“The real process of education should be the process of learning to think through the application of real problems.” - John Dewey
I enjoyed watching the Aamir Khan’s film ‘3 Idiots’ which is really thought provoking and highlights about the present Indian education system. Aamir’s performance was amazing in the film. Aamir is very choosy about his roles and assignments. As expected he delivered his best and proved that he always strives for perfection. He cultivated his own brand over a period of time. He is always different with an exclusive brand image and audience.
The film criticizes the glaring anomalies in the Indian education system which needs to be reinvented. It highlights the challenges in our present education which emphasizes on rote learning and memory. The film is an eye opener for parents, teachers and educational institutions to know the real pulse of students and act accordingly.
There are several takeaways from this movie which, of course, have already been mentioned in this blog often. You may read my postings in this blog on education about the present fate of education system in India. I am sure you must also be aware of these challenges.
What makes the movie different is the way the life of students is presented to reach common man by adding all elements like comedy, tragedy, love, emotions, and feelings. The film is blend of education and entertainment. Precisely, it is edutainment. Let us look at few takeaways from this film.
• Pursue your passions. Don’t let your passions be diverted or dictated by others.
• Parents should understand and appreciate the areas in which their children are really interested and capable of excelling.
• Suicide is not the solution. Look for avenues to come out of the problem. Don’t brood too much about problems. Instead, look for solutions for every problem.
• Don’t quit but stay on to your passions however tough the path might be.
• Don’t excessively worry about employment. Look how much pleasure do you get while working? Once you know what gives you enjoyment while working, you don’t feel that you are working any more.
• Always contribute your best without looking for returns.
• Follow the simple and straight approach rather beating around the bush.
• Finally, whenever you are faced with problems console yourself by saying that ‘All is Well’.
The film provides hope for Indian students where they can pursue their dreams as per their passions. It is an outstanding and message oriented movie for everyone especially for parents, educators and institutions to empathize with students so that they can excel in their area of interest. It is good for them and society as a whole.
To conclude in the words of Aamir Khan, "The Indian education system should encourage the spirit of enquiry in a child. Rote learning and the grading system should be done away with. I believe that if you want to learn something you will find a way to learn it. Institutes should be flexible in the manner in which they teach students rather than follow a rigid curriculum."
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
"Is KCR Riding the Telangana Tiger?" - Prof.M.S.Rao
"One cannot have any respect or regard for men who take the position of the reformer and then refuse to see the logical consequences of that position, let alone following them out in action." - B. R. Ambedkar
Telangana Rastriya Samiti (TRS) leader, K.Chandrasekar Rao’s threat of fast unto death forced the Central Govt. to declare the initiation of a separate Telangana State. Nobody anticipated that it would open the Pandora’s Box. Nobody expected that there would be stiff opposition from Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema who are averse to disintegration of Andhra Pradesh. Even KCR might have not expected the fallout of the fast unto death. When he began the fast, things were under his control. However when he broke the fast immediately by taking the juice, a few students did not appreciate KCR and he was forced to resume fast. By then KCR realized that he was riding the tiger.
The Telangana issue divided the people and political parties on regional lines which is unprecedented where politicians of all political parties of Coastal and Rayalaseema submitted their resignations. All these developments compelled Chidambaram to retract his statement by declaring that all parties would be involved in taking the Telangana issue forward.
The people of Telangana have been craving for a separate state for more than 50 years where these people have different culture although they speak Telugu like their counterparts in Andhra and Rayalaseema. The demand is basically because the region has not developed on par with other regions and there is disproportionate allocation of jobs for Talanganites in the State government. Although Andhra Pradesh had Chief Ministers hailing from Telangana region initially, they rarely focused on the development of this region resulting into regional imbalances. Adding fuel to the fire are the politicians who want to hit the limelight to boost their sagging political fortunes in the name of Telangana. Currently the situation has gone to the extent where Telugus developed mutual hatred and suspicion based on regional lines because of narrow minded politicians of all these regions.
It is rightly said that below average individuals talk about individuals, average individuals emphasize on issues and above average individuals focus on ideas. In this context, it is essential to look at the issue objectively to find out where the real problem lies.
When we look at the complaint of major jobs being occupied by Coastal Andhrites and Rayalaseemites, let us make a provision to allocate jobs proportionately based on the strength of the people of the region without compromising the quality of service. Focus on the development of this region where the people can grow economically. The leaders of all these regions should sit together, find out the reasons for backwardness and chalk out strategies to develop the region.
You cannot get along with a spouse who is unwilling to live with you. When it is clear that separation is the only solution, it is advisable to separate amicably rather than living together and fighting all the times. There should not be any ruptures and ill-will among the people regionally once separation takes place smoothly. These people will unite tomorrow emotionally because they are all Telugus as it is the common thread connecting them.
The issue is a delicate one and it needs to be handled with care and caution. It is like division of property where mother has three sons – Telanganites, Andhrites and Rayalaseemites and all are equal to her. In fact, no mother likes the separation of her children.
Water sharing is the major issue of concern for all. Issues have to be clearly defined. For instance, who shares what and at what proportions? Let there be smooth transition period where the people of Coastal Andhra and Royalaseema invested in Hyderabad who never expected division of the state. Let there be compensation to these two regions proportionately with capital location and capital allotment and investment. It is essential to give time-frame for their establishment and smooth transition.
Role of Students:
Students have to focus on their studies first as lot of time has already been wasted by this time due to bandhs. They should not become puppets in the hands of politicians. They should realize that leaders are not dying in fasts and bandhs but few of their fraternity.
Students of all regions should stay away from active politics as they have a long way to go. They need to focus on their careers currently not on politics. If they are so serious about a career in politics, they can take up the same after completion of their academic education.
Conclusion:
First of all, it is necessary to restore peace and tranquility. Lot of damage has already been done to the State in the name of strikes and Bandhs. People should realize that they are paying for the damage of public property by way of taxes to government.
If children and students don’t concentrate on academic studies they may lose one academic year. To sum up it is essential to create a favorable climate for creating a mechanism based on mutual consensus either for staying united or for a viable division of State.
Sarva Jano Sukino Bhavantu. Let people of all regions live in peace and prosperity.
Telangana Rastriya Samiti (TRS) leader, K.Chandrasekar Rao’s threat of fast unto death forced the Central Govt. to declare the initiation of a separate Telangana State. Nobody anticipated that it would open the Pandora’s Box. Nobody expected that there would be stiff opposition from Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema who are averse to disintegration of Andhra Pradesh. Even KCR might have not expected the fallout of the fast unto death. When he began the fast, things were under his control. However when he broke the fast immediately by taking the juice, a few students did not appreciate KCR and he was forced to resume fast. By then KCR realized that he was riding the tiger.
The Telangana issue divided the people and political parties on regional lines which is unprecedented where politicians of all political parties of Coastal and Rayalaseema submitted their resignations. All these developments compelled Chidambaram to retract his statement by declaring that all parties would be involved in taking the Telangana issue forward.
The people of Telangana have been craving for a separate state for more than 50 years where these people have different culture although they speak Telugu like their counterparts in Andhra and Rayalaseema. The demand is basically because the region has not developed on par with other regions and there is disproportionate allocation of jobs for Talanganites in the State government. Although Andhra Pradesh had Chief Ministers hailing from Telangana region initially, they rarely focused on the development of this region resulting into regional imbalances. Adding fuel to the fire are the politicians who want to hit the limelight to boost their sagging political fortunes in the name of Telangana. Currently the situation has gone to the extent where Telugus developed mutual hatred and suspicion based on regional lines because of narrow minded politicians of all these regions.
It is rightly said that below average individuals talk about individuals, average individuals emphasize on issues and above average individuals focus on ideas. In this context, it is essential to look at the issue objectively to find out where the real problem lies.
When we look at the complaint of major jobs being occupied by Coastal Andhrites and Rayalaseemites, let us make a provision to allocate jobs proportionately based on the strength of the people of the region without compromising the quality of service. Focus on the development of this region where the people can grow economically. The leaders of all these regions should sit together, find out the reasons for backwardness and chalk out strategies to develop the region.
You cannot get along with a spouse who is unwilling to live with you. When it is clear that separation is the only solution, it is advisable to separate amicably rather than living together and fighting all the times. There should not be any ruptures and ill-will among the people regionally once separation takes place smoothly. These people will unite tomorrow emotionally because they are all Telugus as it is the common thread connecting them.
The issue is a delicate one and it needs to be handled with care and caution. It is like division of property where mother has three sons – Telanganites, Andhrites and Rayalaseemites and all are equal to her. In fact, no mother likes the separation of her children.
Water sharing is the major issue of concern for all. Issues have to be clearly defined. For instance, who shares what and at what proportions? Let there be smooth transition period where the people of Coastal Andhra and Royalaseema invested in Hyderabad who never expected division of the state. Let there be compensation to these two regions proportionately with capital location and capital allotment and investment. It is essential to give time-frame for their establishment and smooth transition.
Role of Students:
Students have to focus on their studies first as lot of time has already been wasted by this time due to bandhs. They should not become puppets in the hands of politicians. They should realize that leaders are not dying in fasts and bandhs but few of their fraternity.
Students of all regions should stay away from active politics as they have a long way to go. They need to focus on their careers currently not on politics. If they are so serious about a career in politics, they can take up the same after completion of their academic education.
Conclusion:
First of all, it is necessary to restore peace and tranquility. Lot of damage has already been done to the State in the name of strikes and Bandhs. People should realize that they are paying for the damage of public property by way of taxes to government.
If children and students don’t concentrate on academic studies they may lose one academic year. To sum up it is essential to create a favorable climate for creating a mechanism based on mutual consensus either for staying united or for a viable division of State.
Sarva Jano Sukino Bhavantu. Let people of all regions live in peace and prosperity.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
“Set SMART Resolutions for New Year – 2010” – Prof.M.S.Rao
“Success is the product of successive setbacks” – Prof.M.S.Rao
Dear friends,
I wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year 2010
As we approach New Year we need to set our resolutions which must be SMART. First of all, take stock of your achievements in the year 2009. And, of course, look for setbacks as well. Examine why you did not reach your goals. Was it due to internal or external factors? If it were due to internal factors you need to accept the facts and own responsibility. If it were due to external factors such as disturbances or distractions you don’t have to worry much.
Before you set your goals, be specific. That means what do you want become or what do you want to achieve in the year 2010. Unless you have clarity and be specific it becomes difficult to achieve your goals.
You need to measure your goals. How long does it take to reach your goals? Quantifying the same helps you in moving forward smoothly. Thirdly you must be able to achieve the goals. If you set the goals which are beyond your human limitations, you get discouraged. Therefore, set achievable goals. The goals have to be reasonable and realistic. These should not be based on fantasy or daydreaming. Finally you need to check the status of your goals which is possible only when you can track time to time. It is also about reviewing for the results and taking feedback. If you did not achieve, you must be able to check where the problem was. It enables you to stay focused on your goals.
After setting the goals, it is time for your action, involvement, efforts and energies. If you feel that the goal is big, then break it into small parts and execute. Don’t get distracted with minor disturbances and diversions. Get back to the main track and start moving. Stay away from negative people who may throw a spanner into your good works. Keep moving ahead with a firm optimism and confidence that one day is your day.
Therefore, don’t wait. Set SMART resolutions and hit bull’s eye.
All the best
Be Well,
Dear friends,
I wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year 2010
As we approach New Year we need to set our resolutions which must be SMART. First of all, take stock of your achievements in the year 2009. And, of course, look for setbacks as well. Examine why you did not reach your goals. Was it due to internal or external factors? If it were due to internal factors you need to accept the facts and own responsibility. If it were due to external factors such as disturbances or distractions you don’t have to worry much.
Before you set your goals, be specific. That means what do you want become or what do you want to achieve in the year 2010. Unless you have clarity and be specific it becomes difficult to achieve your goals.
You need to measure your goals. How long does it take to reach your goals? Quantifying the same helps you in moving forward smoothly. Thirdly you must be able to achieve the goals. If you set the goals which are beyond your human limitations, you get discouraged. Therefore, set achievable goals. The goals have to be reasonable and realistic. These should not be based on fantasy or daydreaming. Finally you need to check the status of your goals which is possible only when you can track time to time. It is also about reviewing for the results and taking feedback. If you did not achieve, you must be able to check where the problem was. It enables you to stay focused on your goals.
After setting the goals, it is time for your action, involvement, efforts and energies. If you feel that the goal is big, then break it into small parts and execute. Don’t get distracted with minor disturbances and diversions. Get back to the main track and start moving. Stay away from negative people who may throw a spanner into your good works. Keep moving ahead with a firm optimism and confidence that one day is your day.
Therefore, don’t wait. Set SMART resolutions and hit bull’s eye.
All the best
Be Well,
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
