MONEY CAN’T BUY EDUCATION: A HARD LOOK AT PARENTAL ATTITUDES

MONEY CAN’T BUY EDUCATION: A HARD LOOK AT PARENTAL ATTITUDES

Private schools in India are often accused of exploiting parents, but the reality is more nuanced. It is not always the schools that are actively exploiting parents; rather, parents sometimes present themselves for exploitation. This stems from an immature attitude prevalent among many parents, where the perception exists that money alone can buy quality education.

This mindset places an undue emphasis on the financial aspect of education, overshadowing the need for genuine engagement in their child's learning journey. Education is not merely a transaction but a transformative process involving curiosity, critical thinking, and a nurturing environment. Paying exorbitant fees does not guarantee a superior education or the development of a well-rounded individual.

If money were the sole determinant of educational success, many students with access to premium educational institutions would undoubtedly be among the most learned and intellectually accomplished people. However, education is far more intricate than just affording high-priced schools. True education extends beyond the walls of an institution and is shaped by values, personal growth, and the practical application of knowledge.

It is time for parents to introspect and prioritize the holistic development of their children rather than being captivated by the allure of expensive branding offered by some institutions. An educated mind cannot simply be purchased; it must be cultivated through consistent effort, meaningful engagement, and a genuine passion for learning.

Read More

Plant-Based vs. Non-Plant-Based: A Source-Based Food Classification

 Plant-Based vs. Non-Plant-Based: A Source-Based Food Classification

 Food classification has often been influenced by cultural, ethical, and dietary perspectives. However, a logical and straightforward approach is to categorize food based on its biological origin - whether it comes from plants or animals. This eliminates ambiguity and focuses purely on the source of the food.

 1.     Plant-Based (Plant-Origin) Foods (Vegetarian)

These are foods derived entirely from plants, without direct dependence on animals for production. They are naturally available and can be cultivated without any animal involvement.

 Examples:

•      Fruits & Vegetables – Apples, bananas, spinach, carrots, etc.
•        Grains & Legumes – Rice, wheat, lentils, beans, etc.
•        Nuts & Seeds – Almonds, peanuts, chia seeds, etc.
•        Plant-Based Oils & Extracts – Olive oil, coconut oil, herbal extracts, etc.

 Since plant-based foods are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, they play a significant role in nutrition and sustainable food systems.

 2.     Non-Plant-Based (Animal-Origin) Foods (Non-Vegetarian)

These include any food derived from animals, regardless of whether the animal is harmed in the process. While some are obtained through direct slaughter, others come from animals while keeping them alive.

 Examples:

•        Meat & Poultry – Chicken, beef, lamb, pork, etc.
•        Seafood – Fish, shrimp, crabs, etc.
•        Dairy Products – Milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, etc.
•        Eggs & Honey – Though no slaughter occurs, they are still of animal origin.

 3.     Why Use This Classification?

•        Scientifically Neutral – Instead of ethical or religious viewpoints, it purely considers biological origin.
•        Clarity & Simplicity – Removes confusion about whether items like dairy and eggs are “vegetarian” or “non-vegetarian.”

 4.     Universal Applicability – Works across cultures without controversy.

By categorizing food as Plant-Based and Non-Plant-Based, we can avoid subjective debates and focus on food origin objectively and logically.

 

Read More

Saving Our Lifelines: Combating River Pollution with Urgent Action

 Saving Our Lifelines: Combating River Pollution with Urgent Action

 Major Causes of River Pollution:

1. Industrial Waste – Factories discharge toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and untreated wastewater into rivers.
2. Sewage and Domestic Waste – Untreated or partially treated sewage introduces pathogens, organic waste, and harmful bacteria.
3. Agricultural Runoff – Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers wash into rivers, leading to eutrophication and oxygen depletion.
4. Plastic and Solid Waste – Dumping of plastics, polythene bags, and other non-biodegradable waste clogs waterways and harms aquatic life.
5. Mining Activities – The release of heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, and lead contaminates water sources.
6. Oil Spills and Chemical Leaks – Accidental spills from ships, refineries, or industrial facilities introduce hazardous substances.
7. Deforestation and Soil Erosion – Increased sedimentation due to deforestation depletes oxygen levels and disrupts aquatic ecosystems.
8. Thermal Pollution – Hot water discharge from power plants raises river temperatures, affecting aquatic life.

 

Strict Actions to Prevent River Pollution:

     1.     1.              Industrial and Sewage Waste Management

·       Strict enforcement of wastewater treatment before discharge into rivers.

·       Regular monitoring and heavy penalties for industries violating pollution norms.

·       Upgrading sewage treatment plants (STPs) and ensuring 100% treatment before release.

2.              Agricultural and Chemical Waste Control

·      Regulate pesticide and fertilizer usage to prevent harmful runoff.

·      Encourage organic farming and the use of bio-friendly alternatives.

·      Implement buffer zones with vegetation along riverbanks to absorb excess nutrients.

3.              Solid Waste and Plastic Ban

·      Strict prohibition on plastic dumping in or near rivers.

·      Encourage recycling and waste segregation at the source.

·      Set up waste collection and treatment facilities near riverbanks.

4.              Mining and Industrial Regulations

·      Ban illegal mining and enforce stringent environmental impact assessments (EIA).

·      Regular monitoring of mining discharge to prevent heavy metal contamination.

5.              Conservation and Restoration

·      Afforestation along riverbanks to prevent soil erosion.

·      Dredging and desilting projects to remove pollutants and restore river flow.

·      Promote wetland conservation to filter out toxins naturally.

6.              Public Awareness and Participation

·      Community-driven cleanliness drives and responsible tourism near rivers.

·      Education campaigns on waste disposal and pollution prevention.

·      Strict laws against religious waste disposal in rivers, with designated ceremony areas.

7.              Policy and Governance

·      Implementation of River Protection Laws with strict penalties for violators.

·      Formation of river protection task forces for monitoring and enforcement.

·      Collaboration between governments, industries, and communities to create sustainable policies.

 

By implementing these stringent measures and fostering public awareness, we can restore and protect river ecosystems for future generations.

 

Depoliticizing River Conservation: A Call for Unbiased and Accountable Action

While essential, the above suggestions and actions will not yield the desired results unless river pollution is treated as a non-political issue, free from vote-bank considerations. Environmental conservation, particularly river restoration, often falls victim to political agendas, where short-term electoral gains take precedence over long-term ecological sustainability. Strict policies, enforcement measures, and scientific solutions are frequently diluted or ignored due to political pressures, lobbying by industrial entities, and appeasement strategies aimed at certain voter segments.

 

To achieve real change, governments at all levels must adopt a bipartisan approach, ensuring that river conservation efforts are not influenced by political rivalries or administrative shifts. Transparency in environmental policies, strict adherence to pollution control laws, and an independent regulatory authority for river protection can help minimize political interference. Furthermore, public participation must be encouraged through awareness campaigns and community-driven initiatives, making river conservation a collective responsibility rather than a tool for political leverage.

 

Until river pollution is addressed as an urgent environmental and public health crisis rather than an electoral strategy, efforts to restore and protect these vital water bodies will remain ineffective. A commitment to strict governance, depoliticized decision-making, and accountability at every level is the only way to ensure long-term success in combating river pollution.

Read More

The Perils of Voting Based on Caste, Religion, Language, and Freebies: A Call to Action

 “जाति, धर्म, भाषा और मुफ्त सुविधाओं के आधार पर मतदान के खतरे: कार्रवाई का आह्वान”

जाति, धर्म, भाषा, या मुफ़्त चीज़ों (मुफ़्त का माल, जो सारे धर्मों में हराम है) के आधार पर मतदान अल्पकालिक लाभ प्रदान कर सकता है, लेकिन यह सभी के लिए आसन्न आपदा की गारंटी देता है।

अधिकांश राजनेता, चाहे सरकार में हों या विपक्ष में, भरोसेमंद नहीं हैं और इसका मुख्य कारण ऊपर उल्लिखित वोटिंग पैटर्न है। यह हमारी वर्तमान निराशाजनक दुर्दशा को स्पष्ट करता है।

जाति, धर्म, भाषा, या मुफ्त के आधार पर वोट देना ज्यादातर लोगों की सबसे बड़ी कमजोरी है, और बेईमान राजनेताओं द्वारा इसका पूरा फायदा उठाया जाता है।

इसके बारे में सोचें: क्या हम किसी भी पार्टी से संबद्धता के बावजूद, केवल गुणवत्ता, चरित्र और विश्वसनीयता के आधार पर किसी उम्मीदवार को वोट दे सकते हैं? याद रखें, यदि आप अगली पीढ़ी के लिए उज्ज्वल भविष्य चाहते हैं, तो किसी पार्टी को नहीं, बल्कि किसी व्यक्ति को वोट देने का साहस रखें।

जागो, कृपया जागो!

“The Perils of Voting Based on Caste, Religion, Language, and Freebies: A Call to Action”

Voting based on caste, religion, language, or freebies (मुफ्त का माल, जो की सारे धर्मों मैं हराम है) may offer short-term benefits, but it guarantees imminent disaster for everyone.

Most politicians, whether in government or opposition, are untrustworthy, and the primary reason is the voting pattern mentioned above. This explains our current hopeless plight.

Voting based on caste, religion, language, or freebies is the greatest weakness of the majority of people, and it is fully exploited by unscrupulous politicians.

Think about it: can we vote for a candidate, irrespective of party affiliation, solely based on quality, character, and trustworthiness? Remember, if you seek a bright future for the next generation, have the courage to vote for a person, not a party.

WAKE UP, PLEASE WAKE UP!

Read More

URGENT APPEAL FOR AN EFFICIENT MINISTER OF EDUCATION

 URGENT APPEAL FOR AN EFFICIENT MINISTER OF EDUCATION

To whom it may concern,

We urgently request the appointment of a Minister of Education who matches the efficiency, quality of head, and dedication of our esteemed External Affairs Minister, Mr. S. Jaishankar. Despite the efforts of various custodians of education, the quality of education in India continues to decline at an alarming rate.

Custodians of education and policy, often express concerns that universities and institutes are producing unemployable engineers and graduates. However, it is important to recognize that as policymakers, they bear the responsibility for these outcomes and are therefore accountable for addressing and rectifying these issues.

A critical issue is the misconception that increasing the budget will automatically improve the quality of education. This approach is flawed. The core issue isn't just about how much money is being spent, but how effectively and efficiently we are utilizing the existing resources. With the current 3.5 to 4% expenditure on education, are we truly able to do justice to our students, teachers, and institutions?

It is imperative that we address this issue with the same vigor and commitment that Mr. Jaishankar brings to his role. Only then can we hope to reverse the exponential slide and ensure a brighter future for our nation. A weak education system weakens the backbone of any nation. Grant complete autonomy to the education system and please keep all politicians away from interfering in academic appointments.

The current scenario is like treating a patient with a serious illness by only increasing the dosage of medication without addressing the root cause of the disease. Similarly, pouring more money into a broken system without curing the underlying problems is akin to throwing funds into a black hole. It's essential to address the systemic issues plaguing our education system, such as outdated curricula, lack of teacher training, inadequate infrastructure, and the bureaucratic hurdles that stifle innovation and progress.

What we need is a comprehensive overhaul of our educational policies, focusing on quality, accountability, and long-term sustainability. Without curing the 'cancer' of inefficiency, corruption, and negligence, increasing the budget will only result in more wasted resources and missed opportunities for our youth. The goal should be to create an environment where every rupee spent brings tangible improvements in educational outcomes, empowers teachers, and equips students with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

Read More

“Supporting Stressed Colleagues with Empathy and Practical Help”

 “Supporting Stressed Colleagues with Empathy and Practical Help” 

We live in a society that embraces the concept of "live and let live" and promotes a caring and considerate nature towards our colleagues. It's always possible that a colleague might get stressed due to unforeseen reasons. Supporting a stressed staff member involves empathy, understanding, and practical help. Here are some ways to support a colleague: 

1. Lend an Ear: Sometimes, just listening without judgment can make a big difference. Let them talk about what's stressing them out.
2. Encourage Breaks: Encourage them to take regular breaks and possibly even use vacation days to recharge.
3. Offer Practical Help: If possible, help them prioritize tasks or delegate some of their workload to others.
4. Promote Well-being: Suggest activities that can help reduce stress, like exercise, meditation, or hobbies they enjoy.
5. Professional Help: Encourage them to seek professional counselling if the stress becomes too much to handle on their own.
6. Create a Positive Environment: Foster a supportive and positive work environment where they feel valued and appreciated. 

Remember, support and understanding can make a significant difference in their well-being.

Read More

The Ethical Cost of Wealth: A Call for Humanity

 The Ethical Cost of Wealth: A Call for Humanity

People often pursue profit without considering the devastating impacts their actions might have on humanity, societal systems, and even the death of millions. This harsh reality underscores that some individuals and entities place a higher value on money than on human life and well-being. This mindset has historically led to catastrophic consequences, and it continues to present significant ethical challenges today.

It’s more important than ever to advocate for responsible and ethical practices that put humanity above profit. History bears witness to this stark reality: those who amassed wealth at the expense of their conscience, humanity, societal systems, and even the lives of millions often paid the price with their mental peace, family life, and health. Illegally amassed wealth always comes with its own costs. 

We must strive for a world where compassion and ethics guide our actions, creating a future where people and societies thrive rather than suffer under the weight of unchecked greed. Let us value and believe in hard-earned money to truly enjoy life.

Read More

“PRIORITIZING HEALTH OVER WEALTH: A WAKE-UP CALL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT”

 

“PRIORITIZING HEALTH OVER WEALTH: A WAKE-UP CALL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT”

 

The primary aim of sustainable development should be to prioritize human health and well-being, with wealth generation as a secondary objective. However, the primary hidden agenda of most technology developments is driven by greed for generating wealth. I have yet to see this approach implemented effectively.

 Deviation from this objective is leading to catastrophic consequences for humanity. Greed has trapped us in a cycle of self-destruction, lawlessness, gross injustice, great suffering, and anarchy. These issues have serious health impacts, such as stress, mental tension, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Consequently, these conditions can lead to weight gain or loss, digestive problems, weakened immune function, stroke (leading to paralysis or death), kidney malfunction, and heart attack.

 Let this serve as a wake-up call before it's too late. Let's start enjoying our lives, the ultimate gift from Almighty God.

Read More

SEPARATE AWARD TO HONOUR RATAN TATA, THE TRUE SON OF INDIA

 SEPARATE AWARD TO HONOUR RATAN TATA, THE TRUE SON OF INDIA

 

I respectfully urge the Government of India to institute a separate award to honour the late Ratan Tata, a true son of India. This award should celebrate excellence and integrity, free from external influences. Ratan Tata's contributions to business, philanthropy, and society at large are remarkable and deserving of recognition that matches his stature.

 In light of the Bharat-Ratna awardees to date, it may be prudent to consider dividing the Bharat-Ratna into two categories (This is absolutely without any prejudice):

1. True and honest dedication that directly impacts the development of the nation and society.
2. Awards influenced by political and vote bank compulsions.

Read More

ADVOCATING FOR OPEN BOOK EXAMS: ENHANCING ANALYTICAL SKILLS IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION

ADVOCATING FOR OPEN BOOK EXAMS: ENHANCING ANALYTICAL SKILLS IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION

With nearly 50 years of experience in giving exams, I have come to realize that the traditional closed book test format does not effectively promote analytical learning for engineering students. This method often results in wasted time and negatively impacts students’ well-being.

In my quest to find a more effective approach, I began experimenting with open book exams about ten years ago. Through this experience, I have become a strong advocate for the exclusive use of open book tests for engineering students. This format not only better prepare students for the complexities of real-world engineering challenges and analytical skills but also supports students’ health and well-being by reducing stress and promoting a deeper understanding of the material.

It would be interesting to see more institutions adopt this approach and potentially share best practices and outcomes.

Read More