Along with the IPL excitement, it's also time for EPL or Education Premiere League - the time of the year when students make the transition from school to college. I see the kids around me all busy with college admission forms and entrance exams and their parents all anxious about which college they would manage to get into.
Surprisingly, things haven't changed much since I started college about a decade ago. Even today 'Engineering' and 'Medical' are the most coveted professions and students and their guardians would do anything to get into an engineering/medical college. A failure to get into this premiere league leads to utter depression and despair for parents and candidates alike. Some parents think its the end of the world and their wards can no longer have a secure future. In many cases they insist their children take a year off from college and prepare again for the entrance exams. I don't blame them completely though- with these being degrees that can secure your life and give you financial stability and social recognition- no doubt it is the most safe bet.
What we all miss out here is to identify the candidate's interest and aptitude.The result being that whereas we have a huge number of engineers dissatisfied with their monotonous jobs, we lose out on good artists, photographers,writers and the like.
Reasons are many - lack of knowledge about these alternate professions among the parents and their wards, lack of professional counselling in identifying their skills, where they fit in best and what professional courses are available for them. Another factor is that whereas engineering and management colleges are mushrooming in every nook and corner, it's very difficult to find a good art or photography course.
I would agree that the situation has improved in metros and A tier cities, with people becoming a little more open about these 'non-conventional' career options. In smaller cities, like the one I come from, these are still taboo. Anyone who wants to become a photographer, artist, journalist or the like, is branded useless with no future and all attempts are made to discourage him/her.
India really needs a change in its perspective so that people feel free to do what they really want to and have enough opportunities to pursue their dreams.
What we all miss out here is to identify the candidate's interest and aptitude.The result being that whereas we have a huge number of engineers dissatisfied with their monotonous jobs, we lose out on good artists, photographers,writers and the like.
Reasons are many - lack of knowledge about these alternate professions among the parents and their wards, lack of professional counselling in identifying their skills, where they fit in best and what professional courses are available for them. Another factor is that whereas engineering and management colleges are mushrooming in every nook and corner, it's very difficult to find a good art or photography course.
I would agree that the situation has improved in metros and A tier cities, with people becoming a little more open about these 'non-conventional' career options. In smaller cities, like the one I come from, these are still taboo. Anyone who wants to become a photographer, artist, journalist or the like, is branded useless with no future and all attempts are made to discourage him/her.
India really needs a change in its perspective so that people feel free to do what they really want to and have enough opportunities to pursue their dreams.
So true!!
ReplyDeleteVery well expressed... I really liked the fact that this article talks not only about changing the perspective and mindset, but it's also pointing out the challenge behind it, like "engineering and management colleges are mushrooming in every nook and corner, it's very difficult to find a good art or photography course."
ReplyDeleteThis is so true !! Even if some students or even their parents want to break the chain and want to pursue some other career option, and if at the same time, looking for excellence, what are the options (In India)?
There are n number of IIM and IITs are opening up in the country, but does anyone know the Top Photography Institute - equivalent to IIM/IIT?