Navratra empower us to lead a more disciplined life

Navratra is very special and pious occasion to introspects and clear our mind and soul from evils and impurity of the outer world. The festival is celebrated for nine days. These nine days are not just meant for fun and celebration. These can be done in other time in the whole year also. But for a small kid Navratra is full of joy, fun, celebration and to have a gala time. But people who are little older can utilize this time in its true sense and meaning which is self empowerment.First of all it is important to know the reason behind this festival. It is a festival of victory of Good over Evil. Goddess Durga who is considered to be the ultimate source of energy and reason for the existence of the whole universe is believed to be the only source of power and energy which is vital for our survival. She is believed to be the protector and provide us the power so that we can secure the victory over the asura or evil powers prevalent within and outside of ourselves.The asura are noting else but all the bad qualities which lure and inspire us to commit sin for the selfish reasons. They are so inspiring and drag us away from our expected character and behavior. These nine days of fast is not just purify our body to keep us fit but also provide us the power so that we can say no to the bad ideas or work that is our karma.But now Navratra celebration is under the influence of commercialization and marketing gimmick. It has become more a less a show business rather than a spiritual journey. We must leave in self disciplined and contentment and must say no to the glitter and glamour. It helps us in becoming more disciplined and focused towards our goals. We learn to serve humanity and fight the evil forces.So let us celebrate this festival for self-realization and for gaining spiritual and physical powers to face life in a better way and perspective.

Students' Oxygen movement view

10/10/2010

Character like Gandhi is desperately needed today

We do celebrate Gandhi Jayanti on every 2nd October but we hardly follow his ideology in our life. For generation X it might be an outdated concept in this materialistic world but if we deeply give his words a thought we will certainly realize that the character like him is the need of the hour. Today we want to be financial successful at any cost. Every thing in life has become a commodity be it education our marriage and even happiness within our lives we can't do without money. It is the only motivating factor in our life. Apart from this if we get time we think of our family, friends and then society. We have become so self centric that expecting good from anyone is rare. Character and morality has no meanings in our daily life and even school seems to be less bother about these things. They are not interested in inculcating these things in young minds. No doubt we are so indifferent towards each other. Does the society should wait and think where this cat race is going to take us? It is making us an individual without values. Not very far away in Indian history there was a person whom we today remember as Mahatma Gandhi the father of our nation. He taught us about the simplicity and ideology which suits an Indian. Can we afford to show the wealth for shallow status when more than 60% of our population earns Rs.20 per day which can hardly be the cost of one square meal. We have to think again before indulging into the collection of materialistic war as the only thing in life even if it comes through unfair means. Our Politician should also take a lesson from him that only post and position is not mandatory for serving the people but how many of them are here to serve masses? They are into the bull fight just to become a bully. The politics today seems to have no ideology they divide us on religion, caste, land and language just for their selfish goals. They should take rest and give thoughts to their action. Dear Bapu we miss you so much today that you can only inspire them and teach them what humanity is and how to serve human.

Students' Oxygen movement view

03/10/2010

Daughter can make us proud too

The half of the population which is women are still oppressed and deprived of their social rights and prestige compared to their male counterpart. The festive season is coming and Navratra are on the cards soon. We worship goddess Durga as the ultimate source of energy (power) and the creator of the whole universe. But ironically we do lots of injustice with the girls' within the same society. Their birth of a girl child is attributed with the sin or punishment and parents consider their daughters as a result of their sins. The whole mind set of the society has to be reformed because if we ignore the rights and fails to give the proper place to the girl child the society will not progress to the extent which we wants. The main cause of worry is the demon called dowry, the system prevalent in our society. This is the main concern and a parent start worrying for the marriage of their daughters soon after their birth. They don't even pay much attention for their education which is the only tool for ensuring their rights and social prestige. Now education has become expensive and the money has to be saved for their marriage is the common reply of the parents. The situation can improve if the fear of dowry demon can be removed. This is only possible by sensitizing the masses and by empowering the women by education. A girl child is as capable and talented compared to the boys if they can be given proper chance to groom and improving their skills. Then we can feel proud of them also. They have proven this many times whether it's the board examination or any prestigious competition in the recent time. There are many glorious story about them in our past also. The only thing is we should give them their due chance.

Students' Oxygen movement view

26/09/2010

Education without Moral and Human Values is Meaningless

Today we have lots of subjects to study in our curriculum but there are very few which are imparting moral values within us. We are not giving stress in our character building process. Not surprising enough we see the loss of the traditional values from our lives which was part of our ancient heritage and was something which made all of us feel proud of our culture and society. In our ancient time we used to consider guest as our god 'Atithi Devo Bhava.” But now with the change in society we have new stories in our curriculum “Atithi tum Kab Jaoge?'' meaning Guest when will you leave now we cannot tolerate you. What kind of value system we are inculcating among our children by these lessons is a matter of deep concern? This is not due to rising prices but due to the fact we are becoming self centric and selfish person. We hardly have time for others and we don't give a damn to them. This attitude will become more widespread if we have to study this kind of lessons in our school. Now how many of our children are staying with their Grand parents? We can easily do the survey. Now parents after the marriage are considered as guests to our house and not surprising enough we expect them to leave at the earliest. Because our daily routine is disrupted and we cannot afford to “waste “ our valuable time looking after them? These are the glimpses of our values system at present. If we don't know who were Eklavya or Aruni definitely we can't improve the things. Education must inculcate strong moral and cultural values in the child to make them good human beings prior to anything which they will become in their future. If we are deprived of these values we are no lesser than animals unfortunately born as human.

Students' Oxygen movement view

19/09/2010

Learning should be given more priority over exams

Most of the students are having anxiety problem regarding their results in examination. Thanks to Mr. Kapil Sibal that they will be provided with the grades making the situation little easier but even though the numbering of A+ grade will be considered the most. In short our whole examination system is basically based on mugging up and it doesn't assess our actual or real ability. There are many ill effects due to this inappropriate examination system.Recently the Infosys chairman N.R. Narayana Murthy gave advice to the children that they should focus on learning rather than just concentrating on their examination and results.In fact the bookish knowledge and the whole examination process has made us incapable and we are failing to bring the necessary changes within our society. We have plenty of subjects in our school curriculum but we hardly gain any practical knowledge which will benefit us in our coming future.You take the mock test of a candidate and just ask him what questions he got and the answers he has written for those questions. He will not be able to explain properly. He will forget the content once the show is over. Our whole concentration is to obtain good marks and clear the exam.But the result of these examinations is not taking us to pass the examination of our lives. Most of us struggle to utilize the knowledge we have got in our schools. The increasing rate of unemployed educated youth is the proof of this. If we would have given priority to learning over exams the things could have been different.The situation can improve if we go to the school regularly. A student must always be curious and desirous to learn. He must listen to the teacher with full concentration and try to implement them in his life. Surely his ability and skill will improve. The suggestion of Mr. Narayana Murthy is very relevant in today's era. Since many youth are jobless and frustrated, if they have skills in them definitely their will be lots of job offer for them.Education not only enlightens our spirits but also enhance our skills. These skills make you more capable and valuable in society. And by virtue of these ability you can change the society and will be appreciated everywhere.

Students' Oxygen movement view

12/09/2010

Students’ Oxygen Movement Fees Fund

Human beings are said to be the most evolved species on Earth- in terms of Science. But, in terms of Society and Spirituality, human beings are an essence of a whole- The Society and the Spirit. The true value of Human beings emerges with the blooming of their latent talents and humane characteristics- an ocean of virtues and inbuilt hidden discretions, need to be take out, bringing the conscience, the body and the mind in unison, directing this whole human system towards the real meaning of life and not towards a superficial and material existence in this world. This next to impossible seeming task has a key to the doors of the inside which unlocks the human system to bring out the best. This key is Education.
Education does it all spontaneously, where a child learns everything, rather, catches everything that comes his way- be it the home values, the trends of the society or his second home- School.
In School, the child becomes a student, a place where he goes to and learns at every step the art of living, acquires the life skills and explores the door to the inside.
The family and the society are a part of the child, but to be a student, to be in School, he has to pay a price- the more he pays, he better schooling he gets.
This intermediate step of monetary transaction should not pose an obstacle or a complete barrier in a child’s Schooling, as it is only education that moulds the most evolved species into real human beings.
It is the responsibility of the society (from which also comes the government) to provide schooling to every child for his overall growth by managing the running costs of the School’s infrastructure; and rightly so, because a child does not only belong to his parents, he belongs to the whole society and whatever he does affects the society.
This is not being uniformly practiced and many children do not go to School. That money does not become an issue in the process of Education, our Movement initiates “Students’ Oxygen Movement Fees Fund.” The Students’ Oxygen Movement Fees Fund is a voluntary fund, to be managed by the society. This fund seeks to provide an aid to the students who are in need of financial help in order to pay their fees.
A student can take help from the Fees Fund-
(1) A student can borrow a maximum of Rupees 2500 at a time.
(2) The student needs to produce a recommendation letter carrying the Principal’s consent, signature and the School stamp to be eligible to draw money from the Fund.
(3) The student should return the money conveniently, as soon as possible.
(Flexibility can be expected from the Fund Management if there are some urgent issues with the child.)
Participation of the People-
(1)People can sponsor money to the fund in multiples of Rupees 2500.
(2)They can deposit money in the fund for the use of students (in multiples of Rs. 2500). The management needs to be informed three months in advance when the money has to be withdrawn.
Let us take a step towards beautifying and adding quality to the lives of the children. Let us fulfill our responsibilities towards the society and be proud stakeholders in the formation of human beings, setting an example in front of the children, the future system makers so that they contribute their share to the society as good human beings, making this place a better one to live in.

Students' Oxygen movement view

05/09/2010

We are not very clear in our approach towards 100 percent literacy

The reason and aspects of education differ from people to people. In India after the 63 years of Independence more than 40% of our children still don't have proper school hence they are illiterate. The rest 60% are literate but out of these how many have completed 12 years of schooling or how many went to colleges or had vocational training we don't have accurate data to clear the situation. Ironically 40 millions of these literates are jobless out of these 12% are Graduates or Post graduates. This is a grim picture of our education system after Independence.

The meaning of education too is different for all and depends upon our social and mental set-ups. To some education is everything and life is meaningless without it. For others it is just a medium which make them able to grab a decent job which is more economically productive or a tool for employment. The quality of education given at schools is questionable too.

It seems from our efforts since Independence that we are not very serious in our approach to educate our children otherwise the figures would have been more encouraging and something to be boost upon. Our effort particularly of Govt. seems to be a skin saving one. This is so because the picture in front of us is not very and we don't have proper mechanism to ensure 100% literacy. We often confuse literacy with education. Our training system today is making literates only who just wants to make money at any cost. We have plenty of toppers from our system but we hardly find a few who are really doing commendable works. Because we want to see our students as a money making machine only. Now education has become a commodity because education provider themselves consider this process as a business and their institution a profit booking center. Therefore we can't imagine of quality and true meaning of education which takes you closure to the GOD. How many of us actually wants to reach to the God today?

Students' Oxygen movement view

29/08/2010

Development without compromising with the nature

India has witnessed rapid population growth since its Independence. The urbanization has taken fast acceleration since most of the population migrated towards town in search of better occupational opportunities and farming the vital occupation of India has become less lucrative. In cities we require lots of civic amenities like buildings, markets, hospitals, schools & colleges, roads, railways, airports and many more which facilitates our life. The growth comes with certain costs and ill-effects also. The most sufferers being the trees because its them which are chopped for making roads, bridges, tracks, buildings and even airports. Since development is necessary and demand of the time but we cannot afford to loose our greenery. We are already facing problem like global warming and temperature has increased due to harmful gases released in the atmosphere factories and vehicles adds to our problems. Trees only came to our rescue with a shy of relief. It not only reduces pollution but also releases Oxygen without that we cannot survive. Apart from keeping our climate cool and helping in rainfall it also prevent soil erosion and retains water within the soil. The importance of trees are manifolds. In short we can't imagine our lives without trees. Recently the Bihar Government has decided to chop down 3700 trees around Patna airport to ensure safe landing and takeoffs of the aircraft. The best alternative is the shifting of airport to the new feasible location where its capacity can also be increased and the present one must be left for smaller and private aircrafts.We understand that development is also necessary but as a civilized and educated society we cannot loose our best friend i.e trees.

Students' Oxygen movement view

22/08/2010

We want freedom from hunger as well as illiteracy

We celebrated our 64th Independence day with great enthusiasm and zeal. This is our national festival and the reason for celebrating this is special too because we got this much awaited independence after century of freedom struggle and innumerous sacrifices. The day begins with the hoisting the national flag at historical Red Fort by the Prime Minister of our nation. The tricolor is hoisted at all the prominent places, schools-colleges, Institutions and all over the India. Our heart fills with joy and pride when we listen to patriotic songs being played all nook and corner of the town and villages. We pay our tribute to our freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed their lives to achieve only one goal i.e getting our country free from the British. We garland the statue of ‘Bharat Mata’ the idol of mother nation and give slogans like ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ on this occasion also. This is true that we have done commendable progress since India became free in many areas. But our heart sunk when we think of hunger and illiteracy prevailing in our country. Many poor are still deprived of their square meals and have to sleep with insufficient or no food. This scenario could have improved if proper education has been given to them too. It's sad that even after 63 years of Independence about 40 percent of the child of India is out of school. And what quality of education the rest are getting is also questionable. We still see corruption being the one of the main reason for India's poor performance in overall development. The cases of dowry deaths, caste system, killing of child fetus, regionalism, racist thoughts are still prevalent and prominent. This shows that after completing our education we are landing up just being a literate rather than educated person. This shows that there is some fault in our training system and it's the responsibility of all the people of the society to fight against this ‘Asiksha’ as well as ‘Kusiksha’. Then only our society will be a better place to live in and praising slogans like ‘Bharat Mata ki jai’ could make sense.

Students' Oxygen movement view

15/08/2010

Enjoy scarcity over richness if it comes through dishonest means

Today we have lost the true meaning of education. The four pillars which comprises the education system are parents, teachers, society and the student himself. The present system is more oriented towards bookish knowledge rather than the value and evolvement of mind and soul as the real meaning of education. And the main aim is financial success rather than happy content life. Our society, family and system also encourages and pressurizes our students to become a money making machine directly or indirectly. This attitude results in plenty of ill effects which is reflected within our society. We are becoming more and more self-centered ultimately a true selfish person who is least bothered about social concern and responsibilities causing indifference and low human values. The lust and greed for money has become the priority of life and getting money to lead a lavish life. Practicing of corrupt means has become a common phenomenon leading to increased corruption in our day to day life. Even the sense of responsibility and self esteem has taken a backseat in our unending greed the money just to pose as rich within the society. But we don’t realize that on what and whom cost we are getting these money? We utilize our power and position to grab the public money which is meant for their need and development. We even digest money which has to be utilized for country development. Does we get education only for this purpose only? This question has to be answered sooner or later otherwise it will be free for all and a condition of anarchy will emerge in the country. There are three main things in the education. First is the knowledge about your soul, then yourself and ultimately to know about God. The end product of education is inculcating character and responsibility within a man. We must learn to enjoy scarcity over richness if it comes after killing our character and soul.

Students' Oxygen movement view

08/08/2010

Friendship of Krishna and Sudama bridges the rift between rich and poor

Celebration of friendship day may be a western concept but Indian history is flooded with stories about friendship and the qualities of true fiends. One such story which instantly comes to our mind is of Krishna and Sudama. This story does not only touches our emotions but also teaches us a lot of lessons to be implemented in our lives. First is the economic barrier as we become older the concern about social well being and financial status are reflected in our behavior. This could be intentional or might be un- intentional too. We start discriminating poor if we are financially sound enough. This is the root cause of hatred and discrimination among us and is ultimately reflected within our society. There are fewer rich but most are underprivileged in our country hence the example of Krishnsa and Sudama friendship is more relevant. The story gives us the clear message that no one is either rich or poor in friendship the friends are just friends and friendship is forever. If we extend this quality among our society definitely the concern and care for each other will be on the driving seat and we can break the economic barrier which is the cause of hatred among us. We must be eager to help our friends and there is no place of egoism and selfishness between true friends. India has given the doctrine of “Bashudehva Kutumbukam” meaning the whole world is a huge family. We never invaded any country just to impose our power or for mere lust. Although our history has witnessed many invasions since time immemorial. But these invaders loved our culture so much that they finally mingled and lost their individuality and a homogeneous mixture of Indian culture emerged as if we were the ocean and invaders like rivers which lost their identity when coming in contact with us. This is only possible because we love and respect even the strangers which after coming to this divine land become a part of this huge family.

Students' Oxygen movement view

01/08/2010

Guru - the person who enlightens our mind and soul

The mother is considered to be the first guru of a child. She teaches him the first lesson of life which is mainly focused on to cope with it. But it is the teacher or guru who imparts knowledge and wisdom to the child and charges his spirits. In India we have many occasions in which we feel obliged and pay our gratitude. Guru Purnima is one such occasion in which we thanks and feel proud of our teachers and pay them respect. Because its him who taught us to lead our life and how to get maximum out of it. In ancient times the meaning of education was mostly spiritual and it was considered to be the path which can lead you to reach god which was the ultimate goal of life. But the situation has changed completely in this modern era, so called 'kalyuga'. Now teaching is just another profession and students are considered customers whose need has to be taken care of. Schools are more concerned in making profits and education has become a commodity which can be purchased with the money. The ultimate goal is to make ourselves more professionally successful after completing the education. The so called valued relation has deteriorated and the special bonding between teacher and students is no longer observed. We should not get disheartened by present situation. Even today the teachers are the only person responsible for our knowledge. We must shed all our egos and surrender ourselves before him if we want to get true knowledge. The regards and respect should not diminish for our teachers and the real tribute for them will be only if we use our knowledge to serve the community.
Students' Oxygen movement view
25/07/2010

Imparting education can’t be taken for granted

Teaching is not just another work or profession only to earn your livelihood. It’s a devotion and the schools are the temple of knowledge and the teachers are its devotees. It's a selfless service for the community to make our youngster educated in result making our society a better place to live in. A society which adores not just other human beings but also values living and non-living things in surrounding which is important for our survival. If we continue playing with child’s future for the sake of giving them education which is improper and low in quality by appointing those people who either don’t have flair or fire to educate them it will have lots of ill effect in the coming generation. Unfortunately our Government seems to be doing so. They are appointing people for this work just on the basis of their marks or Degrees which are found to be either manipulated or a fake one in majority of the cases. How come these people who are doing immoral acts for getting jobs give moral values to kids is itself a big question. Can we afford to do so because these teachers ultimately has the role to shape our country future by giving our child good education. We will be living in the fool’s paradise if we expect these teachers will do justice to their teaching profession. Its our sincere request not to malign this social service by giving reins to those are not meant for this. Teacher have high regards in our society so lets not de glorify this profession. Can we afford to appoints doctors who are not properly trained and send them to the remotest areas and expect that the health of villagers will improve, the fate of the people can well be imagined. So this act has to be given thought before implementing.

Students' Oxygen movement view

27/06/2010

Schools and Teachers are meant for Studies only

It's a very old habit of engaging Govt. school teachers into various activities like Census, voting (election), health programmes etc. This shows the little concern of the govt. towards education which should be otherwise given utmost priority. But unfortunately this doesn’t happen in India. That’s why its not surprising that we are in so pathetic conditions when it comes to education. The academic calender is already short in schools and we are running short of teachers also. If we’ll engage them into others activities than how the syllabus will be completed? The students will not have other option apart from taking private tuition. This will be extra financial burden on their parents. Even the school premises are used either as a rest house for police and para-millitary forces. It is also used for various election related activities. More even it also serves as a place for marriage ceremony and reception hall. All these thing shows how much serious we are towards education. Because it's the children who are the main sufferers. But who will be held accountable for these things? Teachers who are not interested are also forced into these activities on failing their wages are cut or even withheld. This is the reward we are giving to the teachers who helps in the shaping of country’s future. These things will have to be stopped as soon as possible. And all the good people has the responsibility to raise their voice against it.

Students' Oxygen movement view

20/06/2010

Dream School 2010

Dream school- not just a distant dream but a dream which we all want to become a reality; a school that beckons all to a world of knowledge and wisdom; A school that will not be for the rich or the poor, the high or the low but for children, where they will grow equally and will be educated equally. We have always dreamt of this school and now we are here to express it through a Creative Vision- Dream School.The day was 7th of May, 2010 the venue was BhartiyaNritya Kala Mandir and the occasion was Dream School 2010.Students from different schools of Patna including Govt. and Public Schools like Notre Dame Academy, Loyola High School, DAV, Gyan Niketan, K B Sahay, and Miller High School participated in the third edition of Dream School. The enthusiasm was clearly visible among the students as they started thronging the venue almost an hour before the workshop started. The preparation for the main event had started way back in march with the coordinators Akanksha Pandey, Prachi Pandey and Parma Singh visiting schools in the first phase and meeting the head of various Institutions. The students prepared a project on their “Dream School” along with an audio-visual CD with the speech of the team members. The Projects had such uniqueness, such different ways for the achievement of our common goal that it proved a difficult job for the panelists to choose the better among the best. The Panel included Mr. Binod Singh, the Convener of Students' Oxygen movement, Miss Aprajita Singh, a socially active and responsible member of the movement and Akanksha Pandey, one of the coordinators for this year's Dream School Workshop.The event started with Akanksha coming onstage and welcoming the students, teachers and everyone present to the workshop with a brief overview of different activities undertaken by students' oxygen movement and an introduction on the concept of Dream School. The stage was then taken over by Parma and Prachi who carried on through the proceedings beautifully. Parma talked about the importance of education, the importance of our dream of an ideal school and the need to realize our dream school.Prachi threw light on the importance of teachers as they are the foundation stone of our dream school and invited them to invoke God's blessings by lighting the lamp and inaugurating the workshop.Shashwat and Bhavya, the youngest members of oxygen presented the teachers with floral bouquets to the teachers as a token of our love, gratitude and reverence. The programme was inaugurated by the teachers by lighting the lamp invoking God's blessings on all of us. The first round was priority listing where all the students present were asked to list 10 distinct features of their Dream School according to their priority within 5 minutes.On the basis of projects, the CD's and the priority list 25 teams were selected who came on to the stage in groups of 5 and gave a brief introduction of their Dream School. They also faced questions from the panelists. After this grueling session the audience had a gala time with two students from DAV BSEB, Rahul Bhardwaj and Prateek performing on stage. The audience cheered for inspirational songs like “Insaaf ki Dagar pe” which have long been forgotten but are more relevant today and still stress on the need of the hour. Songs like Aashayen related the children to the present condition and the hopes of the society from them.

After the priority list round, the top 10 were announced with the audience cheering loudly. But it was a tough time for the panelists as around fifteen teams were deserving enough to be in the top 10.The top ten teams faced questions from the audience and the other teams. And the teams which put forward the best ideas with utmost conviction advanced towards the top three spots. The questions that the top three teams faced were from teachers of different schools. And on the basis of their answers they were ranked 1st,2nd, and 3rd. Meanwhile, the audience also got to enjoy a magic show by a young magician Rakesh Roshan of Sir G. D. Patliputra High School. Although the whole programme stretched for more than four hours, the audience and cheer groups never seemed low on energy with each good answer getting a big round of applause.The programme ended with teachers and students being felicitated and teachers expressing their gratitude as well as asking for a similar workshop for them too. Mrs. Bhawna Shekhar, Hindi Teacher from Notre Dame Academy also narrated a poem written by her especially for the occasion. The Vote For Kids March to be held in October was announced by Parma along with the vote of thanks and the handling of responsibilities to the newly chosen 20 Dream Leaders to take this movement forward.

Students' Oxygen movement view

7/5/2010

Let us make education the biggest issue

We are living in a society without foundation today. A foundation which will enable the structures built today stand strong tomorrow. And when the foundation itself is weak can we expect the structures to stand tall? Can we expect a future without a present? The answer is no. Innumerable people talk of the fate of doomed students who are not getting proper guidance, the much needed changes to empower the students to be able to decide what they need but these are mere hollow talks which have not taken anyone anywhere. We need a mass movement, a revolution if we really want to do something for the students. And it is for this purpose that we have started the Creative Vision Dream School Campaign. Education and true education only can be that foundation which will give children the strength and the ability to achieve what they dream of. The Dream School campaign is going to give that much required opportunity to the students, to voice their concerns and their opinions about the ills of this foundation which is failing to give them the support for a brighter future. Through this unique initiative, we have tried and are trying again and again to create awareness among the masses that schools without proper teachers, a large number of schools that are absent from the system and a huge chunk young population which does not even have access to the basic primary education, is not something that the future of this nation deserves. The rich history and the even richer cultural and literary heritage stands falsified if they fail or they are not utilised to provide concrete present to the society in the form of intellectually rich human capital. It is only through education and by utilising it that we can do more constructive work in more fields to serve more people. True education which enriches one not only academically but also morally and spiritually will eventually guide all of us on the right path where it will no more be a question of me and I but us. This feeling of oneness mingled with the spirit and passion to provide a sound educational base to our children can never fail to give a foundation to our children which we all so desperately need.

Students' Oxygen movement view

18/04/2010

Dream School 2010

With deep breathing comes long life but it is only with education that we lead a quality life as it enables us to know the purpose of our lives and work towards its achievement. After air, food and water, the basic requirements for sustenance, comes education, the only thing which separates us from the rest of the crowd and empowers us to work and change the society for the better through our efforts. We kids dare to dream and so we have the power to realize our dream that is to have a school which will give us all that we aspire for in contrast to the existing schools which compel us to be a part of the rat race and not work towards taking more initiatives. So, carrying this dream forward the much awaited third edition of creative vision- dream school campaign was announced in the discussion today- Dream School 2010. For the past two years through Dream school campaign we spread the ideas of our dream school far and wide a school whose sole purpose will be educating and enlightening young minds not only academically but also inculcating a sense of morality in the kids, therefore making the society a closely knit environment for the overall development of young minds. Dream school 2010 starts with students from different schools forming groups of two. These groups will make a project on “My Dream School” and record an audio visual speech on the basis of which students will be invited to the main event at Bhartiya Nritya Kala Mandir on 7th May, where after a couple of rounds and discussions the best 25 teams will be selected. On the basis of panel discussion, top 10 teams will be finalised, which will face the audience and the panelists. The top 3 groups among the ten will be declared, 1st with a scholarship of Rs. 20,000, 2nd with a scholarship of Rs. 16,000 and 3rd with a scholarship worth Rs. 12,000 respectively. The rest of the 7 teams will be given Rs. 2,000 as scholarship. We hope for the success of Dream School 2010 and thus see the students taking that much coveted step towards making education the biggest issue. If we want a change, we ourselves have to be the change.

Students' oxygenmovement view

11/04/2010

Coaching Institutions- A boon or a bane

There has been a rapid rise in the number of tuition centres that are mushrooming in every locality. Coaching institutions are brimming with students seeking extra help in their academics. But rather than just taking a bit of help from these sources, it has become a regular and routine affair. Tuition centres can be compared to medical clinics; just as we go to seek help of doctors when in need. The same way we take help of tuitions at times when we need academic assistance. But is the problem so deep that we have to pay regular visits to these centres or for that matter, a clinic? Surely not. Tuitions are inculcating a habit of cut-throat competition among students and are preparing them merely for money and marks. This is a major obstacle in the growth of kids in schools, the atmosphere of studies and alertness is reducing day by day. The students are taking schools for granted, paying attention only in tuitions. They keep running from one place to another for tuitions and are not able to realize the value of time and time management. The teacher also are more enthusiastic in their coaching classes rather than in schools. All the efficient and teachers have set up their own centres due to the conveniences attached to them. Tuitions shouldn't be established institutions of society; instead, the quality of schooling should be upgraded to discourage the growth of these centres. The government must ensure better pay packages and conveniences for school teachers, well equipped schools and a proportional teacher-student ratio. School is second home for kids and it will continue to be so when the teacher and students stay as a family and hence, the senior students can help their friends in solving the doubts.Due to the development of tuition centres knowledge is taken to be a commercial investment that will pay in forms of highly paid jobs. School is a temple of knowledge where students are instilled with the right values and not just a guest for material needs, as in tuition centres. Its time when we ask ourselves- “Tuitions, a boon as a bane?” and act to get the desired result.

Students' Oxygen movement view

14/02/2010

Requesting PM and CM for regular visit to schools

After a long chilly interval, this year's first discussion took place with fresh energy, vigour and ideas and a new hope for realising all our dreams and a striving to achieve more marks in more fields to serve more people.
The much awaited student council was formed today which consist of student coordinators of different schools and colleges. The council took shape to make education the biggest issue and for addressing and raising the burning issues of society by the students.
The students placed their first proposal of regular and unorganized visits of prime minister and chief ministers to schools. The values are instilled in the students and the process of future making begins right from the school, where children learn and catch things that comes their way. The young students should be well connected with the decision makers of the society.
These visits, the students instead, should not be mere formalities, instead, they should be unorganized meetings with the growing kids that creates a shared bond between the young minds and the expressed ones.
Our system makers should reach out to kids and prepare them for the inheritance of responsibilities of the nation in future; to see how they are groomed and the values they receive from schools and around.
The children will take this as a pleasant surprise and will feel secured under the guidance and counselling of caring leaders. The leaders will also feel satisfied after monitoring the growth of the future torch bearers, and if they don't, they will take corrective measures to ensure a good quality of life in society for the individual. The student council members felt that the time and security of the prime Minister and chief ministers is very important but knowing this, they put forth this proposal as the process of nation building is equally important and it will be most yielding when the chain of bonding links all.
The care and affection shown will create a wave in the student community and they will respond with positive outcomes and will strive to achieve what we lack today- a harmonious society.

Students' Oxygen movement view

07/02/2010

Little Creation Each Day

The world has undergone a tremendous change through these years. There was once, a time when people were a part of the nature and lived in unison with the forests, the trees, the land and their surroundings. Nature had enough for everyone’s needs. The world witnessed the being of great saints and leaders who even lived to complete 100 years. There was ample time to indulge in art, literature and science. That world saw the creation of Ayurveda, having the power to heal naturally. The magnificent architecture, music, poetry and dance culture had also originated way back in those times. But, today it seems that the world has been put into a fast forward mode. From a balanced and fruitful life we have moved to a life full of worries, 24*7. Due to cut throat competition, the people are sacrificing their leisure time and are joining the rat race to attain worldly pleasures. People are ready to overwork and get exploited if they get heavy pay packets in return. The desire to fulfill all their wants has blurred the real meaning of happiness and fulfillment. Money can buy all the commodities but not the comfort peace or happiness. We are forgetting how to smile at our thoughts, at a joke or a kid smiling back. Small events go unnoticed; there’s no time for family or society. The meanings of refreshment and recreation have changed; it means dining out, a day at the park, the mall or the cinema hall. Discussions and conversations are off the list. There is need for introspection, analysis and action for our family and the society; be it an hour for a talk, a game of cricket for friends, a waste management drive for the environment or an event related to spreading awareness. Let’s donate some time for our own little creations each day. Not that it gives us a return in cash, but something more- it gives us eternal bliss and a wider view of humanity.

Students' Oxygen movement view

20/12/2009