Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Who is the real Change Agent


You too can introspect

At the very outset, let me paint an answer to the question ‘why do you want to dedicate your time to achieving this vision?” with a question and an answer. It lies in the question “How people will remember you after a long journey in this world or what kind of footprint do you like to leave for your followers?” Let’s take a deep breath and revitalize! I did it and left without any clues. However, I reached a conclusion which is engraved in the lovely Chinese proverb; “If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people”.

If the master is right, his disciples often go upright. This may the logic behind a Judge’s verdict to punish teachers and parents of an adult who committed a criminal offense.  Though we have myriad issues like meager infrastructure, inadequate sanitation facilities, lack of fund etc.; the real challenge we face today is the lack of accountability and shortage of behavioral skills of teachers. Today morning only I read an article titled ‘schools in danger’; reiterating ‘with public schools not performing and private schools teaching students to compete rather than learn, India’s primary sites of education are at risk’. Providing sufficient training for teachers to ensure imparting skills scientifically and correcting structural issues which brings down the accountability of teachers are the need of this hour. This can be achieved only through do a re-read on the value education approach of our father of Nation.

Education obliterates ignorance and a real teacher removes darkness. Though it’s a little philosophical, it is a truth that when vision vanishes people perish. A true education is not about desks and digits, but about daring to dream. A real educator provides roots and wings to silent kids who sit at his footsteps and eagerly watching at the teacher’s mouth to collect priceless treasures.  When our Abe sat under a street light to enunciate lessons, he never thought the changes it brings to him. Beyond any second thought Nelson Mandela proclaimed; “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.