Complete tittle:
"In order to improve the quality of instruction at the college and university level, all faculty should be required to spend time working outside the academic world in professions relevant to the courses they teach."
Quality of instruction or teaching at any college or university is governed mainly by the qualification and teaching skills of the faculty. The later is more important, since teaching skills can be honed only by people who are dedicated towards teaching, and don't look at it merely as another money making profession. On the other hand, qualification of the faculty is a result of his or her personal passion to acquire more knowledge on the subject. Hence, as evident from personal experience, a highly qualified faculty may not always be the best teaching staff.
Having said this, there is another aspect to teaching - the practical approach. Students, at some point of time, are bound to feel the burden of heavily loaded syllabi. This prods them further to think whether the knowledge they are trying to grasp is of any use in real life. This is where the talent of teachers comes into picture. A faculty member with good industrial or professional experience, can teach his subject better, with a view towards its application. This way, students will not blindly mug up theoretical knowledge, but will appreciate its value. This will drastically help change the attitude of students towards study, and improve the overall level of the course.
Further, today it is not just enough to have bookish knowledge of a subject, which is far away from actual practices adopted in the professional world. As an example, consider this - during my sophomore year, we had to take a course in "concrete technology". Now in theory we were taught to calculate proportions of different ingredients of concrete on a weight basis. However, in India, even today, for minor works concrete is prepared on a volume basis. Our professor, having a good experience in professional field as well, could teach us this method, beyond our regular coursework. In short, it is always beneficial for the students to have little exposure of the kind of work they are likely to encounter in their future years. This is why many colleges and universities have student-industry interaction of some sort, like an internship.
Along with student internship, in my opinion, all the faculty should also be placed in the relevant field, outside the academic world. This will enable them to bring to the students the practical intricacies that the students fail to comprehend due to their limited prior knowledge of the subject. Moreover, the faculty going outside for such work, will also be well equipped to instill in students, the interpersonal skills, and management qualities that are required along with technical knowledge, to get any job done effectively.
Hence, I feel it is absolutely justifiable that all faculty be required to spend time working outside the academic world in professions relevant to the courses they teach, in order to improve the quality of instruction at the college and university level.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
"To be an effective leader, a public official must maintain the highest ethical and moral standards."
In modern society, in majority of the cases, the government is of an elected nature. The people of the state elect representatives, who in turn elect the leaders of the nation. The progress or development of a nation depends heavily on the capabilities and qualities of its leaders, working at all the levels in the system. Public officials are the ones who are in direct contact with the common masses. Hence, it is in the best interest that these officials carry out their duties at the best of their capacity, and maintain high ethical and moral standards.
Having said this, at times reality is quite different. Right from the time of nomination of candidates and voting by people, to the election of chosen officials, there are elements in society which indulge in malpractices. Even for appointment to government posts, it is not totally uncommon for people to seek illegal influences or dealings. If such people manage to get appointed to public posts, their ethical and moral standards would be really doubtful.
Just as there is corruption at the grass root level, corruption is present at all rungs of the government ladder. This is not out of public eye, since it is the public, which is responsible to a great extent, for corruption to take roots and grow in a system. By indulging in corruption, a public official compromises the standard of work, or at times gives undue advantage to the person offering bribe. This totally defeats the purpose of an unbiased constitution and its functioning. In short, the official is no longer effective in upholding the law of the state.
Ethical and moral standards, however, go beyond just refraining from corruption. To be an effective leader, a public official must voluntarily strive to perform better, and motivate others under him to do so. He must take full responsibility of the work alloted to him by his superiors. Moreover, based on his personal discretion, he should discharge duties to his subordinates, and at times the general public, which forgets that along with rights, come duties.
After all, an effective leader is one, who has complete overview of a situation, and guides the people based on this. Hence, unless his or her conscience is clear of any guilt, the sheer existence of an organised administrative system is jeopardized.
Having said this, at times reality is quite different. Right from the time of nomination of candidates and voting by people, to the election of chosen officials, there are elements in society which indulge in malpractices. Even for appointment to government posts, it is not totally uncommon for people to seek illegal influences or dealings. If such people manage to get appointed to public posts, their ethical and moral standards would be really doubtful.
Just as there is corruption at the grass root level, corruption is present at all rungs of the government ladder. This is not out of public eye, since it is the public, which is responsible to a great extent, for corruption to take roots and grow in a system. By indulging in corruption, a public official compromises the standard of work, or at times gives undue advantage to the person offering bribe. This totally defeats the purpose of an unbiased constitution and its functioning. In short, the official is no longer effective in upholding the law of the state.
Ethical and moral standards, however, go beyond just refraining from corruption. To be an effective leader, a public official must voluntarily strive to perform better, and motivate others under him to do so. He must take full responsibility of the work alloted to him by his superiors. Moreover, based on his personal discretion, he should discharge duties to his subordinates, and at times the general public, which forgets that along with rights, come duties.
After all, an effective leader is one, who has complete overview of a situation, and guides the people based on this. Hence, unless his or her conscience is clear of any guilt, the sheer existence of an organised administrative system is jeopardized.
It's my life!!!
Just listening to that great song by Bon Jovi gets you high - one of the best songs of our generation, this one is sung with unparalleled passion!!
What is it about beats, music, lyrics and everything involved with songs that distinguishes it from "beautiful" and "energizing"... or "peaceful" and "violent"?? The answer to this is not exactly what you would call "simple". Yet we so easily define our tastes and like or dislike a song merely by listening to it once or so. At times after just listening to the initial music and beats you can tell whether your going to enjoy a song or not.
Anyhow, whatever be the case, thank god humans have such a great capacity to create and enjoy such a beautiful thing as "music". What "genre" or type is totally irrelevant here, and of course - IT's MY LIFE!!!
(PS: if you think this post is totally senseless, never mind - like I said in the start, just listening to that song is like getting high!)
What is it about beats, music, lyrics and everything involved with songs that distinguishes it from "beautiful" and "energizing"... or "peaceful" and "violent"?? The answer to this is not exactly what you would call "simple". Yet we so easily define our tastes and like or dislike a song merely by listening to it once or so. At times after just listening to the initial music and beats you can tell whether your going to enjoy a song or not.
Anyhow, whatever be the case, thank god humans have such a great capacity to create and enjoy such a beautiful thing as "music". What "genre" or type is totally irrelevant here, and of course - IT's MY LIFE!!!
(PS: if you think this post is totally senseless, never mind - like I said in the start, just listening to that song is like getting high!)
Sunday, June 15, 2008
"Such non-mainstream areas of inquiry as astrology, fortune-telling, and psychic and paranormal pursuits play a vital role in society..."
Complete tittle:
"Such non-mainstream areas of inquiry as astrology, fortune-telling, and psychic and paranormal pursuits play a vital role in society by satisfying human needs that are not addressed by mainstream science."
Man is a weak animal at heart. He seeks comfort in large and complex social structures, the rules of conduct of which, vary widely as per different traditions. He needs the support of his peers, partner, and other fellow people. This being said, man also seeks, or rather prefers to have some "outer" entity, to which he can connect in desperate situations, and seek advice when there are no visible paths in front of him. This entity, we call God. Very closely linked to this entity is the concept of "destiny" or the belief that everything happening around us has a purpose, and is predefined. The means of knowing this very purpose, or path laid down, are astrology, fortune-telling, psychic and other paranormal pursuits.
As science progressed, man became more aware of his surroundings, and the explanations as to why many phenomena occur the way they do. Having said this, there are still many questions unanswered today, and man's curiosity constantly strives to "fit in" pieces of the puzzle. But nevertheless, we are forced to ask ourselves today, has man really progressed inspite of his understanding of nature?
Thousands of years earlier, he looked up towards the heavens, and prayed for fertility of his land, rains and other feared elements of nature. Today it has become second nature to predict and plan cultivation and harvesting. However, the most disturbing fact remains, that only the focus of seeking help or assurance has changed. In this modern and fast world, people are constantly in an effort to outperform each other, and also themselves. "Stress" and "strain" have become the key words in day to day life. In such an environment, there are times when man breaks down and mainstream science cannot answer his helplessness. We don not have medicines, and perhaps will never have such, which will ensure a peace of mind. For this very purpose, people are forced to resort to unproven techniques of astrology, fortune-telling and the like.
These techniques depend heavily on statistical probabilities, but have not been tested and proven extensively, to establish a clear understanding of the truth behind it, even if such a truth exists. For all we know, these areas of inquiry may simply serve the purpose of pacifying people in dire need of it. For example, it has now been established through extensive research that if a critical moment in the decision making process of a person willing to commit suicide is somehow passed or the person is guided through the situation, there are strong chances that he will not commit suicide at all. Similar may be the case with these non-mainstream areas.
Such techniques of astrology and fortune-telling have roots in all civilisations, and have been passed on through one way or the other. No doubt they play a vital role in moder society, one should not have blind faith in them. We must remember that "psyche" or "mind" is a very complicated subject, and hence we should not follow practices involving the same, till their credibility is proven beyond the shadow of doubt. On the other hand, having belief in some form of superior entity, inculcates a sense of humbleness within us, and gives us "someone" to look up to in times of mental chaos.
Hence, this rather soothing approach is a better one to adopt, in my opinion, than trying to devise means of foretelling and changing our future. Ironically, the very believers of "fate" and "destiny" struggle to know the future, and change it, when these two are defined by very such people, to be things predefined and out of our hands! I strongly feel that eventhough in today's world such paranormal areas of inquiry play a vital role in society, it is unreasonable, and these should be best left to pages of thriller novels!
"Such non-mainstream areas of inquiry as astrology, fortune-telling, and psychic and paranormal pursuits play a vital role in society by satisfying human needs that are not addressed by mainstream science."
Man is a weak animal at heart. He seeks comfort in large and complex social structures, the rules of conduct of which, vary widely as per different traditions. He needs the support of his peers, partner, and other fellow people. This being said, man also seeks, or rather prefers to have some "outer" entity, to which he can connect in desperate situations, and seek advice when there are no visible paths in front of him. This entity, we call God. Very closely linked to this entity is the concept of "destiny" or the belief that everything happening around us has a purpose, and is predefined. The means of knowing this very purpose, or path laid down, are astrology, fortune-telling, psychic and other paranormal pursuits.
As science progressed, man became more aware of his surroundings, and the explanations as to why many phenomena occur the way they do. Having said this, there are still many questions unanswered today, and man's curiosity constantly strives to "fit in" pieces of the puzzle. But nevertheless, we are forced to ask ourselves today, has man really progressed inspite of his understanding of nature?
Thousands of years earlier, he looked up towards the heavens, and prayed for fertility of his land, rains and other feared elements of nature. Today it has become second nature to predict and plan cultivation and harvesting. However, the most disturbing fact remains, that only the focus of seeking help or assurance has changed. In this modern and fast world, people are constantly in an effort to outperform each other, and also themselves. "Stress" and "strain" have become the key words in day to day life. In such an environment, there are times when man breaks down and mainstream science cannot answer his helplessness. We don not have medicines, and perhaps will never have such, which will ensure a peace of mind. For this very purpose, people are forced to resort to unproven techniques of astrology, fortune-telling and the like.
These techniques depend heavily on statistical probabilities, but have not been tested and proven extensively, to establish a clear understanding of the truth behind it, even if such a truth exists. For all we know, these areas of inquiry may simply serve the purpose of pacifying people in dire need of it. For example, it has now been established through extensive research that if a critical moment in the decision making process of a person willing to commit suicide is somehow passed or the person is guided through the situation, there are strong chances that he will not commit suicide at all. Similar may be the case with these non-mainstream areas.
Such techniques of astrology and fortune-telling have roots in all civilisations, and have been passed on through one way or the other. No doubt they play a vital role in moder society, one should not have blind faith in them. We must remember that "psyche" or "mind" is a very complicated subject, and hence we should not follow practices involving the same, till their credibility is proven beyond the shadow of doubt. On the other hand, having belief in some form of superior entity, inculcates a sense of humbleness within us, and gives us "someone" to look up to in times of mental chaos.
Hence, this rather soothing approach is a better one to adopt, in my opinion, than trying to devise means of foretelling and changing our future. Ironically, the very believers of "fate" and "destiny" struggle to know the future, and change it, when these two are defined by very such people, to be things predefined and out of our hands! I strongly feel that eventhough in today's world such paranormal areas of inquiry play a vital role in society, it is unreasonable, and these should be best left to pages of thriller novels!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
"The greatness of individuals can be decided only by those who live after them, not by their contemporaries."
The greatness of a person is a rather general opinion, more or less. Except in a few cases, society by and large proclaims an individual as great, or notorious. Greatness of an individual is the society's perception, based on that individual's qualities or achievements. There is a wide spectrum of opportunities, in which an individual can prove himself to be distinguished. These include scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs, sportspersons, and performers of various arts; to name a few.
As an observation, the graph of such distinguished persons generally rises at the onset of their career, reaches a peak after a great struggle to prove themselves, and culminates with an acknowledgment of their achievement. The contemporary society has seen the entire struggle, and is in itself a catalyst for the performance of these individuals. Moreover, when it comes to arts or the manufacturing industry, the contemporary society is the one which is most benefited or has the greatest impact. As a result, these masses can truly confer the greatness upon the individuals responsible for the impact. For example, the society which witnessed the liberation of slaves brought about by Abraham Lincoln, were most likely to understand its value, and hence were the best judge of his greatness. No doubt even today we salute this man as the founder of the basic right to freedom of an individual, we have more or less taken this right for granted. Another apt example is of literary figures like Rossoue and Voltaire, whose satirical writings were an inspiration during the French Revolution.
On the other hand, in areas where the impact of the work of individuals comes at a much later stage, their greatness is appreciated more by those who live after them, rather than their contemporaries. To better understand this, take the scenario of research and its application. Generally, scientists in various fields discover and lay down the fundamentals of science, but it is only much later that technology is actually developed upon these researches, to fully understand and utilise their potential. Today we consider Newton and Einstein as the pioneers in the laws of physics, because based on these laws, we have developed technology that enables us to revolutionise the way we live on earth, and also enable us to embark on missions that unravel the secrets of the universe.
Then again, there are individuals who carve a place for themselves, during their era, and for a long time after them. The work of art performers, for example, is witnessed by their contemporaries no doubt, but also enjoyed by many, decades after their time. The taste of people keep changing, but distinguished art is always passed down through generations, and such individuals become immortal in the memories of the masses. There are many such Indian singers, who were at the pinnacle of fine arts during their time, but are equally, if not more, cherished by a large audience today.
Hence, in my opinion, the work of an individual is the best criteria of his or her greatness, rather than who decides it. Also, an individual must be duly credited for his or her work, and more so when he or she is alive to receive that recognition. The greatness of individuals can thus be decided by people who live after them, as well as their contemporaries.
As an observation, the graph of such distinguished persons generally rises at the onset of their career, reaches a peak after a great struggle to prove themselves, and culminates with an acknowledgment of their achievement. The contemporary society has seen the entire struggle, and is in itself a catalyst for the performance of these individuals. Moreover, when it comes to arts or the manufacturing industry, the contemporary society is the one which is most benefited or has the greatest impact. As a result, these masses can truly confer the greatness upon the individuals responsible for the impact. For example, the society which witnessed the liberation of slaves brought about by Abraham Lincoln, were most likely to understand its value, and hence were the best judge of his greatness. No doubt even today we salute this man as the founder of the basic right to freedom of an individual, we have more or less taken this right for granted. Another apt example is of literary figures like Rossoue and Voltaire, whose satirical writings were an inspiration during the French Revolution.
On the other hand, in areas where the impact of the work of individuals comes at a much later stage, their greatness is appreciated more by those who live after them, rather than their contemporaries. To better understand this, take the scenario of research and its application. Generally, scientists in various fields discover and lay down the fundamentals of science, but it is only much later that technology is actually developed upon these researches, to fully understand and utilise their potential. Today we consider Newton and Einstein as the pioneers in the laws of physics, because based on these laws, we have developed technology that enables us to revolutionise the way we live on earth, and also enable us to embark on missions that unravel the secrets of the universe.
Then again, there are individuals who carve a place for themselves, during their era, and for a long time after them. The work of art performers, for example, is witnessed by their contemporaries no doubt, but also enjoyed by many, decades after their time. The taste of people keep changing, but distinguished art is always passed down through generations, and such individuals become immortal in the memories of the masses. There are many such Indian singers, who were at the pinnacle of fine arts during their time, but are equally, if not more, cherished by a large audience today.
Hence, in my opinion, the work of an individual is the best criteria of his or her greatness, rather than who decides it. Also, an individual must be duly credited for his or her work, and more so when he or she is alive to receive that recognition. The greatness of individuals can thus be decided by people who live after them, as well as their contemporaries.
"Money spent on research is almost always a good investment, even when the results of that research are controversial."
Technology is application of science, which in turn is the fundamental knowledge of how natural phenomena occur, and why they occur. Research is establishing this very knowledge, and bringing out pure facts, beyond the shadow of doubt. It involves rigorous experimentation, modelling or simulation depending on the field involved. At times, research also includes gathering data and analysing it for specific trends, for example surveys done by various companies before designing a new product.
Research depends on two key factors, one being highly qualified personnel and the other being the required equipments or testing facilities. Both these factors being expensive, the overall cost of research is very high. Also, there is no guarantee as regard to the outcome, since it is an uncharted territory. Money, effort and time has to be continuously pumped in, to keep the wheels rolling. Many a times, research in one field leads to simultaneous breakthroughs in the related sectors, because of their inherent correlation. Also, while progressing towards the principle target, often smaller yet useful inventions are created in the wake. An excellent example of this is the microwave oven, which was an outcome of early space research!
As with any new proposal, research also has its own share of controversies. The biggest of this is probably the one surrounding stem cell research. If successful, it could one day allow us to simply "grow" a required organ, thus eliminating the entire process of organ donation and the lengthy waiting period involved. On the other hand, what it also translates into is the possibility of human cloning, which is considered unethical by many. Another burning example of the recent past is the research surrounding the origin of man - which is now widely accepted to be as per the Darwinian Theory of evolution.
Despite this, money spent on research is not a waste - it almost always bears fruit, if not directly, indirectly. Even if the results are controversial, there are still more than one interpretations, and therefore paths to choose for further study. The thinking process of the people involved, and likely to be involved is stimulated, and more people may actually be inspired to pursue research, to find the truth behind the controversy! In addition, when there are big controversies involved, organisations or even nations are ready to pump in more man power and money into that research, just to prove their point. Although the motive of research should not be sheer ego or pride, but these more often than not end up being the driving factors in controversial cases.
Looking at it from a different perspective, a controversial research has actually opened up new facts and direction of thinking, from the mere fact that the subject involved became a controversy based on the research in question! Hence in my opinion, money spent on research is almost always a good investment, even when the results of that research are controversial.
Research depends on two key factors, one being highly qualified personnel and the other being the required equipments or testing facilities. Both these factors being expensive, the overall cost of research is very high. Also, there is no guarantee as regard to the outcome, since it is an uncharted territory. Money, effort and time has to be continuously pumped in, to keep the wheels rolling. Many a times, research in one field leads to simultaneous breakthroughs in the related sectors, because of their inherent correlation. Also, while progressing towards the principle target, often smaller yet useful inventions are created in the wake. An excellent example of this is the microwave oven, which was an outcome of early space research!
As with any new proposal, research also has its own share of controversies. The biggest of this is probably the one surrounding stem cell research. If successful, it could one day allow us to simply "grow" a required organ, thus eliminating the entire process of organ donation and the lengthy waiting period involved. On the other hand, what it also translates into is the possibility of human cloning, which is considered unethical by many. Another burning example of the recent past is the research surrounding the origin of man - which is now widely accepted to be as per the Darwinian Theory of evolution.
Despite this, money spent on research is not a waste - it almost always bears fruit, if not directly, indirectly. Even if the results are controversial, there are still more than one interpretations, and therefore paths to choose for further study. The thinking process of the people involved, and likely to be involved is stimulated, and more people may actually be inspired to pursue research, to find the truth behind the controversy! In addition, when there are big controversies involved, organisations or even nations are ready to pump in more man power and money into that research, just to prove their point. Although the motive of research should not be sheer ego or pride, but these more often than not end up being the driving factors in controversial cases.
Looking at it from a different perspective, a controversial research has actually opened up new facts and direction of thinking, from the mere fact that the subject involved became a controversy based on the research in question! Hence in my opinion, money spent on research is almost always a good investment, even when the results of that research are controversial.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
"Sea" my humour!!!
Firstly, for all those new to reading my blog, just to give you an idea of the utter foolishness i can commit at times by just opening my mouth, i would direct you to my dear friend's description of a superbly humorous yet spontaneous and totally unintentional "self cracked joke" if it even qualified for the same, which you can happily enjoy here.
oh and for the record, I'm the mighty "Abba" if it hasn't dawned upon you yet!!
Ok now I'm dead sure all of you have been to that page and back, and yes, "seamen" hahahah!!! lol... let me share the aftermath of that incident which surprisingly my buddy hasn't covered there!! So, this great incident takes place, and what do you know - couple of days later, a friend of mine, totally irrelevant to the club (astro club, remember, from buddy's blog?), my college, or anyone in it (I had thought so till then), calls me up and he doesn't say "hi" or anything, but is laughing on the other side and greets me with a cool "tu kay mhane trip la mhanalas - "my seamen have deserted me"???!!! ho ka?!!" - now just for a formal translation, it means "it seems you said on a trip "...." ??!! really?!!" Oh my god, my disgrace (FICTIONAL totally, I am "in all respects" fit and fine!!) was out in public!! who could have... or rather, HOW could have!!! lol.. I didn't bother to explain him the intricate happenings of the incident till date - on the phone I just laughed (as if to show a good sense of humour.. hehe) and asked him how in devil's name did he know!! and just trailed the convo of with a "ok look I got to go now bye.." Oh my god - that was like humiliation to the bone!!!! lol...
But yes I must admit, the one person who enjoyed all this - the doomsday like event and the aftermath, was..... don worry Anu it's not you for persuading buddy to post about it on his blog!! but it's ME!!! I was in total laughter and my day just went cool - all I had to do when I got anything upsetting me was take a flashback of the incident!! till date I can have a hearty laugh - my utter dumbness, buddy and enthu getting all hyper, and my savior-VRD, with his ingenious "pleeease vs pls" analogy to finally crack open the nut around my brain!!
So much for my "fellow sailors" - won't EVER try to put those two words into one!! lol...
oh and for the record, I'm the mighty "Abba" if it hasn't dawned upon you yet!!
Ok now I'm dead sure all of you have been to that page and back, and yes, "seamen" hahahah!!! lol... let me share the aftermath of that incident which surprisingly my buddy hasn't covered there!! So, this great incident takes place, and what do you know - couple of days later, a friend of mine, totally irrelevant to the club (astro club, remember, from buddy's blog?), my college, or anyone in it (I had thought so till then), calls me up and he doesn't say "hi" or anything, but is laughing on the other side and greets me with a cool "tu kay mhane trip la mhanalas - "my seamen have deserted me"???!!! ho ka?!!" - now just for a formal translation, it means "it seems you said on a trip "...." ??!! really?!!" Oh my god, my disgrace (FICTIONAL totally, I am "in all respects" fit and fine!!) was out in public!! who could have... or rather, HOW could have!!! lol.. I didn't bother to explain him the intricate happenings of the incident till date - on the phone I just laughed (as if to show a good sense of humour.. hehe) and asked him how in devil's name did he know!! and just trailed the convo of with a "ok look I got to go now bye.." Oh my god - that was like humiliation to the bone!!!! lol...
But yes I must admit, the one person who enjoyed all this - the doomsday like event and the aftermath, was..... don worry Anu it's not you for persuading buddy to post about it on his blog!! but it's ME!!! I was in total laughter and my day just went cool - all I had to do when I got anything upsetting me was take a flashback of the incident!! till date I can have a hearty laugh - my utter dumbness, buddy and enthu getting all hyper, and my savior-VRD, with his ingenious "pleeease vs pls" analogy to finally crack open the nut around my brain!!
So much for my "fellow sailors" - won't EVER try to put those two words into one!! lol...
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