we can call our moment as hegemonic moment. The Italian Marxist Antonio Gramsci first used the word hegemony. Without delving into the detail debate on what exactly hegemony is all about, this will suffice to say that hegemony means total domination. It is a combination of economic, intellectual, ideological, and moral and other possible means of domination. The dominant classes use all these means to mitigate the dissent in the society or it endeavours to eliminate the grounds of dissent ventilation by penetrating into every domain of social life. Is not higher education too a domain of domination and subjugation? Or, is this domain also not being used as a means for that purpose? Search for a convincing answer for this question will invite a comprehensive debate. However, without going into the details, it can be well asserted that this domain has always been used for this purpose. Some time it was very naked and aggressive, some time very sophisticated and cunning. But, it has always happened in a hierarchical society. A very simple and familiar example can be given. Why did the NDA government attempt to incorporate Astrology as a part of higher education? Why did they try to give astrology an equal status to that of astronomy? Or why did they try to temper with the school texts on history? Or, why did they temper with the facts of the freedom movement? The answer is simple. They wanted to insert the values in education/higher education that conforms to the political ideology that they are pursuing for political mileage. It was not happening only in case of the NDA government. It happens to all regimes in the society. Of late, as we are aware of, there has been change in global economy. All of we, irrespective


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of differences in interpretation, name this change as globalization. Some people call globalization a spontaneous economic process arising out of unprecedented development in science and technology. For them globalization is a class neutral, value neutral process. However, a critical discourse on globalization reveals that it is the latest incarnation of capitalism or another stage of capitalist development. It is more sophisticated and cunning than all preceding phases of capitalism. This phase of capitalism has emerged in such a historical moment when oppressed people around the world have already gained unprecedented political insights and consciousness. They are already well experienced with a lot of historic peoples struggles. So, legitimization of globalization is a big challenge. Keeping in mind these tough challenges, the ethics of globalization has been inserted into almost all domains of our social life including in the domain of education/higher education. Now, let us see the ethics on which the current phase of globalization is based on. (d) First of all, current phase of capitalist globalization believes that everything in this globe could be converted into commodity. (e) Second, unbridled individual freedom is all-important for the fullest growth of personality as well as of the society. Society is rather an unwarranted concept. What needs to be understood is that all individuals are separate category- they need separate existence. Former Prime Minister of Britain coined it very eloquently: There is no society as such, only individuals and individuals (f) Third, collective agency like the state puts hindrance towards the freedom of individuals and so it is an enemy of freeliving, freethinking. What F. A. Hayekthe renowned philosopher on freedom reminds us is that the authority of the state to intervene in the social life will

ultimately lead us towards Serfdom- the state of feudalism. (g) Market is an alternative to it. Market, through competition, can bring solution to many of the problems that we are facing today. Market is a sphere where everybody can acquire the technique of survival and prosperity through competition without being patronized by anyone. So, market is never obsolete. It is always new and capable of delivering the latest norms and know-how to face the emerging challenges. (h) What those ethical principles imply is that the state should not control and patronage the socio-economic-cultural and educational activities in the society. Let us see the implication of these ethical principles on higher education. (i) Education, like any other commodity, is also a commodity that can be bought and sold out in the market. (j) There is no necessary link between qualitative change in the society and that of education. Education is a means for the pursuit of individual freedom and prosperity. It does not necessarily have a collective dimension or social well-being. (k) State should do away with its involvement in education/higher education. Let private initiative take place in this sphere. Education should neither be a burden on the national exchequer nor should state be an unwarranted interfering agency in the freethinking /free sailing of higher education. (l) Let, like any other commodity, education to move globally. There should be no restriction on free movement of ideas, free movement of educational institutions. In accordance with those new ethics, there has been a consistent move towards commodification of higher education that can be exchanged like any other commodity, which does not necessarily involve any moral and value

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judgment. This is evident, apart from others, in the wave of correspondence learning consolidating in the country in the recent past. Universities from abroad have opened their branch offices. Any body can enrol and get the degree. The only requirement is money. You pay and you will get the degree. You need not know the teachers and need not interact too. Reading materials are available. (This is a different issue that our own universities are poor even in managing correspondence/distance education) You need not even know who is the author of the reading materials that are sent to you. It is an extremely impersonal and uncritical learning. Of late, this has emerged as one of the profit making industries with regional outlets here and there. Under this new notion, education does not have any organic link with social transformation that can bring into force qualitative change in different domains of social life. On the other, new courses, which are promarket, have been introduced. Among the courses in higher education MBA is increasing its popularity today. Technological education is getting new hype. Students are becoming crazy about computer. And accordingly, the courses, which engage the students in critical discourse on social reality, are becoming irrelevant day by day. O

pragyan vol-06,issue-01

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