Is Education Really About Preparing for a Corporate Career? [Parents of Ekya]

With the rise in different and lesser-known career options for children – do you think it is more confusing or a definite improvement in the corporate world?

Roopa Roy, Parent of Ruan Sen Gupta, Grade 3, Ekya School BTM Layout

Education has seen a sea of change over the years and is transforming at an extremely rapid pace even today. Those that are fortunate enough to be a part of a structured and formal schooling system learn primarily through rote-learning or the more trending format of experiential learning. Yet there are others who prefer homeschooling, wherein the learning happens through resources available at hand and self-exploration. And then we have those who have never experienced disciplined methodology of learning at all. They learn through the art of survival, through everyday activities. A good mix of all of the above forms is essential to every individual. I personally cheer all forms of education, as long as it’s a stimulus to evolve, grow and develop oneself.

Marks don’t make a man! One can remain uncouth and raw even after attaining a fantastic scoreboard in life. A few others, deemed average or below average on this very same scoreboard may climb mountains. Brilliance, Intelligence, character and humane qualities may be seen in people with no scoreboard at all. The world is a chasm of opportunities for those who wish to delve into it!

There was a generation that believed securing a government job was the primary target of life. Once achieved life was set! Post which was the boom of the software and medical industry. Majority of children were nurtured and nourished in this direction. Second to this were the banking, commerce and accounts related fields. Teaching was readily available to women (married, with child, a house, a husband and in-laws to pamper and satisfy) as a suitable and dignified profession.

Young adults today are spoilt for choice! Uncommon and unconventional career options lie enticing before them. It’s a colourful palette that they may use wisely for their strength and capabilities. Inborn talent is being recognised, even if it is so at a very crude and nascent stage. People and companies are realizing the need for happy employees rather than dull, lifeless ones from glitzy schools with fantastic mark sheets. There is a paradigm shift in the need for quality of people and their productive output.

From the employees perspective, the lure of a home, car, international vacation and a fat bank balance against the lurking fear of losing a job or forced retirement at 50 no longer stand to be a major attraction. The present workforce at the giant multinationals has lived the myth of corporate lifestyle – the dirt, the grime and the politics at the base of it all! They have cherished the taste of new money, yet been exposed to dangerous stress levels, health issues and time constraints.

There is a tidal wave to break free! And that is why we see a Mahendra Singh Dhoni or a Chetan Bhagat, taking the plunge, giving it up all, to chase their dream!! The names I take are social celebrities today, but if we look around there are umpteen common men who have broken free or are on the verge of doing so.

The younger generation has witnessed the perks and the glooms. They are largely a generation willing to explore untamed avenues, willing to challenge their abilities and push beyond boundaries, striving to make breakthroughs in un-pastured terrains. The changing face of education is also responsible for this changed dynamic in the work scenario going ahead. They are more aware of the world, more exposed to social media and have firmer career choices from the wider deck. A certain amount of mayhem is always a part of growing up, but with more accessibility to information across the globe and communication possible at mere clicks of buttons, this chaos of the mind is far lesser than our times. They understand the need for financial independence, freedom of thought, expression and grooming, social lifestyle benchmarks (constantly changing again) and with it all “ME” time. They aren’t willing to compromise. They mean business, they mean money along with the quality of life. They aren’t the ones to be bullied into giving up chasing their dreams. They mean to use their wings to fly high!

Every child is different, every child has a different space to shine. We as parents need to allow them to find their true calling. We can’t be closing doors that may otherwise unfurl magic! We need to ensure they understand perseverance and excellence in their chosen path, yet not load them to a point of burning out. We aren’t creators of their destiny, we are but mere means of allowing our children to reach their destination.

If we could take a while to ponder, we could lay the plethora of options, yet help and guide them choose their strength over their fears. We could be saving our children from a lot of heartburn over a bunch of numbers, fake lifestyle goals and money related competition. We could contribute to more love, tolerance, peace, happiness, and wellbeing over hatred, jealousy, and frustration! We would be building an army of spiritually inclined soldiers. Better individuals, better quality of living and a better world! Isn’t that what education is ultimately meant to be?

Ar. Roopa Roy is the founder and promoter of the Architecture and Design firm Sthapati Kalp. With more than 15 years of experience in Architecture & Interior Design, she is the backbone of Sthapati Kalp. She has been felicitated by the Arch Bishop of Bangalore for her design work and contribution to the field of Architecture in both contemporary design and restoration of historical monument buildings. Her work has been published in leading national design magazines and newspapers. She loves travelling, reading, music, and dance.

Ar. Roopa, parent of Ekya, was invited to be our guest writer on the Parents of Ekya feature. Interested parents who would like to write for us can shoot us a mail on communications@ekyaschools.com.

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