EDUCATION IN INDIA

One issue that has not received the attention it deserves from observers of the Modi Government has been its treatment of education. We have all heard for some time about the demographic dividend that awaits our nation from its youthful population, but we can only reap that dividend if we train and educate our young people to be able to take advantage of what the world has to offer them in the 21st century. Otherwise, the Naxalite menace shows us how easily the demographic dividend can become a disaster: there is nothing more dangerous to the nation than legions of under-educated, unemployed and unemployable young men with no stake in our society. This is why I have often argued that education in India is not just a socio-economic issue, but a national security issue as well.

But the Modi Government's performance in education so far does not inspire confidence. Its budgetary allocations tell the tale. The overall education budget is down from Rs. 82,771 cr to Rs. 69,074 cr. Whereas under the UPA, the Plan allocation went up by 18 per cent in 2012-13 and by 8.03 per cent in 2013-14, the BJP Govt has reduced the Plan allocation for 2015-16 by 24.68 per cent. The savage cuts go across the board: the flagship Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan has been reduced by 22.14 per cent, funding for the Mid-Day Meal Scheme by 16.41 per cent, the Rashtriya Madhyama Shiksha Abhiyan for secondary education by 28.7 per cent and the Rashtriya Uchhattar Shiksha Abhiyan, to support state colleges, by 48 per cent. To take just one example, the SSA, which funds schools across the country: MHRD had asked for Rs. 50,000 cr in 2015-16; it received Rs. 22,000 cr from the Modi Government's current Budget.

In higher education, we have long lamented that not a single Indian university is in the top 200 of any of the global rankings. But look at the non-seriousness of the BJP's approach to our flagship IIT system. They have announced the creation of five new IITs with a grand total investment of Rs. 1000 crore - but the Government's own Detailed Project Report specifies that the cost of establishing an IIT is Rs. 2200 cr over a period of 7 years: in other words, each new IIT needs an annual expenditure of around Rs. 310 crore a year. Mr Jaitley's allocations fall dramatically short of that - and this excludes any amount which may be needed for completing the construction of previously announced IITs. Inadequate funding has compromised the quality of education in all newly established IITs and IIMs, with the government rolling out more such institutions without strengthening the existing infrastructure.

This is just one example. The reduced allocations across the board do not match the 12th Plan objectives regarding expansion, growth, access, or quality of Higher Education. The 12th Plan approach paper had proposed that 18 per cent of all Government education spending or 1.12 per cent of GDP should be on Higher Education, and Parliament's Standing Committee on HRD recommended raising it to 25 per cent and 1.5 per cent respectively. Instead, this government is going in the opposite direction.


An educated country needs good teachers, and enough of them. But only 63 per cent of government schools have a Pupil-Teacher ratio as per RTE norms (30:1 primary, 35:1 upper primary). According to the RTE Act, the prescribed norm had to be reached by March 2015: what is government doing about it?

We have a shortage of trained teachers as well as training institutes. There are 6 Lakh posts of teachers vacant under the SSA. Even in the KVs, 7698 out of 44,529 sanctioned teaching posts are vacant; so are 50 per cent of positions in teacher-training institutions. Most teacher training colleges, as the Verma Committee observed, are so bad they should be closed down. If we train teachers badly, they will teach children badly. A serious initiative by MHRD is needed: urgent recruitment, more Teacher Eligibility Tests, remedial training. Instead we have a level of governmental inattention to the crisis that matches our notorious culture of teacher absenteeism. The picture is even worse in higher education: Central Universities, IITs, NITs, IIMs, are all suffering crippling shortages of teachers.

Our educational system is over-regulated and under-governed. I hope this government will rethink the disastrous course upon which it has embarked, and revive the proposal to abolish UGC and AICTE and create an overarching Council of Higher Education to facilitate, rather than restrict, educational autonomy. Excellence can only thrive amid freedom.

-     - Mr. Manuel R  &  Mr. Krishna Mohan 

A GRANDPARENT IS SOMEONE WITH SILVER IN THEIR HAIR AND GOLD IN THEIR HEART

 “Young people need something stable to hang on to – a culture connection, a sense of their past, a hope for their future. Most of all, they need what grandparents can give them” – Jay Kesler

If you are one of the lucky ones to be blessed with a granddad and a grandma, you probably know how comforting it is to be put up with someone with a wealth of experience behind them, someone who loves you unconditionally and spoils you rotten with their affection. Grandparents cement the bonds between generations and infuse family values, religious beliefs and principles in the young ones. However, that is not all to being grandparents. They can be your companion in times of solitude, and may be even act as a mediator, adviser and your patient audience in times of need. Grandparents are truly God's most cherished gifts and there is little reason why you shouldn't have a day to commemorate their presence in your lives. Grandparents Day, a day dedicated to all the grand dads and grand moms in the world, to acknowledge their humongous contributions in our lives and celebrate their worth is truly one occasion to let the senior most member of your household know how much they are loved and cherished.

@ Sancta Maria, we celebrated this grandparent's day with lots of cheer and beautiful lines of appreciation from students making grandparents feel truly priceless. The pre-primary teachers greeted all the grandparents and parents with crafts made by students from the foyer to the amphitheater.

A sweet little welcome speech by Aripra started the celebrations, followed by dance performance by PP2 students on “Grandpa and grandma we love you” set the tempo of the celebrations.  Where students from PP2, Tanya and Pallavi expressed gratitude by speeches, Dhanya recited a poem.

Ramp walk: A huge sportive participation by the grandparents to walk the ramp was a pleasant surprise making everyone in the audience clap-clap-clap, cheering them all the way.

Pricking the eggplant: All the grandmothers enjoyed thoroughly while they did not they maintained the competitive spirit to prick as many toothpicks as they can in the eggplant in bucket of water.

     Couples Hair-deco: We had a joyful experience watching the couples play this game.  They had to plug-in straws in the hair of their partner. Be it mother- daughter duo, mother-son duo or daughter-in law clubbing with her mother-in-law or father-in-law, loved the spirit they showed up.

The tiny tots from Nursery performed on "I am so happy" for grandparents and PP1 students took the celebrations to next another level by dance performance on "we are going to grandmas' house". PP2 students then performed "love you grandparents" and marking a beautiful end to the celebrations, Debadrita of PP1 gave vote of thanks to all.

To see three generations together was delightful view adding a surprising positive energy to the celebrations, leaving a thought in mind to do things all year round to not let the celebrations shrink down to a day but to spread in life…

Can us-children, youth and younger adults, commit to do something grand…

-     Connect and serve with your grandparents or older adults in your community.

-     Recognize, honor, and thank grand families, who provide a safe and loving home to your grandchildren or other relatives.

-     Bring younger and older people together. Together, adults and youth can reach out to decision makers and begin one of the most important dialogues in our history: discussing how, as a country, we can address the many challenges facing future generations—from literacy to health and wellness to financial stability.

        - UmaTenneti

Education Gives You Wings

Education is igniting minds of the learners, so that a light is kindled and it spreads its brightness across the world. On account of teacher’s day we would like to remember a stalwart, who understood the importance of education so well. He is none other than former president and our beloved late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

He always made sure he didn’t miss the opportunity to teach, whenever and wherever he got, even when he became the President of India in 2002. That’s how he always wanted the people to remember him. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam – former President of India and a renowned scientist ignited a thousand minds, inspired a million to dream big.

Born to a very humble family, the stalwart never allowed his hardships pose a threat to his education and later went on to study aeronautics. Starting his career as a newspaper delivery boy he went on to becoming the first citizen of our country.  And the rest is history. His dream of a self-reliant and strong India has always been a strong motivation for the country and the citizens.

Some of his famous quotes that give us a peek into his thoughts and vision on education are quoted below:

“One of the very important characteristics of a student is to question. Let the students ask questions.”

“Creativity is a key to success in the future, and primary education is where teachers can bring creativity in children at that level.”

“Black colour is sentimentally bad. But every blackboard makes the students’ life bright.”

“Educationists should build the capacities of the spirit of inquiry, creativity, entrepreneurial and moral leadership among students and become their role model.”

“Creativity in education leads to evolution of self reliant youth with knowledge and action.”

- Ms. Raksha & Mr. Venkatesh

Emotional Intelligence

“No creature can fly with just one wing.

Gifted leadership occurs where head and heart – feeling and thought – meet.

These are the two wings that allow a leader to soar.”

- Daniel Goleman

Emotional Intelligence is the foundation that creates relationships that work!

Emotional Intelligence =

Awareness + Reflection + Insight + Skills in Action

Emotionally Intelligent person have a robust emotional vocabulary.

All people experience emotions, but it selects few who can accurately identify them as they occur. Research shows that only 36 percent of people can do this, which is problematic because unlabeled emotions often go misunderstood, which leads to irrational choices and counterproductive actions.

People with high EQs master their emotions because they understand them, and they use an extensive vocabulary of feelings to do so. While many people might describe themselves as simply feeling "bad," emotionally intelligent people can pinpoint whether they feel "irritable," "frustrated," "downtrodden," or "anxious." The more specific one’s word choice, the better insight one has into exactly how one is feeling, what caused it, and what one should do about it.

Emotionally intelligent person is curious about people.

It doesn't matter if they're introverted or extroverted, emotionally intelligent people are curious about everyone around them. This curiosity is the product of empathy, one of the most significant gateways to a high EQ.

They embrace change.

Emotionally intelligent people are flexible and are constantly adapting. They know that fear of change is paralyzing and a major threat to their success and happiness. They look for change that is lurking just around the corner, and they form a plan of action to do the needed change.

They know their strengths and weaknesses.

Emotionally intelligent people don't just understand emotions; they know what they're good at and what they're terrible at. They also know who pushes their buttons and the environments (both situations and people) that enable them to succeed. Having a high EQ means one knows one’s strengths and how to lean into and use it to the full advantage while keeping the weaknesses from holding oneself back.

They know how to say no (to oneself and others).

Emotional intelligence means knowing how to exert self-control. They delay gratification and avoid impulsive action. Research conducted at the University of California, San Francisco, shows that the more difficulty that one faces saying no, they are more likely to experience stress, burnout, and even depression. Saying no is a major self-control challenge for many people, but "No" is a powerful word that one should be unafraid to wield. Saying no to a new commitment honors one’s existing commitments and gives the opportunity to successfully fulfill them.

They appreciate what they have.

Research conducted at the University of California, Davis, found that people who work daily to cultivate an attitude of gratitude experience improved mood, energy, and physical well-being.

They disconnect.

Taking regular time off the grid is a sign of a high EQ because it helps to keep one stress under control and to live in the moment. When one makes oneself available to one’s work 24/7, one gets exposes to a constant barrage of stressors. Forcing oneself offline and turning off one’s phone gives one’s body and mind a break. Studies have shown that something as simple as an email break can lower stress levels.

They limit their caffeine intake.

Drinking excessive amounts of caffeine triggers the release of adrenaline, which is the primary source of a fight-or-flight response. The fight-or-flight mechanism sidesteps rational thinking in favor of a faster response to ensure survival. This is great when a bear is chasing you, but not so great when one is responding to a curt email. When caffeine puts one’s brain and body into this hyper-aroused state of stress, one’s emotions overrun one’s behavior. High-EQ individuals know that caffeine is trouble, and they don't let it get the better of them.

They get enough sleep.

It's difficult to overstate the importance of sleep to increasing one’s emotional intelligence and managing one’s stress levels. When one sleeps, one’s brain literally recharges, shuffling through the day's memories and storing or discarding them (which causes dreams) so that one wakes up alert and clearheaded. High-EQ individuals know that their self-control, attention, and memory are all reduced when they don't get enough--or the right kind--of sleep. So, they make sleep a top priority.

Stop negative self-talk in its tracks.

Emotionally intelligent people separate their thoughts from the facts in order to escape the cycle of negativity and move toward a positive, new outlook.

They won't let anyone limit one’s joy.

When one’s sense of pleasure and satisfaction are derived from the opinions of other people, one is no longer the master of one’s own happiness. When emotionally intelligent people feel good about something they've done, they won't let anyone's opinions or snide remarks take that away from them. While it's impossible to turn off one’s reactions to what others think, one doesn't have to compare oneself to others, and one can always take people's opinions with a grain of salt. That way, no matter what other people are thinking or doing, one’s self-worth comes from within.

- Manjushri and Mausimi

Happy Friendship Day!

Friendship is the most precious gift in one’s life that no one wants to lose. True friendship gives us memories, and several pleasant experiences over the years. August is waited for by everybody to celebrate this wonderful relationship. ‘Friendship Day’ is celebrated all over the world on the first Sunday of August, and we too, at Sancta Maria celebrated this day by dedicating our third Pre- Primary assembly on 11th Aug 2015 to ‘Friendship Day’. The beginning of the assembly was marked by PP1 A performing a sing-along song on friendship, ‘The More we Sing Together the Happier we be’ followed by action songs on ‘Friendship’ performed by PP1 B and PP1 C respectively.

Our older kids from PP2 classes spoke about:
●     Why do we celebrate Friendship day?
●     What they like about their friends.
●     Why is it important to have good friends?
●     How can you be a good friend?

At the end, the children exchanged a token of friendship, the friendship bands, with their friends. It was a morning of joy and fun for both children and teachers. Wish you all a HAPPY FRIENDSHIP MONTH.

Let’s be friends!

We want to talk about our friends!

The more we be together, the happier we be!

Best buddies do everything together!

Be my friend J

Wow we’ve got friendship bands!

-Nairuti S. Panchal

Build a Child For the Road Not the Road For the Child!

 A man, Avid Gardener saw a small Butterfly laying few eggs in one of the pots in his garden. Since that day he looked at one egg with ever growing curiosity and eagerness. The egg started to move and shake a little. He was excited to see a new life. He spent hours watching the egg now. The egg  expanded and developed  cracks,  a tiny head and antennae started to come out over, so slowly that ,Avid got his magnifying glasses and sat to watch the  body of a pupa coming out. He saw the struggle of the tender pupa and couldn't resist his urge to "HELP". 

          He went and got a tender forceps to help the egg break, a nip here a nip there to help the struggling life and the pupa was out. The man was ecstatic! He waited now each day for the pupa to grow and fly like a beautiful butterfly, but alas!!! That never happened. The larvae pupa had an oversized head and kept crawling along in the pot for the full 4 weeks and then withered away!

          Depressed Avid went to his botanist friend and asked the reason. His friend told him the struggle to break out of the egg helps the larvae to send blood to its wings and the head push helps the head to remain small so that the tender wings can support it through its 4 week life cycle. In his eagerness to help, the man destroyed a beautiful life!
         Struggles help us!! That’s why a wee bit of effort goes a long way to develop our strength to face life's difficulties!!

 As parents, we sometimes go too far trying to help and protect our kids from life's harsh realities and disappointments. We don't want our kids to struggle like we did. We're sending our kids, the message that they're not capable of helping themselves.

Harvard Psychiatrist Dr. Dan Kindlon says that over-protected children are more likely to struggle in relationships and face life’s challenges. It is quite interesting to know, the personality of a child, broadly depends on the development of the child’s’ first three years’.

It has been found that parents who provide their children with proper nurture, independence and firm control, have higher levels of competence and are socially well accepted.

 A child’s temperament is greatly influenced by parents’ cultural pattern and on the kind of “parenting style”, a child may receive.

Let us glance the three major Parenting styles, namely

Permissive, Authoritarian & Authoritative, so that we can self-evaluate ourselves, modify ourselves and be the “Guiding Light “for our children.

1. Permissive, non-directive parenting -Permissive parents try to be "friends" with their child. Parents also tend to give their children whatever they want and hope that they are appreciated for their accommodating style. Other permissive parents compensate for what they missed as children.

As a result children may tend to be more impulsive and never learn to control their own behaviour and always expect to get their way.

2. Authoritative parenting  - It is a child-centered approach, where parents explain the purpose of following the discipline rules, help the children become more responsible and gradually develop leadership qualities. Authoritative parents often help their children to find appropriate outlets to solve problems. Though they encourage children to be independent but still place limits on their actions and set clear standards.

 Often, authoritative parenting can produce children who are more independent and self-reliant.

3.Authoritarian Parenting –It involves in laying strict rules to be followed without giving proper explanation .children in this kind of environment will only learn to follow ,in turn become rebellious adolescents.  Parents often leave little room for any “grey area.” They tend to want  their  kids to behave in  an orderly fashion and  they expect them “To be seen and not to be heard” most of the time.

  We as elders/parents’ do’ consciously or unconsciously burden our children with our own expectations and desires without realistically assessing their own strengths and weaknesses. In the illusionary concept of parenthood that we have created ,we try to make them fit into a mould that we have created, and this mould gets passed on from generation to generation.

 Now let’s take a look at what ‘we can do’ to change this.

 "It  is  Our Job  to  prepare  Our  Children  for  the  Road & Not  prepare  the  Road”

‘Childhood is not a race to see how quickly a child can read, write & count. Childhood is small window of time to learn and develop at the pace which is right for each individual child.’

Some tips to parents:

1. Know your child’s abilities and weaknesses.

2. Set aside specific times during the day to work with your child.

3. Provide organisation in your child’s life.

4. Let your child have the success experience to boost success.

5. Fathers should make sure to spend specific time with child.

6. Do not emphasize failures.

7. Be honest with your child, do not say there is

    “Nothing wrong”.

8. When your child is capable of doing a task, gently insist that he/she finish it.

9. Encourage good behaviour. This is more beneficial than punishment for bad behaviour.

10. Be the best role models for your children.

-P.Mahalakshmi & Kirti Avinash

We Love You Ramadan

The second assembly of Pre-primary was super special as students celebrated the month of Ramadan and welcomed Eid through scintillating performances.

Where the students in the audience, witnessed the secret adventure of Salima and Salman with Genie, the students who played Salima and Salman showcased their acting skills. Genie unfolded the importance of Ramadan and Eid. In the holy month of Ramadan, people fast to appreciate the food that Allah has given them and to know what it feels for the less fortunate people, to purify ourselves and help us to become better human being.

The play was followed by a beautiful action song by PP2 students enacting “We love you Ramadan…” and PP1 students performed on a peppy Arabic song enthralling the audience.

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-        Uma Tenneti