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Showing posts with label Education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Education. Show all posts

Friday, 12 January 2018

Unemployment Technology




The physical unemployment problem is due to more labour supply and less demand for workforce in market. A lot of educational institutions are coming up and growing up certificates well in advance to produce a lot of  manpower on paper. On the other side a lot of technocrats are inventing and innovating efficient technologies to reduce need for physical manpower and to increase productivity through machines, computers and artificial intelligence. In addition to this, students don't get sufficient time and space to learn, at least, their occupations at home, because of hectic academic schedules. The net result is qute different from our superstitious expectations.

The educational institutions are helping the industry through their double edged strategy - one in reducing demand for manpower and two in increasing educated consumers for their products. At the end the educated class will be without sufficient earnings to eke out their living and so may be forced to do under-employment jobs or harmful or illegal activities without a proper home or family. Even uneducated farm workers are losing labour and wages due to a number of superb chemicals and machines invented and introduced into agriculture. Online business further reduces chances of employment in retail sector (Total employment in MNCs is less than overall  employment in the conventional system)
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In physiological unemployment a person is physically employed but physiologically unemployed. This is due to employment of machines, vehicles and computers in factories, offices, companies and even in houses. There is a maximum rest to arms and legs. This leads to less exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between lungs, blood and tissues in different parts of the body.  This in turn creates further erratic employment to internal organs. The result might be degenerative diseases. But there is a lot of opportunity to earn huge profits by medical, health and insurance companies.

In mental unemployment the person is physically employed but without much work to his mind due to computers and artificial intelligence.  A lot of stress on eyes, nerves and muscles may occur. Sedentary life styles compounded with junkfood creates a lot of psychological and social problems. Early retirement from physical jobs may also result.

The solution to all these problems is less dependence on chemiclas and machines. Students should be properly educated and trained to depend directly on sunlight, soil, plants and vegetables for different needs. Instead of concrete jungles a trend towards farm houses should be motivated. It creates both pristine environment and ample employment opportunities,  though not in companies and government offices. More organic products and physical activities will create  a healthy and peaceful population. But the big bosses are thinking to solve all these kinds of unemployment problems by introducing robots!



Sunday, 27 November 2016

A Child of 20 Years Education

It had been clear that Ajay was unfit to do a job in any prosperous company. So he decided to pack up luggage for his native village. He boarded a train to Maggamvaripalle. The mind was so depressed that it couldn't recover from the shock even after the first jolt of the starting train. The train started crawling and hissing through the smoky concrete jungle to leave the suffocating lungs into the open jungles to imbibe the new breath of life. As bouts of oxygen started suffusing into veins, his brain started springing out into a thought of one more new life. A long reel of pictures started flashing in front of his eyes depicting the events of twenty years of his long stay at different educational institutions. The night was no more dark, but painted with colourful illusions of the past imaginative life.

Ajay got off from the only morning train of the village. The sun was just breaking out to scatter its cool golden rays all over the glittering green carpet. Every bird was chirping cheerfully towards the golden fields for its livelihood. No sooner had he approached the door, than he listened the soft conversation between his dad and the elder brother, Vijay. Brother was showing accounts concerning cost of yarn, dyes, designing charges, number of sarees delivered to the market,  and so on. Ajay didn't want to make an abrupt early entry;  instead he decided to sit under the neem tree. He wanted to analyse and list out the reasons for his set backs.

Daddy found that Vijay was not as intelligent as that of Ajay. So he sent Vijay to Surat to get training in silk saree weaving. And Ajay to town to get higher studies.  After a few years of training Vijay returned home and started his own handloom unit, the sole source of income to meet the expenditure of both family and Ajay's stay in the town and later in the city. After being impressed by the way his brother maintaining accounts and by his own introspection, he started penning down biodata in his own style, to be interpreted as follows:

1) No. of years of education: 20 years 
(Baby, KG, Primary, High School, Pre-University, one year long term coaching for engineering entrance exam & B.Tech)

2) No. of days of education: 4000 days
(200 days per annum X 20 years)

3) No. of hours of education in schools & colleges: 32,000 hrs
(8 hrs per day X 4000 days)

4) No. of hours of education in study hours or tuitions: 16,000 hrs
(4 hrs per day X 4000 days)

5) Weight of books handled: 500 kg or say 1/2 ton.
(Average 25 kg per annum X 20 years - text books, study materials, note books, record books & library books)

6) Cost of education: 10 lakhs
(apprx for 20 years - tuition fee, books, stationery, uniforms, etc either spent by parents or government)

7) Percentage of time spent by sitting at educational institutions: 96%

8) Percentage of time spent in other physical activities at educational institutions: 4 %

9) Achievement: Passed 10th class, Intermediate and B.Tech.

10) Language Proficiency: Not satisfactory 
(Now Coaching in Communication Skills or Spoken English required to improve reading, writing and oral skills)

11) Status of Knowledge: Not satisfactory 
(1 Year Long-term Coaching required to appear for competitive exams)

12) Status of Professional Skills: Theoretical  (Byheart or if possible copy system)
(Minimum 3 years training required)

13) Any occupation known for livelihood: Never tried 
(busy with education)

14) Plus points: Good at mobile phones, tabs, computers, internet, e-maling, social network sites, chatting, junk food consumption, romantic affairs, etc.

15) Body appearance: Fantastic 
(have knowledge of branded soaps, shampoos, creams, perfumes, saloons, apparels, fancy items, etc and how to use them)

16) Physical Fitness: occasional tooth ache, eye defects, ENT problems, grey hair, dry skin, obesity, lethargy, back pain, body pains, breathing problems, palpitations, indigestion, etc.

17)  Monthly expenditure: National or international standards
(Source: parents / brother at least for 3 more years)

"The world has done a lot of business through me. I've spent not only a lot of energy and time but also enjoyed a lot as a student. But what about my family? They haven't got a right product in me despite huge investment and aspirations," the thoughts of Ajay had been going on so. What's next? ..... "Future Plans!" The rhythmic click-clack sounds of handloom started emanating from inside. Of course Vijay's routine work had statred! When Ajay lifted his head, Mom was already there with a smile on her face. Dad came out with an inquisitive look at his child of 20 years education!

(Ajay's future plans are left to readers' choice)

Sunday, 13 November 2016

The Space for Childhood Is Far Away!


A simple question was asked, "Which is your favourite planet?" All the students except one answered, "The Earth". But Kavya said "lt's Jupiter." On asking her the reason she said, "Because the Earth is surrounded by poisonous gases and borderd by lethal weapons." Query continued, "Then why can't you prefer the Mars?" She answered in no time, "I have heard that the same destroyers are going to settle there!" Such a kind of phobia is frightening our tender little hearts to survive on our own planet!

As responsible parents we build castles in air for them. But, in fact majority of our children don't like our homes. The reason may be biophilia, ornithophilia, zoophilia or nature deficit disorder. That means children love to spend more time in green environment, enthusiastic to watch birds and happy to play with animals. Homes of parents are no longer homes of children! Why is it so? Because we are developing batophilia, that is love to live in or near tall buildings. Far away from environs where children actually want to live! Anyhow kids have neither a choice to fly away to a distant planet nor a chance to fulfil their desires on this planet. Always our concrete sense overdominates their common sense!

Architectural, engineering and market thrills never allow us to pulse the innate natural beats of our children. Spatial plans, structural designs and suggestive guidelines are always there to keep the neurons in our brains ever busy. So we never have to miss a modern facility or sophisticated furnishing to have a place in our homes. Only thing which doesn't find a place is kid's love towards nature. Our aims will be fulfilled if we can draw the attention of our friends and relatives to receive appreciation for our architectural master-pieces. But the bright colours of our buildings blind our senses to perceive the glow of instinctive desires burning in the genes of younger generations. Instead we wire kids to technological marvels like TVs,  PCs and tabs indoors in sohisticated concrete cages. Though this habit increases their body-mass index, we have no other choice. Let them grow in girth. The world's growing so. So let it go! We scarcely worry about negative effects of physical inactivity. Or we might have already pre-planned to face them. Medical field isn't dearth of research. Treatment is ever available in the market. Superspeciality hospitals are always there. Then why should we worry? Even malfunctioning of thyroids, lungs, liver, pancreas or kidneys doesn't matter.

The innocent childhood urges to sense soft sunrays in the early hours, to do green-exercise, to climb a tree, to play on grass, to view hues or smell fragrance in flowers, and also to watch agile butterflies, active birds and witty squirrels busy around in the home garden. But our rusty outdated minds are always there to flake off the instinct images imprinted on the young brains. Seldon we get time to take our kids to gardens of their choice. Even if possible that too in the evenings only! And we feel proud to show them the wonders like artificial  fountains and synthetic playing items in the light polluted evening gardens. Visiting and studying the lively beautiful gardens in sunny days may be a never-ending desire for our children.

We're great not only because we don't allow them to enjoy poorman's nature, but also because we stand as obstacles against the overall development of our children. Physical activities practically nil. Please think, how can children develop cognitive qualities like problem solving skills, focus and self-discipline, if they aren't let to come out of the four walls of homes,  classrooms and vehicles? How can they improve cooperation, flexibility, and self-awareness? Instead a flame of aggression and enmity engulf their minds. They may either become easy victims to culprits or culprits to prey easy victims.

If we really want to change the human world we should change the units of that world first. That's homes. The overall development of a child can't be expected without an ideal home. The ideal home is one which harldly has 1/3 of its space under concrete structure, 1/3 exposed to the sun and remaining 1/3 covered by tree shade.  (That's what 33.3% of world area under forests mean!) The house should be so small that kids should be forced to spend much of their time outdoors, in appreciating the wonders of nature - shining sun, gleaming moon, twinkling stars, hovering butterflies, flying birds and breezing trees. The kid should spend 1/3 time in schools, 1/3 time in natural environment playing and 1/3 time in sleep. Sound body leads to sound mind!

It's glad that a number of animal activists stand there to protest against destruction of wildlife habitats and also to protect their natural ecosystems. Lot of sympathy is being expressed towards the mute creatures worldwide. Our poor children also listen and learn much about the importance of balanced ecosystems for wildlife, hours together. But, oblivious of their own ecosystems! How many organizations are there to work for balanced human ecosystems? Or as individuals, at least, have we ever thought of the kind of habitats our children need? No, practically nil. Let's Think now! Or else the space for childhood is always far away!

CHILDREN ARE DEVELOPING WEAK BONES DUE TO LACK OF SUFFICIENT SUNLIGHT & PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES. METABOLIC ACTIVITIES GOING SLOW.


Monday, 2 May 2016

Purpose of Banning Child Marriages: Achieved or Misused?

The child is the index of social prosperity. The child's scope stands on the tripod of biological, physical and psychological conditions in close intimacy to the nature. The healthy curiosity of a child lies in exploring the unending growth of the beauty of flora and fauna, but not in watching the obnoxious scenes shooted and screaned as addictive traps of modern business tactics! The child's mental and muscle power are strengthened through outdoor games under the cool shades of copiously branching canopies of mighty trees. Yes, dexterity in hands and flexibility in body are the real investments for a child's future, also that of a nation!

Some say that the child is a crow of delight. What does it mean? Eagerness and enthusiasm in exploring new colours, shapes, structures,  textures, processes and phenomena. Any child's primary job..... the marvel of the childhood. Aren't we proud of it? Yes, we are. Sometimes the pragmatic child speeds up the pace to mimic adults too! Could we stop this? We couldn't. And we never. But  marriages may hamper the progress of a child in a myriad of ways. It's said that child marriages increase illiteracy, infant mortality, premature deaths or still births, domestic violence, sexual abuses and economic poverty in the society.  If it's so then why shouldn't child marriages be banned? The idea has been strategically implemented by some world and state bodies. Do romance and free sex among children make the purpose of banning child marriages a laughing stuff? Yes, certainly. Then what's our responsibility?  Achieving purpose or exploiting it in the disguise of the ban?

No one great job is lack of certain purpose, procedure and progress. That's how the ban on child marriages too. Children are in the process of physical and psychological development. They aren't fit for sex at this phase. Sex is a stumbling block for a child's education and progress. That's what the purpose of banning child marriages. Whether our target is to ban child marriages merely or to give a fillip to every child's  progress? If the child's progress is our aim then what about the things that are causing an irreparable damage to a child's future? What's the secret behind enticing romantic or sexual feelings when child marriages are banned? Isn't this an opportunity to reap the benefit of indiscriminate business? The world isn't dearth of wise people. Let them think and act promptly to remould this opportunistic modern society.

It's a universal fact that sexualization creates negative impact on the self-image and healthy development of a child. Obscenity through tiny dresses, ads, films, sexual imageries and pornographic videos is  imprinting indelible blots on the otherwise clean young minds. Is it not disheartening to see electrifying liplock kisses, sensual gestures and amorous poses on the screen which is otherwise meant for demoting child marriages? Hmmm .... yes, an ironical link between unbridled media and warping of a child’s mind! Romance and sex are being instilled in the young minds more effectively than that of school or college education through glaring audio-visual aids. No respite since a child opens its eyes in the mother's lap. No doubt schooling is compulsory. Is it serving its purpose?  Unquenchable sex hormone levels are elevated  to such an extent that the unmarried youth can't stop listening to some romantic or sensual music. Unknown but pleasurable erotic sensations are being ignited non-stop day and night. This excited curiosity is being illegally exploited. Now it's easy to coerce children into sexual abuses or trick them  into business malpractices. The world is full of such sporadic incidents. Can't we visualize anxiety,  depression and overly sexualized behaviours among children these days? Who's responsible? Are we achieving the purpose of banning child marriages or misusing it? Does uncontrollable fantasy fill the gap of child sex? Whether our business is seductive or promotive with respect to the overall growth and development of a child?  We must introspect ourselves if we dream of a happy children's world. Or else the consequences echoe down to successive generations at geometrically progressive levels.

We know that sexuality  is a vital part of a teenagers' life. And also know that child sex or child marriage is a taboo upto 18 or 21 years. The child marriage banning  agencies or governments should promote reduction in sexual enticements rather than seduction run in the name of business or development. Who will bear the responsibility of various risks like loss of education, lack of professional skills, liable unproductive manpower, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases (HIV /AIDS), depressions or suicidal deaths? A teenager or a bachelor certainly have a desire for sex in such circumstances, but not have the opportunity to fulfill that desire, or may on constitutional, ethical or religious reasons to refrain from acting on the urge. What would be its impact on such a person's psyche? Are we here to quieten the dormant or latent instincts or inflate the flame just to do our business? Does our multi-faceted business strategies lull the libido or mull mortido? The time is alarmingly ripe to analyse! Environmental pollution too is adding fuel to the flame of sexual frustration among the young minds. Once again we have to look back to see whether the purpose of banning child marriages is achieved or misused?

Friday, 15 April 2016

The Other Mother's Lap for Education



Is there any place in the world equal to that of the mother's lap, with so much aura of care, love and warmness? Definitely not! Is there any primary school which can match this free gift of nature? No, certainly not. Whether it's day or night, summer or winter, healthy or unhealthy that comfort touches anyone's  heart.

Could we get the similar hospitality through out. No, not at all possible. As we grow we have to distance ourselves from that heaven of cosiness.  From primary to high school; then from pre-university to university studies, a lot of changes occur in the kind of atmosphere and care we get. One could visualize one's academic performance and its relationship with factors like availability of sunlight,  air ventilation, air quality, humidity and temperature. These factors boost up the understanding of the subject,  memory retention, creativity, and performance in examinations. Could we expect such an ideal atmosphere for education, these days? Hardly one can expect!

Luckily I used to get this kind of opportunity in natural and pristine environs around my place. Whenever I had holidays I used to squat with a couple of books under the shade of my favourite tree, Karanj or Kanuga, botanically Milletia pinnata or Pongamia glabra (old name). The evergreen tree with a massive canopy of light green foliage and all-around drooping branches was the best alternative to my mother's care. The cushiony thick carpet of fragrant, pink, purple or white tiny flowers on the ground, was the best alternative to my mother's lap. The intense heat and sunlight of the summer used to chase me out towards this tree of great refuge. The occasionally-visiting chirping birds was an additional recreation for me. I hardly felt bore-some during my exam preparations. Sometimes I used to enjoy sighting a lofty bow of gleaming rainbow through the water-dripping twigs during brief summer showers. I hardly used to feel tiresome because of the amazing cooling nature of the tree due to its effective transpiring surface. No need to spend money on purchasing energy for running fans or coolers. This is not an exaggeration, please. I used to assimilate, grasp or memorize  subjects at a pace more than what I could expect at my home or in my classroom!

Can't we present our tender children and sensitive students of the day this kind of heart touching and ever-soothing environment? Definitely we can! This will save pupils and students from increasing health disorders due to accumulation of pollutants in living places to the alarming levels. The best way for saying goodbye to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), Sick School Syndrome  (SSS), or Sick Car Syndrome  (SCS) is by spending a few hours a day outdoors in green environments. We are not dearth of champions of education, children-lovers and billion-dollar planners in this era to save the children. A lot of scope is their to modify the present monotonous classroom system. This will also be  a way to avoid shifting of focus of students from studies to the travails of  dripping-wet-hair through profuse perspiration. Besides the colourful-but-cluttered classrooms, it would be better to have a live garden around, full of colourful flowers, attractive birds and shade-giving trees. It would be a relief from boredom too. So we shouldn't miss this opportunity of getting the blessings of the helpless and innocent children by providing tree shade!

Friday, 8 April 2016

What Does Unrest at Educational Institutions Indicate?



The importance of education and it's role in moulding the lives of students is well known. A lot of emphasis  has been universally given to educate children. Whether that intention of education is still continuing or something else has taken its place is a question.  The kind of unrest prevalent in educational institutions these days is a witness.

Educational process seems to have been derailed from the right path of its true destiny. Has  the aim of education been diverted from human values to material values or anything else? If education is totally in the hands of eligible,  qualified and professional people then why human values and professionalism are lacking among the students?

When the management,  teaching and non-teaching staff are divided on the basis of caste and creed or economic and social status then how could we expect humanistic values among their products?
Now the main focus is shifted from purpose to profits. Education is no longer showing  its holistic approach towards moulding the overall life of a child, instead towards amassing wealth through the business of textbooks, stationery, uniforms, etc. This business further needs politics to dominate the field. The mind of the people of the education field is now obsessed with funds, business and profits rather than with the actual purpose of improvement of education, skills, child and human values.

The knowledge is now restricted to books. But the minds of students are empty or filled with other means of entertainment. No true essence of knowledge is there. When the school management and  teachers need money, parents and children need marks and grades. A very few concern about reading skills,  writing skills, oral skills and other life skills among students.  The target is merely marks and grades in exams.
Unless the aim of education is stressed upon and mentality of management,  teachers, parents and children is changed we can't  expect peace and tranquillity. It's  very shameful that illiterate people are aghast to see the barbaric deeds of educated ones at educational institutions. Once education was a means to transform the barbaric people into civilized ones. But now it seems that the wrong format and motto of education has transfored  the civilised people into barbaric ones. Atleast now the authorities should open their eyes to enrich the minds of students with knowledge, moral values and universal brotherhood, rather than with selfish mottos. Otherwise education will remain  a fashion rather than a purpose.

Good teachers, lecturers, professors and students never bow down to money power, muscle power, political gimmicks and communal forces;  instead they dedicate themselves to the purpose of their staying at holistic places of education.