Hoping for the best amid pandemic

 PC THOMAS

Coronavirus has apparently created massive financial disproportions in humans from all walks of life. What is even more worried is the striking reality that many lives are falling into poverty, particularly from the lower middle class that includes skilled labours, hawkers and workers. With the earning hands shifted to jobless or endured pay cuts, many families are finding it hard to cope with things in their life, which ultimately affected the education of their children.  

Recently, media reported a Class-X student of Indore allegedly ended his life as he had no means to pay his outstanding fees which was forcefully demanded by his school authorities. In another report, a man who was rendered jobless due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown, hanged himself at Kanpur in UP. In July, media reported, children in about 62% households discontinued their education amid the Covid-19 outbreak. Suicide Cases during Corona Lockdown in India are many.

Numerous reports also came to light showing that many parents are very much hard-pressed to maintain the education of their children due to their job loss. Many unaided parents have been forced to sell their valuable resources for buying the gadgets for the virtual education of their children, driving them further into poverty.  

Also Read: Stay Positive in Negative situation

Obviously, the pandemic crisis has led to a massive spike in the unemployment rate of the country. A latest report of the CMIE revealed worrisome data, which says more than 1.8-Cr salaried employees lost their jobs in India since April, followed by one lakh job losses in May.  

As a result, education is mainly undergoing a severe predicament at the moment. Presumably, schools and college campuses will be shut through 2020 due to an increasing number of COVID cases. In the midst, the shift of classroom experience to virtual platform has highlighted digital disparities, exposing vast tracts with internet connectivity problems. Parents find it difficult to pay for laptops, iPads, smart-phones or the data packs for their children to log into online classes.

While everybody suffers differently, it is of serious concern, how can common people or unemployed parents survive? When and how the economy will recover?  As far as school authorities are concerned, how can they ensure the security and wellbeing of students, teachers and staff? How do they discipline students? How can they protect teachers? How do they revamp classroom experiences? Can parents afford to pay school fees without job? Can institutions afford to pay teachers without students?   There are many unanswered questions.

Also Read: Corona crisis and coronation of our lives

The crisis has revealed that hoping for the best does not help us. On the other hand, we must plan for the worst and hope for the best. The time is ripe that governments should vehemently address this issue – Save our souls and save our States is the weep of people. All state Governments must prioritize the most deprived children and their families through significant social protection schemes including child benefits, remote learning opportunities, healthcare services and generate more and better quality jobs for people to survive. It is also significant that each State and districts have a plan for how to ensure that the pandemic does not derail the aspirations and achievements of this generation of students.

 

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear!

PC THOMAS

In this age of rather pronounced nationalism, one may say that all cultural and value-based things originated from India. Teachers’ Day is one such exclusive example that it’s solemnly observed on September 5, the day Dr. S Radhakrishnan was born. A teacher par excellence, Dr.Radhakrishnan was a great thinker of India and an ideal teacher.  He encouraged education in letter and spirit. The teaching profession was his primary love and those who studied under him still remember with gratitude to his great qualities as a teacher.

Education is the single means for development in this world of breakneck competition, where teaching is a dignified profession which supports the backbone of leaning.  A teacher is an architect of a nation, or rather civilization. A philosopher said, everyone who remembers his own education remembers teachers, not methods and techniques. The love and reverence we provide our parents is habitual, but a teacher has to earn our love and esteem.

Unfortunately, on account of this Coronavirus pandemic, we have seen an enormous interruption in the typical arrangement of our teaching. Social relationships appear to be undergoing a quick changeover from a close-knit and interweaved social texture to a confined, divided and self-driven style of living.  Mutual relations are perpetually getting overpowered by the rampant use of social media and electronic devices leaving little degree for physical connections, sharing, mindful and complementary exchanges.

In this time of pandemic-driven social life, it is thoughtful upon the role of teachers in a world that is getting increasingly complex and capricious.  The schools are closed, no classes and physical activities can be held, and no tests masterminded. Alternatively, the teaching platform turned to be online, and students deplorably missed direct interaction with their teachers and fellow students. Zooming is the new catchphrase and remote classes are new normal. Dr.Radhakrishnan might not have imagined that such a thing would happen to the world.

According to Dr.Radhakrishnan, education should not merely give us some techniques so that we lead successful lives, but should also help us discover everlasting values. Therefore, be ready students! Let us follow the maxim: 'When the student is ready, the teacher will appear’, implying that when a student acknowledges that he is want of knowledge and desires to acquire it, he will open his mind to his teacher who is willing to give it.  The current pandemic crisis will go away. The new dawn will be coming, and all teachers will be ever-ready to enlighten students with new way of learning in letter and spirit. On this Teacher’s day, let us acknowledge, if knowledge is the LIGHT then teachers are the Guiding Stars that give us light. Happy Teacher’s Day! Read more of PC Thomas_article

Onam spirit thrives in the shadow of social distancing

 PC THOMAS

Onam, one of the key festivals, is being celebrated in Kerala or Malayali Diaspora across the globe.  The 10-day festival which started on August 22 comes to close on September 2. The key celebrations are on August 31, the day of Thiruvonam.

According to legend, Kerala had its golden era during the sovereignty of King Mahabali, and Onam marks the King's annual visit to see his subjects. All through the years, Onam has become one-single festival celebrated by all sections of Kerala people. Onam is also celebrated by Keralites with high spirit and enthusiasm even under social distancing.

Onam is a harvest as well as divine festival from God's own country, Kerala. It is the time of the year when Kerala is elated with trumpets, drums, art, dance, music, boat races, floral carpets, lights, colours, rituals and the delicious Onasadya without which the celebrations are unfinished. Onam is welcomed with a various range of activities and celebrated with immense pomp and fervor. The spirit of Onam is worldwide regardless of caste and creed. Read more article PC Thomas

This year, however, the glitter, fervor and enthusiasm for traditional festival Onam seem to have been subdued and restrained in low key-note as the celebrations and merriments are impacted in isolation, due to the corona pandemic. Rising corona cases, social distancing and identification of hotspots clad the season of celebration across states kept the residents in shelter, taking away the festive mood, which our diverse culture is known for.

Indore Keralites are set to keep up Onam fervour amid social distancing due to Covid. The Indore Keraleeya Samajam President Joseph Thomas expressed– “It has been immense joy to celebrate Onam in Indore even with restrictions and social distancing. It reminds all the Rule of Great King Mahabali where Equality, Fraternity & Liberty were practised. Keeping with the solidarity and harmony in mind”.

Arun Kumar PK, the Joint Secretary of Indore Keraleeya Samajam expressed "We observe Onam to honor a glorious past. We all of us desire for a time like that of King Mahabali, a time when success, unity and brotherhood of love uniformed. Be that as it may, so as to realize this dream, let us put forward a creative and sustained energy to keep up"

Let us also follow the message of Onam by Kerala Health Minister K.K Shailaja - “Malayalees should celebrate the first Onam since the COVID-19 outbreak with care at home, celebrate this year's Onam with soap, mask and gap. Let us make ready to celebrate the spirit of the harvest festival Onam in its entire inner zeal and splendor. Let us decorate our homes with Pookalams, listen to the melodious Onam-Songs and enjoy the auspicious festival of Onam!

 

Will local reservation strengthen the unity of India?

 PC THOMAS

While the COVID-19 pandemic is aggravating the economic crisis, an already emotional issue of job reservation is brought to spotlight in Madhya Pradesh. On Tuesday, 19^th August, the Honorable Chief Minister Madhya Pradesh Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that all government jobs in the State will be reserved only for the “children of the State”.

While reading the news, I remembered a story in the Bible. In the New Testament of the Bible, we read in St. Mathew’s Chapter 15, verse 21- 28 the story of a “Canaanite Woman’s hope”.  Jesus was going off to the territory near the cities of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman who lived in that region (local) came to Jesus and said “Son of David, Sir” she begged. “Have mercy on me, my daughter is possessed by a demon and is in a terrible condition” she cried. To test her faith, Jesus made an apparently humiliating statement. “I have been sent only to the lost sheep of the people of Israel” – “It is not right to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs” (that means Jesus is not bound to help a non-Jew). But the woman’s answer was even more powerful.  She answered “That is true Sir, but even the dogs eat the leftovers that fall from their master’s table”. Jesus was amazed at her faith and said quickly “You are woman of great faith! What you want will be granted to you” And that very moment her daughter was healed!

I do agree that adequate reservation must be given to the children of the State by the respective state governments. At the same time, MP Government has to bear in mind that people from other states living in MP are also contributing to the development of Madhya Pradesh.  Last year, the Kamal Nath government had directed industries in Madhya Pradesh to provide 70 pc reservation to people from the state. In July, the Haryana government promulgated and ordinance reserving 75 pc jobs in the private sector for local people. And, on August 5, the Telangana cabinet approved a policy to reserve 60 pc of skilled jobs and 80 pc of unskilled jobs for the people of the state in the new industries. Read more PC Thomas Article

M.P government has to take into account the current insecurities of all people arising from the jobless situation, especially in the midst of the spread of corona-virus pandemic. Job is needed for all people of India for their survival whether they are sons of the soil or not.

In line with the wish expressed by the Canaanite Woman, Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s government should reconsider its decision and reserve only 80 pc of government jobs to the children of Madhya Pradesh and leave 20 pc to the people from other states. All Indians are the sons and the daughters of Mother India whether they are born in one geographical area of India or the other. Like Covid-19, hunger affects everyone without any distinction or discrimination! If all the State governments follow the policy of reserving 100 pc jobs only for the people from their States, it can lead to tensions and conflicts among the different States of India and the unity and integrity of India could be adversely affected.

Moreover, a particular State may not have adequate number of skilled persons or experts in a particular field and some other State may have excess of experts or skilled persons in that particular field. In that case a policy of reserving hundred percent jobs for the sons of the soil will be harmful to both the States. From the perspective of the holistic development of India and the unity of the nation, hundred percent job reservation for the sons of the soil is not a bright idea.  – Stay Updated with Best Blog PC_Thomas

Let celebrations strengthen unity in diversity

 Indian people want to show the message of communal harmony in festivals, which is very significant at this time of corona crisis..

PC THOMAS

Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival which is observed every year to mark the birth of Lord Ganesha, the God of fresh start and a new beginning. It is celebrated following the Hindu mythology which says that Ganesh Chaturthi is the birthday of the Lord Ganesha. Hindus refer to Lord Ganesha as the remover of all obstacles and barriers.  This year, the 10-day festivities start today, August 22. The final immersion of Lord Ganesha’s statue in the river or ocean marks the end of Ganesh Chaturthi that will take place on the 10th day or Anant Chaturdashi day, on 1 September.

As we are now witnessing that the coronavirus pandemic has impacted religion in various ways, including the cancellation of collective worship-services of various faiths and the abandonment of pilgrimages surrounding observances and festivals. Therefore, so far this year, people over the world have not been able to celebrate any festival outdoors collectively due to the pandemic and they have limited themselves in safe confinements of homes with prayers and meditations. Read more articles PC Thomas

States like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu generally witness festivities on large-scale during the 10-day-long Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. But, this year, with the virus calling for social distancing, most families are avoiding the act of welcoming more friends and family members at home. People are reportedly making their own clay Ganesha idols this season and online and offline workshops are helping the devout make eco-friendly idols at home.

India is the country where all religions of people are seen. Every one of them celebrates different festivals. Celebrations assume a significant role in our day-to-day life. In our everyday life we will be similar, but in the event of festivals we will be in a unique way. India is known for unity and all people irrespective of religions, celebrate the festivals together. There are numerous celebrations that all of us celebrate such as Baisakhi, Dussehra, Diwali, Christmas, Ramzan, Muharram and so on. Therefore, India is known as the country of festivals.

Indian people want to show the message of communal harmony in festivals, which is very significant at this time of corona crisis. Yes, India has already witnessed the religious harmony – Last year, in Hubli village of Karnataka State, both Hindus and Muslims gathered at one Panthal, where arrangements have been made for Ganesh Chaturthi and Muharram. According to the locals, people in the Hubli village are eager to celebrate all the festivals together, be it Holi, Diwali or Eid al-Fitr !

Ganesh Chaturthi festival of today is an occasion to promote goodwill, unity and solidarity among the people, which will empower us to keep up the harmony and goodwill across states. There is something awesome about this festival – It transforms the ordinary into the extra-ordinary, darkness into light and desolation into ecstasy. A devotee shared his feeling in such a way: “Nothing can supplant the peace and happiness that Ganesha brings to the faithful each year”.  Let all celebrations strengthen unity in diversity so that coronavirus pandemic may be over – Here is wishing you a very happy, prosperous and healthy life on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. This Article published in Metro Vaartha on 22.8.20. Stay Updated- The Best Blog PC Thomas

 

Will Schools be Reopened on September 1?

PC THOMAS

Coronavirus has captured the imagination and thoughts of governments, educationalists, scientists, the media and common man. As businesses revive gradually following the months of lockdown, now the debates about the reopening of schools and colleges have gathered momentum in India. 

In the United States all schools are all set to resume.  In fact, some have already reopened and normal classes started from the first week of August amid rising number of cases. According to a report, it is known that just fourteen days after schools reopened in the U.S, over 97000 children have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. This has been a matter of great concern worldwide, indicating that more cautious steps are to be taken before the normal functioning of the schools amidst the spread of pandemic.  However, considering the gravity of the situation and variation of the pandemic across the globe, many countries are at different stages regarding when and how they plan to reopen schools. These decisions will be made by the governments, often in discussion with local authorities.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in his address on the Independence Day said that the schools in the Delhi city will not be opened until the Covid-19 situation is brought completely under control. Besides, the Deputy CM and Education Minister Manish Sisodia confirmed before the media that the government would be slow on the issue of opening schools considering the current situations, especially the lesson learned from the condition of school children in the US. In a separate statement, he said that if the parents and teachers together with the 16-lakhs students of Delhi would start praying, it is certain we will soon be able to re-open our schools.

Some State governments are also reportedly considering opening schools from September month. On the other hand, the Centre has clarified that it has not yet finalized any specific date for the reopening schools.  It is also reported that the Centre has prepared the modalities and the plan to restart schools and other educational institutions in a phased manner, starting from September 1.

The return of children to school is important and hopefully a welcome step, but parents and children raise many questions. A greater part of parents are anxious about school closure dampening their children’s education, about children missing social interactions and about children staying on track for the next grade.

Governments should make sure that the schools should be reopened only when it is fully secure for students. However, going back to school will be something totally different from what the children and parents were used to before. It is assumed that schools may restart for a period of time and then a decision may be made to close them again temporarily, depending on the local context. Nevertheless, in the evolving situation, authorities will need to be flexible and be prepared to adopt safety measures for the protection of every child.

In this time of uncertainty, what should a parent do if his child is struggling to get back into school mode?  Parents should keep in mind that their children may experience stress. In that case, they can create a supportive and fostering atmosphere and respond positively to children’s feelings.

It is obligatory for parents to help children to stick to their regular practice and make learning playful and enjoyable by incorporating other activities such as family reading time or games. Give additional support to your child at home by building a routine around school and schoolwork. This can be of great support if they are feeling restless and having trouble regarding focusing on studies.

We all need to keep in mind that the solution to COVID-19 is no longer only in the hands of the experts. Only God can intervene when God’s people pray in harmony, in suffering situation. The Education Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia’s faith is very much valuable. In line with his faith, let us pray the welfare of the country – If the parents and teachers together with the 40-crores students of India would start praying, it is certain all students of India will soon be able to go to schools safely and comfortably. This article publiashed in Metro Vaartha on 19.8.2020. Stay Updated- The Best Blog PC Thomas

You are the key to your freedom

.........................................................................................................................................................................

SHERLY MATHEW

Even when the Almighty God and the Indian Constitution gave us a lot of freedom, we, human beings are still dependent in many areas of our life. If we want to give something to ourselves and our society, the first criteria we should have in our mind is that - we feel experienced the freedom within ourselves.

What is freedom or independence? ... Independence and dependence are varied in each other's views and thoughts. Freedom is a great gift from God to man. God's creation itself is undoubtedly the greatest gift to Mankind.  It is not the power and right to do anything or everything we feel in our minds, but it is the opportunity and right to do what is right..  Freedom is an open window that enlightens the soul and personality of every human being. The beginning of all freedom lies in the area of stability of respect and recognition for the other.

Are we really feel free?... or where we fell freedom? .. I have often felt that we are still addicted to many things. There are many instances in our lives when we are caught in a wave of inconsistent emotions ... Sometimes we lose the ability to discern the right from wrong things...

We are the ones who experience this encounter every day and night. There are no human beings who don’t go through such experiences.. but the truth is that no one gives much importance to it .. or some people enjoy it and live .. that's all.

What is the reason?, We lose the mastery of our mind or thoughts – that is what the reason behind this. We who have good power, intelligence and ability in our life journey, sometime get addicted, with some dark forces to rule our life, willingly or unwillingly. It can be hatred, envy, lust, greed or some special desires ...But we have to realize that all our good qualities may disappear in a moment when we  unknowingly walk from our freedom to slavery.

Though it has been 74 years since India gained independence, there are still many narrow-minded thinkers who do not shed light on independence. The intervention and intrusion of others is the most important factor that undermines our freedom today. Our relationships are often broken down because of our unnecessary invasion into the freedom of others. And finally, our hearts are hurt by the nonsense of others. But we should always remember one thing, they only paint pictures about us. Those images are never realities. No matter how big waves and storms pound the surface, the ocean is clear and calm in its depths. Also, allow harsh words and obscenities to remain only on the surface. Do not allow the mind and eyes to be disturbed by passing them on to the inner core of the heart. Do not allow anyone from outside who does not deserve to lose our privacy or freedom. Then there will be peace in life. We are the "key to our freedom."

We need to grow our own self. We must gain the strength to retreat only when we hear the cry that our way is not right. You just have to be more discriminating with the help you render towards other people. He who conquers himself is greater than he who wins a thousand battles and conquers the empire. In spite of this loss, one must acquire the will to embrace the good or the right in anything and everything. This is true freedom. We must not let the shadow of our selfishness cause us to lose the light of the freedom of others. Nor should our freedom rob anyone of happiness.

May our thoughts, words and deeds lead us to true freedom ... This time let us remember our parents who raised us with free thoughts and our ancestors who gave us their own lives and the free country of India. ....Happy Independence Day to all of you. - Stay updated with Best-Blog