My dear Students,
Teachers’ Day is a day that is dedicated in appreciation of the hard work put in by the teacher all year long. In India, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on 5th of September. Teachers’ Day is a dedication to Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, who was a strong believer of wholesome education and was one of the most well known diplomats, a scholar, President of India and above all a teacher. As a tribute to this great teacher, his birthday is observed as Teachers' Day. This day is a manifestation of Dr. Radhakrishnan's love for and attachment to the teaching profession.
Teacher's Day is now looked forward to by teachers and students alike as on this occasion, it is not only when teachers are praised but also in various schools, students dress up to represent their teachers and take various lectures that are assigned to the teachers they symbolize. During the day, the students perform the usual activities that are performed by the teachers. On this day students realize what it means to be a teacher and what it means to control the future of several students in their classes and also teachers are reminded what it felt like when they were students.
This day we appreciate teachers who play the role of your parents, in school. Your parents hand over your upbringing and education, not only to coach you in academics and other co and extra curricular activities, but also mould you into good human beings and responsible citizens of tomorrow.
Teaching is one of the noblest professions. Students are also encouraged by teachers to participate in activities like sports, arts, music, dance, etc. You are also trained to learn the value of discipline, punctuality, service before self and the spirit of comradeship and camaraderie. This also goes a long way in developing your personality, making you fit into this modern society, at the same time preserving our Indian culture.
It is true you students do trouble your teachers to no end, but they realize that you are still growing and are bound to make mistakes; so they go out of their way to direct you on to the right path.
Having been a student myself, I am grateful to my teachers for the enormous amount of hard work they had put in to make me what I am today, and as a parent, I understand how invaluable teachers are.
In Indian mythology too, the Guru is venerated and loved and his position is second only to parents. Perhaps you may be aware, GURU POURNIMA is also dedicated to teachers.
I wish to end by quoting the following Sanskrit shlok from the scriptures, which describes the teacher - student relationship:
Om, Sahana Bhavatu, Sahanou Bhunaktu, Saha Veeryam Karava Vahaiy,
Tejaswinam Vadheetamastu Ma Vidhvishavahai.
Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.
which means:
May the Lord indeed protect both of us; May He indeed nourish both of us; May we together acquire the capacity to study and understand; May our study be successful; May we not disagree with each other; Peace, peace, peace.
Thank you, and May God bless you.
Jai Hind !!!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
FOOD (THROWN) FOR THOUGHT?
17 April, 2007
The Editor,
The Indian Express,
Pune
Dear Sir,
This refers to the most shameful act by Congressmen on April 15th of throwing food away while at a function, when millions of our countrymen hardly get to eat one square meal a day. This incident calls for condemnation in the strongest possible terms by all political parties including the Congress and also by NGOs, who are striving to provide a bettter quality of life to the differently (under) privileged sections of society.
Whatever the differences amongst the factions, why deny the poor starving multitudes of a morsel of food? Everyone, (irrespective of their political affiliations) would have appreciated if wiser counsel had prevailed on the Congressmen and in a unique form of protest, they had distributed all the food to the poor and needy, instead of wasting it. This incident speaks so much for their high profile statements that they have joined politics to serve the poor!!!
Are the people of the ruling party educating us as to how to conduct ourselves in public? Will Mrs Sonia Gandhi, Dr Manmohan Singh and Mr Suresh Kalmadi react to this sinful incident , or will they choose to keep quiet in the larger interests of their party?
Anup Attavar
The Editor,
The Indian Express,
Pune
Dear Sir,
This refers to the most shameful act by Congressmen on April 15th of throwing food away while at a function, when millions of our countrymen hardly get to eat one square meal a day. This incident calls for condemnation in the strongest possible terms by all political parties including the Congress and also by NGOs, who are striving to provide a bettter quality of life to the differently (under) privileged sections of society.
Whatever the differences amongst the factions, why deny the poor starving multitudes of a morsel of food? Everyone, (irrespective of their political affiliations) would have appreciated if wiser counsel had prevailed on the Congressmen and in a unique form of protest, they had distributed all the food to the poor and needy, instead of wasting it. This incident speaks so much for their high profile statements that they have joined politics to serve the poor!!!
Are the people of the ruling party educating us as to how to conduct ourselves in public? Will Mrs Sonia Gandhi, Dr Manmohan Singh and Mr Suresh Kalmadi react to this sinful incident , or will they choose to keep quiet in the larger interests of their party?
Anup Attavar
BHARAT RATNA SACHIN TENDULKAR
The Living Legend Sachin has proved it time and again. He is the Krishna of the Indian Team, going strong even after two decades in international cricket.
The Govt. of India must waste no time in declaring forthwith that he is the next and most deserving recipient of the BHARAT RATNA. Before the world starts conferring titles and awards on him, India and Indians must acknowledge his accomplishments. The Govt. will itself be honoured by presenting the country’s highest civilian award to one of the greatest sons of India.
He deserves it not only because of his string of world records, not only because of his dedication to the Gentleman’s Game, not only because of his being an elder statesman to Team India, BUT because he has over the years established himself as an ICON – he is a ROLE MODEL for the millions of youth of India (many of whom are misguided and misdirected), who can look up to him and be inspired and follow the lesson he is setting by example (without blowing his own trumpet).
Being a Role Model is not only about great professional achievements but also about maintaining the highest form of conduct and adhering to ethics in life. Mike Tyson, David Beckham and Tiger Woods are great sporting icons but have failed to live up to the role model image. Sachin is perhaps the only top player to have survived the turbulent times of the Match fixing era when well known international players were axed from their teams for their alleged involvement in match fixing and rigging. But Sachin has come out unscathed and is standing tall even after about 30 years since he held a bat as a kid.
He is practising and NOT preaching.
The message he is conveying is loud and clear – to strive for excellence in ALL WALKS OF LIFE. Sachin has shown it in his field of interest and has displayed and demonstrated his passion for the game. This should serve as an eye opener for youngsters to follow their dreams with fervor and zeal – to follow it up with ACTIONS and NOT by Words.
By Sachin’s feat, he has lived up to the slogan I coined in 1990
Mee Lahaan (I am small, in Marathi – a tiny speck in the huge cosmos, without any trace of any ego)
MERA BHAARAT MAHAAN!!!
Anup. Y. Attavar
The Govt. of India must waste no time in declaring forthwith that he is the next and most deserving recipient of the BHARAT RATNA. Before the world starts conferring titles and awards on him, India and Indians must acknowledge his accomplishments. The Govt. will itself be honoured by presenting the country’s highest civilian award to one of the greatest sons of India.
He deserves it not only because of his string of world records, not only because of his dedication to the Gentleman’s Game, not only because of his being an elder statesman to Team India, BUT because he has over the years established himself as an ICON – he is a ROLE MODEL for the millions of youth of India (many of whom are misguided and misdirected), who can look up to him and be inspired and follow the lesson he is setting by example (without blowing his own trumpet).
Being a Role Model is not only about great professional achievements but also about maintaining the highest form of conduct and adhering to ethics in life. Mike Tyson, David Beckham and Tiger Woods are great sporting icons but have failed to live up to the role model image. Sachin is perhaps the only top player to have survived the turbulent times of the Match fixing era when well known international players were axed from their teams for their alleged involvement in match fixing and rigging. But Sachin has come out unscathed and is standing tall even after about 30 years since he held a bat as a kid.
He is practising and NOT preaching.
The message he is conveying is loud and clear – to strive for excellence in ALL WALKS OF LIFE. Sachin has shown it in his field of interest and has displayed and demonstrated his passion for the game. This should serve as an eye opener for youngsters to follow their dreams with fervor and zeal – to follow it up with ACTIONS and NOT by Words.
By Sachin’s feat, he has lived up to the slogan I coined in 1990
Mee Lahaan (I am small, in Marathi – a tiny speck in the huge cosmos, without any trace of any ego)
MERA BHAARAT MAHAAN!!!
Anup. Y. Attavar
CHAK DE INDIA!!!
India taught Hockey to the World. Indian Hockey had seen glorious days right from the Olympics in 1928. Winning the Gold in every Olympics consistently had become a habit, nay second nature to the Indian Team. Apart from the immortal and mercurial Dhyan Chand, Punjab and Khadki were the cradles of hockey where budding hockey players were born and trained to become all time greats.
As it happens with all top teams, Indian Hockey also lost its sheen gradually and started to slowly lose ground to upcoming teams like the Europeans – the intelligent Germans and the strong Dutch. The attacking Indian 5-3-2-1 formation was countered successfully by the defensive combination and the Olympics and World Champions started tasting defeat.
The result was that the National Game took a back seat and Cricket started gaining in ascendance. The masses whose only sporting entertainments included Hockey were earlier glued to the then ubiquitous All India Radio, for their quenching of thirst by consecutive victories in International Hockey. Successive defeats and the steady rise of Test Cricket weaned away interest in the former and generated a new wave of enthusiasm in the Gentleman’s game.
The falling stars of hockey and the rising fortunes of Cricket and the advent of bigwigs in the administration of Cricket saw Cricket reaching great heights, especially since Team India won the World Cup in 1983. Ever since then, Indian cricket went from strength to strength, and in spite of the controversies of Match Fixing, Cricket dislodged Hockey from the No. 1 Game in India.
Since the famous victory over the sledgers and once mighty Australians in the Tests and in the limited form of cricket (ODI) and the incredible and sensational triumph over arch and traditional rivals Pakistan in the first edition of the World Twenty20 Tournament, Cricket began a Golden Period in the history of Indian games, to the unfortunate but anticipated detriment of Indian hockey.
Indian Hockey has seen its worst days, thanks to Cricket and also in large measure due to the interference of politics in sports, especially in Hockey. The only way it can move is up, since “A man who is down below, need fear no fall.”
India has the capability to win. We have outstanding individuals who can fuse together into a fighting unit. What we lack is the KILLER INSTINCT, which will MOTIVATE all the players to decimate the opposition, whatever is the level of the competition.
The Indians should be proud to don the INDIA COLOURS and must remember that they are playing for India and are Indians FIRST, SECOND and LAST. The Captain should not be an invisible Captain. He must lead, and lead from the front. All the members of the TEAM, including the Players, Reserves, Physio, Coach and the Administrators MUST support and encourage the TEAMto excel. The role of each player should be well defined and he must fill that role to his 100%.
Finally, the players should keep their eyes on the ball, always. We may lose a few battles, but WE MUST WIN THE WAR.
INDIA CAN DO IT !
INDIA MUST DO IT !!
INDIA WILL DO IT !!!
INDIA BETTER DO IT !!!!
ANUP Y. ATTAVAR
As it happens with all top teams, Indian Hockey also lost its sheen gradually and started to slowly lose ground to upcoming teams like the Europeans – the intelligent Germans and the strong Dutch. The attacking Indian 5-3-2-1 formation was countered successfully by the defensive combination and the Olympics and World Champions started tasting defeat.
The result was that the National Game took a back seat and Cricket started gaining in ascendance. The masses whose only sporting entertainments included Hockey were earlier glued to the then ubiquitous All India Radio, for their quenching of thirst by consecutive victories in International Hockey. Successive defeats and the steady rise of Test Cricket weaned away interest in the former and generated a new wave of enthusiasm in the Gentleman’s game.
The falling stars of hockey and the rising fortunes of Cricket and the advent of bigwigs in the administration of Cricket saw Cricket reaching great heights, especially since Team India won the World Cup in 1983. Ever since then, Indian cricket went from strength to strength, and in spite of the controversies of Match Fixing, Cricket dislodged Hockey from the No. 1 Game in India.
Since the famous victory over the sledgers and once mighty Australians in the Tests and in the limited form of cricket (ODI) and the incredible and sensational triumph over arch and traditional rivals Pakistan in the first edition of the World Twenty20 Tournament, Cricket began a Golden Period in the history of Indian games, to the unfortunate but anticipated detriment of Indian hockey.
Indian Hockey has seen its worst days, thanks to Cricket and also in large measure due to the interference of politics in sports, especially in Hockey. The only way it can move is up, since “A man who is down below, need fear no fall.”
India has the capability to win. We have outstanding individuals who can fuse together into a fighting unit. What we lack is the KILLER INSTINCT, which will MOTIVATE all the players to decimate the opposition, whatever is the level of the competition.
The Indians should be proud to don the INDIA COLOURS and must remember that they are playing for India and are Indians FIRST, SECOND and LAST. The Captain should not be an invisible Captain. He must lead, and lead from the front. All the members of the TEAM, including the Players, Reserves, Physio, Coach and the Administrators MUST support and encourage the TEAMto excel. The role of each player should be well defined and he must fill that role to his 100%.
Finally, the players should keep their eyes on the ball, always. We may lose a few battles, but WE MUST WIN THE WAR.
INDIA CAN DO IT !
INDIA MUST DO IT !!
INDIA WILL DO IT !!!
INDIA BETTER DO IT !!!!
ANUP Y. ATTAVAR
CHALLENGING TIMES FOR THE INDIAN YOUTH - TO BE INDIAN AND BEING PROUD OF IT
We cannot expect the present breed of politicians to take the country out of this mess of scams, corruption and black deeds. We can only look up to the youth of today for the nation's progress in the true sense of the term. From the Mumbai incident on 26/11, the youth will appreciate the value of the sacrifices of not only our freedom fighters but also our armed forces and the police.
It is because of the day night vigil of our soldiers on the borders that we civilians can get a daily night's peaceful sleep and can carry out our occupations and get entertained. Unfortunately, we have taken our freedom and liberties for granted. It is not only citizens from the present but also people from the past generation who shed a tear or two only when patriotic songs are sung or heard over the radio or TV or on road side loud speakers on red letter days like 26th Jan and 15th Aug, but revert back to their routine after that.
It must be obvious to you now to infer that I regard a soldier very highly, whatever be his rank. The youth must be exposed to the rigors of a soldier's life. That I feel will come only through the compulsory drafting of youngsters in the Army for a period of maybe 3 years. They would then realize the value of freedom and would do their best to see that the country is safe. It will not only enhance their mental alertness and physical fitness, but also contribute in their leading a disciplined life thereafter.
It would be great to see the realization come among the present generation of youth who will one day grow up to be responsible citizens and become the leaders of tomorrow in business, industry, administration and even in politics. In the course of my association with students, I have come across many who share similar feelings. I may be sounding idealistic but I feel that with such students we still have hope for our country. I hope that students will take the initiative, wherever they are, studying or later working, of contributing positively for their country of birth.
Anup Y. Attavar
It is because of the day night vigil of our soldiers on the borders that we civilians can get a daily night's peaceful sleep and can carry out our occupations and get entertained. Unfortunately, we have taken our freedom and liberties for granted. It is not only citizens from the present but also people from the past generation who shed a tear or two only when patriotic songs are sung or heard over the radio or TV or on road side loud speakers on red letter days like 26th Jan and 15th Aug, but revert back to their routine after that.
It must be obvious to you now to infer that I regard a soldier very highly, whatever be his rank. The youth must be exposed to the rigors of a soldier's life. That I feel will come only through the compulsory drafting of youngsters in the Army for a period of maybe 3 years. They would then realize the value of freedom and would do their best to see that the country is safe. It will not only enhance their mental alertness and physical fitness, but also contribute in their leading a disciplined life thereafter.
It would be great to see the realization come among the present generation of youth who will one day grow up to be responsible citizens and become the leaders of tomorrow in business, industry, administration and even in politics. In the course of my association with students, I have come across many who share similar feelings. I may be sounding idealistic but I feel that with such students we still have hope for our country. I hope that students will take the initiative, wherever they are, studying or later working, of contributing positively for their country of birth.
Anup Y. Attavar
USER UNFRIENDLY PMT/PCMT
Dt. March 8, 2007
The Commissioner,
Pune Municipal Corporation,
Pune.
Kind Attn: Dr. Nitin Kareer, I.A.S. [Handed over personally at
Shivajinagar Ward office, Ghole Road, Pune]
Sub: User Unfriendly PMT/ PCMT
Sir,
Pune is a cosmopolitan city growing in population in leaps and bounds. Yet the public transport service [read PMT/PCMT] is not USER FRIENDLY at all.
A] The boards are not properly placed most of the time [for clear visibility], leading to commuters needing to ask the conductor/passengers whether the bus goes to or via a particular area.
B] The route numbers and destination boards are in Devnagiri script. There are a number of people [including visitors and tourists from South India and from abroad] who cannot read this script and several who cannot read quickly, as the bus stops at the bus stop for hardly a few seconds. Secondly, if there is traffic in front, the bus stops either ahead or behind the stop, or does not stop at all. I suggest that the route number and destination should also be boldly printed in English. This will go a long way in making travel easier for commuters. [Please follow Mumbai’s BEST in this connection.] There should also be a destination board at the entry door.
C] The boards should be displayed PROMINENTLY for easy vision from a distance. The whole width of the top front portion of the bus can be utilized for printing the destination and route number in English and Devnagiri.
D] In several cases, there are buses going to the same destination but via different routes. In such cases, the intermediate stop [eg. Via Wakdewadi or via Tadiwala Road] should be prominently mentioned in RED COLOUR IN English and Devnagiri.
E] The bus must stop AT the BUS STOP and not elsewhere [not ahead or behind the stop]. This will ensure commuter safety [from accidents in running on the road amidst traffic] and proper queue system.
F] On all the bus stops, route numbers and all stops [as per the route] should be PROMINENTLY displayed in English & Devnagiri. Presently only a few stops have this and that too only in Devnagiri.
G] The name of the bus stop should be mentioned prominently in both languages on the bus stop shelter.
H] The bus should have on either of its inner sides the list of bus stops on its route [in English & Devnagiri], just as is done in Mumbai local trains [to enable the commuter to know his alighting point].
I] Strict enforcement of the rules for Entry & Exit points should be done. However, for senior citizens and handicapped people, entry should be allowed from the Exit Door.
J] Seats should be reserved for senior citizens, handicapped and ladies.
K] Soul stirring music e.g. patriotic songs could be played on all the buses which can help in national integration.
L] As PMT/PCMT is a public service, relevant and adequate training should be given to conductors and drivers to ensure courtesy to commuters.
M] A guide for PMT and PCMT bus routes [combined in one booklet] should be published in English and Devnagiri and should be made available in all bookstalls.
Let Pune show its hospitality to visitors and tourists by improving the services of PMT/PCMT. Pune is not only the cultural capital of Maharashtra, but also an educational hub of India as thousands of students from all over India and the world prefer Pune for their academic pursuits. I also need not stress that Pune is also an industrial hub of India and has the potential to overtake Bangalore as the IT city. Pune will also be hosting the Commonwealth Youth Games 2008. For all this, infrastructure has to be created and roads and efficient public transport are the most important factors for giving Pune a face-lift.
A good public transport system will encourage more two wheeler owners to switch on to this mode, thus reducing the growing number of two wheelers on the roads and hence decreasing number of accidents on the streets. It would also help in attracting tourists to this historic city. If the above suggestions are implemented, not only will the image of PMT/PCMT improve, but revenues and hence profits also will shoot up, with more and more people relying on public transport.
I would highly appreciate a line in acknowledgement of this letter.
Yours faithfully,
ANUP. Y. ATTAVAR
The Commissioner,
Pune Municipal Corporation,
Pune.
Kind Attn: Dr. Nitin Kareer, I.A.S. [Handed over personally at
Shivajinagar Ward office, Ghole Road, Pune]
Sub: User Unfriendly PMT/ PCMT
Sir,
Pune is a cosmopolitan city growing in population in leaps and bounds. Yet the public transport service [read PMT/PCMT] is not USER FRIENDLY at all.
A] The boards are not properly placed most of the time [for clear visibility], leading to commuters needing to ask the conductor/passengers whether the bus goes to or via a particular area.
B] The route numbers and destination boards are in Devnagiri script. There are a number of people [including visitors and tourists from South India and from abroad] who cannot read this script and several who cannot read quickly, as the bus stops at the bus stop for hardly a few seconds. Secondly, if there is traffic in front, the bus stops either ahead or behind the stop, or does not stop at all. I suggest that the route number and destination should also be boldly printed in English. This will go a long way in making travel easier for commuters. [Please follow Mumbai’s BEST in this connection.] There should also be a destination board at the entry door.
C] The boards should be displayed PROMINENTLY for easy vision from a distance. The whole width of the top front portion of the bus can be utilized for printing the destination and route number in English and Devnagiri.
D] In several cases, there are buses going to the same destination but via different routes. In such cases, the intermediate stop [eg. Via Wakdewadi or via Tadiwala Road] should be prominently mentioned in RED COLOUR IN English and Devnagiri.
E] The bus must stop AT the BUS STOP and not elsewhere [not ahead or behind the stop]. This will ensure commuter safety [from accidents in running on the road amidst traffic] and proper queue system.
F] On all the bus stops, route numbers and all stops [as per the route] should be PROMINENTLY displayed in English & Devnagiri. Presently only a few stops have this and that too only in Devnagiri.
G] The name of the bus stop should be mentioned prominently in both languages on the bus stop shelter.
H] The bus should have on either of its inner sides the list of bus stops on its route [in English & Devnagiri], just as is done in Mumbai local trains [to enable the commuter to know his alighting point].
I] Strict enforcement of the rules for Entry & Exit points should be done. However, for senior citizens and handicapped people, entry should be allowed from the Exit Door.
J] Seats should be reserved for senior citizens, handicapped and ladies.
K] Soul stirring music e.g. patriotic songs could be played on all the buses which can help in national integration.
L] As PMT/PCMT is a public service, relevant and adequate training should be given to conductors and drivers to ensure courtesy to commuters.
M] A guide for PMT and PCMT bus routes [combined in one booklet] should be published in English and Devnagiri and should be made available in all bookstalls.
Let Pune show its hospitality to visitors and tourists by improving the services of PMT/PCMT. Pune is not only the cultural capital of Maharashtra, but also an educational hub of India as thousands of students from all over India and the world prefer Pune for their academic pursuits. I also need not stress that Pune is also an industrial hub of India and has the potential to overtake Bangalore as the IT city. Pune will also be hosting the Commonwealth Youth Games 2008. For all this, infrastructure has to be created and roads and efficient public transport are the most important factors for giving Pune a face-lift.
A good public transport system will encourage more two wheeler owners to switch on to this mode, thus reducing the growing number of two wheelers on the roads and hence decreasing number of accidents on the streets. It would also help in attracting tourists to this historic city. If the above suggestions are implemented, not only will the image of PMT/PCMT improve, but revenues and hence profits also will shoot up, with more and more people relying on public transport.
I would highly appreciate a line in acknowledgement of this letter.
Yours faithfully,
ANUP. Y. ATTAVAR
WHY DEPRESSION IN STUDENTS
In most of the cases, it is parental pressure (especially in middle class families) that dictates what career the child should adopt. Although of course, today, with a heightened level of awareness, students are independently taking decisions about their careers, it is because of the economic dependence on his parents that the parents get to have a say in most career taking decisions.
If there is a conflict of interest between what has been decided as the career for the student and the student’s own passion, it is reflected not only in the academic performance but also in the stunted growth of the student’s personality. This leads to unnecessary stress, the exact reason for which he may not be aware of. The student, instead of attacking the root causes, tries to treat the symptoms, thus aggravating the condition. By the time medical help is provided, it becomes a bit too late, as it could also lead to psychosomatic (psyche – mind; soma – body; - the problems of the mind affecting the body) depression.
Even 20 – 25 years ago, depression was considered a stigma and a person suffering from it would try to hide it from the world. Today also thanks to the fast paced life in the era of globalization and the conflict of interest (mentioned above), the person is not able to come to terms with himself and realize his ambitions/goals. This gap between the aspirations of the person and his falling short of his achievements results in frustration and disappointment. This is also treated as a failure by the student and the problems multiply.
Thus depression is widespread the world over and several people (many unknowingly) are affected by it. Many of them continue to lead their lives along with the depression rather than seek a solution. Some of them among the rich and the famous even feel it is fashionable and the ‘in thing’ to be talked about as a celebrity with a depression.
In such a situation, where does the student go to for help? Initially to his friends/peers, who due to their thorough lack of experience in having faced and dealt with/handled such sensitive matters either give a deaf ear or some advice which is not appropriate?
Can/does he turn to his family members for support? Depending on the student–family relationship, he does. His parents and other family members are the best well wishers of the student. However again, the awareness of such ailments is pretty low even today, and also (with all the good intentions of the family) due to the family members’ preoccupation with their own business, careers, education and home/domestic pressures, the student finds that no one is ready/willing to spend time with him to listen patiently to his woes.
Alternatively, the parents in their anxiety to get the student back to normal health seek professional advice from a psychiatrist or a psychologist. The former (with obvious time constraints) listens to the student and his family for a limited amount of time. He considers the student as a PATIENT or just another CASE. He ADDRESSES the SYMPTOMS and MANAGES the AILMENT, rather than identify and tackle the root cause. It may be the environment or certain personalities which could be the actual reason, but the doctor/specialist chooses to ignore these stark realities and takes a patient-centric approach (i.e. he considers that it is only the patient who requires medical treatment to come to terms with society) rather than consider the cause-effect of the surroundings (read society) which CANNOT BE CHANGED OR AVOIDED through human effort.
Thus the psychiatrist prescribes medication which he claims/recommends cannot and should not be stopped and it becomes a companion for life. Similar is the case with a psychologist who with his long list of clients may be able to give only a limited amount of time to listen to the student. In short, neither of them deal with the problem holistically.
Another way of trying to get peace of mind and sweeping the root cause under the carpet temporarily, is by the parents/student approaching astrologers/tantriks/palmists/numerologists (many of who try to make a fast buck, playing on the weak mindedness of the afflicted people) who offer cosmetic relief to the family and ask them to put up with the dis – ease for a certain period of time, after which they claim that ‘happier days will be here again’.
In such a situation, when the student feels no one is prepared to listen to his miseries, he is likely to take drastic steps.
It is here that a Counselor can play a major role in alleviating the suffering of the student. The basic prerequisites/ skills/qualifications of an ideal counselor are:
1] he/she should be close to the student/victim, so that the latter is able to take him/her into confidence and open his heart out to him/her easily.
2] he/she should CONSIDER the student as a HUMAN BEING/INDIVIDUAL first, second and
last.
3] he/she should have the time, the patience, the mood, the willingness and the inclination to LISTEN PATIENTLY to the student, WITHOUT passing any judgments/remarks/criticism (constructive or otherwise), till the student has FINISHED narrating his tale of woes and is ASKING FOR ADVICE.
This will ensure the unburdening of the student’s problems and he will be relieved to note that there is SOME ONE in this wide world who is prepared to listen to him and share in his problems/failures/grief.
Anup Y. Attavar
If there is a conflict of interest between what has been decided as the career for the student and the student’s own passion, it is reflected not only in the academic performance but also in the stunted growth of the student’s personality. This leads to unnecessary stress, the exact reason for which he may not be aware of. The student, instead of attacking the root causes, tries to treat the symptoms, thus aggravating the condition. By the time medical help is provided, it becomes a bit too late, as it could also lead to psychosomatic (psyche – mind; soma – body; - the problems of the mind affecting the body) depression.
Even 20 – 25 years ago, depression was considered a stigma and a person suffering from it would try to hide it from the world. Today also thanks to the fast paced life in the era of globalization and the conflict of interest (mentioned above), the person is not able to come to terms with himself and realize his ambitions/goals. This gap between the aspirations of the person and his falling short of his achievements results in frustration and disappointment. This is also treated as a failure by the student and the problems multiply.
Thus depression is widespread the world over and several people (many unknowingly) are affected by it. Many of them continue to lead their lives along with the depression rather than seek a solution. Some of them among the rich and the famous even feel it is fashionable and the ‘in thing’ to be talked about as a celebrity with a depression.
In such a situation, where does the student go to for help? Initially to his friends/peers, who due to their thorough lack of experience in having faced and dealt with/handled such sensitive matters either give a deaf ear or some advice which is not appropriate?
Can/does he turn to his family members for support? Depending on the student–family relationship, he does. His parents and other family members are the best well wishers of the student. However again, the awareness of such ailments is pretty low even today, and also (with all the good intentions of the family) due to the family members’ preoccupation with their own business, careers, education and home/domestic pressures, the student finds that no one is ready/willing to spend time with him to listen patiently to his woes.
Alternatively, the parents in their anxiety to get the student back to normal health seek professional advice from a psychiatrist or a psychologist. The former (with obvious time constraints) listens to the student and his family for a limited amount of time. He considers the student as a PATIENT or just another CASE. He ADDRESSES the SYMPTOMS and MANAGES the AILMENT, rather than identify and tackle the root cause. It may be the environment or certain personalities which could be the actual reason, but the doctor/specialist chooses to ignore these stark realities and takes a patient-centric approach (i.e. he considers that it is only the patient who requires medical treatment to come to terms with society) rather than consider the cause-effect of the surroundings (read society) which CANNOT BE CHANGED OR AVOIDED through human effort.
Thus the psychiatrist prescribes medication which he claims/recommends cannot and should not be stopped and it becomes a companion for life. Similar is the case with a psychologist who with his long list of clients may be able to give only a limited amount of time to listen to the student. In short, neither of them deal with the problem holistically.
Another way of trying to get peace of mind and sweeping the root cause under the carpet temporarily, is by the parents/student approaching astrologers/tantriks/palmists/numerologists (many of who try to make a fast buck, playing on the weak mindedness of the afflicted people) who offer cosmetic relief to the family and ask them to put up with the dis – ease for a certain period of time, after which they claim that ‘happier days will be here again’.
In such a situation, when the student feels no one is prepared to listen to his miseries, he is likely to take drastic steps.
It is here that a Counselor can play a major role in alleviating the suffering of the student. The basic prerequisites/ skills/qualifications of an ideal counselor are:
1] he/she should be close to the student/victim, so that the latter is able to take him/her into confidence and open his heart out to him/her easily.
2] he/she should CONSIDER the student as a HUMAN BEING/INDIVIDUAL first, second and
last.
3] he/she should have the time, the patience, the mood, the willingness and the inclination to LISTEN PATIENTLY to the student, WITHOUT passing any judgments/remarks/criticism (constructive or otherwise), till the student has FINISHED narrating his tale of woes and is ASKING FOR ADVICE.
This will ensure the unburdening of the student’s problems and he will be relieved to note that there is SOME ONE in this wide world who is prepared to listen to him and share in his problems/failures/grief.
Anup Y. Attavar
THINKING ALOUD
Why should we try to fit in, when we are born and trained to stand out?
At the outset, on my personal behalf, I would like to thank all the ex students who attended yesterday’s school function in large numbers. This, I am sure, augurs well for the forthcoming Golden Year of Loyola. I am also grateful to all the teachers who graced the occasion by their presence.
It was indeed a pleasure, honour and privilege to meet ex students from batches as old as 1962, who attended the event, even at very short notice. Some of them even flew to Pune, only for this occasion.
I had occasion to discuss at length with a senior ex Loyolite about his perception that Loyolites, [who were trained and whose personalities were moulded by educational giants like Rev. Fr. Schoch, Rev. Fr. Rehm and Rev. Fr. Oesch], are misfits in today’s society. He has rightly echoed the feelings and sentiments of many of us, that the noble teachings of these ‘Gurus’ do not allow us to be a part of today’s society.
These priests, who were institutions by world standards, motivated us students to strive and excel in all fields, and play the game in the right spirit. This speaks volumes about their dedication and commitment to high moral values which helped them make gentlemen out of boys and make us responsible citizens of this country.
These good souls, along with our teachers have been instrumental in making us stand like the Black Rock against any odds. We might have learnt to swim with the tide, but I cannot [and we should not] forget that they also taught us to swim against the tide in order to save a situation.
As students of one of the best schools in India, we can discuss ways and means to make a difference to society. Together we can and we should. Some of us may have somewhere down the line, resigned ourselves to the present state of affairs, although in principle, we feel otherwise.
I also request our school brethren to enlighten us with incidents on how our teachers made us learn and imbibe the spirit of discipline, honest hard work, etiquette and regard for others. I am certain that these would serve as lessons, even much after school life, to us and to present students of our school.
I am open to ideas and suggestions, by seniors, juniors and my batch mates.
Being challenged in life is inevitable, BUT being defeated is OPTIONAL.
Anup Yoganand Attavar, Pune
At the outset, on my personal behalf, I would like to thank all the ex students who attended yesterday’s school function in large numbers. This, I am sure, augurs well for the forthcoming Golden Year of Loyola. I am also grateful to all the teachers who graced the occasion by their presence.
It was indeed a pleasure, honour and privilege to meet ex students from batches as old as 1962, who attended the event, even at very short notice. Some of them even flew to Pune, only for this occasion.
I had occasion to discuss at length with a senior ex Loyolite about his perception that Loyolites, [who were trained and whose personalities were moulded by educational giants like Rev. Fr. Schoch, Rev. Fr. Rehm and Rev. Fr. Oesch], are misfits in today’s society. He has rightly echoed the feelings and sentiments of many of us, that the noble teachings of these ‘Gurus’ do not allow us to be a part of today’s society.
These priests, who were institutions by world standards, motivated us students to strive and excel in all fields, and play the game in the right spirit. This speaks volumes about their dedication and commitment to high moral values which helped them make gentlemen out of boys and make us responsible citizens of this country.
These good souls, along with our teachers have been instrumental in making us stand like the Black Rock against any odds. We might have learnt to swim with the tide, but I cannot [and we should not] forget that they also taught us to swim against the tide in order to save a situation.
As students of one of the best schools in India, we can discuss ways and means to make a difference to society. Together we can and we should. Some of us may have somewhere down the line, resigned ourselves to the present state of affairs, although in principle, we feel otherwise.
I also request our school brethren to enlighten us with incidents on how our teachers made us learn and imbibe the spirit of discipline, honest hard work, etiquette and regard for others. I am certain that these would serve as lessons, even much after school life, to us and to present students of our school.
I am open to ideas and suggestions, by seniors, juniors and my batch mates.
Being challenged in life is inevitable, BUT being defeated is OPTIONAL.
Anup Yoganand Attavar, Pune
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