Indian parents emphasise on marks and decide the career of their children. Imagination has no place here which leaves the younger generation in a void searching for answers. The plight of Indian education is imbedded in the mindset of the people,” said Chetan Bhagat — youth icon and novelist by choice.
Bhagat was addressing a gathering of the educational fraternity from the tricity and students at the Chitkara International School, Chandigarh.
The writer talked in detail about the importance of knowing the aspirations, dreams and challenges of the students. He maintained that the curriculum that is imparted in the schools today fails to empower students in accordance to the global arena.
He further added that in the contemporary society people invest money over values which in turn have given rise to corruption in the country.
The writer added, “Till younger generation is taught properly about the goods and the evils in the society, one cannot expect the society to prosper.
However, he said that he is quite optimistic about the future of India as the current younger generation has a spark and they will make a difference.
The celebrated author of fiction and non-fiction bestsellers, used anecdotes from his own life to bring it before the students and teachers that creativity of the children should be honed up rather than subverting it for mere need of good marks at school level.
Bhagat focused on redesigning the traditional model of a school, perhaps using technology to impart learning.
The author also shared that the school curriculum should be updated and designed with respect to the professional world so that when a student step into the world of cut-throat competition, they are well equipped to face the challenges.
When asked as a parent what he has learned in life, he said “Earlier, I used to write from the perspective of a student and student alone. But, being a parent has taught me a lot and has served me with a new perspective which has helped me to adopt a more balanced perspective and shapes my thinking now.”
He acknowledged that the educator’s role is also evolving considering the current education system. They are now guides and facilitators of Young India.
However on a personal note, Bhagat maintained that he will keep his association with Bollywood going on as it provides him with a stage where he can interact with a wider audience and hence serve them with his own ideas. Talking about the recent controversy about his novel turned movie ‘Kai Po Che’, he said it is a non-issue and people are indulging into unnecessary mudslinging.