Education : Attracting Teachers !

"I have never let my schooling interfere with my education." - Mark Twain

Thanks to Dr S. Radhakrishnan, we at least remember Teachers on 5th September.

Dr. Radhakrishnan was of the opinion that education could solve many ills of the society. He wanted to change the educational system by improving the quality of education and building up a strong relationship between the teacher and the student. But with the shortage of Teachers, how can we ever bring this change!

The real job of a teacher is to create curiosity about the subject in the mind of the student. But unfortunately there are many drop outs and humongous expectations from school teacher.

For time immemorial teaching is considered as noble profession but we have failed to fairly compensate and respect teachers. Often teaching is looked down and not considered as one of the most sought after profession.

However its time we accept and recognize education as an industry where students, the governments, the society and even the teachers are the consumers, and view teachers as intellectual capital. It is ridiculous to even think of reforms in education without addressing the concerns of teachers. It is therefore necessary that we immediately come up with practical solutions to address their concerns.

Attracting teachers to low profile school is indeed difficult. In government schools, teacher’s job is transferable and accountability remains confined along vertical lines of control. The education inspector rarely visits schools in far flung rural areas and reprimand the offenders. Moreover there are no substitute teachers in a single –teacher schools. In addition the strength of class creates unimaginable teacher to student ratio and induces additional stress. About time we investigate the actual percentage of fund allocations in primary and secondary schools, take feedback from students and teachers, analyse the percentages of repeaters and study the demographics.

In rural areas and even in elite Macaulay schools, compensation and working conditions need to be revamped to attract qualified teachers. Better wages does not promise immediate improvement in education but it certainly helps to attract good talent. Even hiring teachers on contract should be explored albiet it could fail to establish a long term Guru- Shisya tradition ( teacher- student rapport) essential in the formative years.

Designing teacher compensation to increase quality, quantity and equitable distribution could be daunting but an attempt should be made in this direction. Moreover performance incentives, exchange programmes, regular training in their subjects and soft skills will help attract good professionals to schools. Perhaps the syllabus of B.Ed and D.Ed needs to be revised. Local arts, craftsmenship and vocational training must be compulsory imparted at school levels to encourage underpriveledge children to attend school.

Good leadership, regular mentoring coupled with proper investment in work environment, good facilities for teachers, text books, stationeries and adequate time for planning and development could attract qualified people into teaching.

How about encouraging post graduate or even MBA students to regularly intern for a month or two at primary/ secondary school. Perhaps some of them will go on to become excellent educationist, school administrators and teachers in future.

As CSR initiative, employees can spend at least a day every month in schools and assist in administration, conduct training for teachers and students. And certainly we need more Teach India Campaign.

Ninad Karpe in his blog reforming education http://www.reformingeducation.in/?cat=4 presents some wonderful statistics and states that India will face an acute shortage of teachers.
Unfortunately there is no dearth of Ideas…Ironically, what we lack is the …Inclination to Implement!...

Any suggestions…

Bridging the Industry – Academia Gap

Albert Einstein once said, “The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at, when we created them.”

Isn’t this true of our education system? While reforms are critical in school education, it is equally important in higher education and vocational training. Undoubtedly such reforms require participation from all – government and private educational institutes, central and state government and more from the corporate world.

The best way to start this process is by creating awareness amongst all stakeholders. Perhaps this could be done by organizing conferences. Such conferences would unfold into wonderful discussions and obviously these same broad and intensive discussions would later become an important tool in identifying a particular development that could perhaps form a strategic inflection point.

This is where HR professionals can play a pivotal role. Haven't we witnessed this in organizations? The more complex, these issues are, the more levels of management are involved, because people from different levels of management bring completely different perspectives and expertise to the table.

Having said that, last week an interesting conference was organized by More than HR Global (MTHR Global) a new generation learning community and was aptly sponsored by Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM India) – a global association committed to research, education and professional development in HR management.

The conference theme was indeed relevant - ‘Nurturing Geniuses – Leading and Managing People in Education and Research Institutes.’ The conference had eminent personalities from academia and industry - speaking on issues confronting our education system, and the dilemma it poses to corporate world. The speakers clearly highlighted that scientific temperament and innovation will be the change agents in developing societies and lead them into the future. But lack of emphasis in higher education, would allow them to decline and therefore priority in education reforms and increased public- private participation becomes a necessity to the whole society.

With the plethora of challenges, a single event might fail to stimulate thinking, garner support, offer solutions and establish industry- academia partnership. It is therefore necessary to continue having more such conferences and involve more people from outside the HR fraternity, who not only have different areas of expertise but also have different interests. Such inclusive conferences will encourage people from other disciplines to give clearly and forcefully; their most considered opinion.

These meets would gradually encourage the stakeholders to cut through the murkiness that surrounds their arguments; clearly understand the issues and each other's point of view. Clearly, all sides cannot prevail in the debate, which arises out of discussions pertaining to HR, skill gaps and archaic educational system but all opinions definitely have value in shaping the right solutions.

Nonetheless MTHR and SHRM deserves to be complimented for taking the first step and bringing the intellectual power of all relevant parties to this sharpening process. After all the clearer images that results out of such meets would permit policy makers, academicians and corporate professionals to make a more informed and more likely correct --- decision and encourage collaboration in designing and implementing reforms.

A Small Beginning! - Highlights of another School Reunion …

Just a week ago, on the day, when the SSC results were announced, students were smiling and having party at Hotel Ratna, Goregaon. These teenagers were happy and ready to explore their dreams, a new future, and a new life that beckoned them.

Outside the hotel, some boys were equally ecstatic, laughing and perhaps even fighting their tears back. These lads were meeting for the first time. Incidentally, 23 years ago, these boys from St John’s High School had parted - on the same day !

Circa – July 4, 2009

The email did receive a bleak response. Yet we were confident and hoped to see a score, if not a dozen. However expectations grow and are pricked faster than stock market bubbles.

But guess what….. When it comes to alumni reunion, expectations belie any prognostications. And so we had a fairly fabulous alumni reunion with 16 members albeit there were some last minute cancellations.

Imagine few energetic members, from different continents, eagerly standing, near the mall entrance - searching, looking at every new entrant with hope, expectations, desperately recollecting and trying to establish some resemblance with old familiar faces.

1 p.m. - Atul Kichambre, Vinod Halkarni, Madhavi Patel (now Shah), and Kamlesh Devnani were waiting. Their hearts racing, eyes looking in all directions amidst that packed mall, and often looking at the mobile screen for any miss calls. In few minutes others joined. Renuka Acharya and Rekha Kamat walked together and Madhavi was delighted.

Samir Mullaji, Sajid Sheikh, Balachandra Pai, Harish Parmar, Yogesh Gosain, Sunil Anchan, Pravin Saliyan, Sunil Nair, Suresh Balan and yours truly soon joined.

With modifications in Article 377, people in the mall didn’t seem to object us hugging or even walking with arms around the shoulder. In few moments we found an empty table and slowly managed to grab another with chairs for all. Incidentally, those chairs and table were small and made from wood!. For a moment, it appeared as if we were back in school sitting on those wooden benches. The cacophony in the food court did not disturb us and we were soon engrossed in chatting and reminiscing the good times.

It was past 2:30 p.m. and yet nobody seemed hungry or even thirsty. But we wanted some comfort and perhaps a place that would provide some semblance of silence. We entered Hotel Moti Mahal. The paneer cubes were soft and instantly melted in mouth; chicken kebabs were edible but the food and service mediocre.

Atul relished on Paneer and enjoyed clicking photos of the food items as it was being served. Atul has the makings of a fantastic food writer. Next time, Atul lets meet at Delhi Durbar – opposite Regal. For 40 years their service, Biryani and other gourmet remains unchanged.

Samir was ready with his memories. Guess every strand in his beard has a childhood incident attached. Harish reminded of Gujarati film star with designer spectacles. Yogesh was busy predicting the future. Bala meanwhile was listening intently and ready with his witty one liner.

The girls were loquacious and looked younger. Madhavi was bemused to see men and figuring out their boyhood faces. Renuka spoke in measured tones and was glad to see everyone. Rekha was eloquent and was surprised to learn that some of us studied with her in the same school.

Kamlesh’s enthusiasm was infectious and he regaled everyone with his amazing experience in railways. Sajid didn’t enjoy the food but was delighted to meet everybody. Sunil Nair looked weary with his travels and was actively listening to all. Normally Sunil will crack a joke or two and laugh aloud.

Suresh was focused on the PTA meet that he had to attend later and was wondering why others couldn’t make it. Sunil Anchan was jovial, had a tongue in cheek reply to all and missed his class mates ( Division). Pravin walked in late and was overjoyed to see everybody around. Every now and then some body would remind us of friends who weren’t around and praise Alwyn and all those who regularly write mails on our e-group. It was 5 p.m. and the crowd started to rush in. Atul and Yogesh clicked few photos.

Thanks to Atul, Kamlesh and Madhavi for their mail, and Bala and Renuka whose phone calls managed to get few school friends to attend. Kudos to Suresh, whose dedication and tenacity ensures the reunion becomes a success. Thankfully, the rain God's arrived late and it poured heavily.

Words fail to describe the joy of meeting old school chums …...and hopefully such small reunions would someday lead to the Grand Reunion – 2011…Moreover with more than 60 members on school google group the grand union certainly seems possible and achievable!...

A special thanks to everyone who attended and made this reunion a success.

BlueGrass, Alison Krauss, Robert Plant - Sublime and Invigorating Music !....

Isn't it strange...the music stores in Mumbai do not stock DVD of this amazing talented musician - despite winning 28 Grammy’s - more than any other singer?

Surprisingly the store attendants haven’t even heard about this singer! ...Wonder, where will I get this album ….and when will Gen- Y realise -there is music beyond bollywood, hip-hop and rap? About time, they train the ignoramus attendants in these outlets….

And so here I am, again glued on youtube listening to this glorious Bluegrass Country musician. Check this - One of the finest string performances - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYhlXdxbAXc – Choctaw..

Bluegrass Country music is a blend of American, Irish and Scottish music…based around acoustic stringed instruments viz; mandolin, acoustic guitar, banjo, fiddle….

Perhaps some of you know who this talented musician is …yes the immaculately dressed lady is a legend. Alison Krauss, born in 1971, blessed with silken, saccharine, dreamy, high pitched voice that delicately trebles and caresses your soul. And her band the UnionStation, conservatively attired creates spectacular magic that haunts, reverberates and captures your heart. Check out the song that got me hooked http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvDaoWrYWxg – goodbye…

The album I am searching – Raising Sand. A spellbinding album that brings two icons – Robert Plant and Alison Krauss - out of their comfort zone, letting them trusts their instincts and create some enchanting music … Legendary Robert Plant -with his sonorous, soothing, slithering, and sublime vocals redefined and created the reverential, erstwhile rock group- ‘Led Zeppelin.’

Check out http://www.robertplantalisonkrauss.com/site.php?content=raising_sand and enjoy all the numbers – albeit you can start with ‘Rich woman’,‘Gone, Gone, Gone’ and later ‘Please read the letter’…Raising Sand resurrects delightful melody ....and these two brilliant singers complement each other wonderfully well. Producer Burnett backs the singers with an amazing orchestra, superb guitar of Marc Ribot and the brilliant percussion of drummer Jay Bellerose.

I must thank my wife for introducing me to this singer. I am sure Alison will leave a profound effect with her talent andmusic. Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32_BE6Pf6x0 – stay ..and do enjoy this number http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjsjZWlRVvo

Enjoy..

New York –Gripping, Bold and Refreshingly Sensitive!..

Seldom do we witness sensitive, thought provoking thrillers from Bollywood but New York is clearly an exception. The film manages to stir viewers and make them think.

Kabir Khan’s film - New York features the story of three friends- Sameer (John), Omar (Mukesh), and Maya (Katrina) who meet as students in New York. The film brilliantly presents the impact of 9/11 on their lives. It subtly potrays, how the aftermath of that catastrophic event lead the world to unfortunately equate Islam with fundamentalism, terrorism and spread hatred.

The film grips you from start and the first half races along with your heart beat. The second half is sluggish but it boldly presents glimpses of life in a penitentiary and the end looks quite convincing. Although Obama has closed Guantanamo Bay, and people might even forget, but it will take a long time to redeem and heal the scars of innocent, immigrants and suspected terrorists.

Apparently foreign locations and love triangle are integral part of Yash Raj Films, and here it becomes the central theme. John remarkably plays the role of a gregarious student and a suspected terrorist. Neil falters during the climax, struggles with his grandfather’s song, but brilliantly displays his loyalty and delicately enacts Omar’s tortured state. His cameo with Irrfan is incredible. Katrina’s accent, her emotions are convincing and the director cleverly juxtaposes it with Maya. FBI officer Roshan (Irrfan) is undoubtedly the show stealer. Zilgai (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) is absolutely brilliant and looks promising.

This film suffers in bits and some scenes fails to create the required background, tension, anxiety, and intensity. Pritam’s music is good, youthful and the Hai Junoon number keeps playing in your mind for a long time.

Aseem Mishra’s lens captures various emotions and often shoots wide angles to present the wonderful panorama of Big Apple, Hudson and Manhattan. The cinematography is the hallmark of this film. The director could have added some shaky effect, like those produced by handheld camera in documentary films to enhance some action shots.

Incidentally New York bears some similarity with a Pakistani film Khuda kay liyay. This film has received international awards including a fatwa. The film features Naseeruddin Shah and throws light on terrorism, paranoia, suspicion, fundamentalism and the liberated Muslims.

Having said that do watch the film New York !

Mir and some Ghazal Mausiki...

“Hazaaron Khwaaishen aisii, ki har Khwaaish pe dam nikale
bahut nikale mere armaan, lekin, phir bhii kam nikale” - Ghalib

I suspect, the advent of private channels, reality shows, hip-hop, have diminished the popularity of Ghazals and Mushaira. And I hope Ghazal gayaki doesn’t become nayaab (rare). Thanks to Mehdi Hasan, Farida Khanum, Ghulam Ali, Jagjit Singh, Rajendra Mehta, Anup Jalota, Talat Aziz, Chandan Das, Hariharan etc, for making Ghazal - abaad (prosper). The singers have rightfully become famous but, ironically the writers haven’t ..Afsos!

Although, I am yet to pick the finer nuances of Urdu, but it hasn’t precluded me from enjoying ghazals. It’s not just the mausiki (rendition) and music but the verses and mood in ghazals that captivates the ardent ghazal lovers.

Typically Classical music comprises of ‘Sur’, ‘Taal’ and ‘Laya’, based on appropriate 'Raag' and this siqafaat (culture) is beautifully followed in Ghazals. In its simplest form, the Tabla renders ‘Taal’, harmonium/ other instruments - ‘Laya’, while the singer resonates ‘Sur’- meticulously and melodiously bringing the rich Farsi / Urdu expressions to life.

For the uninitiated, Ghazal originated in Iran and introduced in India by Moguls (12th century). Amir Khusro Dehlavi pioneered Ghazal in North, but it received patronage from rulers in Deccan. Basically a ghazal is a short poem (not more than 7-8 couplets) in the same meter (Beher – Length of a sher) and comprises of Matla, Radif and the Makta. Matla is the opening verse and Radif – repetition of common words, e.g. second line of all the Sher's must end with the same word/s. Makta often includes (Takhallus) pen-name of the poet and it often describes the poet’s state of mind and /or his belief.

Now we have heard of The legend - Mirza Asadullah Baig Khan, pen name Ghalib / Asad. Have you come across the work of his closest rival - poet Zauq? While they had immense respect for each other, both of them unequivocally admired and acknowledged the supremacy of Mir Taki Mir sometimes spelt as Meer.

Mir, born in Agra much before Ghalib is known as ‘Khuda-e-Sukhan’ (God of verse), the Shen-shah of Ghazal and Urdu Shayari. Mir’s poetry is easy to understand and its simplicity adds to the effect, and leaves the listener spell-bound. Ghalib himself admits about Mir’s prowess.

This is what Ghalib says:
Rekhta ke tum hi ustaad nahin ho "Ghalib", kahte hain agle zamane mein koi Mir bhi tha..
[Rekhta = Urdu] - (You are not the only master of Urdu, Ghalib; they say, there used to be a Mir in the past)

Indeed Mir remains a - Nazir (unequalled / matchless)…Thanks to Samir for sharing this beautiful Mir ghazal -“Dekh To Dil Ki Jaan Se Uthtaa Hai .… Check out - mellifluous, honeyed rendition from King of Ghazal mausiki - Mehdi Hassan http://ashq.wordpress.com/2009/06/06/dekh-to-dil-ki-jaan-se/

Incidentally my wife reminded me, the same ghazal plays in background in Late Kamal Amarohi’s epic ‘Pakeezah’ (pure / clean)…Its sung by talented Naseem Begum a.k.a Naseem Bano Chopra. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbrX3traykU&feature=related

Another Mir’s famous ghazal “Patta patta, boota boota, haal hamaaraa jaane hai” and “Dikhai Diye Yun- film Bazaar.

Now every ghazal lover regales on Ahmed Faraz - Ranjish Hi Sahi….Mehdi Hassan’s immortal rendition. By the way, the rendition by Runal Laila and Talat Aziz is equally brilliant. Other popular compositions by Faraz include: Badan Mein Aag Si Chehra Gulab Jaisa Hai & Phir Chhidi Raat – film Bazzar

Ghulam Ali, Jagjit Singh, and others have popularized Ibn-e- Insha, Kabir, Faiyaz Hashmi and Nida Fazli. Like Mir, these poets also use simple words. I simply love this Faiyaz Hashmi ghazal – Aaj Jane Ki Jid Na Karo in Farida Khanum silken, unique voice http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J4jgctq8h8

Although Ghalib, Zauq and Faiz Ahmed Faiz relied heavily on Persian idioms/ metaphors... but don’t stop listening…..its sheer joy…and over the period of time you might understand the meaning…albeit I am still trying ..

I am sure these saaqib (sublime) bazm-e- ghazals, will make you say, “Subhan-Allah !!!” and hope this art doesnt diminish. Until then, let me take your Rukhsat with this amazing couplet:

“Sau kos say ba-zabaan-e-qalam baatein kiya karo aur hijr mein visaal kay mazey liya karo”- Ghalib
{From hundred of miles, talk with the tongue of the pen and enjoy the joy of meeting even when you are separated}…

Tasleem and Shabba Khair