Schedule of annual examinations has been announced and there is a mad rush of students to finish their journals. The submission dates are long over but who wants to follow the straight boring path? The popular short cut is to condense the whole year's work in two days! On day one, obtain the teacher's signature on the journal in which everything is copied and on day two, finish the viva!
Students come prepared with a battery of excuses to overcome any barriers in this chosen path. They look at the teacher and lie with a deadpan expression.
Then the yelling and shouting by teachers begins. They are driven to the wall and must do summary justice. In the process, they give short shrift to genuine needy students.
One such student approached me a few days ago. Attendance of 3 or 4 lectures in the whole year and late submission, too. A good looking, fair fellow with a noticeable lack of confidence. Inability to say anything coherent. A case out of the ordinary.
I persisted in asking questions.
"No, I cannot attend lectures."
"Cannot? Why?"
"Often I don't have money for transport."
"You mean your bus fare?"
He nods his head mutely. I take some time to digest this piece of information.
"There are times when I am forced to put up with my aunt. She is unable to give me money."
Some time passes when I ponder over this. His eyes are full of tears.
"Your parents are here?"
"Yes but they fight and every now and then I have to come and stay with my aunt."
"Any siblings?"
"Younger sister She is in 8th standard."
Further inquiries reveal that his father has a regular job in a good company. His mother is a home maker and their fights have a long history. Father gives an allowance to mother but it is released bit by bit and so there is always a shortage of money.
"Father wanted me to appear for CA entrance examination. I did but could not clear it. Since then he is very angry with me. Many a time he has told me that he does not want to see my face." The boy can hardly utter these words properly. The rejection has gone so deep that he has rejected himself.
I try to counsel to the best of my abilities. " There are several ways to succeed in life. Becoming a CA is only one of them. There are enough opportunities in life for everyone to become successful. You have started with a handicap for no fault of yours. Work hard.Take up a job. Allow time so that things can work out but have faith in yourself."
I realize the inadequacy of my words even while I am mouthing them.
What will happen to this fellow? Will things work out or will a life be wasted? Most probably the latter but will I ever come to know?
Students come prepared with a battery of excuses to overcome any barriers in this chosen path. They look at the teacher and lie with a deadpan expression.
Then the yelling and shouting by teachers begins. They are driven to the wall and must do summary justice. In the process, they give short shrift to genuine needy students.
One such student approached me a few days ago. Attendance of 3 or 4 lectures in the whole year and late submission, too. A good looking, fair fellow with a noticeable lack of confidence. Inability to say anything coherent. A case out of the ordinary.
I persisted in asking questions.
"No, I cannot attend lectures."
"Cannot? Why?"
"Often I don't have money for transport."
"You mean your bus fare?"
He nods his head mutely. I take some time to digest this piece of information.
"There are times when I am forced to put up with my aunt. She is unable to give me money."
Some time passes when I ponder over this. His eyes are full of tears.
"Your parents are here?"
"Yes but they fight and every now and then I have to come and stay with my aunt."
"Any siblings?"
"Younger sister She is in 8th standard."
Further inquiries reveal that his father has a regular job in a good company. His mother is a home maker and their fights have a long history. Father gives an allowance to mother but it is released bit by bit and so there is always a shortage of money.
"Father wanted me to appear for CA entrance examination. I did but could not clear it. Since then he is very angry with me. Many a time he has told me that he does not want to see my face." The boy can hardly utter these words properly. The rejection has gone so deep that he has rejected himself.
I try to counsel to the best of my abilities. " There are several ways to succeed in life. Becoming a CA is only one of them. There are enough opportunities in life for everyone to become successful. You have started with a handicap for no fault of yours. Work hard.Take up a job. Allow time so that things can work out but have faith in yourself."
I realize the inadequacy of my words even while I am mouthing them.
What will happen to this fellow? Will things work out or will a life be wasted? Most probably the latter but will I ever come to know?
