The six Cs of excellence and successful action

 The original name of India, Bharat, means: ‘To delight in light, wisdom.’ For centuries, Indians have held knowledge in the highest regard. Nalanda University is a shining example. Knowledge was the gateway to prosperity. India flourished in every sense. There are descriptions of streets being lined with gold. Our literature, sculpture, music, dance and textiles radiated unparalleled beauty and sophistication. In modern times, we look to Harvard and Wharton for success. Yet, it is the Bhagwad Gita that has the formula for success. To begin with, look inward – 85% of success comes from attitude, from the use of intellect. Our greatest asset is the intellect that needs to be used and fortified. The Gita prescribes the following six Cs of success.

● Core interest
Identify your svadharm, your unique gift. Hard work becomes enjoyable in a field aligned to your passion. You get bored and frustrated in a field alien to your nature. At best, you can become mediocre. Invest your energy in the field of your svadharm, and you achieve unimaginable success. You are fulfilled. And you grow. Rajinikanth, the famous actor, started life as a bus conductor, MS Dhoni as a railway ticket examiner.

● Commitment
Once you identify your core interest or svadharm, fix a higher ideal. Ask yourself: What am I working for? Is it just financial gain, or is there a deeper, more meaningful purpose behind your efforts? Commit yourself to the goal. You will overcome the most daunting obstacles and emerge successful. Kobe Bryant played an entire summer without scoring a single point. His commitment kept him going.

● Competence
Equip yourself with the necessary knowledge and tools. Competence isn’t just about raw talent. It’s a blend of intelligence, continuous learning, and hardwork. Sharpen your skills, gain expertise, and be open to fresh knowledge.

● Cooperation
No matter how brilliant you are, you need team spirit to achieve results. Invest in building strong teams. When you collaborate, you experience the magic of synergy – where the collective effort far exceeds the sum of individual contributions. When you love your team members and stand up for them, they return the courtesy. They go well beyond the call of duty for you. You then transform a group of stars into an all-star team.

● Concentration
Your intellect must channel the mind to the present action. A weak intellect allows the mind to slip to the unproductive avenues of past worry and future anxiety. Action gets flawed and you meet with failure. When the intellect is strong it focuses the mind to the present. Action is perfect. Whether it is the ‘nervous nineties’ in cricket or a heartbreaking double fault at match point in tennis, it is the mind that falters.

● Consistency
The intellect directs all actions to the chosen goal. If the intellect is not vigilant, the mind wanders. Light burns paper when focused to a point. So also, thoughts have power. They become a force to reckon with when they are directed towards one goal. Consistency is vital. Bit by bit, you get to your goal.

Talent alone isn’t enough. To unlock your potential, embrace the six Cs. They are key to extraordinary success, happiness, and personal growth.

By Jaya Row

Source: Times of India, 6/02/25

World Wetlands Day 2025

 World Wetlands Day is observed on February 2 each year. This day aims to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands. Recently, the theme was Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future. India added four new Ramsar sites, denoting its commitment to wetland conservation. These sites include Udhwa Lake in Jharkhand, Theerthangal and Sakkarakottai in Tamil Nadu, and Khecheopalri in Sikkim.

What Are Wetlands?

• Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, either permanently or seasonally.
• They include marshes, swamps, and lakes. Wetlands are crucial for biodiversity.
• They provide habitats for many species, including migratory birds and aquatic life.
• Wetlands also aid in water conservation. They recharge groundwater and control floods.
• Additionally, they support local fisheries and communities. Wetlands act as carbon sinks, absorbing more carbon than they release.

Ramsar Convention and Its Importance

The Ramsar Convention was established in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran. It is an international treaty focused on conserving wetlands. The convention defines wetlands broadly. It includes natural and artificial areas with various water types. Ramsar sites receive international recognition for their ecological significance. They are protected to ensure biodiversity and ecosystem health.

Significant Wetlands in India

India has 89 Ramsar sites. Tamil Nadu has the highest number, with 20 sites. Punjab is home to six major wetlands, including Harike Pattan, the largest in North India. Harike Wetlands support many migratory birds, such as the Siberian crane. Other important wetlands include Kanjli, Ropar, and Nangal. These wetlands host various wildlife, including fish, turtles, and birds.

Decline of Migratory Birds in Punjab

Recent surveys indicate a decline in migratory bird populations in Punjab. The 2023-24 bird census reported a 13.7% decrease in bird numbers across six protected wetlands. Kanjli Wetland experienced the most drop, with numbers falling nearly 49.49% over two years. Despite this, the variety of bird species visiting these sites increased slightly.

Threats to Wetlands

Wetlands face numerous threats, primarily from human activities. Industrial waste from factories contaminates water bodies. Illegal sand mining disrupts water retention and aquatic ecosystems. Agricultural practices, such as pesticide use, negatively impact wildlife. Climate change also poses threat, leading to rising temperatures and altered weather patterns.

Conservation Measures

To protect wetlands, several measures are recommended. Afforestation with native tree species helps restore ecosystems. Soil conservation practices can improve land health. Strict regulations against illegal mining are necessary. Public awareness campaigns are also vital for conservation efforts. Engaging local communities in protection initiatives can enhance the sustainability of wetlands.

Higher Education Commission of India

 The Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) is set to transform the landscape of higher  education regulation in India. This initiative aims to replace existing bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Recent discussions highlight concerns about potential closures of rural institutions and the risk of increased privatisation. A parliamentary panel has recommended a streamlined regulatory framework that ensures adequate state representation.

Background and Objectives of HECI

• The HECI was proposed under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It seeks to unify the regulatory framework for higher education.
• The main objectives include improving standards, enhancing accreditation processes, and ensuring effective monitoring of institutions.
• The HECI aims to address the inconsistencies caused by multiple regulators.

Structure of the HECI

The proposed HECI will consist of four verticals – regulation, accreditation, funding, and academic standards. This structure is designed to create a more coherent regulatory environment. The central government will play role in its operations. However, concerns remain regarding the centralisation of power.

Implications for Rural Institutions

The parliamentary panel has raised alarms about the potential impact on rural institutions. Many of these institutions struggle with inadequate infrastructure and faculty shortages. The HECI’s authority to close underperforming institutions may disproportionately affect these areas. This could lead to a reliance on private institutions, exacerbating educational inequalities.

Recommendations from the Parliamentary Panel

The committee led by Rajya Sabha MP Digvijay Singh has suggested a simplified regulatory hierarchy. They emphasised the importance of sufficient state representation within the HECI. This would help balance national and state-level regulations. The panel believes that decentralisation is crucial for effectively serving diverse educational needs across states.

Concerns About Centralisation

The draft HECI Bill has been critiqued for maintaining a central government-heavy composition. Critics argue that this could undermine state control over education. The panel’s report warns that excessive centralisation may hinder the ability of state universities to operate effectively. Ensuring a balanced approach between central and state authorities is vital for the success of the HECI.

Future of Higher Education Regulation

The HECI represents shift in higher education regulation in India. By consolidating regulatory functions, it aims to create a more efficient system. However, the success of this initiative will depend on addressing concerns around state representation and the impact on rural institutions. The HECI’s implementation will require careful consideration of diverse educational contexts.

Challenge Yourself

 Most people reach a stage in life - typically in their forties, fifties or sixties - when they have accomplished a lot and fulfilled many of their aspirations. They have reached the peak of their careers, built satisfying family lives and achieved various personal goals. At this crucial juncture, many begin to reflect on what lies ahead. It's a moment of introspection, sometimes even a mid-life crisis. However, this sense of uncertainty - 'What now?' or 'What's next?' - can, instead, be seen as  ..

There is no 'mid-life crisis' unless and until we have lost our enthusiasm or sense of direction. This phase can be seen as a chance to re-evaluate and enrich one's vision. As we move forward, we should strive to set ourselves higher goals, regardless of whether they are spiritual, material or personal in nature. Have confidence in yourself. There is much more to be achieved. Now is the time to expand your horizons and let your actions be driven by love - whether for society, your country or eve ..

Source: Economic Times, 4/02/25

Feminism for all

 

Despite strides made by feminist movements in promoting women’s rights, next generation of it has to broaden its perspective to include men and boys as allies rather than as adversaries

Bengaluru witnessed a tragic and unsettling event in December — the suicide of Atul Subhash. In his 24-page suicide note and 90-minute video, Subhash claimed that his estranged wife and her family had harassed him, detailing years of psychological and legal suffering that he ascribed to unfounded claims of sexual misconduct, domestic abuse, and even homicide. This tragedy has rekindled national discussions on mental health, gender roles, and the potential abuse of laws intended to safeguard women.

Subhash’s passing serves as a powerful reminder of the need for an inclusive approach to gender equality. Despite the remarkable strides made by feminist movements in promoting women’s rights, the next generation of feminism has to broaden its perspective to include men and boys as allies rather than as adversaries.

The present wave of feminism is advocating for intersectionality, which acknowledges that gender intersects with other identities such as race, class, and sexual orientation to create distinct forms of oppression. However, one critical issue that is often found unaddressed is the harm that patriarchal institutions cause to men.

As a result of oppressive regimes depriving women of fundamental liberties and rights, legal frameworks have been established to safeguard them. These structures,
however, can be used to stigmatise men, underlining the need to examine the legal and social systems that men encounter.

There is also the crushing weight of cultural expectations imposed on men. Men are supposed to be strong, stoic, and providers; they are not allowed to be emotionally vulnerable or fail. In patriarchal cultures, men are conditioned to associate their value with their capacity to fulfil family obligations and succeed professionally.

Subhash spoke of betrayal, helplessness, and systematic unfairness in his suicide note. He felt helpless in a system that he felt was biased against him. Subhash’s case is emblematic of a wider problem in which men who are dealing with mental health problems or legal disputes feel frequently stigmatised. Feminist campaigning has rightfully focused on women’s challenges navigating repressive structures but it is impossible to attain true equality without questioning systems that are damaging to both genders.

Debates over the possible abuse of laws intended to shield women from domestic abuse and harassment have also been rekindled by Subhash’s case. For many women stuck in violent relationships, Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, which makes cruelty towards married women a crime, has been a lifeline. Nonetheless, there are recorded instances of this rule being abused. Subhash stated that a number of false charges were filed against him. Protecting women against violence is vital, but it’s also crucial to make sure that these safeguards aren’t used as weapons. Advocating for reforms should include demands for an equitable system in which everyone, regardless of gender, can access justice.

Feminism has to develop into a movement that includes boys and men in its discourse. This does not imply lessening the emphasis on women’s rights; rather it entails acknowledging that structural injustices affect both sexes, albeit in different ways. The same patriarchal structures that feminism aims to dismantle also adversely affect men. Adaptable concepts of manhood must be promoted by inclusive feminism in order to combat toxic masculinity. It must provide forums where men can ask for support and
show vulnerability without worrying about being judged.

Atul Subhash’s passing is a wake-up call. It should push us toward a more complex view of equality, away from oversimplified accounts of gender conflict. Building a truly inclusive movement that frees men from toxic masculinity, women from oppression, and society from the inflexible dichotomies that separate us is the next frontier for feminism.

Debarati Bhattacharya 

Source: Telegraph India, 5/02/25

Time to change

 

Now that Artificial Intel­ligence has become all-pervasive and climate change is threatening our very existence, the need to revolutionise our education system is even more crucial

Last week, I was invited to address my ex-students at the fiftieth anniversary of their graduation from high school. I wonder if there will be such celebrations in the future because many high school students do not attend school: they are now enrolled in ‘dummy schools’ instead.

The attitude of parents has undergone a sea change. Earlier, parents were extremely particular about children attending school regularly. Today, parents casually ask, “Are you planning to go to school?” Or “Why are you going to school today? Do you have a test?” When we reflect on this alien behaviour, we realise that the instrumentalist approach to education is being zealously adopted as early as middle school. By the time children reach the secondary level, they are busy looking for suitable ‘dummy schools’ and tutorial centres.

Instead of combating this dangerous trend, schools are bending over backwards to facilitate specific, career-oriented studies at the expense of a complete school education. Some schools even have a nexus with coaching institutes so that the students can write both the school-leaving board exam and the competitive exam in the same year. Apart from placing inhuman stress on high school students, this results in the dangerous dilution of a sound educational foundation.

Unfortunately, middle-class parents are still trapped in dated aspirations for their offspring, namely, securing futures as doctors, engineers and lawyers, well-paying jobs in the corporate and IT sectors or entry into prestigious colleges abroad. Nobody seems to care about proper education although terms like ‘holistic’ and ‘all-round’ are bandied about liberally. Nobody seems to care about helping the young build a robust value schema or attempting to teach them the difference between right and wrong.

We are frequently surprised that many young people and their parents do something that is blatantly wrong just because ‘it pays off’ and because ‘everybody does it’. Values are derived from home but also from the school community. Some parents don’t understand that the invaluable lessons of life that are learnt in the school environment cannot be compared with mere preparation for exams. School, along with campus experience, teaches the lessons of life which form the kernel of one’s character and personality. Just try to imagine the ghastly world which is peopled by ‘unschooled’ individuals! If school is meant just for exams and certificates, in a few years’ time, I would be surprised if alumni had any special feelings for their alma mater, teachers or classmates. This is because there won’t be any shared experiences of joy, disappointment, fun, trouble and adventure.

This reminds me of the satirical classic, The Saber-Tooth Curriculum, which demonstrates people’s resistance to change even if innovation is the only way to survive. Over the last few decades, innumerable red flags have been raised about the stagnant nature of our education system, including assessment. But it is only after I read Saikat Majumdar’s Open Intelligence: Education between Art and Artificial that I realised how senselessly we have been procrastinating about introducing critical educational reforms. We have been nonchalantly tolerating an obsolete education system that tests stamina and memory rather than creativity and multiple intelligences. The ability to create new knowledge is what is required rather than the meaningless regurgitation of old knowledge.

Now that Artificial Intel­ligence has become all-pervasive and climate change is threatening our very existence, the need to revolutionise our education system is even more crucial. However, instead of encouraging students to use AI to their advantage and prepare for a fast-changing and unpredictable future, they are being pushed to follow the familiar routine of attending coaching institutes which prepare them for those stale competitive exams year after year.

If we wish our young to be happy and robust and prevent what seems like an impending disaster from nature, man and machine, we must revolutionise our teaching approaches and goals. This requires a fresh look at the meaning of education itself.

Devi Kar

Source: Telegraph India, 6/02/25

Quote of the Day January 7, 2025

 

“If you want a thing done well, do it yourself.”
Napoleon

“अगर आप चाहते हैं कि कोई चीज उत्कृष्ट तरीके से हो तो आप उसे खुद ही कीजिए।”
नेपोलियन