The road not taken
Ianswered the doorbell to find my neighbour’s son standing there. In his hands he held an iftar gift. “Aunty, I have brought some haleem for you,” he said. Haleem is a popular Middle Eastern stew made from wheat, lentils and meat. I asked the young man if his mother had prepared it. With a smile he replied that he had made it himself. He then told me that he was a student of a prestigious institute of hotel management and catering technology in Chennai. I recalled how a couple of years ago this boy had been forced to join the science stream. But as soon as he had finished his grade 12 boards, he convinced his parents of his true passion: culinary. Now the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) 10th and 12th class results are out. Parents and teachers will pronounce the moment as a turning point in the lives of the children.
The children will have to choose their stream of study. Even though our society claims to be modern, we are still viewing the various disciplines in a biased manner. A great many parents desire to opt for the science stream, so the children must get ready for exam after exam to get into the various medical and engineering colleges. Here the aptitude of the child is not always taken into consideration.
Next best thing
Those students who are considered unable to deal with the stress of the science field are quickly pushed into commerce. For the Indian parent, management is the next best thing. Last and least position is given to the so-called humanities students.
When we do not understand the inclination of our children, we cannot motivate them to reach their true calling. Teachers and parents should try to instil courage so that children can follow their dreams. The wonder of learning should not be replaced by an urge to fit in.
Let our youngsters know that the world requires teachers, critics, chefs, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, scientists, actors, models, lawyers, artists, writers, dancers, social workers, economists, doctors, engineers and more. A mature society gives equal respect to all fields of education.
As I looked at the young man, proudly talking about his accomplishments, I too was infected by that happiness. I remembered my college days where with great joy I had learnt literature and flown on the viewless wings of poetry. Let your children decide their calling.