THE FIRST MUNSHI RAM AGGARWAL ORATION to be delivered by
MS BINDU BUBBER, UNITAR, GENEVA, SWITZERLAND Consultant and Project Creator
“FACILITIES FOR CREATING QUALITY EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS FOR DAUGHTERS OF FAZILKA”
INTRODUCTION ď Ź
Way back in 1940, Late Shri Munshi Ram Aggarwal gifted an educational system for the populace of southern Punjab, and it has resulted in attracting students from far and wide towns. Today the needs of the region are much more than what a degree college provided since 1940. Higher education of the youth and enhancement of education system for girls on all branches of arts, science, technology and medicine is required
NEED FOR QUALITY EDUCATION FOR GIRLS •
Desire with talent to become educated professionals and finding life fulfillment and the right to enter Institutions of higher learning is there among girls of this region. Higher education is primarily seen as a set of skills, attitudes and values required for citizenship and effective participation in an increasingly competitive modern society.
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Education is the basic requirement for human development and right to education is a fundamental human right. Our constitution stipulates equal franchise for every citizen regardless of gender and gaining education is most important in quest for equality. Major policies paving way for education of girls are:
MAJOR POLICIES OF THE GOVERNMENT Facilities for paving way for education of girls are:
In 1901 literacy rate in India was only about 5% and by 1947 at the time Independence it was nearly 20% and in 2008 it was 60%. Of this Male was 75.26% and female was 53.63% The tenth five year plan has conceded that the high literacy rate among women has paved way for low mortality rate and low population growth and increase in the rate of life expectancy.
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PRESENT SCENARIOIn 1901 literacy rate in India was only about 5% and by 1947 at the time Independence it was nearly 20% and in 2008 it was 60%. Of this Male was 75.26% and female was 53.63%
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has been the fundamental point for the focus upon literacy and elementary education programmes, not simply as a matter of social justice but more to foster economic growth, social well-being and social stability.
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The tenth five year plan has conceded that the high literacy rate among women has paved way for low mortality rate and low population growth and increase in the rate of life expectancy.
This has been the fundamental point for the focus upon literacy and elementary education programmes, not simply as a matter of social justice but more to foster economic growth, social wellbeing and social stability.
PRESENT SCENARIO
Only 1 in 10 young people have access to higher education in India.2 At beginning of the academic year 2007—’08 the total number of students enrolled in Universities and Colleges was approx 116.13 lakhs. The enrolment of women was about 40% of total enrolment.
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Ministry of Human Resource development (HRD) has envisaged Higher Education for Indians. The inputs have evolved in distinct and divergent streams. There are Medical Institutes, Polytechnic Colleges, Management, Law and Agricultural Colleges, Teacher Training Colleges.
And many new courses as per demand of industrial, service sector and agriculture sector in India. According to data of HRD Ministry (2008) enrolment of girl students in higher education is increasing continuously but drop-out rate is near about 3% at XII or HSC level. This is not good at all. ď Ź
XI Plan aims to increase Gross Enrolment Ratio from 11% in 2006 to 15% by 2011—2012 through rapid expansion of higher education system while ensuring quality and INCLUSION. Note the word INCLUSION ---Each of you has to recognize the need to access higher education so as to harness potential and to learn, lead and act on vision of change--- for self, family and community and nation.
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Benefits associated with girls education accrue to individuals, families and society at large. Belief that educated and confident women would become a better citizen and housewife.
UNIVERSITIES AND UNIVERSITY LEVEL INSTITUTIONS IN INDIA ď Ź
There are presently 226 university level institutions in India including 39 'Deemed universities.' Out of these 155 are traditional universities, 34 Agricultural Universities, (including Fisheries and Veterinary sciences, Horticulture and Dairy Technology), 17 are Engineering and Technology Universities including 7+ Indian Institutes of Technology,
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14 Universities of Medical Sciences and Technology, 14 Universities offering higher studies in Social Work, a National University of Law, Institute for Population Sciences, Indian Statistical Institute, Indian Institute of Science, 1 University for Journalism, 1 University for Ayurveda, 5 Universities for Women's Studies, 6 Sanskrit universities, 7 Open Universities, 7 Universities of Fine Arts and Music and 1 University of History of Art, Conservation and Musicology.
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There are more than 8000 colleges affiliated to these universities and it is estimated that nearly 5 million students are on roll. Out of the number of colleges mentioned above 150 offer MBBS and higher degrees in medicine, 74 in Dentistry, 74 in Social Work, 90 in Pharmacy,19 in Speech and Hearing , 62 in Nursing, 170 in Agriculture and allied courses, 428 in Engineering, 116 in Ayurveda and 75 in Homeopathy. BA, BSc,
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BCom, BEd, LLB, MA, MSc, MEd and other higher degrees in disciplines of basic sciences, social sciences and humanities including foreign languages, international relations, social studies, education and law are offered at most of the conventional universities or colleges
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Master's courses in business management (MBA) and allied courses are offered at 292 colleges/ institutes including 4 Indian Institutes of Management, which are centres of advanced learning.
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Along with constituent colleges of universities, a large number of research centres of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Bhaba Atomic Research Centre, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Indian Council of Medical Research, Indian Council for Social Science Research are also affiliated to the university system and offer research for doctoral and postdoctoral programmes.
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The Engineering, Education and Business Schools are monitored and accredited by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) while Medical Education is monitored and accredited by Medical Council of India (MCI). Likewise agricultural education and research is monitored by Indian Council for Agricultural Research.
The Technical Training Institutions in the country are controlled by NCTE or National Council for Technical Education. Admission to all professional education colleges is done through all India Common Admission Tests of which IIT-JEE, AIEEE, CAT and AIPMT are most popular ones.
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For courses like Social Work, Speech and Hearing; colleges have their entrance exam, group discussion and Interview. Science streams would require a high cut-off at XII level so planning and effort both are important.
NON GOVERNMENT INSTITUTES
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Watching the Indian scene where there mushroom growth of technical and medical colleges, it seems commercial attitudes prevail without any consideration for quality and excellence in installing basic facilities of laboratories etc.
NEED FOR ENABLING ENVIRONMENT ď Ź
The citizens of Fazilka can pool their financial resources just like a cooperative to establish a world class institution for advanced subjects. An individual is hard pressed, yet a combined effort can achieve the objective. From basic skills like Nursing, Hospitality to the latest Nano, Bio and Information technologies, the town can become hub for education of girls.
WHAT LIMITS ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION IN FAZILKA These limitations for girl students can be can be summarized as: Infrastructure and poor facilities for higher education disciplines after 1940 Quality is an issue/non issue; not just do any course to get a degree. Parental attitudes are encouraging in Fazilka Girls have to look after housework and care of siblings.
GIRLS ARE THE TALENT POOL OF FAZILKA Role of family approval to understand and support their desire of daughters to achieve higher education is important for the personalities to flourish. But the people of Fazilka should earnestly install education systems for higher education in upcoming streams and work towards it. ď Ź
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Economic compulsions and opting for easy but not very productive vocational courses. Any social and cultural beliefs and practices that diminish value of girl education beyond secondary stage. Early marriage compulsions and unplanned in decision making. Low status----limited opportunities
SPECIFIC POINTS
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On the part of citizens, it is desirable that they should work plans for institutions of higher learning while for the girl students certain points which the they must start pondering and collecting Information should start with:
TOOLS FOR HIGHER STUDIES
Essential study tools in all higher education courses which you all must take cognizance of are Role of Internet and computer operations Developing a Reading Habit Accessing Library and organizing your study material Collection information for the subject of your choice Developing traits for time management
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Information regarding options/disciplines for higher education (suiting aptitude) at higher secondary level itself. Cultivate skills and knowledge base to cope with the various specializations offered in higher education courses If lacking these valuable talents who and where from these can be acquired.
FINANCES FOR HIGHER STUDIES
How will an aspirant for higher education discover the possibilities for scholarships as well as educational loans? Incentives and concessions for disadvantaged groups like those with disabilities or, belonging to Scheduled groups. Hard work and consistent effort are going to be your assets all through your career.
IMPORTANCE OF PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT
“It is our choices…that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
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Identification of the field of specialization where one can excel is what experts call the PATH which paves the way for joining the workforce and becoming a productive and efficient citizen of Indian Republic. Girls should address all this in 10+2 level itself.
WHAT SHOULD GRLS DO TO PLAN FOR EDUCATION?
WHAT SKILLS TO CULTIVATE? –
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Communication skills---writing, reading and speaking, body-language, problem-solving skills, logical reasoning, general awareness, social skills, note-taking etc. If you think you are a slow learner or it is the feedback of your teachers, then find out who could guide/counsel or coach you so as to overcome the challenge.
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Concentrate your efforts by setting GOALS. Use Clarity as a principle of goal setting. An Honest appraisal of level of challenge being faced will help in motivating yourself to turn your vision of the anticipated future into reality. Be convinced of your choices and no dilly dallying will enable to achieve quality life. There is fierce competition and aim should not be to just acquire graduation and post-graduation degrees from half-baked colleges mushrooming in the country.
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Your interests, hobbies, aptitude and quality required to pursue any specific career; lies in the choices you make and how you organize yourself. You want a supportive environment for pursuing your education goals; aspire for it.
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Our responsibility as Fazilka residents for the cause of education is also important. The citizens should unite to establish an institution of excellence for medicine, engineering and advanced skills which carry high class placements for girls. It is a challenge for all who love Fazilka. If Sh Munshi Ram ji did it single handed, our strength as community can do even better. Living on the border means several things. The defence officers and ranks defended Fazilka, then we should improve our discipline through education.
CONCLUSIONS ď Ź
The town of Fazilka is populated by God Fearing citizens who provide equal opportunities in all fields to girls and boys. I am happy there daughters who are already serving as naval officers, doctors, and there are many are excellent teachers, doctors and engineers serving our country.
THANKS for giving keen attention, patient hearing, and listening for this talk