I came across a blog written by my student about placements. After reading the blog I recollected some of the
interviews that I took recently for admission to PGDM in one of the leading
institute. Observations were shocking. Majority of the students want to join a particular institute
because of the placement record of that institute. I agree that various factors personal liabilities, high fees, inflation and unemployment force the students to
give priority to the institutes where placements are nearly assured. Many other
major factors like quality of the teaching staff, infrastructure, exposure to
the industry etc takes the back seat. Many institutes do conduct various
programmes for soft skills development, industry exposure etc. Unfortunately
nothing much is achieved as minds are preoccupied with the pressure of
placement. So many advisers like the seniors, peer groups, family members and
outside friends are available to offer free advice that adds to the anxiety.
Anxiety induced sleep? |
Today's generation feels they
are smart, but that smartness doesn’t help to gain knowledge and without
knowledge there is no gain. One day late night by 11.30 pm I got a call from my
student of fourth (last) semester. He wanted to know if I could recommend him
some book on logistic. I asked him ‘why do you need it now, your subject exam
is over’. His reply was very candid. He said he is joining some company in logistic
dept from next week and wanted to have some theoretical knowledge before he joins.
Had he paid some attention to the lectures and prepared himself well, such a
situation would have been avoided. Reading a book at stage wasn't going to help. I felt sorry for the guy. This is not
the lone example. Today the objective has just been reduced to get the degree.
Knowledge is secondary. The reliance on internet to get any information and
confidence to “manage” (Jugad जुग़ाड ) has taken toll of such students. There was a
time when the students would like to know which books they should refer to. The
librarians used complain that there is a shortage of recommended books in the
library. Today very few students want to know the recommended books. Rest of
the students buy a guide type of useless book priced at Rs. 100/- and expect a
job that will pay them Rs. One lac a month. The librarians continue to complain
even today, but for a different reason, no one takes the recommended books and
the library is over stocked inspite of increased number of students. What a
change?
The smart students of today has something to learn more. What they consider smart is it really smart?
Greek mythology has classified nine different kinds of Smartness. Rarely one would find that all these exist in an individual.
I am listing below the nine types. One can do some introspection and check how one fares and then decide if he/she is really smart..
Art Work |
Noble Thoughts |
The smart students of today has something to learn more. What they consider smart is it really smart?
Greek mythology has classified nine different kinds of Smartness. Rarely one would find that all these exist in an individual.
I am listing below the nine types. One can do some introspection and check how one fares and then decide if he/she is really smart..
Nine Kinds of Smart
Verbal Smart are the ones
who are good communicators can do right selection of words and are able to
effectively deliver their thoughts. If one is knowledgeable then only clarity
of thoughts will emerge else it will be just Bol Bachchan (बोल बच्चन ).
Nature Smart includes those
who are concerned about nature, environment, and ecology. Trekkers, mountaineers,
channel swimmers, sea surfers, wild life photographers and alike include this
category. How can you climb a mountain or swim across the sea without required
knowledge of the techniques?
Music Smart people are
interested in music be it vocal or instrumental, Indian or western, classical
or modern. They have an ear for music and understanding. The fly by night
musical talents from realty shows shine for a while as they have shallow
knowledge base. Legends like Bhimsen Joshi, Bismillah Khan, Ravi Shankar who spent life in learning create
the history
Math Smart are quick in
mathematical calculations, are good with numbers. They make use of logic and statistics
because of their knowledge base.
Body Smart may relate
to body language but more importantly they give importance to their attire, physical
well being and fitness. I hardly see any clean shaven student in the class, may
be because of impact film industry. But corporate world is different that’s to be kept in
mind. Corporate world also needs someone physically fit in this competitive world.
Art Smart is the
category of creative minds. They think differently, are good artists and visualizers.
They are interested in all forms of arts from graphic to theatrical. Many of
the students do display this quality as they are knowledgeable.
Interpersonal Smart
people are good in understanding of others and may have empathy. They try to
understand the viewpoint of others and get along well with others. Those who
lack this quality must develop to be successful in corporate world. Once again
one can talk with other persons if they have the subject knowledge.
Intrapersonal Smart
is the most important of all smartness. This refers to basic SWOT analysis of
an individual. These people understand their strengths well and think how they
could use their strengths to make the world a better place. It’s knowledge
about the self and surroundings. Students must do self analysis and identify
their strengths and weakness that will help them to do well in life.
Spiritual Smart are these who talk about Bhagwad Gita,
philosophy of life, how to be happy and their goals are different. They seek
happiness rather than positions. This smartness is seen in many individuals now a days. Many of the IITians have chosen to be
spiritual guides in the recent past. Practice Yoga and do meditation. This will
help.
So check your grades for smartness. One will realize that knowledge
is the base for success in life. Remember success and achievements are
different. Jugad may help you to
achieve but that’s not success.