Central Junior College observes foundation day
FROM OUR Correspondent
SILCHAR, May 28: A panel discussion on the topic ‘Development of Higher Secondary Education in Barak Valley’ was conducted at Gandhi Bhawan by Central Junior College, Cachar, on its completion of one-year on the same date. Dr. Jahar Kanti Sen is presently the principal of the college that has its branch at the UCO Bank Building, College Road of the town. The programme began with the lighting of the auspicious lamp by Professor Dilip Chandra th, Vice-Chancellor, Assam University. The panel discussion was presided over by Dr. Tapodhir Bhattacharjee, former Vice-Chancellor, Assam University.
The discussion began at around 7 pm after the iugural song by the students of the college followed by felicitation of the distinguished persolities whose gracious presence had decorated the dais.
Proceedings began with Dr. Tapodhir Bhattacharjee’s presidential address. The panel discussion began with Professor Dilip Chandra th’s enlightening speech. He said, “Education at Higher Secondary level is very important since it bridges the gap between two phases of Matriculation examition and Graduation. It is a very important phase for career.” He also presented an important suggestion to the college administration and said, “More skilled based, vocatiol courses must be introduced in the college curriculum. Below average students fails to shine and so a sound knowledge in any vocatiol course would do oodles of good to them. Untrained students, decorated with many degrees, may fail in the long run.” He advised for a course modification so that more students can opt for professiol courses in order to earn a livelihood. He also added that the adolescent period of an individual is very crucial and proper counselling should be provided to them. “It is important to address the problems related to teacher-parents relationship. Normally parents do not send their wards to government institution because regular classes are but a rare phenomenon. IT happens because students are getting readymade notes from their private tutors.” Partha Sarathi Chanda former principal, Guru Charan College reflected on the whole scerio of education in the country. He said, “Even after six decades of our Independence, the quality of education has not improved as expected. India is facing the challenge of quality versus quantity. Therefore, any decision should include many layers of thoughts. Prescribing any one solution will not serve the purpose. For a vast country like India, improving the level of education is but a multi-dimensiol exercise.” He focussed on a vital point and quoted an aphorism ‘Teachers know the syllabus, not students’. He stated that it is the responsibility of the teachers to take classes prescribed by the administration. “Teachers are educated, but not all are trained. Teachers should undergo a refresher course.”
The former principal made an observation that mostly teachers are getting appointment on the basis of their background, political or social. “This musty be stopped at any cost otherwise the value of education will not rise above average. No political intervention should be there in appointing the teachers.
Dr. Parbin Sulta Begam spoke on a vital issue that has been passing generations after generations. She said, “Students must be given full liberty to decide the stream that they want to pursue. Parents should not force them to opt for a stream just because it looks more lucrative and popular.” Others who spoke also shared similar views regarding the role of teachers, guardians and teachers. “It is very important to know one’s mother tongue. I believe that the students must be taught a paper in their mother tongue,” said Taimur Raja Choudhury. He also spoke on the value of learning specializations. The esteemed speakers also opined that admission into an educatiol institution mostly depends upon its location also. Sourindra Bhattacharjee spoke about the money-making business involved in a pious profession like teaching. He however added that in private institutions, teachers are not well-paid and as a result teachers develop apathy towards their profession. Job satisfaction is a must. K P Keshavan cited examples from the two epics the Mahabharata and the Ramaya. He advised the students present to be like Arju who was so focused and never let anything or anybody distract him for achieving his targets.
