Quality Education
Education is a must for the upliftment of the Society.
Many problems in the society are related to Education.
We all used to say hard working and recent way of expression is smart working. Similarly, Education is a must and Quality Education is the need of the hour.
Though, I am not any Educationist or any authority, I would like to place my points as a responsible Citizen, who cares about Quality Education.
I have a family background wherein my Paternal Grand Father was a Professor of History at St. Xaviers College, Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli. Tamilnadu.
Many of his students have spread out all over the Country in a very good position right from Lecturer, Professor, Principal and IAS Officers.
The impression of the professor was so strong and deeply planted in these students hearts that over many years, we could just say our Grand Father’s name and our job will be done, though only by legal means and not any shortcuts.
We have enjoyed the fruits of our Grand Father nurtured students all over. Their respect for their Professor was so immense that, they showed the same respect to his siblings and I have witnessed it.
My business and job profile provided me the opportunity to travel to many cities within the Country and Internationally and have realised the importance of Quality Education.
Unfortunately, Education these days, have become a commodity to make money and commercialisation of educational institutions, is really hurting.
This is a deep sea and I would not like to venture in to that. More than highlighting these problems, I would like to narrate some situations, why and where and how the education has to change.
With the Covid-19, situation the World have come to a halt and had to re-start again. The schools and universities will open only by July. It will be good, if some awareness and changes can be brought in to the system.
Never it is late to make a change or new beginning. You all will have many more inputs to this and you may please send your inputs by email or by WhatsApp. The email address is given below:
With the growth in technology and transformation of the whole World, the generation is getting smarter as well like the smart phones, smart TV, the younger generation are becoming intelligent.
Instead of complaining on the system and law makers, I thought it fit to narrate some interesting situations and taking lessons from that, how we could address our education system in the best way.
I am listing herewith the various case study on this subject.
Case- 1
I was talking to a friend whose Only Daughter is living in the US with her husband and children. He was mentioning about 2 of his grandsons.
The elder one 10 years old, is very good in education and want to grow big by virtue of his education and learning.
The younger one who is 7 years old, my friend mentioned him as a smart kid. He had told his parents that, he will not waste his school even after lockdown is lifted, as everything he requires, is answered by Google and he can improve his Knowledge through this.
When questioned about what he would do for his earnings, pat came the reply that, one has to work and earn mainly for food and clothing as shelter is already there.
And for food, he would do his own cultivation at his garden and make his livelihood and enjoy his life and job rather than going and working for someone.
Apparently, I work to buy all these from the market instead why not I cultivate it myself.
Now, see the difference between these two kids. Why we will push them in to the same education system. Why not the education system be defined to suit the mentality of the young children and help them to grow the way they want and get their ambitions fulfilled.
Case – 2
Once, I was with a friend walking towards a stationery shop as his young boy wanted a pen. He picked up a pen and asked if he could pick one more for his cousin who was of the same age.
He picked two pens. One Red and another Yellow. On the way back home, the young boy asked his father, which one he should take and which one he should give his cousin.
My friend questioned, as to which color the young boy liked. The young boy in a joyous mood said, Papa the red color is beautiful. My friend quickly replied, good then, give that to your cousin.
Whenever you are giving someone, always give the one you like more.
Case – 3
Once, I was coming in from Dubai to Mumbai and following day was to leave for Lucknow in the morning with a friend.
He asked me to come and stay in his house as it will be late in the night, by the time I arrive, and we need to take a early morning flight.
He made a request to me to buy a tape recorder/CD player. Those days Samsung and Sanyo used to come in a very sleek model and in nice colors.
I bought one for him and reached by a little after midnight and gave it to him and he was happy. We slept for sometime and got up to realise, that the flight got postponed to evening citing bad weather at Lucknow.,
While we were having our breakfast, his younger brother came there and exclaimed looking at the nice music system. Wow! It’s beautiful.
Instantly, my friend told to his younger brother that, I had bought it from Dubai for the sake of him (younger brother). He was so happy and left thanking me for the gift.
All got over in a flash before I could realise or say anything. Then, my friend told me that, always give to your brothers and sisters, whatever they like and that builds the House and harmony.
Case – 4
While traveling around the World, I have seen a lot of discipline in Germany at every stage of their lives.
Never would compare them with any other Country. I would like to talk about Srilanka and in particular, Colombo.
Whenever I traveled there it was for visiting my customers within a radius of 75 kms.
I have always noticed and appreciated their civic sense on roads. People only cross in Zebra cross marked places.
Traffic slows down even if there is only one person crossing the road. Traffic slows down automatically on blind turnings. Slowing down on schools and hospital areas.
Following signals even in the middle of the night is a discipline which everyone follow.
Case – 5
My wife used to run tuitions at home and there used to be 35 students coming to her daily at different times. From morning 10-1pm and evening 4-8pm.
She had made up her mind that, whatever fees she collects from these students will be spent on them.
She used to start her every session with a prayer and after that some Prasad to eat, before they start studying. Young boys and girls used to love these Prasad, as were from a different region of India and they never tasted such food.
This made them interested as a first step to come to the tuition promptly and with a smiling face. Next the prayers were so powerful that, it helped their education.
Finally, my wife’s dedication and commitment to those children were 110% which made all those 40-45% marks to 85-90% marks.
The education was given to them with love, care and interest and result is there to see today.
All these kids have grown up and some are married and are working at Banks, MNC, Engineering etc., and are connected with their Teacher till today.
Further more, gifts used to be given all alike during Dasara to all these kids.
Case – 6
Once, me and my friend was moving on the road and suddenly a small pig got stuck in to spokes of the cyclist passing by and the pig started screaming.
The other pigs came around and were all tensed. No one was willing to go near and my friend went ahead and helped the pig to be released from the spokes by his hand.
The best part was that, he is a Muslim and they never like to hear the name. When I asked him, he said, the soul is the same in all beings.
God wanted it to be saved and I am thankful to God that, this opportunity was given to me. If not for me, someone else would have saved it. God’s will, will be done.
Case – 7
Coming in to the topic of schools and subjects, the system is still the same. Up to class X, everyone will have to study the folllowing;
1. English
2. Hindi/Tamil or any other local language
3. Maths (Arithmetic/Algebra/Geometry)
4. Science (Physics/Chemistry/Botany)
5. Social Studies (History & Geography)
Above all are the main subjects. Many others like basics of computer knowledge, arts & crafts, music, dance, sports, etc.,
Some students score very well and are pretty strong in Maths but, weak in Botany and Geography.
Becos, of his low marks in these subjects, his ambition to go for next stage of studies of his choice is curtailed, though he scored well in mathematics and physics, his overall tally of marks does not allow him to study what he is aspiring for.
Some student may not be good in academics but, very good in fine arts or sports, they don’t get that encouragement neither at school or from parents due to their economical conditions.
All ambitions and aspirations are culled at the budding stage itself.
Case – 8
Once, I was traveling by a car with my friend & his family. My friend, his wife and two sons.
My friend was driving at a speed of 50 kms to keep engaged in my talk.
Just to be kidding with the young boy, I told him look at your car, how slow it is and every other car is overtaking us.,
The young boy retorted back saying, uncle look behind there are still so many cars and we are ahead of them.
Case – 9
My father was a Lawyer. Once there was a client coming in for a property and partition case against his brother. He was very angry with his Brother and wanted to settle scores with him.
My Dad heard him through and assured him that he will fight it hard in the Court and get the partition done. He would be sent a strong legal notice and he would come crying. The client went satisfied.
My Dad asked me to go to his brother and bring him. When the brother came, he explained him the importance of human birth and brotherhood and the life span.
His mind changed for good and later in the evening a peace meet was done and brothers lived happily without partition.
Case – 10
I had a principle in my career and life that “Responsibility is always taken and never given”.
I have a friend who is my friend, guide and philosopher. I was just coming up in life and was taking up bigger responsibilities and position in my organisation and used to share my problems and challenges with him.
He used to always quote me from the quote of Richard Branson.
“If someone offers you an amazing opportunity and if you are not sure if you do it, say-yes and accept it, then learn to do it”.
The result my life is itself a testimony.
Case 11
As I was young man with huge responsibility and commitment I used to get angry even at a small irking with my family members.
Though I was loving and caring my anger used to give a different impression to others. My friend wanted me to just amend my nature here but, my work pressure was telling upon me and though, I did not like to get angry, it was happening.
He said, that he will fix a full stop for this with a narrative. He said, that your anger is like imagine that you are making arrangements for a big feast and after all the food is served, you keep a very tiny portion of shit in the corner of the plate. Can anyone eat? And all your good food and intentions go waste.
Similarly, your anger spoils all your good deeds. Restrain your anger.
Case 12
Once my friends wife was taken to the Hospital for maternity reasons. The Doctors were worried that, child position in the womb is not correct and it is a risk and they could save only one life. Either the mother or the child.
My friend replied to the Doctors in a very cool tone. You are the experts in your profession and make your best decision depending on the situation in front of you.
He further continued that I trust in God and whatever is good for me will be taken care by my God.
I am not worried and accept with gratitude whatever he destined for me. Please go ahead and do your duty.
The Doctors went with open mind and motivation by the talk and the result was both were safe. The child was born and mother was also safe.
Case 13
I recollect a particular instance during my class +2. Our Tamil teacher was absent and an replacement teacher who came was upset that, many in our class room, were not able to recite some seyyul.
He chided on us that, you all are able to memorise film songs so quickly and why not the poems and cheyyul.
He said that, the system of monotonous teaching is to be blamed and he would teach a small cheyyul from “Silapathikaram” and we will never ever forget this in our life and I remember it till today.
The way of reciting a cheyyul mixing with a raaga makes it permanent.
I am stopping here as I have a big list of experience which made me what I am and still learning.
From the above few instances, we shall come to a conclusion that our education system should involve the following:
1. Subjects for academic knowledge.
2. Freedom of Education
3. Creating opportunities in field of expertise.,
4. Social and moral character.
5. Love for all living beings.
6. Ethical practices.
7. Brotherhood
8. Prayers and good food will improve the education.
9. Initiating self interest
10. Anger is one word short of danger.
11. Be responsible and willing to take risk for growth.
12. Civic sense & Common sense.
13. Street smart.
Last but not the least,
14. Trust in God.
In my young days, it was a joint family with four brothers together with their siblings and Grand parents. It was always a celebration at home, though small bickerings were there.
Our Grand parents used to tell us moral stories, Ramayan, Mahabharata, Jesus and Mohamed Nabhi, Guru Nanak etc.,
Today the connect is missing totally. Education is not about just School and it is about the Parents as well.
High time to correct and connect this discord. Use this lockdown period to dot down our priorities for the future generation.
I am concerned the way, Digital marketeers are busy trying to market their products about Digitization, Digitilization and Digital Transformation.
They are talking about Robot control in every area including areas where human touch is of prime importance. Of course, we will move with the technology developments and adapt with times.
Concern is about everything getting mechanical.
Please write your comments and share your view points.
By Vasan. Suri
hitechconsultancy@gmail.com
