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Good education in India has its own challenges

Education in India has become a business nowadays. Government schools are a joke with no quality teachers, no facilities and private schools’ fees are so high that poor or middle class people can’t afford this education for their children. Students are forced either by their parents or even school teachers to join their private tuitions. Children of age 5–6 who are just in 1st standard are going to private tuitions why do such young age kids need extra classes apart from school? They have barely started their education and they are forced into brutal competition that certainly kills talent in them, as they don’t get enough time to explore other activities that will help them determine their talent and passion. Though, there are state governments like Delhi and Maharashtra are trying to bring some change in government and municipality schools but those efforts are not collectively enough. The coaching classes and private schools are mushrooming in each corner.

Once you pass 10th /12th exams, there comes the expectations of parents as they compare yourself with other relatives and rest of the society. Indian mindset is if you are an Engineer or Doctor, you will make a good career and become rich. Of course it is a good career but only if you are passionate enough for that knowledge and challenges. People in India don’t care for passion, some even don’t know what their passion is, are only concerned about salary package they would get after earning a degree. In terms of education system, more emphasis is given for theoretical knowledge rather it should be 50–50 for theory and practical. No encouragement for research or whatsoever. Apart from big institutions like IIT where some active research happens, even though not up to the standards of top universities in the world like MIT or Stanford, other colleges and universities are just useless. People have to pay lakhs for such low-grade education.

In India, people are too job oriented. To have a settled life you either need to be an engineer or a doctor. Other professions doesn’t bring money and hence they can’t settle in their life quickly. So, most of the parents force their children to either pursue engineering or MBBS. There are other fields that should be looked into and secured job opportunities in various fields are very much essential.

People in India are driven by need and not by passion. Most people don’t even know what their passion is and they are forced by the circumstances to pursue uninterested courses. Schools play a key role in determining a person’s passion. Schools in India don’t stress on the fact that one should take their hobby seriously. Scope for research in India is in miserable condition apart from IISC and IITs, other institutes have no idea about investing on research. Why does USA do cutting edge stuff? Why thousands of Indians opt for foreign universities every year?  Because those countries have realised how important research is towards one’s nation. India has its difficulties in improving the educational system. Resource crunch is one of the major issues. Take for example, the amount of funds needed to have good schools, in all the villages, with good building, furniture and well-trained teachers. The buildings, furniture, or trained teachers, are sufficient enough to facilitate the students to study properly. In addition, the poverty conditions of many families do not allow them to send their children to the school, if any.

The government should take initiative on priority basis, to clean up the system in primary education. Providing toilets and gas connection to the poor are good decisions, but it is equally important to have good buildings and good teachers, with all other connected amenities. The amount of budget allotment, and its full utilisation, has to be closely watched by genuine and efficient authorities.

Full employment or social security scheme, may solve this problem to a great extent. Only country’s progress can give an answer to this.

None of the selection process for higher education is properly engineered. Primary education up to the high school level, has been neglected for poor and low income groups, under the cover of free education. This has resulted in sending these children to higher education, unprepared, which also results in producing educationally qualified, but unemployable labour force.

Different states have different styles and standards of education in schools, including valuation of examination papers. This results in many students entering higher education without sufficient knowledge. Many higher education institutions have uniform syllabus nationally, but at the school level, both the syllabus, as well as standards are different.

In contemporary India, the education system has become an object of hate. The aim of education is not fulfilled due to livelihood. Students of high schools, colleges, and universities always think about employment. They want to have a job by hook or by crook using unfair means in the examination. Over 80 per cent students are ready to satisfy the appointment authorities by giving hush money. Bribery has become the discipline or virtues in Modern India. No government offices are free from bait. Before Mandal Commission caste was in dormant but after its implementation it wholly came on the surface of the social current. For the sake of votes, all political parties made it a Natural Rights for SC, ST, OBC , etc. On account of these anti-social privileges, the Indian education system has really become the subject of hate and for it government is responsible. There are many such issues that are not addressed from ages.


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Inspection of schools thrice a year to improve education

School Inspection, State Education Department, thrice a year inspectionState Education Department has passed the ordinance that the schools in Mumbai and Maharashtra would be inspected thrice a year. For the academic year 2019-2020, the first visit is scheduled to be directed in November, followed by the second visit in December and January, and the third in February-March 2020. The State Education Department has titivated its scrutiny process to ensure better education and environment in schools across the state.

When Afternoon Voice contacted Alphonsa Suresh a teacher of Vidya Vikasini School (ICSE) on state education departments order to inspect the schools thrice in a year, she said, “I would like to extend my support and appreciation on the topics. However, I think it’s not necessary to inspect schools thrice in a year but once in a year strictly with standing instructions from the department to develop the quality of the educational system.”

If the school is under government or municipalities they should follow all the mandatory rules and regulations so that there will be equality and quality of education which can help to develop all over the state,” she added.

When asked how education and teaching standards can be improved in school she said, “Education department must impart training and workshops for teachers. Teachers and students bond with mutual respect, love, and care that can develop a child’s career. And once in a year, they should conduct a seminar for teachers and child’s parents will help to improve the quality.”

The department recently released a draft which stated. Schools have to fill their inspection details in the Unified District Information on School Education (UDISE) system. However, even when the inspection took place once every year, the data was not shown appropriately on UDISE in previous times. Every year, after the inspection, the authorities were not able to conduct a follow-up and the attempt to maintain the standards had worsened. Therefore, now the inspection would be held thrice a year which will ensure that the schools can implement the suggestions for improvement accordingly.

Borivali Municipal school’s teacher Madam Chaughule said, “Earlier also, the inspections used to happen but there was no follow up to ensure the lacunas to be addressed. Perhaps, that was the reason schools were never in promised conditions. If the inspection happens thrice a year, one can bring change. We are very happy with government ordinance.”

We tried to speak to former education minister, but he refused to comment stating, “This is not the right time to comment on anything, our government has already tried its best to ensure good education system, and if given a chance it will continue doing best towards schools in the state.”

Bano Sahim Khan, teacher of J. B Ludhani High School said, “The government can inspect school several times as there are no restrictions but if they are coming to examine just for the sake of doing their job, they shouldn’t. Whereas if they are doing for children then they should check the quality of teaching as well as and what outcome school is giving considering two very important things. Firstly, the achievement of the school and secondly, personal development of the child.”

She further stated, “Teaching standard of the school will improve by hiring professionally qualified teacher as it will help in the growth of students and development of school. Teachers should be aware of the new technology because it is very important today.

Where is Childhood lost?

Childhood, school, education, children, columnThe increasing burden of school bag is causing huge inconvenience to children. On one hand, the burden of education on children increased, and the scope of practical knowledge available to them in schools continued to decline. As a result of this it affects the physical and mental development of children. Burden of bags was less on children about five decades back. For example there was one book for the first grade and two for the second and three books for the third grade. Moreover, questions are based according to each class level. There were questions like Maths, profit, loss, interest and equation, but today children are deprived of practical curriculum knowledge and education. This is causing double damage to children. One increased the burden on children, and the other was that the scope of practical knowledge that children received in school continued to decline. As a result of this it hampers children’s physical and mental development. Health experts say school children under the age of 12 may be at risk of suffering due to burden of bags. Nowadays more than ten textbooks and notebooks are offered to children studying in first class. Due to increased burden of bags it is affecting children’s back, knees and spine. According to experts, young students who carry heavy bags hampers the physical and mental development of children.

Nowdays, Parents buy videogames, carrom board instead of asking them to play cricket, football which is detrimental to their physical and mental health. Children who play videogames for the entire day have a tendency to change their temper and mood as compared to normal children. Kids already have the undergo stress of studies. Then the pressure of winning the competition makes these kids serious at a young age. Parents leave their children alone because they do not have free time for them. Hence they send their children to school and participate in theater. Instead of reading and writing, kids are aware about new videogame and action movie. In today’s age of these aspects cannot be ignored.

I have seen parents not allowing their children to play with other children. These children constantly sit in front of the TV and seldom go out which hampers their development. Children learn from what is taught at home and they try to imitate the same. Some parents don’t allow their kids to play the cooking games. Girl child always like to play that cooking games which she has always seen in her house. They look to imitate the same. They have a home in the kitchen, mom who cook, dad who is going to the office, a grandpa who play with them. This is the age to understand the house and the family. Childhood fun is lost in mobile keyboards today. The craft ideas projects have now been replaced by readymade greetings.

Today, in Convent schools, teachers are providing assignments to kg section students like tenth standard students. When Children come home from school they are unable to have free time and do not have time to play. Parents have admitted them to private schools for providing better education for their young children. We must think of ways in which those innocent children can be relaxed. Instead of teaching in a closed room, they should be taught interestingly and freely. Children are unable to concentrate on education due to burden of books. The constant pressure from parents and teachers should not adversely affect children’s minds, however they need to be guided by the importance of education and development. Don’t put stress on them. Children should be taught practical knowledge so that their thinking can be enhanced.


Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AFTERNOON VOICE and AFTERNOON VOICE does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

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Amit Shah finally breaks his silence on Sena’s allegations

Amit ShahAfter imposition of Presidential Rule in Maharashtra BJP president Amit Shah said in an interview that Shiv Sena’s new demand on Maharashtra Government formation is not acceptable to them. As they have decided things earlier only.

He said, “Before elections, PM Modi and I said many times in public that if our alliance wins then Devendra Fadnavis will be the CM, no one objected back then. Now they have come up with new demands which are not acceptable to us.”

‘Police informer’ arrested for supplying drugs and money extortion

arrest 12001The Anti Narcotic Cell (ANC) of Worli unit on Wednesday arrested a 51-year-old police informer who had been extorting money from drug peddlers also seized heroin worth Rs 1.41 crore from him.

According to the ANC officers, the accused Khalid Wasi Khan is a resident of the Mumbra area. Police said the Khan used to supply drugs to the selected client near Mazgaon area.

As per the report, the officers got a tip from their sources and following which they laid a trap near Dockyard road railway station and arrested khan.

Police have seized 470 grams of heroin worth Rs. 1.41 corer from the red-colored rexin bag. Deputy commissioner of police (ANC) Shivdeep Lande said the accused used to work as a police informer for the ANC in the year 2000 to 2003.

The officers have booked the accused under the relevant section 8 c of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic substances Act, 1985.

Lata Didi is ‘stable’, confirms family

Lata Mangeshkar

Bollywood veteran singer Lata Mangeshkar was rushed to hospital few days back after suffering from a chest infection, Mangeshkar’s family has assured that her health is ‘stable and better’.

“Lata di is stable and much better. Thank you very much for your prayers. We are waiting for her to be at her best so she can be home soon,” the singer’s family said in a statement.

They also thanked fans for their support along with respecting their privacy.

On Monday, the 90-year old singer was taken to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai.

Lata Mangeshkar, who began her career in 1942, entered her 90s recently.

She is a recipient of the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke Awards.

Kriti Sanon to reunite with Akshay Kumar for ‘Bachchan Pandey’

Kriti Sanon and akshay kumarKriti Sanon is set to star opposite Akshay Kumar in “Bachchan Pandey”, the makers announced on Wednesday.

“We’re extremely happy and elated to announce the charming @kritisanon is here to make our Christmas 2020 merrier than ever! Welcome back to the #NGEFamily with #BachchanPandey,” the official account of production banner Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment shared on Twitter.

This is Kriti’s second collaboration with the trio of Akshay, Farhad and Sajid after her latest release “Housefull 4”.

“Thrilled and beyond excited for this reunion! This Christmas is gonna be indeed a Merry Merry one! Can’t wait to start,” she wrote on the microblogging site.

Directed by Farhad Samji and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, the film is slated for a Christmas 2020 release.

Kriti will next be seen in Ashutosh Gowariker’s ambitious period drama, “Panipat”.

You can’t survive pageantry or Bollywood, if you’re not strong: Lara Dutta

Lara DuttActor Lara Dutta believes it’s crucial for a person to be strong to survive in Bollywood, pageantry or modelling world as it requires nerves of steel to navigate the ups and downs.

Lara will mentor contestants for LIVA Miss Diva 2020, which will feature young aspirants from across the country competing for the title.

The actor, who was crowned Miss Universe 2000, said one “needs to be strong” to make it through the pageantry.

“Today, whether it’s pageantry, surviving in the modelling business or entering Bollywood, I don’t think you’ll survive if you’re not strong as a person. The idea is not just to train these girls but also to provide them an ecosystem which gives them the support they need.

“To create a sisterhood with few past pageant winners. So that when they go through experiences, they understand that they aren’t alone,” Lara told an agency in an interview.

The actor said aspirants today seem to be “far more armed, savvier” than what she or other Indian pageant winners like Priyanka Chopra and Dia Mirza were.

“That has got to do with the social media influence. So they have access to a lot more information, have far more experience and are exposed to more things than we were. We came in as 18-19 year olds, barely out of school or college.

“The girls today have access to tutorials, most of them have also taken some grooming classes. Every girl who comes in is beautiful, so it’s not about changing the way they look but more about instilling a confidence in them, an ability to break the stereotype of how a beauty pageant winner ought to be described,” she added.

Lara, 41, said the myth of how a pageant winner has to be needs to be “shattered”.

“A lot has changed from the way a stereotypical beauty pageant winner was described. We need to teach these girls to step out of their comfort zones, to be able to shatter the myth of what a stereotypical beauty queen was supposed to be. In order to that, they need to have a voice of their own and the ability to express it.”

India won its Miss Universe crown 19 years ago, with Lara being the last winner. Asked why the country hasn’t seen more winners since then, the actor said, because between the years 1994-2000 “we had so many winners, we thought this was a cup of tea.”

“We don’t see the other side, that France had to wait almost 54 years, Philippines waited 30 years before they had their winning spree. You have more than 100 countries competing… even internationally what they’re looking at is constantly evolving and changing.”

“Even if we think we may have cracked the formula, when we go in there, it’s a complete surprise to us because then they’re looking for something entirely different than what they were looking for in the last five years,” she added.

Soha Ali Khan to make digital debut with comedy web-series

Soha Ali KhanSoha Ali Khan on Tuesday said she will foray into the digital medium with a comedy web-series.

“I am looking forward to starting something in January and it will be 30 or 40 days commitment. I have never stayed this long away from my daughter Inaaya, I will take her with me. It is a comedy in a web-series space. The last couple of episodes are being written. The official announcement will come soon,” Soha told PTI.

Soha’s brother Saif Ali Khan made his digital debut with Netflix Original’s critically acclaimed series “Sacred Games”.

Soha believes web shows offer quality and challenging work for talented actors.

“There are different reasons why people do web. When it comes to theatrical distribution there are many risks. A lot of films are releasing on the web directly and web shows are also being made. Because of the digital platform, I had the confidence to say that there will always be work for good actors here.”

Soha and her husband Kunal Kemmu are co-producing the biopic on India’s renowned lawyer Ram Jethmalani with Ronnie Screwvala.

“The first draft of the script is locked and we are finalising the script. It is a very ambitious project.”

Robert De Niro to be honoured with 2019 SAG Life Achievement Award

Robert De NiroHollywood veteran and double Oscar winner Robert De Niro will receive the Life Achievement Award from Screen Actors Guild (SAG) at the 26th edition of the ceremony next year.

According to a press release issued on Tuesday, the actor has been named the 56th recipient of SAG-AFTRA’s highest tribute: the SAG Life Achievement Award for career achievement and humanitarian accomplishment.

The 76-year-old De Niro will be presented the honour on January 19, 2020.

The SAG Life Achievement Award is given annually to an actor who fosters the “finest ideals of the acting profession”.

“I have been a member of this union for over 50 years. It’s an honor to receive this award from SAG-AFTRA,” De Niro said in a statement.

The star of “Taxi Driver,” “The Deer Hunter” and “Silver Linings Playbook” will add the award to his impressive catalog honours, which also includes a Golden Globe, the Cecil B DeMille Award, a Presidential Medal of Freedom, a GLADD Excellence in Media Award and the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Chaplin Award.

In a reference to his roles in films “The Godfather 2”, “Raging Bull” and “The Intern”, Gabrielle Carteris, president of SAG-AFTRA, said it was her privilege to announce SAG-AFTRA’s highest honour for “one of the most singular talents of our generation”.

“Robert De Niro is an actor of extraordinary depth and ability. The characters he creates captivate our imaginations. From the smoldering inferno of young Vito Corleone to the raging bull Jake Lamotta and everybody’s grandpa Ben Whittaker, he continues to touch our hearts and open our minds to new and exciting worlds of understanding and emotion,” Carteris said.

De Niro will next be seen in frequent collaborator Martin Scorsese’s gangster drama, “The Irishman”.

SAG — the awards of the actors, by the actors, for the actors in film and television — is one of the biggest ceremonies in the Hollywood awards season.

Nominations will be announced on December 11.