Sir, Namaskar. Kebe amoro exam hebo? (When will our exams be held?)”. I am receiving this question from the students at least twenty times every day. Their voices tremble with fear and anxiety. I can understand their plight as their exams were stopped abruptly and there is uncertainty about their future dates.
I convince them as far as possible and assure them that I will intimate them the exam dates as soon as they are announced. Ours is a remote district of Odisha where literacy rates, transport and communication are very poor and it is difficult to pass on the information to the students at short notice.
Students are the worst hit by the nationwide lockdown unable to adjust with the sudden change in their routines. The uncertainty of the conduct of examination and evaluation is taking an emotional toll on the young minds.
The abrupt closure of the examinations results in restlessness, anxiety and irritation among the students. The Class 12 students are away from one subject for completion of their examination. The second and fourth semester degree examinations scheduled to be held in April are postponed indefinitely. Till now I am convincing the students that soon after the lockdown, i.e., April 14, the authorities will take a decision and by the end of April, their examinations will be completed. Now Odisha became the first State in the country to declare extension of lockdown till the end of April. I am preparing myself how to answer the queries of the students and counsel them not to panic.
The University of Calcutta issued a notification that the Psychology and Applied Psychology Departments will provide free counselling services to all students of the university. It released a list of names of professors and their contact numbers whom the students can contact during a specified time. Many reputed colleges and universities are also following the same in the interest of their students. Even the parents can also avail the counselling services. There is every need to introduce the same thing in Odisha.
No doubt, the lockdown and home stay are in the interest of the public and it is prudent to follow the Government guidelines. But the tender age of the student may not understand the severity of the pandemic. The mental pressure on the young minds can be better understood by the teacher and every teacher should act as a counsellor.
During the lockdown period, it is the best thing a teacher can do and there by contribute for the development of mental health of the students. At the same time, they have to clarify their doubts online, if facilities are available. They must be made academically and mentally strong by injecting confidence and hope. This is the need of the hour.
(Dr Biswal is Head, Department of Commerce, Nowrangpur College, Nabarangpur, Odisha. Mob:9437125286. bhaskarbiswal@gmail.com)