Teacher's Day 2014

Teacher’s Day and Guru Pournima have similar significance in Indian society, even though there is a difference between a Guru and a Teacher. Over the years the significance is undergoing a change and that is obvious as both the teachers and the students have changed in this period. Is this change due to changing culture or changing socio-economic situation or is simply a change in attitude? Has technological advance impacted or augmented this change process? There can be multiple reasons and all these can be debated endlessly. Fact remains there is a remarkable change in both the teachers and the students. I am aware that being a teacher myself some of my colleagues may not like my views and some of my students may hate me for my frankness. Does this also not reflect the change?

The teachers like Dhondo Keshav Karve, Ravindranath Tagore and many more I studied in history books or teachers like Chitale master portrayed by PL Deshpande or writings of Sane Guruji that I read in Marathi literature have been a shade different from the teachers who taught me. So there was certainly a change in middle of last century when I attended school. After I got in to corporate world I lost touch with these pillars of the noble profession. Occasionally I could meet teachers of my children in the later part of last century and I could sense the change may be due to influence of ideology of the institution that they worked for.

Institutional ideologies took precedence. Imparting education has become a lucrative business and thus there is change in the attitude. In present times imparting education is a transaction between service provider and service taker. In such commercial transaction the zone of tolerance is bound to exist and that too a narrow one. Many of the educational institutions are run as a business by politicians. It is understandable if qualified businesspersons enter the politics, but implications can be catastrophic if  unqualified politicians enter business and that too business of education. Is this the reason why educational institutions have become a mass production unit to churn out graduates without any concern about the quality? This can be one of the reasons why students have lost respect for their teachers and teachers have least concern about the students.

These mass production units are on expansion spree. This year’s record vacancies in management and engineering colleges is a reflection of the unmindful expansion of intake capacity. The colleges that had capacity of sixty students have added few hundred additional seats. To get the approval, these colleges have to recruit teaching staff as per the norms of the regulatory authorities. But where do you get quality teachers? They are not the product of mass production. Good teachers are born not made. The teachers in the earlier era did not go in for M.Phil., Ph. D. or B.Ed or similar degrees, yet they were outstanding. They had the attitude to teach, to impart knowledge, and they were devoted. These teachers did not strike the work, boycott exams or valuation nor did they demand salaries as per recommendations of pay commission. These teachers never refused to teach for nonpayment of fees but at times they helped the needy students and that’s the difference. How can the teachers who have no attitude to teach or those who have a commercial attitude can ever command respect from the students? I feel there is a need for introspection. What is the difference between a politician who enters the politics for personal gains without concern for those who have reposed faith in them and a teacher who takes up teaching profession to earn money and without any love for teaching? In isolation there can be few teachers who love teaching. If such matters are fault of the system then measures need to be taken to rectify.

How about the students and their attitude? I feel the parents have to share the blame for attitude of their children. Parents of children of this era are from ‘Hum do hamare do’ philosophy. These children are brought up with over protectionism. Unfortunately these parents have shown intolerance to the disciplinary measures of the teachers. These children were spared from the reprimand for their mistakes and indiscipline. To add to this various so called crusaders in form of NGOs surfaced to encourage indiscipline in the name of right to liberty. Unfortunately none imagined the adverse impact of this pampering. Undue liberties were granted and the growing kids misused them. In the past it was a common site to see female students waiting outside the classroom till arrival of the teacher. Once these students see the teacher approaching, they will enter the class. Today it is common to see a boy and girl hugging each other and entering the class. I don’t want to debate on sexual liberties that one may demand or desire nor the gender inequalities,  but this is certainly a social degeneration. I have seen the era when students would rise when teachers enter the class. Today barring few, no respect is shown to the teachers when they enter the class. While the class is on, stretching legs and placing them on seat in front is common. Perhaps the habit students acquired in cinema hall is also practiced in the class. Many of the students find the AC classrooms a right place for the afternoon nap. Students come to class without notebooks and even a pen. In one of the reputed business school when I took surprise a test in the class at least 10% students had to borrow pen to write the answers. Even the management students are to be handled like immature middle school children. Sad realities.

Afternoon nap and high end mobile in the class

Technological advancement is yet another factor that makes these students think that they can do away with the teachers. Internet that provides huge learning opportunities is not a substitute for a Guru. Mobile phones are another distraction in the classrooms. Texting and social networking diverts the attention of the students. Cut, copy, paste in assignments gives superficial knowledge. This is really unfortunate. The legacy of not respecting teachers thus continues.

A teacher has to be a friend, guide and philosopher for the students and the students have to reciprocate by respecting the teachers. The cultural degeneration should come to an end. Respecting teachers is not a retrograde step but depicts an advanced culture of the society that values education and knowledge. It’s not late to take corrective measures on all fronts. Happy teacher’s day.

This article is not to hurt anyone's feelings or to degrade anyone. This is more for introspection to see what best can be done for the young students, who are the future of India. 

Communist help for democracy

I was at the mobile shop to buy some accessory for my mobile. The salesman attending me was busy showing various options. His colleague was waiting for a chance to ask him something. I sensed his restlessness and gestured him to shoot his question. “Where is Rahul Dhakkan?”, he asked. “Next to dust bin, near Kejariwal”, was the reply. I looked perplexed. What’s exactly is being asked? And what the reply means?  The other salesman went near the dust bin picked up one of the bags lying on the floor and fished out the product. I was curious to take a look at what was being asked for. I asked him to show me the piece and it turned out to be a cover for Samsung mobile phone with picture of RaGa and election slogan. As I was appreciating the innovative product, I was shown similar products of various political parties and that too for large number of popular mobile models in India. I picked one to check the manufacturer. The smart salesman, retorted – Chinese. Great, that’s all I could mutter.    

One of the covers available

For last few years we are getting used to Chinese products. We are certainly better off than USA where every second or third product in supermarkets is from China, but Chinese do not bully with USA as they do with us on Indo-China border. Our communication lifeline is China dependent. Our entertainment products, be it TVs, CDs, DVDs, come from China. Electronic industry is breathing with Chinese help, mobiles, laptops, auto accessories, home appliances, kitchen equipments, bulbs, fans, you name it is China made. Most of synthetic idols of Indian deities are made in China. (They are blessed more than the God fearing poor Indians.) Decorative items for Ganapati festival, decorative lights for Diwali help us celebrate the festivals. Even Indian mithai is incomplete without Chinese pistachio. I always appreciate the marketing abilities of the China. The environmental analysis done by Chinese is phenomenal. These guys know what we need, when and where we need and at what price we need. The recognition of need is so perfect, that the customers go hunting for the product obviating any need for promotion. These guys understand the political environment much better and know how to steer through it. The mobile covers can be a great marketing case study.

There was speculation about general elections in India for some time. It was not a secret that elections will be held in 2014, dates were the only issue. Finally on March 5^th, 2014, the schedule was announced. Look at the speed with which Chinese guys worked. In flat two weeks China has supplied millions of mobile covers to India. Covers with political party’s logo, election symbol, their slogan, and their popular leader’s picture. China must have done their homework to know what models are being sold in India and their quantities, area-wise tele-density, influence of regional parties, strength of national parties in different pockets and many other elements to estimate the demand. China must be aware of Indian rules related to election propaganda. Mobile cover is not a promotional material that can be prohibited to carry along by candidates and their supporters. (Unless government bans mobile phones). A candidate can wave his or her mobile phone to voters from a distance and that will not be violation of code. Certainly a smart thinking. Full marks for product development.

These covers are available in the market and are being sold in the range of Rs. 100/- to Rs. 150/-. So far, as I see from reports of various TV channels, there is no institutional buyer. Only individuals are buying these covers. May be as we approach the election dates there is likely to be a spurt in the demand as the institutional buying may take place.

Indian manufacturers of such covers (if any) have already lost the race. Can someone think of US Presidential elections due in 2016 (primary schedule is already announced) and design innovative products for the elections in the second largest democracy in the world? Or should once again a communist country like China take the lead to strengthen democracy.  

Dictatorial Democracy

As I came out the lane where I stay, I saw two lanes of the road were blocked and a pandal was erected leaving just two lanes for the traffic. I stopped by to enquire and was told that a local leader’s sister was getting married (on the street?)and the pandal was for celebrations and to accommodate the guests. Imagine the inconvenience that must have caused to the vehicular traffic for couple of days apart from the noise pollution due to loud speakers and bursting of fire crackers ignoring supreme court ruling. But that is the privilege of the local leader, you may call goon if you like. Cursing the system and apathy of local police and municipal officials I headed towards the highway. As usual the lane I was in was the slowest, but after a while there was no movement. I got out of the car to check what’s going on. I noticed a beggar; yes a beggar owning C class car was arguing with a low paid toll booth employee for payment of the toll that was equivalent to the cost of 300 ml of petrol. He claimed to be a social worker and insisted that he is not supposed to pay the toll. The cost of petrol that the car had consumed was much more than the toll that he would have paid, but it’s the bloated ego that created the ruckus. More than anything else I felt sorry for the chap and volunteered to pay on his behalf, so that at least the traffic will move and time & fuel will not be wasted. I tried to take my mind off such horrific instances in a democratic nation where the so called leaders consider themselves above the law.

My calm was short lived. One day I saw on the TV news some CCTV footage of a toll post where an elected leader was brandishing gun at the poor toll collector for having asked him to pay the toll or show the ID. In another incidence a dynastic youth leader, son of a minister ordered the toll booth to be vandalized as the leader was not allowed cross the barrier without payment of toll. In yet another incidence an elected member of state assembly threatened to disrobe a female employee of “All Women” toll post. And the list of such shameful incidences is endless.

We always talk of democracy and take pride that we are the largest one. But what kind of democracy is this where such elements are our leaders and rulers? We get what we deserve and that is what we have. We have the same constitution since republic, except few amendments, but the fundamental principles are almost unchanged. Then why this change in the society has taken place? Are we getting more tolerant to rouges, unscrupulous elements, cheats and goons? Or we are scared of them or both. With changes is morality our culture has changed or you may say that the change in culture has affected our morality. The laws though unchanged do not take the kind of cognizance as it was in the past. The justice is delayed and the punishments are not deterrent. The attitude to abide the law is changing and this is seen across the board. Right from jumping the traffic signal to multibillion dollar scam no one takes the law seriously. Everyone feels that they are above the law and worse is they take pride in breaking the law and dictate terms. This is extremely dangerous situation in a democratic country. We are creating cluster of small size dictators. And these dictators grab political immunity and are above the law to loot the country and docile population. This is a new breed of politicians that is grooming. These fellows get into the main stream from sideways to push their nefarious designs further. They contest and win the elections often resulting in fractured mandate. Then coalitions are formed and that is the end of good democracy. Where on the earth a democracy functions well with minority government? Political parties with as little as 11% votes can also rule the nation. Is this a democracy?

Political parties accuse each other for their political ideologies. The other day I saw in a TV talk show a hardcore Congress supporter claiming that the country is stable under Congress rule because his party is centerist. If any other party with rightist or leftist views comes to the power then the country will collapse. The statement is as stupid as someone saying if I move then earth will lose the balance and the North Pole will shift. Centerist, rightist, leftist are all politically motivated ideological creations of the political parties for the niche marketing. Everyone has hunger for power; all that these guys are doing is to market themselves projecting some ideologies. End result is same whatever path they choose. None of these ideologies are perfect and can be universally applied. The parties just look for larger segment to grab the votes, come to the power and ………….

During the British rule we had social stratification based upon caste whereas in Briton it was based on class. In last sixty four years we have combined both. The dimensions might have changed but magnitude has increased. Now the divide between the societies is both as per the caste as well as class. The neorich with the help of money power have acquired the muscle power and this combination has given them political power. Criminalization of politics is one of the side effects of such a potion. This is a deadly potion for the society that can dictate terms for the democracy. Dictatorial democracy is also a form of democracy. The elected members of Panchayat can dictate terms. We have started accepting corruption, lawlessness, unethical activities and many other ills as part of our life, as a part of our society, as part of our republic. This has to change. And we alone have to change it. It cannot be done overnight, it’s going to be long drawn process. There is no school that teaches patriotism, it has to ignite within. One person has to motivate other and this chain has to be open ended. We are left to ourselves, we have to shape our destiny, we have to change. No political party will do it because politics is a game of compulsions. In this game politicians emerge as the winners and public is the loser. Bring about the change, the rules of the game will change and thus the results.

Resolve today, it’s a question of your future and future of your children and grandchildren.

Happy Republic Day.

Liberty Bell

The word liberty assumes great importance in American society and almost in every democratic nation. Liberty bell is iconic symbol of American independence. Unfortunately the liberty that is provided by the constitution in some countries is and has been misused. America though declared independence on July 4^th 1776, the liberty was evasive for certain members of the society till the VRA, (nicknamed voting rights act) was passed on August 6^th 1965.

Philadelphia in the state of Pennsylvania was the place where the declaration of independence was signed by thirteen states that America had in 1776. In 1752 the bell was ordered to be casted to a firm in England with cast showing the words "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof."

 "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof."

This was more for religious freedom. The bell weighs over 2080 lbs is made from 70% copper. 20% tin and balance 5% contains lead, zinc, silver, gold, and arsenic. The bell was installed in Philadelphia in 1952 and got cracked when rung for the first time. The bell was recasted twice by two local craftsmen. The first attempt did not give the desired result but the second attempt was successful. The bell would be rung to summon lawmakers to legislative sessions and to alert citizens to public meetings and proclamations. The bell was rung on July 8^th 1776 to summon citizens for the first public reading of declaration of Independence. There are many versions, theories about when and how the bell got cracked. Some claim that small bores were kept to allow expansion, while others were critical about the alloy used. The most common story about the bell becoming unringable states that the bell rung for the last time in 1846 on Washington’s Birthday and never thereafter because of expansion of the crack.

Liberty Bell

The bell gained iconic importance after the abolitionists in order to put an end to slavery in America in 1830, adapted it as their symbol. Abolition of slavery was not the only aspect that was associated with Liberty and the symbol. There was denial of voting rights to women in America. Suffragist also adapted a replica of the bell for their agitation. Katherine Ruschenberger, a well known suffragist mentioned in March 1915 that “the original liberty bell announced creation of democracy; the Women’s Liberty Bell will announce the completion of democracy.” And this is how the bell became icon for liberty.

Independence Hall

The bell is owned by the city of Philadelphia and went round the country for expositions and patriotic gatherings. The last such journey of the bell was in 1915. The bell then after remained in the independence hall in Philadelphia. It was moved to glass pavilion in the Independence Mall in 1976. Now from 2003 onwards it’s stationed at Liberty Bell Center, close to earlier location.

 The bell attracts large number of visitors across the world. Many dignitaries have visited this monument. Nelson Mandela quoted, Quote: The Liberty Bell is "a very significant symbol for the entire democratic world." Unquote.

At times I wonder if the British would have allowed casting the bell in England, had they had slightest idea that the same bell would ring the end of their colonial era in America. And if India would ever need such a bell where Hinduism advocates universal brotherhood. Nineteenth century Americans have heard Swami Vivekand in Chicago (in 1893) about this.

Miles to go.........

Every year in the early January, I look back to audit my past. The focus is generally more on the professional career of nearly 45 years out of which over three decades as an employee. As an employee during this period I worked with four employers, all Indians and each one of these had a different work culture, norms and practices. Yet these were the top pharmaceutical companies in India ranking from first to fifth. Two of these companies were not in top five when I joined them but were eventually in top five when I left them. I have the satisfaction to have contributed for the growth of these companies and also for establishing Indian pharmaceutical industry in many countries across the world along with other worthy professionals from the industry.

I do not know if I have been a successful professional or not? I still cannot define success. I take it as a relative term. Some may claim reaching pinnacle is success, but again where is the pinnacle? This is again relative. One has to decide where one has to reach, in a desired direction, it can be cumulative with no end. Unfortunately individuals draw their horizons, individuals set their limits. I remember a management development programme that I attended about thirty years back. As a senior manager my C2C was nearly Rs.200,000/- per anum and that was good as per the industry standards in that era. During the programme the participants were asked to write on a piece of paper how much salary they would like to earn. Each of the twenty participants jotted down on a piece of paper their desirable figure after thinking for a while. The session progressed. The neatly folded piece of paper with aspiration of desirable salary was making us restless. The instructor could feel our impatience and finally asked each one of us to read aloud what our magic figure was? Someone mentioned 10% higher salary, someone said Rs.300,000/- per anum but none desired more than 100% of what they were earning. The next obvious question was why no one desired 500% or even 1000% rise?  May be salary of Rs.100,000/- per month, that was a near impossible salary in that era. The answer was simple; we ourselves had set our limits. No one was going to pay what we had desired on those pieces of paper, but we ourselves were an obstacle for our desires. We had our limitations. And this is true for everything, not just the salary. We limit our own growth. Where to go, how far to go, has to be our call. I am aware there is a great deal of change in last three decades. It’s understandable, but that should not limit our vision. I would rather say that the changes should further broaden our vision, help to explore newer avenues and accept greater challenges.

What does one needs to have to accept the challenges? Risk taking ability, yes that’s one element, knowledge is another one and balanced self-confidence is yet another. Lack of confidence or over confidence both can spoil the broth. When to surge and when to withdraw are the tricks that need to be mastered. Those who master this they forge ahead, others blame many factors including work culture, the environment. All the four companies that I worked for had different work culture. I had to adapt myself to these cultures, without compromising on my basic traits, without submitting myself, my principles and esteem. In one company there was a domination of South Indians, later on Bengalis took over but my boss in Agra was Punjabi, in another company it was a Punjabi culture with a Punjabi boss. What mattered more was immediate boss that was the immediate layer of sub-culture. I had similar experience with both these gentlemen. Both tried their best to intimidate me (typical cultural trait and threat of superior subordinate) and threaten that I would lose the job. I was a hot potato to handle. I made it very clear to them that I care a hoot for the job. My capabilities would get me another job. I will give the results beyond their expectations if they behave else I can be difficult. Once this message was loud and clear, the things changed for better. I did this when I was in Agra at the lowest level in hierarchy and again in Delhi when I was at creamy layer of the hierarchy. But in both the cases my arrogance was justified by excellent results. One can term this as success, but I would not. Every time one will not meet the aspirations and that is very normal. One cannot get 100% positive results all the time. Therefore when the results are not what one desired, then that also has to be accepted gracefully. One may term it as failures, and I would agree to this term to some extent. In such cases an in-depth analysis is important to identify the factors that did not support the decisions. These may be internal or external factors, but failures must be fathered. If the external factors are more critical then adapting to culture without losing self-esteem is more critical. Basically there should not be any fear of losing the job. Good workers are always needed at all levels by all employers. The way one needs a job, the same way the company also needs the employee. The competition has increased and has opened more opportunities. Practically half of my professional career was in just one company and the remaining half was in three companies. The competition changed in early eighties of last decade and that motivated me to move from one company to another. That gave me an opportunity to explore and grow. I am indebted to the competition.

Finally I believe there is no pinnacle. There is no end. One has to keep moving. At a particular stage if you don’t want to run, it’s ok, just walk but don’t stop. Keep moving. I have decided not to rest, not to stop but keep moving, that’s the life! I don’t see the end. I believe, death is because life has ended and not otherwise that the death has ended the life. I have to keep running.  I have miles to go……