Opinion
Peers and colleagues share insights into the educational legend
Peers and colleagues share insights into the educational legend
Leader Without Frontiers
Mabel Quiroga, Researcher, Buenos Aires, Argentina
“I became acquainted with Dr Mitra’s work more than twelve years ago towards the end of the Hole in the Wall experiments stage. In the year 2005, he travelled for the first time from India to Latin America, on that occasion to my country Argentina, for a keynote at an English teachers’ National Conference. It was his first of many travels to Latin America and Spanish speaking countries, an area of the world where his ideas caught on – probably more than anywhere else in the world – and where he developed over the years into an undiscussed educational leader.
The TED prize in 2013 has probably contributed to the dissemination of his ideas and the SOLE approach around the world but I don’t think that is the only explaining factor: people all over the world are willing to try his method and particularly so in Latin America. As a result, there is SOLE Argentina, SOLE Chile, SOLE Uruguay, SOLE Perú, SOLE Colombia, SOLE Mexico, all buzzing SOLE chapters, vibrant communities who advocate for a better education for children in this part of the world.
“Dr Mitra’s ideas have always been provocative and questioning of the status quo; perhaps that is why they are extremely motivating and engaging for all those teachers and educators who are unhappy about their education systems and practices. One important difference with many other international speakers and something that really caught my attention (and I am convinced that of many other educationists and practitioners) is that he always substantiates his claims with hard data and accumulated evidence from world-wide research projects.“Mitra’s love for children, his own curiosity about learning, his enormous capacity for communicating very complex ideas and his inexhaustible capacity to experiment and look at things from a different perspective have got him and us, his community of dedicated followers, where we are today: more hopeful that education can be changed for the better, that students and teachers can have fun while learning and that we are all getting better prepared to face an uncertain future.
“It has been a wonderful ride in the past decade in which Mitra touched the lives of quite a few educators who in turn prepare themselves to touch the lives and learning experiences of the children around. The years ahead look as promising as the road travelled so far and we can only wish there were many other figures like Dr Mitra fighting for children's educational rights around the world. In the meantime, we are happy to connect across the globe and help him and ourselves take his legacy forward.”
Real Educational Emancipation
James Tooley, Professor of Education Policy, Newcastle University
“Sugata Mitra is one of the world’s best loved educators. His ideas have huge impact and influence – not least on his students at Newcastle University, where I work alongside him as a devoted colleague. His concept of Self-Organized Learning Environments, or SOLEs, is truly important. Mitra defines a ‘self-organising system’ as consisting of “a set of entities that exhibit an emerging global system behaviour via local interactions without centralised control’.
“Mitra’s insight into the importance of self-organization in education can be extended to think what education would be like without any centralized government control or planning. Importantly, we have some historical insights into what did happen without government intervention, by looking at the history of education without the state.
“For instance, in 19th century England & Wales, before government got involved from 1870, private schools emerged spontaneously, that is, in a self-organized fashion. A government report of 1861, the Newcastle Commission report, showed that 95.5% of children in England & Wales were already in school for an average of 5.7 years, well before the state made its major intervention (see West, 1994, Tooley, 2008). They were in schools provided by philanthropy and churches, but a large proportion were in “dame schools”, what today we would call “low-cost private schools”. All were private schools paid for by parent fees. They taught a curriculum that wasn’t prescribed by the state – with a heavy emphasis on literacy and numeracy and a disciplined approach to learning – and had learning methods which also emerged spontaneously without any state intervention.
“But it wasn’t just in England that such low-cost private schools emerged. As I recount in my book The Beautiful Tree, the same was true in India, before the British got involved in education. Mahatma Gandhi, at Chatham House, London, October 20, 1931 wrote:
‘I say without fear of my figures being challenged successfully, that today India is more illiterate than it was fifty or a hundred years ago, and so is Burma, because the British administrators, when they came to India, instead of taking hold of things as they were, began to root them out. They scratched the soil and began to look at the root, and left the root like that, and the beautiful tree perished….’
“The “beautiful tree” he described was a quiet revolution of private education that was existing before the British got involved. Indeed British evidence itself showed that, from Madras to Bengal, from Bombay to the Punjab, there was a vibrant indigenous education system serving as high a proportion of children at least as in other European countries, including England, just a few years earlier. In India, there were schools in almost every village before the British replaced them with the system that provided the foundations for today’s government system.
“These are genuine, historical example of self-organized learning environments emerging. They emerged through a spontaneous order of the people acting in their own perceived best interests, exactly what Sugata Mitra describes.
“But then the state took all this over. The genuinely self-organized learning environment, was taken over by governments which imposed structures and curricula, which was then “set in stone”, stultifying it, so that it becomes very hard to change and improve – something with which Mitra concurs: ‘Curricula around the world remained static: they assumed a top-down, hierarchical, predictable, and controllable world that progresses slowly.’ (p. 549).
“So the key question is: what would emerge as a self-organized learning environment in the 21st century? Presumably it would not be the same as that which emerged in the 19th century. The self-organized learning environment of that time, viz., schools of various shapes and sizes, might not be the appropriate self-organised learning environment of the 21st century. But the key is, we don’t know what genuinely self-organized learning environments would be like in the 21st century, because all over the world “centralised control” – for Mitra the anathema of self-organized learning – has power over education. Governments (i.e., centralized control) have power over the provision and funding of education, and impose curricular and assessment frameworks on schools. To really take Sugata’s ideas forward we need to reclaim education from government, to see real educational emancipation. Centralized planning doesn’t deliver what is desirable, self-organized learning can do.”
His one overriding quality – curiosity
Dr Suneeta Kulkarni, Director – The Granny Cloud
“Where and how does one begin to describe Sugata? Unendingly complex… Just as one begins to feel that one understands him, his charm, and his motivations, another layer peels off… unveiling another facet of his personality. Yet there is one overriding quality – curiosity. A sense of wonder about everything that crosses his path [and even that which doesn’t!]. In the process he thinks and acts in unconventional ways, many of which can be highly frustrating and even incomprehensible.
“I have watched him through many, many decades. Long before his ideas began to impact different fields and professionals. Not all his ideas are palatable to the world at large. Yet they warrant close examination, separate from whatever disagreements one may have with him. Because several of these ideas hold the seed to potentially viable and far-reaching impact, particularly in the field of children’s education. I will stick to just one of these – The Granny Cloud.
“It was in the midst of the OGEF Project of Newcastle University in Hyderabad in 2008-2009 that The Granny Cloud would take shape in what we then referred to as the SOME (Self Organized Mediation Environments).
“Started with the relatively focused goal of enabling children in disadvantaged settings to learn English through their interaction with native English speakers (the Grannies), the initiative developed in its own self-organised way and through the past 9 years has developed into an entirely independent, self-funded and still completely voluntary group with its own website (www.thegrannycloud.org) operating in a couple of School in the Cloud labs and also in many other independent locations across rural and urban slum areas. The goals include not just learning a language, but developing search and independent thinking skills, developing confidence, collaboration and other social skills, providing an exposure to different cultures and lifestyles, with a healthy dose of fun thrown in to ensure that learning becomes a way of life.
“Even as the Granny Cloud goes its own way, it chooses to retain its focus on vulnerable, disadvantaged and remote settings. Yet this does not negate the fact that the approach can be easily adapted to (and be meaningful) even in settings where every resource under the sun is available. Possibly, one of the biggest challenges is to scale up The Granny Cloud so it can reach vast numbers of children in India and elsewhere in the world where they are truly needed.
“Working with a relatively small group of volunteers in a relatively small number of locations is hard enough. Ensuring stable and adequate internet connectivity is just one essential to make this approach work. Many other setting characteristics feed into actual ‘success’ on the ground. But trying to reach millions of children requires governments stepping in without losing the essence of the approach.”
A Caring Genius
Rohan Wadhwa, Associate [Education Sector], Oliver Wyman
“Who would think of putting a computer in the wall of a slum in India in 1999? Who would think to have Grannies skype in from all around the world to help support the most impoverished students? Who would think to have students try their hand at some of the world’s biggest questions? The answer: someone who is both ingenious and caring. These are the two traits that most distinctively come to mind when I think of Dr Sugata Mitra.
“Dr Sugata Mitra is ingenious. At his roots, he is a physics researcher. Such a background provides a refreshing perspective to the world of education and one which is able to flip the conventional thinking that is so rooted in the system. Working with him, I have been able to notice how he takes the same researcher approach to education. He is constantly reading, hypothesising, and experimenting with new approaches. These new approaches have led to the most notable Hole in the Wall experiment, but also further refinement including the idea of ‘Grannies’ to support learners, and ‘Big Questions’ to motivate a Socratic-like way of getting students to work together. He even more recently has toyed with ideas to challenge the conventional way of conducting assessments by bringing to the table such radical ideas as having bots help with grading or running dynamic MRI scans to more objectively measure progress. The exponential effect of such a dramatic thinker is evidenced by what has now grown into the self-organized learning environment (SOLE) movement globally.
“Dr Sugata Mitra is also caring. It’s one thing to be creative, but it’s another to be kind. Sugata does not propose changes, because he wants to create a stir. Instead, he does so because he listens to what students are saying. His most favoured moments are spent in classrooms listening to children. In fact, in his humble home in the UK, he can often be found talking to neighbourhood children. Students want more agency in the classroom and have the ability to perform at incredible levels when given the type of agency a self-organized learning environment like the one Sugata advocates for can afford. Not only is Sugata caring among children, he is also caring towards the people he works with. That doesn’t necessarily mean he will say what you want to hear. Much like his proposed ideas for improving education, he will be the true friend that provides genuine advice and feedback. He will be there when you need him and tell you the truth when you need to hear it. It’s a large reason why he has garnered so much loyalty among so many educators, parents, students, and others around the world.
“Thank you for your ingenuity and care, Dr Sugata Mitra.”
Small Steps, Big Change
Ashis Biswas, Managing Director, eSkillport HR Services Pvt Ltd
“It was a great opportunity to be associated with Dr Sugata’s activities since 2007. We from eSkillport HR Services Pvt Ltd have worked for his projects at Hyderabad and Shirgaon (a village at Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra). We always showed keen interest in his unique method of learning. We were very happy to know that in February 2013, he received the prestigious TED Award. He wanted to donate all his award money for his dream project, SOLE (Self Organized Learning Environment). Newcastle University floated a global tender to execute his project in India and in the U.K. We were selected to execute the project in India.
“We opened our first School in the Cloud at a very remote place near Sundarbans, West Bengal on March 9, 2014. Then we kept on adding four such schools in India at different places. Children loved the method of learning. This unique teacherless method of learning is now gaining popularity, not at a fast pace though. It is difficult to replace age-old methods of teaching, evaluating and awarding certificates.
We, along with Sugata, are working hard to spread this method which children certainly love. We are now approaching corporates to use their CSR funds and build such schools. So far we got good responses and added two such schools for underprivileged children in Gurugram. One more is coming up shortly at Noida. We are looking forward to such assistance from corporates and setting up Schools in the Cloud in different parts of India.
“Who knows, this small step towards changing the learning environment would bring a big change in our education system?”
Visionary, Legend & Black Coffee Lover
Ritu Dangwal, Associate, Roundglass H20 Pvt Ltd
“It’s hard to define a person like Prof Mitra in few words. Simply put Prof Mitra is ‘larger than life'.
“This will be a pretty emotional description for me and intense at the same time. I have known Prof Mitra for over two decades. And, he is still an enigma to me. I will take the liberty of calling him Doc. We in CRCS, ie. Centre for Research in Cognitive Systems, the then research wing of NIIT Ltd, address him as Doc. It sounds less intimidating and warmer.
“Let me go back in time… I was working in National Open Schooling, as a researcher under Prof Mitra's wife, Dr Sushmita Mitra. One day, I landed up at their house in Green Park Extn. He, as usual, was sprawled on his big bed, looking pensive and majestic, smoking his pipe. He looked at me as a matter of fact, with no expressions and asked me what the hell I was doing in NIOS. He asked me join him in NIIT Ltd. And, before I knew it, I was there.
“He put me onto an assignment of which I had no clue and I was supposed to deliver by 'figuring it out'. I have come to realise that his favourite line is… 'Figure it out'. Yes, it can be very frustrating for an adult who is so used to getting instructions to complete a task. We all are practically anal about it, I guess because we love to control things, and also because most of us are not equipped to live in chaos. We are much more comfortable living in the zone of complacency.
“I have never related to him as a boss. To me, he has always been a mentor, a guide. A friend, who is wise and practical and equally perceptive. I hated travelling and I guess ever since I have known him, I have been traveling non-stop.
“Doc is someone who allows you to do what you want, with minimal instruction and he has always looked at the positive side of things and people. I have rarely ever seen him get mad, angry or upset. I have yet to see him get excited or agitated about things or people.
“Trust you me, it's darn difficult to talk about Doc in this manner… To me, he is a visionary, a legend, who has answers to everything under the sun. And, if he doesn't, he has no qualms about saying 'I don’t know', when all of us, including me, are struggling to look intelligent and give an answer!
His love for children is completely out of the blue. He travels like crazy. Relentlessly saying the same thing over and over again. I have asked him this question umpteen times… 'Doc, don’t you ever get tired?’….and he looks at me and smiles…and his response is 'Who else will do it?'
“He sits on the balcony apparently looking lost, smoking and drinking his black coffee and you think he is gazing around. Don’t get fooled for Doc is thinking… he is thinking maybe about how to bring internet into a remote village in Calcutta or maybe, what measure to use for the children or how trees are connected…
“Nobody, I mean nobody, can decipher what is going on in Doc's mind.
“He has changed my life… my complete perception about education and children. Every time that I have interacted with him, in person or over mail or telephone, I have only learnt. When he talks of things like Self Organising Learning Environments, it's not that he is talking abstractly; he actually practices what he says.
“Hole in the Wall, School in the Cloud, SOLE labs …all of these have germinated because he lives his life that way. Because he can live no other way!
He is as young as a one-year-old child and as old as you can possibly think.
“He loves his black coffee, he loves his fried egg, he loves mutton and Kenny Rogers and Kris Kristofferson. He loves to cook exotic dishes, loves his Vodka and loves his kurta-pyjama, his bed and yes, he loves Sigmund Freud.
“He is an avid reader …loves science fiction, can recite Rabindranath Tagore or Shakespeare or can chant the shiv stotra or sing ‘Ladies of Calcutta’…try googling that!
“I can keep talking about Doc non-stop…jumping from one thought to the next because there is too much that I can say.
To me, Doc has changed, shaped my life and given me a reason to live…to think…to believe…just like he has touched the lives of innumerable people! He is a simple man with a large heart and an enigmatic soul!
“Love you Doc and I hope I can carry your dreams forward alongside you.”
This story was published in ScooNews April 2018 special issue dedicated to Prof. Sugata Mitra and his work.
All images used for representational purposes only and are the copyright of their respective owners.
On 12 January each year, India celebrates National Youth Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda—a visionary whose ideals continue to inspire generations. His emphasis on courage, self-discipline, and selflessness laid the foundation for building a nation of empowered youth. Yet, as we reflect on his teachings, a poignant question arises: if Swami Vivekananda were alive today, would he be proud of the state of India’s youth?
A Disturbing Landscape
Despite remarkable strides in education, technology, and global recognition, troubling statistics reveal a different narrative. Reports show a disheartening rise in suicides among young students, with academic pressure, bullying, and mental health struggles emerging as significant factors. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, India recorded over 13,000 student suicides in 2022—a grim reminder of the challenges our youth face.
Swami Vivekananda famously said, “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.” But how do we encourage this awakening in an environment that often prioritises grades over mental well-being, competition over collaboration, and individual success over collective growth?
Polarisation and Division
In his landmark address at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago, Vivekananda envisioned a harmonious world, where mutual respect and inclusivity thrived. Yet, incidents of hate crimes in educational institutions paint a different picture. Instead of fostering understanding, many schools struggle to counter narratives of division and intolerance, which are seeping into the minds of impressionable young individuals.
Vaping is Cool!
Another alarming trend is the increasing prevalence of substance abuse and vaping among teenagers. Easy accessibility and peer influence have made vapes and drugs a growing concern in schools and colleges. Vivekananda’s ideal of youth as paragons of strength and discipline seems to clash with a reality where momentary fun triumphs responsibility.
Are We Listening to the Youth?
One of Vivekananda’s core messages was to listen and understand the needs of the youth, not dictate them. Today’s students crave purpose and authenticity in their pursuits. Yet, our education system largely remains exam-centric, with limited focus on developing emotional resilience, moral values, and critical thinking skills.
The rise of mental health issues highlights the urgent need for robust counselling frameworks in schools. Bullying, academic stress, and societal expectations weigh heavily on students. Swamiji believed in holistic education that nourished the body, mind, and soul—a vision that modern-day institutions must strive to achieve.
The Path Forward
- Mental Health Awareness: Schools must normalise conversations about mental health. Hiring trained counsellors and introducing life skills education can empower students to cope with stress and trauma.
- Fostering Inclusivity: Combatting polarisation starts with creating safe spaces for dialogue. Schools can champion diversity and empathy through collaborative activities and community-driven projects.
- Balanced Education: Beyond academic excellence, education must focus on creativity, moral values, and societal contributions—aligning with Vivekananda’s philosophy of balanced personal and communal growth.
- Youth Empowerment: Engage students in decision-making processes within educational institutions, giving them a sense of ownership and responsibility.
- Combatting Addictions: Early intervention and peer education programmes can deter substance abuse. Incorporating discussions on self-control and the consequences of addiction is crucial.
A Call to Action
If Swami Vivekananda were here today, he might be disheartened by some of these realities but would undoubtedly call upon educators, parents, and leaders to rise to the occasion. The Indian youth remain a powerful force capable of leading transformative change, provided they are equipped with the right guidance and support.
As educators and leaders, we must ask ourselves: Are we nurturing the kind of youth Swami Vivekananda dreamed of? Are we empowering them with the tools to think critically, act compassionately, and embrace diversity? Or are we just celebrating the day just for the sake of it? We need to ask real questions. The answers lie in our collective efforts to reshape the educational and societal systems influencing young minds.
Swami Vivekananda’s timeless words echo loudly: “The youth are the pillars of the nation.” It is upon us to ensure that these pillars stand strong, united, and unwavering, ready to lead India toward a brighter and more inclusive future.
“India will grow only if India reads.” But is India truly reading? Recent statistics reveal a sobering reality: over the past two years, 1.72 crore children have dropped out of school. The Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE+) 2023-24 report highlights a worrying decline in school enrolments, dropping from 26.5 crore in 2021-22 to 24.8 crore in 2023-24. This marks the first major fall in six years, raising critical concerns about the robustness of India’s education system.
Inspired by a video report by The Quint, highlighting key insights into India’s education challenges.
A Declining Trend Across States
States like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra have witnessed significant drops in enrolments, with Bihar alone seeing a decline of 35.65 lakh students. At the primary level, enrolments have fallen by 46 lakh in the last year, while secondary-level dropout rates remain alarmingly high. Despite the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s ambitious vision of universal access and equity, the stark reality indicates otherwise.
The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), which measures the proportion of students enrolled in a particular level of education against the age-appropriate population, has seen minor dips at most levels. While retention rates are higher at the elementary level, the secondary level remains a challenge, with dropout rates spiking significantly.
Reasons for the Decline
UDISE+ attributes the decline to several factors:
- Improved Data Collection: Earlier, children were often dual-enrolled in government and private schools to access benefits. Aadhaar-linked verification has curtailed this practice, reflecting more accurate enrolment figures.
- Reverse Migration: The COVID-19 pandemic saw families moving back to villages, enrolling their children in government schools. As migration reverses, many students are returning to private schools.
However, these reasons fail to explain why the overall enrolment rate has not stabilised or increased. This raises questions about the authenticity of data in previous years and the systemic gaps in ensuring universal education.
Infrastructure and Teacher Shortages
India’s education system faces significant infrastructural and human resource challenges.
Over 110,000 schools operate with only one teacher, making effective learning nearly impossible.
States like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh report dismal teacher-student ratios, with thousands of teaching positions lying vacant. In Assam, Odisha, and Karnataka, underutilised infrastructure due to low student-to-school ratios further underscores the inefficiency in resource allocation. While digital initiatives have gained traction, only 7% of schools across the country have digital libraries, and fewer have functional computers for educational use. These gaps highlight the urgent need for equitable distribution of resources and investments.
Vision 2025: A Lofty Goal
The NEP 2020 outlines a transformative roadmap for education by 2025, focusing on universal access, quality improvement, and innovation. It aims to:
- Achieve a 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio in school education.
- Integrate vocational education into mainstream curricula.
- Promote multilingualism and mother-tongue instruction in early grades.
- Strengthen teacher training and professional development.
While the vision is commendable, the ground realities paint a different picture. Without addressing foundational challenges such as teacher shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and socio-economic disparities, these goals may remain aspirational rather than achievable.
The Path Forward
To realise its Vision 2025 and the broader aspiration of becoming a global superpower by 2047, India must prioritise education as a critical driver of progress. Key measures include:
- Investing in Teachers: Teachers are the backbone of any education system. Comprehensive training, better salaries, and improved working conditions are essential to attract and retain talent.
- Bridging the Infrastructure Gap: Adequate infrastructure, including classrooms, laboratories, and digital resources, must be a priority. States with underutilised resources should focus on optimising their infrastructure to ensure equitable access.
- Addressing Dropout Rates: Targeted interventions, such as scholarships, counselling, and after-school support, can help retain students, particularly at the secondary level.
- Fostering Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations between the government, private sector, and non-profits can enhance resource allocation, innovation, and accountability.
- Focusing on Data Transparency: Reliable data is critical for effective policymaking. Strengthening systems like UDISE+ to ensure accurate and timely reporting can help identify gaps and track progress.
A Nation’s Future Hinges on Education
As India marches towards its centenary of independence in 2047, its aspirations of becoming a superpower are intrinsically linked to the quality of education it provides. A nation’s strength lies in its people, and education is the cornerstone of human capital development. Bridging the divide between vision and reality requires collective effort, strong political will, and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders.
Education
Collaboration vs. Competition: Can Schools and Coaching Centers Work Together to Improve Student Success
There has always been a debate about the imperative effects of schools and coaching centers. Schools traditionally focus on comprehensive education whereas coaching centres prioritize exam centric preparation and practical applications. Both have their strengths, and instead of competing, a collaborative approach could combine their expertise to help students learn more effectively.
Schools and coaching centre can align the curriculum for a seamless learning. By strategically aligning together the curriculum requirements. By jointly designing curricula, schools and coaching centres can bridge this gap. Schools can align their syllabus with entrance exam requirements, such as JEE, NEET, or CUET, ensuring that students receive a cohesive education. They can concentrate on building a robust conceptual foundation, while coaching centres can dive deeper into problem-solving techniques and practical applications. It would also create a more streamlined educational journey, creating confidence and reducing stress among students.
Leveraging expertise
Both the institutions have unique strengths in their own methods. A teacher exchange program could be game changing. Experienced instructors from coaching centres can conduct guest lectures or workshops in schools, exposing students to advanced problem-solving strategies and real-world applications. Simultaneously, schoolteachers can share their expertise with coaching centers to create engaging, developmentally apt lessons. This exchange of knowledge would not only enrich the learning experience but also create understanding between the two institutions.
Sharing Infrastructure and Technology for Mutual Benefit
Infrastructure and technological resources can be major barriers for educational institutions. Collaboration between these two institutions offers a way to maximize existing resources. Schools could allow coaching centers to use their premises after hours, and coaching centers could share tech-enabled tools like smartboards, e-learning platforms, and performance analytics software. Access to such advanced resources not only prepares them better but also make studying more engaging and improving the learning experience.
Jointly developed online platforms could further revolutionize education. These platforms could host assignments, mock tests, and performance dashboards accessible to students 24/7, ensuring continuous learning. Schools and coaching centers could co-create a repository of study materials, video lectures, and practice questions, making quality resources available to all students, regardless of their economic background.
Comprehensive Career
Career guidance is another area where schools and coaching centers can pool their resources. Jointly organized sessions could expose students to a wide range of career opportunities, going beyond traditional streams. Schools can emphasize alignment with students’ developmental milestones, while coaching centers can bring in industry experts to discuss emerging trends and skill requirements. Such sessions can help students make informed decisions about their future, balancing their interests with practical considerations.
Scholarships and Social Impact Initiatives
Educational equity remains a pressing issue, particularly in a country as diverse as India. Schools and coaching centers can jointly fund scholarships for underprivileged students, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to quality education. These initiatives could include free or subsidized coaching for meritorious students, along with fee waivers for school education.
Beyond scholarships, regular awareness programs on study techniques, time management, and career planning could benefit school and coaching students. These initiatives would not only enhance academic performance but also equip students with essential life skills, laying the foundation for long-term success.
Parent Engagement
Parents play a crucial role in shaping a child’s educational journey, yet they often feel disconnected from the learning process. Schools and coaching centers can work together to keep parents informed and involved. Regular joint keeps parents informed through meetings could provide a comprehensive overview of students’ progress, encompassing academic and extracurricular achievements.
Bridging Gaps Between Academics and Industry
As the world evolves, so do the skills required to succeed in it. Coaching centers, with their focus on competitive exams, often stay updated on industry trends and requirements. Schools, however, are better equipped to ensure that this knowledge is imparted in a developmentally appropriate manner.
By sharing insights, schools and coaching centers can help students bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application. By integrating industry-specific case studies into the curriculum or organizing internships can provide students with real-world exposure, preparing them for the challenges ahead.
While competition between schools and coaching centers is inevitable, collaboration holds the potential to transform the educational landscape. By aligning their strengths, these institutions can create a more cohesive, student-centered learning environment. Whether it’s through shared resources, joint initiatives, or innovative teaching methodologies, collaboration can help students achieve their full potential while reducing stress and inefficiencies. The collaborative effort is to reach the ultimate goal of encouraging students to succeed, not just in exams, but in life.
This article is authored by Mr. Anil Kapasi, Managing Director & Co-Founder, Arihant Academy
Winter in North India no longer carries the gentle chill of nostalgia. Instead, it drifts in cloaked in smog, acrid pollution, and despair. Each year, as the air quality index (AQI) hits catastrophic levels, the nation seems trapped in a vicious cycle of reactive measures and inadequate solutions. Schools close their doors, children are forced into online classes, and life is put on pause—all while the question looms: are these measures too little, too late?
This week, Delhi and its neighbouring states plunged into yet another public health emergency. The AQI in the capital breached the “severe plus” category, with readings of over 500 in certain areas—levels that are equivalent to smoking 49 cigarettes in a single day. For context, smoking in Bangalore’s air, while not healthy, is currently considered healthier than simply breathing in Delhi.
{Image- Jammu, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (PTI)}
Amid this crisis, schools and universities have been forced to shift to online classes yet again. The Supreme Court has intervened, universities like Jamia Millia Islamia and Delhi University have issued notifications, and government schools have suspended physical classes. These decisions, though necessary, feel more like desperate attempts to contain the damage rather than addressing the root cause of the crisis.
As educators, policymakers, and parents, aren’t we hypocritical? We preach yoga, mindfulness, and physical wellness to our children while they breathe in air laden with PM2.5 and PM10 particles—air that clogs their lungs and hinders their growth. We promote “wellness periods” in schools and discuss the importance of holistic development, yet we do nothing to ensure that the very environment they live in supports their health and well-being.
Every child has the right to a safe and nurturing space to learn and grow, but what are we truly offering them? Masks, air purifiers, and lessons on resilience—tools to survive rather than thrive. What kind of childhood is this, where outdoor play becomes a luxury and clean air a distant dream?
The scientific community has repeatedly warned about the devastating impacts of prolonged exposure to polluted air, particularly on children. Their developing lungs are more susceptible to damage from particulate matter, which can lead to chronic respiratory diseases, reduced lung function, and an increased risk of cardiovascular conditions later in life. A study by the Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health estimates that pollution caused nine million premature deaths worldwide in 2019, with air pollution being the primary culprit.
In India, the numbers are staggering. Children exposed to high levels of air pollution are more likely to suffer from asthma, cognitive impairments, and even stunted growth. Beyond the physical toll, the psychological impact is equally alarming. Living in a constant state of environmental crisis breeds anxiety, stress, and a diminished sense of safety—all of which are detrimental to their overall development.
The Return to Online Classes: A Missed Opportunity
If air pollution is to be the “new normal” in North India’s winters, then why have we abandoned online education so completely? The pandemic forced us into virtual classrooms, but as soon as the immediate threat subsided, the system was discarded without much thought to its long-term utility. Teachers, untrained and unprepared, are now expected to conduct meaningful lessons online, while students struggle to adapt to an environment that they haven’t engaged with meaningfully since 2022.
This raises an important question: should online education remain a part of our academic framework, even when circumstances don’t demand it? Incorporating regular online classes—perhaps one day a month—could help students and teachers stay familiar with the format. It could also serve as a contingency plan for emergencies like the current pollution crisis, ensuring continuity in learning without the chaos of sudden shifts.
Moreover, training teachers to connect with students effectively in virtual environments is crucial. Simply moving the classroom to a screen is not enough. Teachers need tools, strategies, and support to create engaging and impactful lessons. Without this, online education remains a hollow exercise, benefiting no one.
Every winter, the same questions resurface: why do we wait until the AQI crosses hazardous levels to act? Why do policies remain reactive rather than preventive? And most critically, why do we continue to normalise this situation for our children?
The blame lies not just with governments or industries but with society as a whole. From unchecked stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana to vehicular emissions in urban centres, the web of responsibility is vast and interconnected. Yet, year after year, the measures taken are temporary, insufficient, and often misplaced. We treat the symptoms, not the disease.
What kind of message are we sending to our children? That their health and future are expendable? That the environment they inherit will always be an afterthought? As the smog thickens and the world debates solutions, the reality for millions of children in North India is bleak. They will grow up breathing poison, and the long-term consequences are unimaginable.
As I watch this crisis unfold, I am filled with a deep sense of worry for the children of today and tomorrow. What kind of world are we leaving for them to suffer in? If we don’t act now—boldly, decisively, and with genuine commitment—we risk condemning them to a lifetime of struggle in an environment that is hostile to their very existence.
The time for half-measures is over. We owe it to our children to build a future where they can breathe freely, dream fearlessly, and live fully. The question is, are we ready to rise to the challenge?
Edutainment
How Pop Culture is Making Reading Cool Again in Indian Classrooms: From Comics to Classroom Libraries
Alright, let’s be honest- reading was once that fun, interesting hobby of choice. There were children curled up with a book, immersed in the stories, dreaming themselves as warriors, magicians, or superheroes. However, at some point, reading became rather unpopular—children preferred binge-watching TV shows and spending hours on Instagram or TikTok rather than reading. But we see a light at the end of this tunnel, and it is glowing brighter with every passing day! It seems reading is cool again and we have pop culture to thank for it. From comics and graphic novels, fan fiction, and digital book platforms, literacy is going into the 21st century, and schools are slowly following (or at least attempting to).
And let’s begin with the simplest object possible—the so-called comics. Do you still recall how it was, when comics were considered as mere entertainment and could not be referred to as reading in any way? Well, news flash: they are now one of the most popular methods of making children read books once again. Whether it is Percy Jackson, Harry Potter or even Marvel and DC comics, children are fangirling/fanboying really hard for these narratives. Not only after school or in their leisure hours. And these stories are getting into classrooms as well. Schools have finally begun to acknowledge that comics and graphic novels can be as informative and engaging as the gigantic books that no one has any desire to open (and you know that that’s true).
School Libraries, which used to be dusty places with old and rarely read books, are now changing. Now, you can find shelves with graphic novels, books related to popular culture, and even manga! Schools are beginning to understand that if you put in the hands of children something fun and interesting, they will read it. Moreover, with visuals taking over every device we possess, it is only logical that children would be more attracted to books that have a strong visual component.
But it doesn’t stop there—teachers are getting creative too. Some schools have introduced events such as “Book Character Dress-Up Days” whereby children go to school dressed as characters from books and comic strips. Just think of an entire classroom filled with Percy Jacksons, Wonder Women, and Harry Potters—how cool is that? Not only is it a laugh but it also encourages imagination and creativity. Oh, and we desperately need that. Frankly, it is high time that schools stopped using the library period as an excuse for subject teachers to make up for lost time. Allow children to immerse themselves in stories, discover new worlds and think for themselves because if we do not, we are merely programming them to be little bookworms and robots. And that is a huge sign of trouble because innovation is the true power of the future.
Now, here’s the thing: we currently live in times when attention spans are shorter than ever and video content is massive. Children watch YouTube videos, Instagram stories, and TikToks every day, so it is a challenge to make them sit down and read a book. But that’s exactly why reading needs to be reimagined for this generation. The old paradigm of books and reading – curling up with a thick novel – just doesn’t work anymore. It is our imperative to introduce as much fun in reading as there is fun in the digital world children are so accustomed to.
Come other digital platforms such as Kindle, Scribblehub, Wattpad, and StoryWeaver. These platforms have made reading possible no matter where one is. Children are now avid readers of e-books, joining online reading groups, and even writing their own fan fiction. I mean, come on, how awesome is that? For instance, with Kindle, you have an entire library in the palm of your hand and that is something that appeals to today’s kids who are always attached to their gadgets. Rather than mindlessly scrolling through memes, they are swiping through pages of e-books, and that’s a victory in my book (literally).
Another massive factor in this reading revolution is the fan culture. Thanks to such platforms as Wattpad, children are not only reading; they are also writing! It means they are writing their own stories, posting them online where people from different parts of the world can read them, and interacting with other young writers. It is like having your own fan base and children are all about that now. Whether it is writing the sequels of their favorite TV shows or coming up with new fictional universes based on pop references, these children are redefining the concept of literacy. They are not passively reading stories, they are actively constructing them.
In essence, literacy is not just a process of learning to read and write but also involves the ability to read and write for a purpose. It is about participation, cognition, and imagination. But come on, the method of teaching and learning literacy cannot be the same as what is used in schools. We can no longer simply depend on the traditional ways of doing things. The world is dynamic and so is reading, which is a very important aspect of learning and knowledge acquisition. If the goal is to raise readers for life, and thinkers as well- then it is imperative that reading remains relevant. And thanks to pop culture, it seems that we are on the right track.
So, here’s to the schools that are waking up and smelling the coffee. To the teachers who are using pop culture to make literacy cool again. And to the kids who are picking up comics, joining digital book clubs, and writing their own stories. Because in a world dominated by technology, reading is not only the art of survival, but the art of success.
Let’s take a walk through a memory we all share. Picture a classroom from years ago—rows of desks filled with students, and at the front, a teacher, often feared, seldom questioned. The boundaries were clear, and so was the unspoken rule: the teacher was the ultimate authority. For many, respect wasn’t earned; it was demanded, and it was often respect cloaked in fear.
Now fast forward to today. Walk into a classroom and you might notice a shift, subtle yet profound. It’s not the same classroom anymore, and the role of the teacher has evolved. But here’s the catch: while education has progressed, our respect for the role of the teacher seems to have lagged behind. Today, on Teacher’s Day, it’s worth asking—why are the true nation-builders, the ones shaping our future, often undervalued and underpaid?
Perhaps the answer lies in how we’ve misunderstood what a teacher really is. For too long, society has viewed them merely as deliverers of information, bearers of authority. But teachers are so much more than that. They are the silent architects of our minds, the ones who help build the bridges between what we know and what we have yet to discover. Yet, somewhere along the way, we began to take this for granted.
The Shift from Fear to Friendship
There was a time when respect was born out of fear. Teachers ruled with a strict hand, their word was law, and questioning them was unthinkable. But was that true respect, or just submission disguised as respect? Today, we are seeing a new wave, where the teacher-student relationship needs to be redefined, not by fear but by mutual respect, communication, and, yes, even friendship.
But let’s be clear—friendship here doesn’t mean a blurring of boundaries. It doesn’t mean a loss of authority or a casualness that erases the lines of respect. Instead, it’s a different kind of connection. Teachers no longer stand on a pedestal looking down; they stand beside, guiding students through their own paths, understanding that each student’s journey is different.
Communication is key. It’s in the conversations where teachers take time to know their students, not just as learners but as individuals. It’s in the way they listen as much as they speak, creating an environment where students feel heard, valued, and respected. In turn, this earns the teacher a respect that is deeper and more lasting than the fear-based reverence of the past.
Why Do We Undervalue the Nation Builders?
Despite this evolution in the role of teachers, why does it feel like they are still fighting an uphill battle for recognition? In a world where education is hailed as the foundation of success, why are the people responsible for delivering that education often the ones most undervalued?
Part of the problem lies in how we measure success. Teachers don’t build skyscrapers, but they build the minds that will one day design them. They don’t operate on stock markets, but they shape the critical thinkers who will one day make important decisions. Their work is not tangible in the moment—it takes years, sometimes generations, to see the full impact of a teacher’s influence. And perhaps that’s why we forget.
We forget that every doctor, every scientist, every artist, and every leader was once a student sitting at a desk, shaped by a teacher’s encouragement or wisdom. And if we continue to undervalue teachers, we run the risk of weakening the very foundation upon which we build our future.
Redefining the Role, Rekindling Respect
So, how do we redefine this relationship? How do we remind ourselves, and society, of the immense value teachers bring? It starts with respect—respect that is not just expected, but earned through communication, understanding, and empathy.
Teachers need to be seen not just as authority figures but as mentors, guides, and facilitators of growth. This shift is already happening in many classrooms around the world, where teachers are creating spaces that are less about control and more about collaboration. They are empowering students to think for themselves, encouraging curiosity, and fostering a love for learning that will last long after the classroom doors have closed.
And in return, students are responding with a new kind of respect—one that comes from understanding that their teacher is not just there to lecture, but to guide, to support, and to inspire.
A Personal Yet Universal Connection
Whether you are 15 or 50, we’ve all had that one teacher. The one who went beyond the textbook, who saw something in us we didn’t see in ourselves. The one who stayed a little later after class to help, or who asked how we were doing when no one else did. That’s the power of a real teacher-student relationship, one that goes beyond authority and delves into mentorship.
On this Teacher’s Day, let’s redefine what it means to be a teacher. Let’s not just celebrate them, but value them in a way that goes beyond one day of appreciation. Let’s pay them what they’re worth, respect them for the role they play in our society, and recognise that the future of our world is, quite literally, in their hands.
Because the truth is, without teachers, there is no future. And that is something we can all understand, no matter our age.
In light of the recent reports about sex-related crimes, it’s natural to ask, “How much worse can it get?” But, “How can we make it better?” is perhaps a better question. This article explores solutions that schools, educators, society, and we as individuals can implement. Ultimately, we have a choice: either remain trapped in a vicious cycle that fosters sex offenders or teach lessons of equality, empathy, and equity to shape a safer future for our country.
Rapists are not born, they are made. They emerge when seemingly normal actions subtly elevate men above the basic principles of humanity. For example, when boys are asked to sit with girls in schools as a “punishment,” when boys are not encouraged to form healthy friendships with girls, or when girls are told to dress a certain way, concealing their individuality and their skin, these experiences serve the dual purpose of making girls feel inferior and leading boys to believe that everything wrong with society is somehow related to women. If such harmful beliefs can be taught, then lessons of empathy, respect, and equality should be even easier to instil. Proper sex education, paired with eradicating the long-standing practice of asking only girls to adapt, can help dismantle these erroneous beliefs by promoting gender equality and mutual respect.
Gender-based stereotypes that focus on what a student ‘should’ do rather than what they ‘can’ do also create an implicit obligation to follow a set path, whether towards family, profession, or society. The human mind is a pattern recogniser—we see things and assume them to be the rule. Thus, when children see their parents taking responsibility for certain tasks at home, they assume this is what happens in every household, in every place. Parents need to constantly challenge gender stereotypes to prevent their children from learning them. By dividing kitchen duties, having both parents buy essentials, both making payments, and both participating in home repairs, parents can demonstrate that duties or jobs are not assigned by gender, thereby teaching gender equality.
Sex education is also seen as a crucial solution. We’ve discussed its importance, read about its significance, and debated its benefits. Yet, we’ve failed to give it the academic and societal attention it truly deserves. With children now having unprecedented access to technology, and experiencing both the wonders and horrors of the world, addressing this issue has become even more crucial.
While efforts have been made to make sex education a mandatory course for adolescents, many states have opposed the idea, altering the course content to suit their preferences. Some schools have even gone to the extent of substituting the word “sex” with “adolescent” in the curriculum. The lack of proper sex education only exacerbates unhealthy attitudes towards sex, allowing non-consensual encounters and gender-based violence to persist. A study conducted on American students found a 56% reduction in the likelihood of sexual assault among those who received comprehensive sex education compared to those who did not. (This study, along with many others, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, highlights the benefits of sex education, including a better understanding of consent, a decrease in unwanted pregnancies and STIs, and a reduction in sexual violence and marital rape.)
We have always waited for the government, society, and the elites to recognise problems and take action, but we often fail to realise that we are the ones who shape the government, society, and elites. When we unlearn these problematic ideologies, we create a society that doesn’t victim blame, takes serious action against heinous crimes, and welcomes people into workplaces based on their talents and merit, not on the sex they were assigned at birth. Education can either build or break the future citizens of a country. When we make these changes on our own level, we shape the future law-makers, law enforcers, and law-abiding citizens. The future is indeed in our hands.
This article is authored by Sanvi Agarwal, a Law Aspirant, passionate about women rights, gender equality, and social justice
The world around us continues to grow, and we have emerged as a society that develops, innovates, and focuses on becoming more aware of its surroundings. Whether it is inventing new devices or addressing social issues, education is fundamental to our hope for a better future.
Indian education has evolved over many years to become what it looks like today. During the Vedic period, the teacher-student bond was focused on holistic development. After British colonisation, the curriculum shifted towards creating more “clerks,” emphasising mathematics and science over subjects like astronomy, philosophy, and metaphysics.
Since gaining independence, the primary focus has been to reform the education system to help every child reach their full potential and excel academically. It’s undeniable that our country is brimming with talented young individuals. Today, our citizens hold prominent positions in international companies, engage in groundbreaking research, and make meaningful contributions on a global scale. Our system aims to acquaint students with a wide range of subjects so that they have a basic understanding of each before choosing their specialised field. This approach allows students to acquire broad knowledge, providing them with a better understanding of various fields rather than delving deeply into the specifics right away.
In the current times, the focus should be more on how things are taught to our students. Let’s imagine a history class where a teacher is giving a lecture. Many of us might envision students getting bored and yawning, worrying about having to memorise a bunch of dates. This is the problem – we have become too reliant on rote learning, and our goal of learning has been reduced to simply regurgitating information on answer sheets during exams. With the increasing emphasis on competitive exams in our country, it has become common for students to study just for the sake of it. In the long term, this takes away the joy of learning new things altogether. While exams and assessments are necessary, students should be made aware that they are meant to assess their conceptual understanding and encourage more efficient learning, rather than succumbing to academic stress. Rote learning and memorization are important tools for learning, but students should be made aware of their purpose and utility so they understand why they are studying what they are studying.
It has been 14 years since the release of the famous Bollywood movie “3 Idiots,” and the question it asked is still very intriguing and relevant to us all: “How many students are excited that they will get to learn something new today?” It still feels like a utopian dream to imagine a classroom where all hands go up. Perhaps we can integrate values from our ancient style of education and combine them with our modern ways to establish a system that harbours students’ curiosity, gives them the space to ask questions, and provides them with more opportunities and choices to learn subjects that fascinate their interest.
This article is authored by-
Vibhuti Singh,
Student
In recent years, the acronym STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, has become a focal point in discussions about education reform and workforce development. However, an increasing number of educators and policymakers advocate for the inclusion of the Arts, transforming STEM into STEAM. Integrating the arts into STEM education is not merely a trend but a vital shift that enhances creativity, critical thinking, and innovation.
Enhancing Creativity and Innovation
In fields like engineering and technology, where problem-solving is key, the ability to think creatively is invaluable. For instance, a student working on a design project in a robotics class might use principles from visual arts to create a more aesthetically pleasing and functional design.
The arts also foster an environment where experimentation is encouraged. Unlike traditional STEM subjects, where there might be a single correct answer, the arts embrace ambiguity and exploration. This mindset can lead to breakthroughs in STEM fields.
Improving Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
Integrating the arts into STEM education enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Artistic endeavours often require students to analyse, interpret, and make decisions based on incomplete or abstract information. These skills are directly transferable to STEM disciplines. For example, a musician must interpret a piece of music and make decisions about phrasing and dynamics, just as a scientist must interpret data and make decisions about experimental procedures.
Moreover, the arts teach students to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. In artistic processes, iterations and revisions are part of the journey toward a final product. This approach is equally important in STEM fields, where initial experiments or designs often fail, and resilience and adaptability are crucial for success.
Bridging the Gap Between Disciplines
The integration of arts into STEM helps in bridging the gap between disciplines, fostering a holistic approach to education. Traditional education often compartmentalizes subjects, but real-world problems do not fit neatly into these boxes. By blending the arts with STEM, students learn to apply diverse skills and knowledge to solve complex problems.
For example, environmental science projects can benefit from artistic skills in visualizing data and communicating findings through compelling infographics or presentations. Similarly, architecture, which inherently combines engineering and design, requires a balance of technical skills and artistic vision.
Engaging and Motivating Students
Another critical aspect of STEAM education is its ability to engage and motivate students. Many students who might be intimidated by or disinterested in traditional STEM subjects find the integration of the arts makes these subjects more accessible and enjoyable. By incorporating artistic elements, educators can reach a broader range of students, tapping into diverse interests and talents.
For instance, incorporating music or drama into a math lesson can make abstract concepts more tangible and memorable. An art project that involves creating geometric patterns can help students understand mathematical principles in a hands-on and visually engaging way. These interdisciplinary projects can ignite a passion for learning and inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Preparing for the Future Workforce
The modern job market increasingly values skills such as creativity, collaboration, and communication—skills that are cultivated through the arts. Employers prefer individuals who can think creatively, work efficiently in teams, and have good communication skills. STEAM education helps develop these competencies, making students more versatile and adaptable.
Furthermore, the integration of arts into STEM aligns with the demands of the 21st-century economy, where innovation is key to competitiveness. Industries ranging from technology to healthcare to manufacturing benefit from employees who can integrate technical expertise with creative problem-solving abilities.
In conclusion, the importance of incorporating the arts into STEM education cannot be overstated. STEAM education enhances creativity, improves critical thinking, bridges disciplinary gaps, engages students, and prepares them for the future workforce. As we move towards an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the integration of the arts into STEM will be crucial in developing well-rounded individuals capable of tackling the challenges of tomorrow. By embracing STEAM, we not only enrich education but also empower students to become the innovative leaders of the future.
This article is authored by-
Richa Thakur,
PRT- Math
Khaitan Public School, Rajender Nagar, Sector-5, Sahibabad, U.P.
Education
India at the 2024 Paris Olympics: A Call for Greater Sports Prowess and Better Sports Education
The 2024 Paris Olympics commenced two days ago, with India sending a contingent of 117 athletes across 16 sports. While this number represents a significant effort, it highlights a pressing need for a larger representation and enhanced prowess in global sports competitions. This aspiration can only be achieved through increased investment in sports, a shift in societal mindset, and a transformation in sports education within our schools.
Increasing the Sports Budget
To foster a robust sports culture, India needs to allocate more resources towards sports development. The current sports budget, though improved, is still insufficient to meet the demands of nurturing world-class athletes across various disciplines. Enhanced funding can ensure better training facilities, access to top-notch coaches, and international exposure for athletes from a young age. Countries excelling in the Olympics, like the USA and China, invest heavily in their sports infrastructure and athlete development programs, reaping the benefits in the form of medals and international acclaim. India must follow suit to compete on equal footing.
Changing the Mindset
In India, sports other than cricket often receive little attention until an athlete wins a medal. This reactive celebration highlights a fundamental issue in our sports culture. Athletes who dedicate their lives to disciplines like athletics, boxing, and badminton deserve recognition and support from the beginning of their journeys, not just when they achieve success. A proactive approach, where the efforts and struggles of athletes are acknowledged and supported continuously, will foster a more encouraging environment for aspiring sportspersons.
India’s obsession with cricket is well-known, often overshadowing other sports. While cricket’s popularity is a cultural phenomenon, it is essential to distribute this enthusiasm more evenly across various sports. Promoting diverse sports will not only provide opportunities for athletes in less-publicised disciplines but also help in discovering and nurturing talents that might otherwise go unnoticed. A more balanced sports culture can significantly enhance India’s performance in multi-sport events like the Olympics.
Reforming Sports Education in Schools
A critical area that requires urgent attention is sports education in schools. Currently, physical education (PE) periods are often viewed as leisure time or used by other teachers to complete their academic syllabi. This undervaluation of sports in the educational system hampers the development of potential athletes. Schools must recognise the importance of sports as an integral part of education, crucial for the holistic development of students.
Infrastructure and Opportunities
Many schools lack the necessary infrastructure to support various sports. Facilities for athletics, swimming, gymnastics, and team sports are either inadequate or non-existent. This lack of infrastructure prevents talented students from exploring and honing their skills. Investing in sports facilities at the school level is essential for identifying and nurturing talent early on. Additionally, schools should employ qualified PE teachers who can provide proper training and mentorship to young athletes.
Building a Supportive Environment
To create a thriving sports culture, it is imperative to build a supportive environment that values and encourages sports participation. Schools should organise inter-school competitions, sports days, and workshops with professional athletes to inspire students. Moreover, collaborations with sports academies can provide advanced training opportunities for talented students. Recognition of achievements in sports, both small and large, can motivate students to pursue sports passionately.
Therefore, the participation of 117 Indian athletes in the 2024 Paris Olympics is commendable but also a reminder of the potential yet to be unlocked. By increasing the sports budget, changing societal mindsets, diversifying our sports enthusiasm, and reforming sports education in schools, India can nurture a generation of athletes capable of excelling on the global stage. Embracing sports as a vital part of education will not only improve our Olympic performance but also contribute to the overall well-being and development of our youth.
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