'Give more importance to Emotional Quotient'

Does scoring high percentage marks in the board exams guarantee success in futureIJ 

Is success meant only for students who come out with flying coloursIJ Will the students passing standard X and XII with a little low percentage always struggle in their livesIJ Is only getting good marks a indicator of successIJ Not at all. Had success been meant for the toppers only, only toppers would have been in the list of worlds most successful persons.

I would like to draw attention of the parents towards a most significant point that may change their perception about success. World known scientists, including Archimedes, Galileo, lui Pasture, and Einstein, did wonders, despite not doing well in academics. They blessed humanity with the beautiful inventions that resulted into development of the whole world. They attained success and fame since they had done things of their taste, they had done what gave them satisfaction, and they had done what they were meant for.  

Ironically, 99 per cent of the people can’t do things of their choice. They participate in the ongoing ‘rat race’ under pressure from the family or seniors. Instead of pressurizing the children to opt the courses of their (parents) choices, the parents should promote and support them for the courses and areas they want to go. If the children do courses of their choice, they would do far well. 

Avoid risk, conformity, and attain a good job are what education system teaches us. It teaches that we are not supposed to ever fail. We always have to attain success. But I specially point out failure for some good reasons. It is the failure that makes people courageous, resilient, risk taking adaptability those are required for making contribution to the society. Our values are also equally important. Making a big house and owning a car are not indicators to success. Success is that gives satisfaction.

I make an appeal to all of you (parents) to give importance to Emotional Quotient (EQ) than Intelligence Quotient (IQ). EQ focuses on knowing self and understanding others. It also gives importance to life skills, communication, adaptability, and change. So, give more importance to EQ and give up comparing your child with others. Research has proved it time and again that each child has something in special. In stead of forcing him for the subjects he does not want to study, try to shape up the ‘special quality’ that will earn him success and satisfaction together. Each year, several students, who didn’t get good marks in secondary and senior secondary exams, qualify the most coveted civil service exams with the subject of their choice. So, encourage your children to take up the subjects of their choice; this will pave way for their success.

(The writer is an Uttarakhand cadre IPS officer)