Who is more responsible for the falling standards(?) of education in India today - students or teachers?
This was the topic given to a group of 12 school students for a general discussion in a spoken English class. The consensus that emerged was interesting. The group concluded that some students are at fault, some teachers may also be at fault but largely it is the responsibility of the 'System'.
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People normally tend to criticize politicians for many of their problems. Whatever may be the level of the problem : local, regional or national - it is some or the other politician or sometimes the entire political class that is to be blamed. A very big majority believes that politics is the last haven for the scoundrels. This conclusion may have a strong opposition too. But still, few will dispute the fact that good people are finding it very tough to enter the field of politics. And why is it so? Ask anyone and the most likely answer would hold the 'System' responsible for this challenging situation.
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The role of Media is also in news these days. Print, audio-visual or electronic, all types of media are under the scanner. Many people tend to whisper about the need to regulate the sector. Nearly all the political parties, in private confidential discussions, impress the need to bring a set of regulations to make media behave. But no one dares to say anything in public. 'Paid news' has become such a known phenomenon, still nobody raises a voice officially. Why so? "What can be done? It is the System of the day!"
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Let us again come to the field of education. What is the condition of our universities today? Everybody is aware about the pressure tactics adopted in the appointment of vice chancellors. Campuses have become the playing field of the various political parties. But nobody seems to worry. It is the 'System' of the day!
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Let us ponder for a moment. Why is it so that we all tend to accept the system? We all believe that the system has to be accepted without any question. And when any sincere, intelligent, independent minded entrepreneur wants to establish something new and better, the system tries its level best not to allow this positive change to become the order of the day. And not so surprisingly, when an average person wants to establish his own enterprise without any big positive change or vision, the system never opposes, rather supports the same.
As a nation, have we ceased to be alive and kicking? How long will the system of accepting follies of the System continue?
Let me make one suggestion. Students should be encouraged to prepare the model rules for various systems. Let them be in public domain. Online social media can be a very good plateform for everyone to keep a watch and contribute.
Let me ask two things to my readers. One, can you try to define the System? And two, can some independent group take up the task of preparing model code of conduct for the media today?
This was the topic given to a group of 12 school students for a general discussion in a spoken English class. The consensus that emerged was interesting. The group concluded that some students are at fault, some teachers may also be at fault but largely it is the responsibility of the 'System'.
* * * * *
People normally tend to criticize politicians for many of their problems. Whatever may be the level of the problem : local, regional or national - it is some or the other politician or sometimes the entire political class that is to be blamed. A very big majority believes that politics is the last haven for the scoundrels. This conclusion may have a strong opposition too. But still, few will dispute the fact that good people are finding it very tough to enter the field of politics. And why is it so? Ask anyone and the most likely answer would hold the 'System' responsible for this challenging situation.
* * * * *
The role of Media is also in news these days. Print, audio-visual or electronic, all types of media are under the scanner. Many people tend to whisper about the need to regulate the sector. Nearly all the political parties, in private confidential discussions, impress the need to bring a set of regulations to make media behave. But no one dares to say anything in public. 'Paid news' has become such a known phenomenon, still nobody raises a voice officially. Why so? "What can be done? It is the System of the day!"
* * * * *
Let us again come to the field of education. What is the condition of our universities today? Everybody is aware about the pressure tactics adopted in the appointment of vice chancellors. Campuses have become the playing field of the various political parties. But nobody seems to worry. It is the 'System' of the day!
* * * * *
Let us ponder for a moment. Why is it so that we all tend to accept the system? We all believe that the system has to be accepted without any question. And when any sincere, intelligent, independent minded entrepreneur wants to establish something new and better, the system tries its level best not to allow this positive change to become the order of the day. And not so surprisingly, when an average person wants to establish his own enterprise without any big positive change or vision, the system never opposes, rather supports the same.
As a nation, have we ceased to be alive and kicking? How long will the system of accepting follies of the System continue?
Let me make one suggestion. Students should be encouraged to prepare the model rules for various systems. Let them be in public domain. Online social media can be a very good plateform for everyone to keep a watch and contribute.
Let me ask two things to my readers. One, can you try to define the System? And two, can some independent group take up the task of preparing model code of conduct for the media today?
