School vs coaching class: Who wouldn't want to be in IIT?

Editor’s Note: A shocking incident of a teacher’s murder in Chennai, gave us an opportunity to revisit the important choices that children make today. We therefore commissioned a first-person piece from a student in Chennai who is, quite literally, making these choices. by P Venkat Raju Chennai: The screeching of the tires, the blow of the whistle, the jostling crowd and the jabbering passengers… none seemed to bother me as I stand and travel in the MTC bus near kilpauk. I had just got back from my ‘factory’ and was plunged in deep thoughts. I was already planning my upcoming hours, mentally and helplessly thinking about the inertia and velocity of the moving bus. I had applied to a dozen colleges and would be writing about six entrances in a month’s time. Bizarre and frightening to know what two months might have in store. At least I wasn’t alone, with a rough 12 lakh people sharing my plight. Not because of this bus ride. I was referring to budding engineers. My 11th grade began with a ‘don’t focus much on school… bunk regularly….’ advice from my seniors that still resonates in my ears. What I feared at the beginning of my high school was striking a balance between my school and coaching classes and unfortunately that’s where I stumbled. The onus was on me to perform well in school too owing to the fact I had stood school 3rd in 10th boards. In general, the preparation process for the next two years is like a big drama, a never ending family serial. So question yourself many times and ensure you are a good ‘performing’ artist in this realm because this bus journey is a one way ticket. Well, an unwelcome surprise that would spring up at this point in time would be to see your parents compare you with your friends. Well, don’t be annoyed if it has never occurred hitherto, as this might serve as an impetus in the long run. [caption id=“attachment_216440” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Engineering has become a religion in our country just as cricket, and IITs its holy temple. Reuters”]  [/caption] Coaching institutes (factories) tend to push  incessantly with their portions and offer ranks to give us an insight into our national stance. A great method indeed, but it often undermine us and question our own potentials. The really sad part of it is lack of emphasis on imagination and creativity. Everything is mechanical and the one perfectly assembled in the factory is sure to excel. The change in JEE pattern from subjective to objective seems to have lost its objective (pun intended) by diluting the expertise of students, leaving them to conjecture the answers, or either by using cheap elimination methods. Is this what learning is all about? I guess not. True indeed, Engineering has become a religion in our country just as cricket, and IITs its holy temple. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of this premier institute?? Any average person who opts for engineering as a career will surely follow this beaten path. I am neither playing a blame game nor questioning the brilliance of these institutes, not because I am a part of the system, but I am still trying to debate if this entire struggle is worth it. Statistics clearly show that those who slog it out to be branded hardly study once their dream has been achieved. Their life’s achievement stops with setting their foot in these institutes. I assure you I am not stating my prejudices. With tenuous focus on soft skills and English language it does not befit the government to question the standard of the graduates. Probably, BITS had taken a wise decision on that account. On the flip side, it’s a great challenge that prepares us for tougher tasks in life, don’t you think? As we all know how unfair the world outside our comfortable nests is, it is essential to set an example at every stage. We are in a very crucial phase that will decide an important chunk of our life. As teenagers, I don’t think multitasking is difficult, it is inherent. In a country like ours with a mind blowing population, these examinations are indispensable. We do need to filter the deserving from the rest. But every system does embrace faults and there is a necessity to revise it before it proves to be detrimental to the youth. On that account, I do appreciate Kapil Sibal’s decision of a common engineering entrance in future. To survive in the drowning water of this system the infallible stroke would be to take this competition in the right spirit and ease through it. Balancing stress levels can be achieved on ensuring enough rest and a sport in the evening. It’s also important for us to keep our hobbies alive. We must build high self esteem and not be affected by the condescending attitude of people around us. Remember that we aren’t competing with the nation, but with ourselves and our laziness. Doing our best in everything that comes our way will ensure that regrets take a back seat. Our performance in 12th boards also carries a lot of value for higher education and thus should not be compromised upon. By the grace of God I think I will do my best to live up to all this! This is probably the nth time these thoughts have surfaced. I was lost for a while now. I was unperturbed initially by the push and pull in the bus, and unfortunately by the conductors call too. I just missed my stop, hope not my bus. !! P Venkat Raju XII-std PSBB nungambakkam