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

Fear of Police? or God?

Many a times, we come across people sharing their utopian vision for a better world. Too often, do people say that a better world can be established only after we have an able administration, civic sense, strict norms and so on. Overall, we find people of the opinion that the fear instilled in the citizens regarding the norms, regulations and administration is a must so as to have a better country.
We generally come across the statement that only the fear of police and administration can make this country a better place to live in. Let us throw some light on this fear factor. Talking in general, you do not do anything wrong in public as you fear the police. You do not jump traffic signals as you fear the traffic cop. You do not murder, loot, kidnap as you fear the administration. But does it go the same way for all? Do all the people not do the mentioned things due to the fear? Unfortunately, not. Today, we have by large entered into a world where not many people fear the administration. Even amongst the ones who do, they do not care about it in the absence of the keepers of the law.
In such a condition, does one not get the feel of whom to fear? Lets ask ourselves whom to fear: GOD or Cops and Administration. Surprisingly, one finds the presence of God-fearing people as a positive and optimistic sign of a better world. If one has the love for and fear of God, would he indulge himself in something that is morally wrong? Why not start appealing to a man’s soul, the god that is inside of him than to make him fear the police. A god-fearing person would automatically fear the administration too and infact would not do something that is offendable. Let us start creating a society where people have the fear of god and not administration. Well, some people might be thinking of those who do not fear either. Well, for them, there is always an option to resort to judicial actions. But, our foremost aim should be to let people be God-fearing... let them fear the almighty and not just the mighty.

Oxygen... a movement view

29/03/09

Student Council with a Difference!

Students should play an active, positive role in school life and the concept of having Student Council in schools helps to achieve this. It gives students a voice and the opportunity to work in partnership with management and staff to improve their schools. Through this we hope to give students a positive role in the organization of the school thus ensuring that they are listened to and respected for their ideas and concerns. Student Council members should be involved in the decisions, which are made regarding the day-to-day running and management of the school. Discussions and Student Council meetings should be held to develop social and learning skills such as speaking, listening, problem solving and decision making. The concept of having Student Council should aim at involving young people in our school, who feel alienated from the society and have little confidence in their capacity to contribute to bring about change in their area and those who happen to be powerless in a system of governance that rules their lives. It should encourage them to understand why people vote and enables them to actively see the power of a collective voice to stimulate change.Student Council should offer students experiences and provide multi-dimensional approaches initiated by the students themselves via dialogue which encourages enthusiasm and maintains involvement by virtue of achievements. A sense of respect, care and trust should be inculcated in members. Communication between students, teachers, the principal and the board of management should be made paramount. It should offer the children the opportunity to voice their opinion, listen to each other and express their needs via the student body to get what it is they want. The members should be actively involved in the student council, to attend meetings regularly, participate in activities and be a role model for other students. They should try to hone out their hidden qualities and should work for a revamp as they are going to be the part of the active vibrant body which will lead to a better place to live in. It should propose how students can turn their dreams into reality. Finally this should help to prepare an active citizen, an active member of society with an independent way of thinking.

Oxygen... a movement view

22/03/2009