What's your plan?

 "You've to score good grades at school!"

"You've to do your Olympiads!"

"You need to have a co-curricular activity or some sports activity!"

"You should be able to dance or sing or play a musical instrument!"

Oh my my! So much pressure on these little one's learning to adapt and traverse the lanes and by lanes of this complicated world.

"But its a rat race! He/she needs to figure it out sooner. Studies, career, universities, the stress builds up as they advance into their grades (classes), isn't it?"

Yes, true. It's a tough task for the coming generations. Population is ever increasing. Even though the colleges and courses are increasing in numbers but we have no say on the quality of education they impart. Also the leading universities and colleges are always the first priority, obviously. So the newbies are looked down upon. Also the reservations hinder the paths of many.

Well, so what score is a good enough score then? If your ranking is in the top 100s or 200s or 1000s? That means you score 98%+. Then what about the one who scored 90%? Is he/she considered not so intelligent? And the one with 80%? What about him/her? Do they have to compromise? And where is this going to end? Can a single sheet of paper decide someone's future?

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts".

- Winston Churchill. 

We've seen people with minimum qualification succeeding in life, doing great businesses, opting for political careers. So does that mean your grades don't decide your future? Then do we tell our kids not to get stressed and ask them to quit? And what if they score less and miss the opportunity of studying and end up doing nothing at all?

Well, how do we predict? How do we contemplate things, is the big question!

Similarly, not all those who score outstanding ranks become successful in future. And by successful I don't mean just money wise. Have you heard of people becoming doctors but cannot practice with confidence? Have you heard of IIT engineers who cannot get even a job in their field of expertise? Have you heard of bright commerce graduates who cannot run businesses? Yes, we all have heard of them and seen around us. 

Isn't life the biggest examination? And we all have a different set of question papers here, don't we? We should realise this and proceed.

Some people find their passion later in life. They strive to make their dreams work. But how do parents know it beforehand that their kids are going to make it big later? It's a tough call.

But don't fret, your passion drives you to your purpose, if your purpose is strong enough. 

As a parent of a kid appearing for his 12th grade boards, I've sleepless nights. Even if he is studying, I keep doubting whether it is enough to get him through.

More and more kids nowadays are wanting to go abroad to study. Why isn't the education system in India not geared up to match its counterparts? Why isn't government making amendments to the way our admission processes work? Isn't it high time our youth should feel motivated to study in their own country? Just like 'Make in India', shouldn't we focus on 'Study in India'?

India is a huge country with limitless possibilities for careers. I think if we all work together we can make a difference in so many aspects pertaining to education, the way it's taught, delivered and graded. So what's your plan?

"Whether you think you can or you think you can't - you're right!".

- Unknown. 

All the best to all the students appearing for any type of exams! May all of you come out in flying colours. 

P.S. - Our plan should prioritise happiness. So lets take that path and encourage our kids to do the same.

"Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you" - Oprah Winfrey.

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