Anger produces anger

In this world, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Like for instance, when sound is produced in an open area or an empty room, the same sound comes back to us in the form of an echo. Another very suitable example is of the abstract noun very widely used- Anger. This negative element is very much into practice. The people, who have seen anger, will show anger. We can say that anger produces anger. The softest target for this practice is children. If they show anger, where does it come from? The answer is- from their parents, teachers, television, media and the society. They see anger around and learn to behave in the same way. Their mistakes are followed by scolding and discouragement which is the cause of lack of self- confidence. Instead of being encouraged to do better next time and learn from their mistakes, they face criticism and get disheartened. They stop trying out new activities and hence, all this leads to a narrow view of the world. In defense they become introvert and instead of trying out new things, they say a straight ‘NO’ or show anger. This anger bars the creativity of children and they start thinking in a particular way or direction. Slowly, these negative aspects creep into their lives and with their growth, these qualities take a place in their character, personality and body language. These children, who, when grow up, behave in the same way as they were subjected to and their attitude regarding their responsibilities towards the society is also of the same kind. They give what they got- anger. Isn’t this a kind of crime? Why are we creating cruel beings out of pure and innocent minds leading to disturbance in society? We need to make this place a better one by being kind, good and polite to everyone which will produce able, responsible and creative human beings and ultimately a happy society. Life is too short for anger and sadness, let’s live with happiness and spread positive vibes around. A good deed or a good word always shines and enlightens the world.

Students' Oxygen movement view

11/10/2009

STUDENTS’ COUNCIL .... A NEED

Every child has ideas that he/she would like the world to know. Ideasthat are radical, ideas that have the potential to change the face ofthe world. But these ideas remain locked in their minds and ultimatelyperish. If only we could give these ideas a medium for experssion, they would manifest themselves into concrete action in the long run.These ideas that stem from creativity and also the resentment towards the present education systems that kills it, need to be heard. Itwould ultimately result into positive change towards the betterment ofthe generations to come. We suggest the formation of a Student Council in schools of the city that would have coordinators of each student through their chosen representatives. These coordinators would collect ideas from students on how they think the education system can be improved. Ideas worth noting would be given a medium such as the weekly newsletter, the website or a student magazine that reach out to other students as well as important people of the state. These ideas could range from all aspects of education such as sports, arts, social service, musicor environmental concerns. Each class, that is from grades 8 to 12,would have two class coordinators and each school would have twostudents who would represent the school and co-ordinate thefunctioning of class representatives in that school. The school coordinators would be co-ordinated by five City co-ordinators who would, ideally, concentrate on one aspect of education apart from seeing over the general concerns. The idea is to unite the student force and make every voice heard. The power of the youth can be harnessed only by organized effort and channeling their unsurpassed energy in areas that can make a huge difference in the society. It is an appeal to students to come out of their shells and make their presence felt.

Oxygen... a movement view

04/10/2009

Expectations from the New Government

There is the new government and there are the expectations… Unexpectedly, today’s discussion witnessed a turn from the Main Topic “Expectations from Educated People and Education System’ to ‘Expectations from the New Government’. It was time they started discussing their expectations from the new government. India, being the largest democracy of the world experiences the largest phase of elections spread of a greater time span than any other democracy. They say, 'Expectations are endless'. Does that mean that we leave expecting? Afterall, when the people went out to vote, when they were the ones who were pleaded to or requested to be the kingmakers, then does it not become their responsibility to question and get answers back.Students, talking about their expectations from the new government led special impetus over Education. They were of an idea that the country needed development and the much needed development could not be brought about sans education. We have several problems facing our country today, for example unemployment, corruption, casteism, regionalism, child labour, child marriage, pollution and intellectual bankruptcy, but education is the sole solution to all these problems. Sadly, though, we never let education take the center stage in our list of concerns. If our system provides good education to each and every child and if every child attends school, will there be any scope for child labour? Issues such as child marriage would automatically vanish from society. No one would remain unemployed after receiving vocational education and social menaces such as casteism, regionalism and corruption would be rooted out if children are imparted such education that teaches love for all, derives inspiration from morals and stands for honesty and truth. With an education that stresses upon the need for judicious use of available resources, children would never grow up to harm the environment since these values would be deeply rooted in their hearts and souls. The government is indeed expected to ensure Social Security to Food, Health and Education. It must also create a strong Public Distribution System. It must ensure Universal Elementary Education. Last but not the least, Students expected the Government to realize their Dream School for them and for all.

Oxygen... a movement view

24/05/2009

Dream School 2009

What witnessed a flow of energy, rush of adrenaline, and a plethora of ideas was none other than Patna's largest Interschool Event - 'Dream School 2009'. On the pleasant morning of 28th April- School buses, students, teachers and other enthusiasts had already started thronging the place - even before it was time to say 'Welcome!',- atleast an hour before the reporting time.It was a journey through 60 schools of Patna, a journey of 1 and a half months, an epochal journey to let students dare, dream, think and talk about their 'Dream School'- a school that they visualised, a school that they had craved for since the very first day back at their own school. The journey through 60 schools- more than 10,000 students was indeed an exciting one. And here was what it culminated into - the Finals of Dream School 2009 at the beatiful auditorium called the Bhartiya Nritya Kala Mandir. It was a journey powered by Oxygen... a movement and carried out by the Event Director Sharad Vivek Sagar and Coordinator Chitranshu Tewari- both prominent student leaders of Oxygen and the city.
The event started with Chitranshu, coming onstage welcoming the people and introducing them to the Host of the event. Sharad Vivek Sagar, the Director of the event 'Dream School 2009', played an able Master of Ceremonies for the event keeping the audience involved and cheering all the way lest he signed off calling it a day.The Host announed the semi-final open. The Semifinal was a written round of thirty minutes wherein the students answered a common question - 'Why should your Dream School be chosen as an Idea Dream School?' Adding up the points of the Pre-finals stage(i.e. the project) and the Semi-finals, TOP 25 teams were picked and put on stage in 5 phases with 5 teams coming onstage at a time talking about themselves and their Project. Thereafter, out of the 25 teams - TOP 10 teams were chosen and put on stage where they faced questions from the Host, Dream Panel, and the audience. The Dream Panel comprised of Convener, Oxygen... a movement Binod Singh, International Climate Champion Barsa and Action for Nature International Eco-Hero Chitranshu Tewari .
After the TOP 10 teams underwent gruelling questions rounds- 7 teams got eliminated and Top 3 teams stepped forward faced the question of the rest of the 7 and finally made it and showed Patna what it takes to be Dream Champ 2009. And, interestingly, for what the host had kept them chanting at the top of their voice, the schools received accolades for that too. Everytime, the crowd seemed low on energy- the question from the host- Which is the best cheering school was just more than enough... that was the day Patna would never like to forget- not just for the cheering , the energy but the IDEAS...Finally, the Vote4Kids Marathon was announced for, where the students will run- to demand for a vote for them... their dreams... and turn the Dream School into a reality not just for a few, but ALL...

Oxygen ... a movement view

28/04/2009

Dream School! But for whom? Me or We

Two children dreamt of their schools. The first one dreamt... a lovely school, with a beautiful garden whose fragnance lights up the entire school, has air-conditioned classrooms, buses, olympic-size swimming pool, a laptop per child and a lot more... he dreamt of an school that utopian for the rest but highly affordable for him and a few of his family and friends. He was satisfied!Another child dreamt of a school- ... a small school not that big nor too small, having good facilities though not lavish, good classes, teachers and he dreamt of such a school for all the children irrespective of the background- financial or social, that they came from. He was willing!Making you a God for a Day or atleast the Education Minister of India atleast because this decision making post can indeed be touted as one of the mighty positions- one whom we can look upto for a better India - Whose dream are you most likely to grant? Before, we enter into the Dream School '09 the day after tomorrow, this is one thing we all must have very clear in our minds.Before, you choose either of the one- a maxim to go by- 'India does not live in its Six Metropolitans but in its Six Lakh Villages.' And for it to develop, India must develop its Six lakh villages with special impetus than just flaunting its metropolitans.Off course! One does wish to grant the wish of the second child - ... a school and for all. We need to talk about it seriously amongst us, our friends and wherever we get a chance to put it up. We don't need Five-Star schools, a normal school with minimum basic facilities would do- but it must be inclusive not exclusive. Talking about the kind of school we want and want for all- our government schools are the ones we can look upto and for this the government needs to ensure the quality in government school and one would be happy to send their children to government-run schools. If there are some of you sitting and wondering - Government Schools??? then, one must take your attention to the premier institutions IITs and IIMs where you spend so-so much of money to get your children in- then why not here, Sir/Mam? The day, our government schools shape up and infact shape up well, that will be the day when we can proudly say- we are on the path of development. Let us talk of inclusive schools not exclusive schools!

Oxygen ... a movement view

26/04/2009