A few weeks back, I read an article in one of the leading newspapers. The article was about the downfall of Sir J J School of Arts, which was once the most reputed art school in the country. Even though the article focused on the causes of the downfall and highlighted the key success factors of MSU, Baroda which now holds the top position among art schools in the country, it also showcased the appalling status of our education system.
It was not difficult for me to draw parallels between the field of fine arts and other fields of education. In comparison, one institute or university may seem to be better than the other. However, on a global map, where can we place ourselves in comparison to prestigious institutes, the Ivy Leagues and superior educations systems of not just the West, but also of countries like Singapore and Australia? All we can boast of are a few IITs and IIMs that are insufficient to cater to the vast pool of talented students in the country. This means that a highly talented student may lose the opportunity if he or she falls short by even a few points in the entrance exam. The point to be noted however is that these prestigious institutes in India are not insulated to the factors causing the quality of education to decline either.
We have succeeded in entrapping ourselves in a vicious circle. It is not just the education system but also the industry to be blamed. Industry looks at ‘labels’. The students therefore chase those labels irrespective of their caliber or interest. The system thrives on churning out graduates and post-graduates who, inspite of multiple labels, lack basic competencies. The industry then complains of ‘talent gap’. This has also led to a new order of social stratification. Those who are unable to make the cut are classified as mediocre or weak. Over a period of time, this type of classification leads to a ‘mediocre’ mindset which results in students underestimating their capabilities.
Most students join the rat race with a one track mind of getting tagged with three letters called ‘MBA’ which would serve as a ticket to a cushy job and inflate their value in matrimonial markets. The concepts of understanding the subject, analyzing realistic situations and cases in the light of those subjects, ideation, self-expression etc. are losing luster.
However, I feel that it is high time we step out of this rattletrap and re-ignite our minds. It is not just students but also academicians and corporate executives who should part take in the transmutation of the system. It is our duty to fight the existing misoneism.
One of the major steps to be taken to catapult this process of change is to encourage students to think. The idea is not just to think it, but ink it as well. This is the principle that lies at the foundation of ‘VOICE’. The vision of the magazine is to help students voice out their thoughts without keeping them bound within the walls of management.
Let me conclude by quoting Sydney J. Harris,
“The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.”
(I was the chief-editor of the magazine 'VOICE' when I wrote this editorial)
(I was the chief-editor of the magazine 'VOICE' when I wrote this editorial)
