Flights Of Fantasy
[ M Panging Pao ]
Most old-timers will agree that many things today are quite different and opposite to what things were few decades back.
There was a time when ‘bell-bottomed’ trousers, big collars, high-heeled shoes and long hair were stylish. Today, trendy men’s fashion includes short trouser bottoms, small collars, flat shoes and short hair.
Earlier we worked by day and slept by night; now many of us sleep till late in the day and stay awake deep into the night. Earlier we had more children and no maids; today we have lesser children and more maids! Earlier there were no TVs, computers and mobiles, so people spent more time with family, friends and played outdoor games with their extra time; today each member is so busy with TV, computer and mobile that there is no time left to spend with your loved ones and play outdoor games. Earlier, petty thieves caught in villages stealing fowl, domesticated animals or rare ornaments were out casted from the village; today people who plunder public money and property are invited as chief guests, guests of honour and garlanded!
Similarly, many observers feel that there is an inverse logic in the field of education vis-a-vis power. The most brilliant in studies at school clear the competitive examinations after class XII and become engineers, doctors, army/navy/air force officers. Those who could not make it to engineering, medicine and armed forces opt for graduation in other fields like arts, science, commerce, law etc.
Immediately after graduation they again clear other competitive exams and join central police forces, PSUs, MNCs, etc. Amongst students left out, many attempt for civil services exams and become central services officers like IAS, IPS, IRS, etc. Those who could not qualify for all these professions become politicians. And many who do not complete their studies become dons!
A minor analysis would reveal the hierarchy of power. The don dictates the politicians; the politicians dictate the bureaucrats; the bureaucrats dictate the central police services, PSUs, armed forces, engineers, doctors etc. In this inverse logic, the most brilliant students end up at the bottom of the job pyramid and average students reach the top of the job pyramid.
While this may be a generic observation and may not apply to all cases, it is an indication that just being brilliant in studies is not a guarantee to get the best job. A study of profile of many successful persons will reveal that the formula of becoming successful in life includes a combination of being good in studies; being good in other co-curricular or extracurricular activities; being smart, and some good guidance by parents/ relatives.
A quick glance around you might confirm the validity of this Inverse Law of Education.
Do you still want your children to be brilliant in studies? Do you still want to run after arduous tuitions and chase dreams of IITs and IIMs?(The contributor is retired Group Captain, Indian Air Force)
