The changing education scenario

 Change signifies progress and if there is one field that is changing rapidly, it's education and the way children are learning. 

We must also acknowledge the fact that they are more aware and literally and figuratively speaking, they have the world at their fingertips. 

Education in the not so distant future , is definitely going to be highly personalized, innovative and technology-driven and we must either keep pace or risk being left behind.

With the tremendous amount of advancements in AI and machine learning, educational systems will be able to cater to the unique learning needs of each student. We can already see the change happening in real time. 

This is being done through the use of adaptive learning software, which can adjust the pace and content of instruction based on a student's needs, performance and progress. 

Differentiation is crucial and the quicker educational professionals master the art, the better. The one size fits all model works no longer.

Online learning platforms are also becoming more prevalent, allowing students to access educational resources and take classes from anywhere in the world. 

Covid had a part to play here for sure. Almost overnight , most schools went online, thus ensuring that education did not suffer. 

There were the initial hiccups but sooon it was smooth sailing and pupils and teachers took to it like ducks to water. While observing online classes I saw change and progress happening daily. Today, books like The Encyclopedia Britannica are mere showpieces and I hardly see any value add at all.

Virtual and augmented reality technologies are now being used to create immersive learning experiences, making it possible for students to visit and explore historical sites, conduct virtual experiments, and more. In fact, we can already see that in almost all schools worth their salt.

One other important aspect of education is the emphasis on developing soft skills, such as critical thinking, leadership, communication, time management, conflict resolution, problem-solving, creativity and communication. These skills will be increasingly important as automation and technology continue to change the job market.

In addition, education will become more flexible and self-directed, with students given more autonomy to design their own learning paths and pursue their individual interests. This will allow for a more diverse, interesting and inclusive education system, where students of all backgrounds and abilities will thrive. 

The job market is seeing jobs being created, which never existed a decade or so ago. 

Blockchain jobs, ethical hackers, virtual content creators, youtubers and even online tutors or real time online entertainers are things I never even dreamed of!

This is such an exciting time for change .

At Gems Education, our schools are already well ahead of the curve. In order to continue to keep pace with the fast changing world and our keen pupils , our staff continue to research and learn. 

This is encouraging because it ensures that we are the market leaders in providing education for the future.

 

#GEMSEducation

The Number one fiasco

 The time is not too far away when airlines will start enforcing a breathalyser test for passengers.

If you think about it seriously , it makes sense.

All airlines serve liquor to passengers - irrespective of whether one is sitting in First class or economy.

The quality may differ but that's of little consequence. 

Some people can have five drinks and walk backwards on a white line while blindfolded. Others have one drink and start braying like asses. 

Of course there are some who don't drink at all and yet behave like complete morons once up in the clouds- but that's another story.

Back to this one.

In order to prevent another unfortunate episode, airlines must definitely up their game. 

You can't have drunken brawls and passengers urinating or spitting on each other.

It's shameful, utterly disgusting and so repulsive.

So airlines must think of restricting the number of drinks they offer- and enforce a breathalyser test before boarding. 

You can't continue supplying liquor at 35,000 feet or whatever altitude they fly at, and then wait with bated breath hoping no one gets drunk and misbehaves.

It's only time before some vague guy in the sky attempts to do something worse.

Now you don't need a very vivid imagination to fathom what that 'worse' can be, do you ?

So, airlines need to be decisive and proactive. 

Emirates Etihad Airways can be the game changers. 

On a lighter note , I am sure Air India will come up with a quick and concrete plan as to how they can be known as the Number one airlines - as of now, 'the number one tag ' has got people sniggering.

And for goodness sake , no one wants to be known as second best or ' Number two' ! 

That will be the icing on the cake.

Success

 Do you consider yourself SUCCESSFUL? 

I have been reflecting on this for a few days now and doing some self-evaluation too. 

In fact, I sat down and made a list of the areas where I feel I am rather successful. That surely made me feel pretty good. 

 However, I was not surprised to note, that there are quite a few areas , where I can definitely do better.

I guess a lot depends on what SUCCESS means to you. 

Is success, peace of mind? 

Is it material gain? 

Is it having all you desired and more? 

Is it a great family life?

Is it social recognition?

Is it an accomplished aim?

Are you successful when you do not fail? 

Does it have something to do with achievement? 

Can we compare levels of success? – If I did a better job than you did, was I more successful? 

Does success have anything to do with age and circumstances? 

Is success the journey or the destination? 

Is success a state of the mind? – I feel I am successful, but in someone else’s eyes, I may be a failure. 

Is success self-acceptance or achievement?

Does success have anything to do with winning? 

Is it just a perspective? 

Should we live for success? 

After quite a lot of pondering, this is what I came up with 

Success is a very personal mindset. It is a journey of self-definition, self-discovery and self-belief. It is about our own desires and sense of fulfillment. Above all, it has a lot to do with the emotional connection we have with ourselves.

Would love to hear what you have to say. By the way, do feel free to disagree.

Allahabad memories

 Today there was a longing - a very sudden urge

deep within me 

To take a walk – a nostalgic walk 

On an avenue, of the Railway quarters 

In my hometown- Allahabad.

Instantly I was transported back home 

And there I was – a young boy again

Revisiting his roots.

Those narrow, enchanting, tree lined avenues 

Predominantly ‘neem’, ‘gulmohar’ and the occasional ‘pepul’

Where I played as a boy.

It was ‘121 Traffic Quarters- third avenue’

The address has a nice ring to it, even now.

The home where I was born and raised.

Those old Railway houses – Colour washed, once a year

 Double- storied, simple square blocks

with gardens at the side, front and back.

Where flowers bloomed & vegetables were grown

 And chickens were often reared.

They laid their eggs in the hedges around the house 

And I went and collected them every morning

A chore I loved – often there were six!

There were dogs too and we had one 

 some aggressive ones that bit-

 others whose ferocious bark was sufficient to scare you away.

The hedges were low and stunted – if any at all 

Usually bushy and green with the occasional bougainvillea

Chameleons and butterflies aplenty.

Barriers and walls were a rarity back then 

If it was yours – it was mine too

The jamun, plumb and guava trees

tempted all and sundry- we picked and plucked at will. 

We were shouted at occasionally

if caught in the act – but nothing serious or of any consequence 

hence, we did it repeatedly& with impunity. 

I vividly recall 

Vegetable and fruit sellers with their carts

Shouting out the various prices while cutting through 

the narrow lanes. 

 Peanut vendors, ‘Fatty’ - the butcher, the old man with his Ice cream cart,

 ‘Bushy’, the baker, with bread, tasty patties and biscuits 

In his tin box on the carrier of his bicycle – and the bell!

The ‘box man’ with trinkets and other knick-knacks for sale,

 ‘Kallu the kabari’ with his raucous laughter 

Who knew everyone by name- he loved to gossip.

Not to forget ‘Smiler’, the toothy cloth merchant 

With his bag of fancy material for Christmas dresses and shirts. 

These were all regulars I can never forget.

All residents had household helpers who cooked and cleaned 

Everyone was either ‘baba, baby, saheb or mem- saheb’

The older adults were ‘Bara- Saheb and Bara Mem-saheb’

Many stayed in small quarters at the back of the houses

 

 Everyone sat out in winter

Lunch in the shade of the moringa tree was so nice

Although I detested the curry with drumsticks !

 

 Eating peanuts and having tea at four!

It got chilly by five – and the adults went in to freshen up 

For the evening – no TV back then – just chit- chatting!

Visitors dropped in unannounced 

Simple friendly people and oh so many of us kids 

Seemingly more boys than girls whose only ambition in life

Was to play!

The avenues were put to good use

by rickshaws pullers, cyclists, pedestrians 

a few scooterists, motorcyclists and the rare car 

Who took this short cut to the Civil Lines.

We however put it to greater use

  And played cricket, football, kings , seven tiles 

And “gulli danda’’ as well

Oh, those endlessly long, fun filled afternoons

Where, caste, colour, creed or religion 

Had no bearing.

The burning of the ‘holkar’, the playing of ‘Holi’

The Eid and Christmas celebrations 

We enjoyed them all.

The avenue lights came on at dusk

Thinking back now – they were rather dim. 

Many were covered by creepers

 that had crept up the long pole- they dimmed the lights at times

“I spy” rang out from various corners, in the late evening 

And the shrieking and shouting continued till around eight

With us charging around in groups and having a blast

Before one knew it, it was eight or somewhere around that time

When the unwritten rule said- ‘get home’ for dinner.

Uncomplicated pastimes, kindred spirits, simple pleasures, great friendships

“Those were the days my friend”