Points of View. Review on Dept. Of Education

The following is an attempt to analyse the education system of India and its effect on todays youth. Its not exactly a review on Department of Education. I have written a sort of Play(Drama) to bring out my views

Disclaimer: All events and characters of this play are fictious.

This Play involves three friends Tathagat, Divakar and Aditya who spent their engineering college years together and today are moving out to their different goals in life. They have different ideologies and each has a different perception of education they got and the general status of education in India.

Aditya is from a village farmer family and is very ambitious. Above average in studies, he lives life of a fun loving normal guy.

We catch the play when Divakar just enters the room which all three share. Tathagat is already there doing some work.

Divakar: Still going on with your female education rights?

Tathagat: Yes, the government has to learn that a mere declaration of policy or scheme doesn't solve the purpose. We will make them realise their commitment.

Divakar: And you think you and your activists will bring education by yelling in front of those government officials.

Tathagat: Yes why not, we have done it in past. Many schools are working well with the midday meal scheme.

Divakar: You really think so. Those kids are getting 'education'.. Is that what you are saying? I disagree. Those kids and the teachers are more inclined to the meal section than the 'teaching' section. And I don't blame them because its a half baked idea and is bound to fail.

Tathagat: But atleast they are going to schools now. Its better than no education.

Divakar: Education, its a farce in our country. These kids educated by underqualified teachers are getting very bad version of education. Forgetting those poor children for a while, what about us, the middle class. What are we teaching our children?? Knowledge has taken a back seat my friend. Our own teachers made us mug up things, who cares about understanding. Why do you think you hate your degree. Because you know that you may have got it but you haven't earned it.

Tathagat: Yes I agree to it and I am not ashamed of it..I have limited abilities in engineering and that is so because it was never made interesting for me. But you are brilliant, You know the concepts, you are happy with your education. But whats the use? You have decided to go abroad for research and maybe you will stay there. What does your education mean to us Indians. I may be a failure in academics but I try my best to bring positive change for people around me.

Divakar: Get a broad view Tathagat, think in terms of global perspective. My research will benefit everyone in the world if it comes to that. If I can do something that is truly great than should I just stop because it feels like betryaing my nation.

Tathagat: But you don't understand. There are many intelligent people who can take your place in that foreign university but we need you here, to do research for us. And how do you suppose to do something for us if you deny to know us or be among us.

Just then Aditya enters with a big smile on his face.

Aditya : Guess what you guys?

Tathagat: No way... You got that job.uh?

Aditya: Yep I sure did. I don't believe it man. I never thought I could get it with my grades.

Tathagat: They must be impressed by you in the interview.

Divakar: What's the job? You never told me abt it..?

Aditya: Oh .. I just forgot. Its a post of web designer. Isn't it cool. They are beginning with a 2.5 lakh package.

Divakar: It seems cool. But you are a mechanical engineer. Don't You wany to apply for core jobs in mechanical engineering or even CAD. Where does web designing come in?

Aditya: Don't you remember I did a six month private course on web designing.

Divakar: And what about your 4 yr degree in mechanical eng. Why a subject out of ur line..

Aditya: Because its all about money, honey. Core jobs don't give much bucks.

Divakar: Tathagat, do u see whats going on with education here. Our friend doesnt care about the knowledge he gets, or whether he will employ it to good use. He will stick to 'Get Rich' ideas.

Tathagat: But whats wrong with web designing.. Its not as if he is fooling someone.

Divakar: There's nothing wrong with web designing and I wish him good luck, I just pity him because he does not even seem to love this subject also. The education we are providing makes us devoid of the passion for learning. Its just a strain we go through to get jobs, act smart and earn bucks. Isn't this wrong?

Continued in comments section