Cover Story - Educating differently

The translation of a very simple and down-to-earth philosophy of an equally simple, but visionary man today is a witness to a wide-ranging network, lucid vision, planned intervention and commitment to schools. Kerala Public School Trust has been playing a lead role in education in two districts of Jharkhand and one in Orissa. MENTOR shares the dream of Mr. A.P.Nair to make education possible to all, far and near...

An alert! - Caution in schools

The cadence of the monsoons places schools on high alert when it comes to hygiene, cleanliness and health of the children. Our children who are the most susceptible lot are likely to be infected with flu. Mr Ninad Chitare writes to MENTOR in this exclusive about the causes of flu and highlights the precautionary that can be taken in schools to prevent flu.

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death. Older people, young children and people with certain health conditions are at high risk of serious flu complications. Therefore it is said that the best way to prevent flu is by getting vaccinated each year. Flu virus symptoms can appear identical to common flu and cold symptoms but are far more dangerous. Symptoms of seasonal flu and H1N1 flu can include fever, cough, sore throat, running or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chill, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea. Some people infected with flu may not have fever either. In simple terms, flu is worse than the common cold and symptoms such as fever, body ache, fatigue and dry cough are common and intense. Cold is usually milder than the flu. People with cold are more likely to have a running or stuffy nose. Cold generally does not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infection and does not require hospitalization.

Come into my Parlour - NCC - a glorious tradition

"NCC is a tri-service organization drawing inspiration and strength from the glorious traditions of the Army, Navy and Air Force."

"NCC conditions youth of the country to be disciplined, mentally robust and physically tough."

The National Cadet Corps (NCC) has more than 12 lakhs of cadets in its fold. In fact it is the largest uniformed youth organization in the world. The genesis of the corps can be traced to the period of the First World War when the British created a 'University Corps' aimed at harnessing the youth of India to meet the ever increasing requirement of manpower in the Armed Forces. Col. Anupam Singh shares with MENTOR the insights of the NCC.

It was the vision of the country's leaders of the freedom movement era that led them to recognize the importance of grooming the youth of the country to empower them to take up the reins of the society and the country in various walks of life. Thus was born the NCC in 1948 with a strength of about 1.5 lakh cadets. Today this youth organization has grown many folds since its inception.

A National flag is the most solemn symbol of a country. It is not a mere piece of cloth; rather it symbolizes the whole of nation, its ideals, hopes, achievements, aspirations and pride. When we fly our National flag we rise above religious, regional and political affiliations and show our love for the nation. "It is for this reason that the king or the President or a Prime Minister salutes his country's Flag" writes Cdr. K.V. Singh from Flag Foundation of India in this exclusive for MENTOR.

Our National-flag is the greatest symbol of the nation. It is a constant reminder of the supreme sacrifices made by the sons of the soil for the glory of mother India. Tiranga has no religion of its own, it relates to no particular state or community. It belongs to all. It is secular in the true sense and pure Indian beyond the barriers of caste, colour or creed.

An ardent poet, artist, a religious leader and the author of India's national anthem, this winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in Literature, a writer and philosopher who discoursed with Gandhi, Einstein and other greats of his day, well you know who this reference is to…Rabindranath Tagore. Despite his fame in the arenas mentioned above, Tagore's progressive educational philosophy is ancient history today! Tagore's experimental models pioneered in his schools, Santiniketan and Sri Niketan (West Bengal, 1901), remain sheer experiments. His ideals have not found their way into India's schools – as rote-memorization is still the predominant learning style in many schools.

Tagore's views of education are not available in any single volume. It is appreciable in his various expressions. It may be gleaned from his addresses and may be read in his essays. It may also be obtained from his conversational poetry and art. Tagore's ideas on education were derived mainly from his own experience. Tagore's educational ideals have been shared by other educationists and many of his innovative thought have become a part of general educational practices. However, somewhere the purpose and direction is lost. His special contribution lay in the emphasis on harmony, balance and total development of personality.

Helping our students to be a part of the process of making India an emerging nation has always been a vision with all School Principals. However, Principals at times find themselves at crossroads not knowing where and when to inspire aspirants desiring to get into the services. MENTOR's Ms. Divya Khanna in her tete-a-tete with Mr. Sarfaraz Ahmad explores the roles that schools can play to inorder to encourage IAS as a noble career for young students. Mr. Sarfaraz is an IAS Officer of the Andhra Pradesh Cadre 2009 and currently the Assistant Collector, Anantapur...