career direct

FACE OF THE MONTH: RAKSHA BHARADIA

MAGICAL MAESTROS: A.R.RAHMAN

Career Direct w w w. t h e c a r e e r w o r l d . c o m

Volume1

Issue1

August 2010

Rs.50

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THE DYING EDUCATION SYSTEM

Gems still go unnoticed

Innocent victims of society

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EASY EXAMS LEARN YOUR WAY FUN CORNER

Editorial Learn with fun and smile

E

ducation with pure enjoyment, where there is the proper flow of knowledge, this is what we aim for. To learn with fun and a smile on the face and to make the young brats reach the heights they dream of. With the education system in the country catching up the heat of competition, it has become more of a rat race than being a divine institution. Dear readers, we aim to create a change. To make the most difficult subjects easy for you right from the hard nut Maths,Science to English. Our journey has begun with this print edition; it is not a voyage of ‘Career Direct’ alone but yours too. As millions of inhabitants of this beautiful country India, it is our responsibility to make India brighter, better and bigger. If we can create the difference even for few of the students on their studies, we would be more than happy to have touched few souls and to have achieved a starting step on our path.

The way of teaching is one of the major hurdles on our journey to the goal. Why don’t we use or bring simpler methods of solving Maths and Science? Music, jokes, stories all need to be part of the learning process.

The student should understand the concept and learn it with fun rather than digesting them as capsules and vomiting them on the answer sheets. Every smile of a child is important. If a teacher can’t touch the heart of a student in a simpler way, a successful learning won’t happen in the class room. Until and unless, a student loves their teacher and the way of teaching, how could they love their subjects? Let’s break the barriers and open the windows so that the waves of knowledge touch them all in true sense. Our magazine is an attempt in this direction.

For the current issue, CD cover story brings out the grave scenario prevalent in the education system with special feature on rural education.

The increasing number of drop outs, lack of facilities like shortage of classrooms, toilets, transportation, safe drinking water, the mark-oriented way of teaching and many.......The generation next is our wealth and their proper education is our duty.

Managing Editor

Ajaylal

Copy Right All the articles published in this magazine are copyrighted. Illegal copying and reproduction by any means is punishable under the copy right laws. Articles published will be made available to the readers for personal use on written request. The views expressed in the articles by contributors. Great care has been taken in the preparation of this journal and the information contained therein has been compiled using sources believed to the reliable and accurate.

Readers are however advised, in their own interest, to reconfirm the data before acting up on the same. Career Direct does not accept any liability for errors or redundancies of any nature whatsoever. All disputes subject to Ernakulam Jurisdiction only.

Printed & Published by Ligo John, Kalarickal,SAAB Estate,Rajiv Gandhi road, Kakkanad CSEZ.PO on behalf of CareerWorld Publications,Cochin-16

PICK OF THE MONTH

The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.

Sydney J. Harris (14 September 1917– 8 December 1986) American journalist, drama critic, teacher, and lecturer.

Printed at: Print Express,Kochi

AUGUST 2010 Career Direct3 3

Contents COVER STORY

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SPECIAL FEATURE 12

THE DYING EDUCATION SYSTEM

Gems still go unnoticed Even when India is achieving new heights of development in various fields of technology and science but the main base still remains hollow. The education system in India has become engulfed in the race of competition leaving the end targets- young children to suffer. CD explores in detail on the education scenario in the country, the problems faced, the struggling children, the need to change and the ray of hope.

INNOCENT

VICTIMS of society

Just being born in an area cannot deny one the right of education.

CD focuses the rural education sector and on the deplorable conditions still prevaling in various areas across the country.

The lack of facilities, the need education 4for Career Direct and AUGUST the innocent faces of the society.

EDITORIAL TEAM

Managing Editor Ajaylal P T Editor Suchithra Pillai Art Director Amal Advisory Panel E K Vinod, JamesMathew, Usha Nair COO- Initiatives Jayakrishnan G Pillai Coordinator-Corporate Relations Abbas Lokhandwala Manager-Administration Nileena Thomas Coordinators Delhi-Elizabeth Alexander: 09560343805,Mumbai-Nayan Panchal: 09322878130 Pune-Nayna Kelkar: 09373759017,Gujarat-Shabbar L: 08000661386,Goa-Farzana J: 09158719894 For subcriptions and details-Tel: 0484-2397533 E-mail: info@thecareerdirect.com Office Address: CareerDirect,First floor, Oxford house,Chitoor road,Cochin-18 4

FACE OF THE MONTH LEARN YOUR WAY

CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL

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PLAY WITH LANGUAGE

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RAKSHA BHARADIA Enjoy a wonderful journey, with the ace author Raksha Bharadia of the Chicken Soup for Indian Soul fame, as she walks through the nostalgic lanes of schooling, teaching and writing.

ENJOY THE SCIENCE

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FEATURES 26 MAGICAL MAESTROS Are you an ardent fan of the musical genius A R Rahman? How much do you know about him?.

Check out onhis childhood, school life and journey to success.

30 LOVE YOUR HOBBY

Are you one among those who jump on seeing a puzzle on paper and would stick to it leaving all your work until it is solved.

Well, then this is especially for all you puzzle lovers.

25 PARENTS CORNER

Parents can be the best friends for children.

Know your role in a child’s life and on what all miracles you can create.

20 EASY EXAMS

Want to pass the exams in a much easier way? Check out on how to do it and how to get great marks easily.

Words jumbled and creating troubles for you. Check out on how you can play with them and have ultimate fun

Want to play with science? Then take a look on how to start with, as we take you to an exciting journey of periodic table fun.

FUN WITH MATHS

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Jump into an exciting tour of the numbers and numerical system. Catch up the game of conversions and on who is the hero in the system and who wins.

FUN ZONE WEB4U

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SCHOOL BUZZ

Get the craziest tips, know the best tricks; check out on the web world created especially for you

Those broken benches, chalk filled air, chit-chat with friends; refresh your nostalgic memories and share the moment

LIFE STYLE CORNER 28

ITS YOUR PAGE

Check out on the latest addition to the lifestyle circle-the FIFA fever. The cup, the goals, the fouls and more which you can treasure from this 2010 FIFA world cup.

CAMPUS BYTES

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The buzz in college, the fun, masti, friends- explore on what more you can do to make your college days more colourful

For all those young story tellers and poets, this is your page.

Write, share and enjoy and do whatever you can explore on.

MONTHLY KNOW-HOW Are you born in July? Want to know what happened in history on your birthday? Check out the events, the great b’day babies of the month and on whether you are a real july baby.

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AUGUST 2010 Career Direct3 5

H EI ND E IN IAN D SO I UL

KS H RA

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ICK

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S O AB S O U HA U RA PF PF DIA OR OR TH T

FACE OF THE MONTH

“To enjoy without feeling guilty and to love without any inhibitions, this is what school life is all about....”

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4Career Direct AUGUST 2010

FACE OF THE MONTH

Raksha Bharadia, ace author of Chicken Soup for the Indian soul fame walks through the nostalgic lanes of schooling ,teaching and writing with Career Direct.

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here would be none among you who must not have heard the nameChicken Soup for the Soul, the famous series of books featuring short and dense inspirational stories and motivational essays.

This is for the first time that a country specific Chicken Soup was published, which covered a series of 101 stories on India. And the one who painted the entire India with her words for the venture is the ace author Raksha Bharadia.

Career Direct has chosen this multifaceted author as the face of the month for our current issue.

Lets discover the writer as she talks on her school days, writing, interests and journey of life.

CD: Schooling is considered as the best time in one’s life.

Those wonderful memories always linger in the minds forever. What do u miss the most, when you recollect those school days of yours?

A) I completed my schooling from Ashok Hall Girls High School, Kolkatta. Schooling always remains as the best time in one’s lives, which we like to treasure forever.

The freedom of ‘not brooding over every little thing’ is the most important thing which we miss the most.

CD:The mindset in itself was different. It was like you have the world at your fingertips…?

A) More than the freedom, it was the mindset to take risks, to do exactly what you want to; which is the most valuable asset of student hood. To enjoy without feeling guilty and to love without any inhibitions. There was no need to think about any consequences, we could do just what we wanted.

CD: When did the writing bug bit you…was it from the schooldays itself?

A)It all began just like that. I was sitting at a workshop where I was asked to write on ‘What I wish to

do…’. Out of fascination, I wrote that I would like to write a book and the next day I remember going to the Crossword and buying a notebook to scribble what became part of my debut book- Me- A handbook for life.

CD: What is that one thing which if given a chance...you would like to change from your past school life ..?. a) teachers b) the way of teaching c) the school atmosphere A)My option would be (b)- the way of teaching.

CD: How would you like to change the way of teaching?

A)I would prefer for it to be less structured, less judgmental and more interactive. Education should develop the basic faith in the student so that they see it as a tool that would help them reach a perfect place in the world. The teaching should be made more interesting and interactive for the young minds to play and live with it and not just mug it up. Nowadays they are forced to digest the hard theories with the end result being that they don’t even understand its basics.

CD:The society needs to be empowered; the need should be made aware to all so that at least the coming generation won’t suffer…

A)I have written a book based on a similar theme. Roots and Wings is a powerful book which features interviews from successful people focusing on their childhood. The book revolves around the memories of how they recollect their school days, childhood and what their parents did with them, etc.

CD: How did the prestigious Chicken Soup association came along?

A)It was commissioned to me by Westland and of course I said ‘Yes’.

They had the exclusive rights to do an Indian series. The entire process

was very interesting, meeting so many minds and knowing the bits of their lives, which moved them or changed them forever. It made us understand the power of another person’s essence on you.

CD: Did the entire journey of finding the experiences for the book change your life?

A)Yes....I began seeing life and my own relations in a different perspective. Like, when stories of people regretting not saying things to their loved ones, who had passed away came, I revisited my own issues with friends and relatives. The stories of forgiveness made me think of all the forgiveness I need and those stories of courage helped me a little in facing my own demons. Knowing that there are people who have gone through their ills is a great comforter, understanding the way they battled it works even better than a seer. Chicken Soup does not tell you to be kind, it tells us a story of someone who despite all odds attained success and happiness in his or her life.

Q) Being a voracious reader, did it help in making you what you are today. What were the favorites among the lot?

A)Yes, reading always helps. The books that I could not leave were the classics. I thought they said the most profound truth wrapped in fiction. The author could state facts which could always intrigue me CD: Last but not the least; one’s family is the base which makes one bloom into what we are today?

A) My family has been supportive in all my deeds. They have been very good to me more than I deserve.

CD: Lastly, things you can’t live without A) My Ipod My Laptop My Blackberry AUGUST 2010 Career Direct3 7

COVER STORY

THE DYING EDUCATION SYSTEM

Gems still go unnoticed

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4Career Direct AUGUST 2010

COVER STORY Even when education is a primary human right, we still have many who are devoid of the same. It is estimated that nearly over 25 % of the potential high school graduates drop out before graduation and in some major cities the rate is 40 % .

Right from lack of facilities-books, toilets, benches to teachers, nagging parents; the reason being innumerable. With the heat of competition catching up, the education system has become more of a rat race than a divine institution

W

ith the droplets of innocence tumbling down the cheeks, those heavy loaded bags, the smell of chalks in the air; one can never forget those lovely school days. The scolding of teachers, the chattering in between the verandahs, the dusky boards and the shaky benches; the charm of those days cannot be replaced by anything else in this world.

But unfortunately the rise in competition and the demanding society has snatched the joy and innocence of the age.

With students being made to participate in the race of society, their stage of life- childhood, which is meant for enjoyment, is broken to pieces. Both the parents and teachers are now on the move to spoon feed the students with as many things as possible so that they vomit the same on the papers and bring the maximum marks possible.

In this run, the actual skills of the students go unnoticed and many of them get demoralized with the results which are measured on the scale of marks and not on their ability and skills.

It is really unfortunate to note that nearly over 25 percent of the potential high school graduates drop out before graduation and in some major cities the rate is 40 per cent. The rise in this percentage is mainly due to the existing educational system, which only focuses on marks and not on the various skills of a person.

In the rat race, the actual personality, skills of a child is lost.

Not just teachers even parents

are equally taking part in the race to make their children emerge as rank holders while on the other side they are making themselves as just muggers. Sometimes in this race to make them the rank holders, the parents also forget on what their child wants and what their interests are.

Education trend in India The education in India has for sure reached scaling heights but still on the other side we have not achieved full efficiency in the same. India has made a huge progress in terms of increasing primary education attendance rate and expanding literacy to approximately two thirds of the population. The high standard education system of the country has only helped in the economic rise of the country.

The progress of the education can be actually credited to the privatization of education. The private education market in India was estimated to be worth $40 billion in 2008 and will increase to $68 billion by 2012. However, India still has lots of challenges and trouble on its way, which acts as hindrance in its path to complete development. Despite growing investment in education, 35% of the population is illiterate and only 15% of the students reach high school as per a study in 2003-04.

In terms of the number of schools, India has achieved a lot. The number of schools in the country has increased four fold from 2, 31,000 in 1950 - 51 to 9, 30,000 in 1989-99, now in 2008-09 it is estimated to be 12, 85,576. According to statistics, the number of government

schools has turned out to be 10, 35,178 and those private aided72886, private unaided-177034; making the total number of private schools as 249920.

Even when there is an impressive achievement in the elementary education sector, the flip side is that out of the 200 million children in the age group of 6 - 14 years, 59 million children are not attending school. Of this, 35 million are girls and 24 million are boys.

The main road blocks being drop - out rate, low levels of learning achievement and low participation of girls, from tribals and other disadvantaged groups.

There are still at least one lakh inhabitations in the country without schooling facility within a kilometer. Not just that, even those various facilities provided are not enough for the purpose which includes inadequate school infrastructure, poorly functioning schools, high teacher absenteeism, large number of teacher vacancies, poor quality of education and inadequate funds.

According to statistics, India’s post-secondary high schools offers only enough seats for 7% of India’s college-age population, 25% of teaching positions nationwide are vacant, and 57% of college professors lack either a master’s or PhD degree, as of 2008. It is estimated that there were 1522 degree-granting engineering colleges in India with an annual student intake of 582,000, plus 1,244 polytechnics with an annual intake of 265,000 in 2007.

But even when thousands are being spent on the number of institutions, the prime focus is AUGUST 2010 Career Direct3 9

COVER STORY

getting shifted. The shortage of faculty and other concerns still stand as an issue based on the quality of education.

Even while being claimed as the state with 100 percent literacy, the God’s own country also stands far behind when it comes to actual output for the students. Though education accounts for more than one third of the total revenue expenditure of the state and the per capita expenditure on education is the second highest among states in

achievement of primary school children. About 30 per cent of the children who complete primary school do not reach the necessary achievement levels in literacy. This is despite the fact that the annual household expenditure on elementary education per student is one of the highest in the country (Rs 586 in Kerala as against Rs 378 at the national level).

This is the story of the state claimed to be 100% literate, the conditions of other state can

With no proper guidance and lack of attention and amenities, they end up either leaving the school or turning up as at-risk students.

India, the state lost its first position to other states like Mizoram.

Though Kerala has made major achievements in school enrolment at the primary level and in preventing dropouts, but in case of the discontinuation rates of the children in the age group 6-14 years, the position of SC/ST students is higher than their counterparts in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and North-Eastern region. According to a study by the NCERT in 1999-2000, Kerala ranked very low among the Indian states in terms of learning 10

4Career Direct AUGUST 2010

be well understood from this. Even when we have increased in number, the quality and way of teaching still needs to have a major change. The country need to change and achieve universal education as its motto.

At-risk students The students are not able to match up with the strong competition and the ongoing race, which makes them come out as mere drop outs. Lack of proper facilities, long years of schooling with no actual growth of their hidden skill and ability, it

COVER STORY v

Facts and figures (2008-09) Private education market in India was estimated to be worth $40 billion in 2008 ¢Number of total schools: 12,85,576 ¢ Government schools: 10,35, 178 ¢Private schools: 249920 ¢ According to a survey, only 69.70% of Govt. schools are in good condition, while 19.47 % need major repair and 10.83% need minor repair. ¢ Nearly 86.97% of Govt. schools only had proper drinking water facilities ¢ Nearly 65.35% of Govt. schools had common toilets while only 48.68% had separate girl toilets in them ¢ In case of electricity, only 27.97% of Govt schools had proper facilities ¢ While 46.30 % had Book bank, only 8.86 % had computers ¢ Nearly 47.59% had playground and only 53.27% conducted medical check ups.

actually leads to the de-skilling of children. The students fail to master the traditional skills.

The school curriculum is made focusing on the current market instead of looking on what the child wants and what it needs. Those who match up with the competition move ahead in the race but many of those who find it difficult to stand up go completely unnoticed- with them being termed as at-risk students.

The At-risk students who are not experiencing success in school emerge as potential drop outs and they are tagged as failures by the authorities.

The lack of facilities is also one of the reasons for such a high number of at-risk students, mainly found in rural areas. The rural education needs to be more focused, just increasing the number of schools would not be the only solution, the corresponding facility is also the vital need for the students.

With no proper guidance and lack of attention and amenities, they end up either leaving the school or turning up as at-risk students.

Termed as at-risk students, they find themselves as weak

Estimated Data 87 %

Literacy rate of youth (15-24yrs) 2003-07 Literacy rate of youth (15–24 years), 2003–07

77 % 114 %

Primary school enrolment ratio *

109 %

Primary school enrolment ratio* 59 %

Secondary school enrolment ratio* Secondary school enrolment ratio* 49 %

¢ Male ¢ Female *During the year2008-2009 Source: Estimate data acquired from survey conducted by NCERT, National University of Educational Planning and Administration, UNICEF, etc.

and emerge as more vulnerable.

They find it difficult to learn and cope up with others with this tag. Students who are both low income level and minority status are at higher risk; their parents may have low educational backgrounds and may not have high educational expectations for their children.

This also makes the at-risk students tend not to participate in school activities and have a minimal identification with the school. They exhibit impulsive behavior and their peer relationships would slowly turn problematic. As they experience failure and fall behind their peers, school becomes a negative environment that reinforces their low self-esteem.

The real solution The proper love and care is what is needed for them.

The at-risk students should be well taken care of and special programs should be made to understand such students. The hidden skills of these students should be studied with various tests. The rural areas should be equally focused and each and every facility should reach them.

One of the major things which

the authorities, parents and teachers fail to recognize is that the circumstances create such at-risk students. If well nurtured, they can for sure become future Sachin Tendulkars and Prabhu Devas. Most of these students with high talent get unnoticed due to their surroundings, living conditions and lack of proper communication.

Blamed by all, such students might not bring high scores but they are sure for maestros in their own way and we need to provide them with what they need. Their hidden skills should be recognized and brought forward to avoid them from being just another drop out or shying away from school. The authorities should understand their needs and bring their talent to the fore.

With a mere step to their side, one can cherish many such sparkling flowers that most of the time perish into the mud under the ensnaring clutches of the competitive society instead of blooming into the future.

AUGUST 2010 Career Direct3 11

SPECIAL FEATURE

The situation today has turned even worse with the rural schools remaining poorly funded and understaffed.

INNOCENT VICTIMS OF SOCIETY

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ven when education is being made compulsory to all, their still remain many unfortunate little souls who are deprived of the name of place they live. As per the constitution of India, free and compulsory education to all children up to the age of fourteen is a must. With the parliament of India passing the Right to Education Act, education has become the fundamental right of all children of age group 6-14 years. Unfortunately, many young ones from inner areas are still unknown of their most vital right.

of nearly one billion people, we have not yet achieved nearly 70% literacy all over the country According to a study, among the 188 government-run primary schools focused nearly 59 % of the schools had no drinking water and 89% had no toilets. As per the data by National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration, only 3.5% of primary schools in Bihar and Chattisgarh had toilets for girls in 2003-04. In Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, the rates were 12-16 %.

The situation so far Though India viewed education as an effective tool for bringing social change through community development, still the reach could not be achieved in the same manner. The rural education program had continued throughout the 1950s with support of private institutions and a sizable network of rural institutes were also established. Even after taking such major steps in the past, the lack of financing and unbalanced, unacceptable ideas made the journey of progress slow down.

The situation today has turned even worse with the rural schools remaining poorly funded and understaffed. The illiteracy rates in many of the third world countries are found to be alarmingly high. In case of India, it is very disheartening to note that on one side when we have a population

Government initiatives The Government has taken lots of steps but the lack of proper implementation is the main reason for the problem still prevailing in the country. One of such major steps in the recent past for the cause was the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, started in 2001.

The program focused on providing education to children between 6-14 years especially girls and those with challenged social and financial backgrounds. It also aimed at providing practical infrastructure and relevant source material in form of free textbooks to children in remote areas.

However, the objectives of the program still remain unfulfilled.

The authorities also conducted various programs for women in rural areas. Women from remote, underdeveloped areas were given seminars

4Career Direct AUGUST 2010

SPECIAL FEATURE to raise awareness on the importance of education.

As per estimates, the government allocated 340 million rupees during 2007–08 to carry out this scheme over 83 districts including more than 21, 000 villages.

Even 68 Bal Bhavans and 10 Bal Kendra affiliated to the National Bal Bhavan were established to recognize children with marked talent for different educational stream. Various initiatives focusing on minorities were also implemented which included intensive programs, reservation system, etc.

Separate minority education establishments can also seek university affiliations if they passed the required norms.

Grave scenario Even when various measures are being taken, the reach still remains limited. The social and economic problems have acted as hindrance in the path of development of the country. The biggest victim of the current education system is those living in the rural areas. The funds allotted to the schools are getting drained out through various improper channels. The lacks of proper planning and condition of destitute rural schools have contributed to the low quality of education in these areas.

The quality of education provided to them is very poor. Overall enrollment in primary and middle schools are very low. Fifty percent of children living in these areas leave school before the fifth grade because of various reasons which start from home. Some leave due to poor financial conditions, to work and earn for their family, lack of interest and lack of knowledge on the importance of education. Among the dropouts, large percent

Ray of hope Even when the funds are being allotted the needy still remain the same. According to a recent study done by the World Bank, thirty percent of the total educational funding goes toward higher educational institutions while the real problem remaining unnoticed.

Many foundations and initiatives have come started noticing this vital problem. Right from rural education to health and facilities at school are focused by them.

These are few among the major foundations across the country, who have taken up such a social cause as their initiative. Change is what is needed and many such organizations need to come forward for the same. Those unnoticed are the innocent ones, for whom just a ray of hope is what is needed. Even when authorities claim to have taken measures the actual output still remains to be guessed with no one gaining in the process. With such foundations and organizations coming forward ,a small ray of hope is expected to emerge from the dark clouds spread across the country.

of them are females. The age old mentality forcing them to concentrate on household chores than on learning things is still prevalent as a serious issue in the remote areas. Forced by their parents, most of the students resort to stay at home, the main reason for which being the illiteracy of their parents. The old generation posing as a major barrier for the development of the upcoming bright generation.

Lack of attention Not just the children even those teachers who are allotted the jobs at rural areas shy away from their responsibility. Many of the teachers refuse to teach at rural areas and even those who usually do are under qualified. Those who refuse to teach in rural areas cite distance, less income and lack of interest by students as problems. In recent years, the authorities are taking major steps to change the trend by providing training of rural teachers, whose educational backgrounds are generally not as sound as their urban counterparts.

On one side when the teachers are being blamed and the authorities are showering various schemes to change it, the actual issue still remains unnoticed. Most of the schools in the rural areas do not even have the primary facilities of infrastructure and sanitation. Lack of books and other reading materials seem to be a widespread problem. Most of the schools are located in warehouses or in small houses depriving the small children of their primary need of proper place to sit and learn. Many of the rural schools operate without electricity. This scenario has turned out to become a major issue with the time.

Maa foundation is one such NGO working in Valsad district of Gujarat, India for improving the quality of education, especially in rural areas.

Smile foundation strives to promote and catalyze universal education among children from underprivileged section of society and also supports different healthcare services and activities for them.

Mexus education is another such organization which is an education solutions provider, which delivers learner-driven content through appropriate interactive technology and also extends support services to various institutions.

Ashoka Foundation also provides safe and convenient savings, loan opportunities for the poor and low-income households and business in rural areas it also takes initiatives to develop core strategies on how to approach economic development.

Super 30 is one of the unique educational program started in Patna, Bihar under the banner of Ramanujan School of Mathematics by Anand Kumar. Established in 2002, the program selects 30 meritorious and talented candidates each year from economically backward sections of society and trains them for the IIT-JEE, the entrance examination for Indian Institute of Technology.

AUGUST 2010 Career Direct3 13

FUN WITH MATHS

0 1 0 110 0 1 Number System Conversion E.K.Vinod

In our day to day life, the decimal number system is the one to which we are most accustomed to. But when it comes to the computers, the knowledge of binary number system becomes a necessity. To know their conversions is a very easy task but still considered by many as difficult to handle.

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aths, one of the subjects which most of you hate to even have a look or even shiver by the mere thought of it. Well, unknown to many is the fact that it remains one of the easiest subject if you know the right techniques and tricks.

Playing with numbers one can create magic and have ultimate fun with maths. The right knowledge of tricks is what is needed. To start off with lets understand the major basics of it- the number system.

In our day to day life, the decimal number system is the one to which we are most accustomed to. But when it comes to the computers, the knowledge of binary number system becomes a necessity. To know their conversions is a very easy task but still considered by many as difficult to handle.

Decimal number system The number system which we use daily seems to have a history of itself. It is supposed to be developed in India during Indus valley civilization around 5000 years ago. The word decimal comes from decem, the Latin word for ten.

Count from 0 to 9 and here you have the numbers

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4Career Direct AUGUST 2010

which form this decimal system. In this system the value of a digit depends on its place or position. Each place has a value of 10 times the place to its right.

For example: Lets take a number 25689 The place values and digit values for the decimal 25689 are as follows.

Whole Numbers Place Value Digit Value

10000

1000

100

10

1

2

5

6

8

9

20000

5000

600

80

9

(Ten Thousands)

(Thousands)

(Hundreds)

(Tens)

(Units)

So, now decimal system is clear to you..lets check on the binary system. The word Binary comes from “Bi-� meaning two. This basic understanding is more than enough for you to understand this number system and also to know on the conversions.

The only two digits which are used for the representation in this system is 0 and 1. As mentioned earlier, the number 2 plays a major role in this system which is why the entire system is called binary. The system is

FUN WITH MATHS also hence defined as number system to the base 2.

For example: (1)2 (1010)2 (111010)2 Need of binary system The binary system is essential in technology. The reason is that any electronic circuit can have only two possible states, on or off. A simple example is the light in your room. The switch has only two options, on or off. Every sequence of these two signals has a certain meaning. Every communication that takes place inside your computer uses this binary system. In other words if the voltage is low then it would represent 0 (off state), and if the voltage is high then it would represent a 1 (on state).

Now considering the number 2 as the hero let’s start with the conversions.

Converting decimal to binary As stated, the number 2 is our star and hence we start and end with the same. Hence those who want to enter the system need to face the number 2..:).

To convert or to include (in simpler words) a decimal into the binary system, its very simple. The number has to face the attack of number 2 and the end result would be the converted binary number.

And in mathematical terms, one need to divide the number with 2 till you get a remainder 1 and then the output remainders when joined together is the binary value of the number.

Lets see an example: let’s take the decimal value 243 243/ 2 =121

with a remainder of 1

121 / 2 = 60

with a remainder of 1

60 / 2 = 30

with a remainder of 0

30 / 2 = 15

with a remainder of 0

15 / 2 = 7

with a remainder of 1

7/ 2 =

3

with a remainder of 1

3/ 2 =

1

with a remainder of 1

1/ 2 =

0

with a remainder of 1

Next write down the value of the remainders from bottom to top (in other words write down the bottom remainder first and work your way up the list) which gives: 11110011 = 243..and here you have the binary value of the number 243.

Converting binary to decimal In binary system, the value of a digit depends on its place, or position, in the number. Each place has a value of 2 times the place to its right. Place value of a digit is the place of the digit on the place value chart.

Here also the number 2 plays an equal value. First of all, draw a table and write down the numbers starting from 1 (from right to left), with each next number as the multiplication of 2 with the earlier number. Then write down the given binary value from right to left below it. Finally just multiply the below number with the number above and you get the answer.

Confused!..lets try it out and check To know the decimal value of the 111101 Binary numbers Place Value Digit Value

128

64

32

16

8

4

2

1

1

1

1

1

0

0

1

1

128

64

32

16

0

0

2

1

As you can see, we have placed the numbers 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 (powers of two) in reverse numerical order, and then written the binary value below.

To convert, you simply take a value from the top row wherever there is a 1 below, and then add the values together. In other terms, multiply the below number with that on the top.

For instance, in our example we would have 128+64+32+16+2+1 = 243 (in decimal).

Example 1: What is 11112 in Decimal?

Binary numbers Place Value Digit Value

8

4

2

1

1

1

1

1

8

4

2

1

8 + 4 + 2 + 1= 15 The Decimal conversion of Binary number 1111 is 15.

Alternative method: The number of 1’s in “1111” is 4.

Then calculate decimal number as 2^4 = 16.

Subtract 1 from 16, the answer is 15.

Example 2 Convert (1111111)2 into decimal using alternative method?

The number of 1’s in “11111111” is 8.

Then calculate decimal number as 2^8 = 256.

Subtract 1 from 256, the answer is 255.

So remember Converting binary numbers to decimal numbers and vice-versa is not that difficult if you know the secret. Just remember the tips and tricks and maths would become your subject to play with.

AUGUST 2010 Career Direct3 15

WEB 4 U

Feuds over

e-mails, ever heard about them?

Forwarding mails is one of the best pass time activity for many but this habit of yours may also land you into trouble.

E

-mailing is fun and these days it is the most convenient and best way to contact a person.

Right from professionals to youngsters and school going children have adopted this as their means of communication.

It is for sure that at least once in your virtual net life, you must have come across a mail, where the matter which was to be communicated must have been misunderstood as something else; leading to small misunderstandings and even personal grudges.

Smories.com

These have turned out to be a usual happening due to the lack of proper communication. Most of the times, the person writing the mail would be in a different frame of mind compared to the one reading the mail. With all the official dealings and work assignments being converted on web in this 21st century, the knowledge of right words and the apt way of communication is the need of the hour.

Just a few steps would help you in controlling such small feuds especially when it comes to official communication.

There is no one in this world who doesnt love stories and if it is read by someone what else can you demand for. Smories is one such site which offers a unique combination for students as well as for parents. It has a collection of stories read by children, one need to just click on the child from whom you want to hear the story and there you can hear it directly from the child.

This site is very useful for young children who can listen stories from their own friends. One can develop good accent, knowledge of words by hearing these stories. Young minds can also write their own story and post on the web.

In the fast developing world of web, when students crave for coming online & parents keep them aside fearing the consequences, such sites are of real help. One can have fun and learn through this great site.

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Short and sweet The best mail which would be read and considered is the one which is short and straight to the point. Long sentences would be mostly ignored by the person.

One should consider the busy schedule of the reader as well before sending the mail. To avoid misconception of thoughts, the best method is to keep it short and apt.

Avoid huge files and attachmens Most of the people don’t like opening attachments to

WEB 4 U

know about the mail. In case the attachment is compulsory, make sure that you talk to them regarding that in beforehand itself. Seeing attachments and huge files would make the possibility of your mail to be seen as limited. Even the fear of virus attack adds to it.

Time pass forwards Forwarding mails is one of the best pass time activity for many ,But this habit of yours may also land you into trouble.

Especially, if you are trying to be friendly with your colleagues and sending them those mails, do make sure that it won’t

Polyvore .com

If you are among those who have great interest for fashion then this is your destination. Its a fashion site where you can mix and match dresses and accessories to create pretty looks. You will get rated and commented for the looks you create. There are lots of groups also where you can join and showcase your fashion talent.They also have a place for interior decor on the side, which is great for interior design lovers.

You’ll love this site if you’re a design student, an art and fashion lover.

turn as a blackmark for you. In most of the offices, spending time on checking personal mails are not allowed, If you are seen forwarding these mails during office time, it may indirectly affect you. Make sure that your are sending your so-called friendly, informative mails and jokes to only those whom you know or to those who will take it and enjoy it in the same sense.

Use the BCC Option Whenever Possible When sending an email to a group of people, use the BCC (blind carbon copy) option instead of CC option so that everyone won’t see the long list of email addresses on the email. This should be done for safety reasons because unwanted mail circulation just because of our negligence may also cause cracks in relationships. Using the CC option and then forwarding with other headers produces a

long list of email addresses that spammers would love to get their hands on. Its always better to use the bcc option to keep your contacts.

Learn to know the emotions One can never know the moods of the person who is reading the mail, so make sure that you make it clear on what you are trying to convey. Use emoticons wherever required if you are intending pun. Playing with words is not advisable as it may hurt people who are not used to it. Always keep in mind that the readers can’t see your facial expressions and hence the correct conveying the message is required.

Just few steps and you can avoid the consequences. The knowledge of e-mail etiquette is a must these days when e-mailing has become the prime method of communication.

Yahoo Answers

If you’re online and getting bored why not think of the things you always wanted to know. Like, why is the sky blue? Whats the best remedy for oily skin? Ask questions, answer questions, help someone out and learn something new. Yahoo answers is a fun way of interacting with people from around the world.

Sometimes the questions and answers seem so funny that you enjoy it as well. You can also rate the questions and answers using your yahoo account.

AUGUST 2010 Career Direct3 17

ENJOY THE SCIENCE

How to study

Chemistry Chemistry helps to understand the world around you. It is the study of matter and energy and the interactions between them.

Usha Nair

O

ne of the most feared yet the most interesting subject of all is Chemistry. Loaded with formulas, equations, empirical formulas, organic chemistry; it always remain a nightmare to many. But just the right approach and start would help you understand the subject in a much easier and interesting manner.

Chemistry helps to understand the world around you. It is the study of matter and energy and the interactions between them.

In order to get good marks in chemistry examination, one should have the appropriate learning technique and skills. Let’s start with the text book.

Read the text book with the sole intention of gathering knowledge and to register the knowledge effectively. You must read actively, after reading four-five pages you should stop and recollect the important facts and then continue further reading.

Make sure that you understand its applications. Try to solve all the exercise questions. Keep in mind that chemistry is a problem solving discipline, so the more problems you solve, the better you will understand the material.

The textbook published by NCERT is recommended for preparation for the Board examination.

However, standard reference material in the subject also needs to be consulted for greater and in-depth understanding of the concepts included in different content areas.

Always remember, never let your questions go

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unanswered, if you do, you not only decrease your chances of doing well in exams, but threaten your future understanding of chemistry since new topics very often depend on your understanding of past topics.

Another significant aspect is good listening skills. In classes, you should actively listen to the lecture, and receive the notes in the required wavelength. Try to take notes in an outline form that shows major topics, subtopics and relationships between them. Students are advised to put in their best efforts for maximum learning instead of focusing on only marks or grades.

To prepare for an exam you must do umpteen revisions. Solve previous years’ question papers and sample papers. You may also consult the latest sample question paper in the subject published by the Board, which are available on the CBSE website www.cbse.nic.in And finally, the students should be aware of the value points with the mark distribution. Marks are awarded in accordance with the value points of the expected answer. You are likely to get partial marks for correct unbalanced chemical equations.

The night before the exam should be used for a quick review of important formulas, reactions, principles etc.

Remember that your exam score will reflect your study techniques.

ENJOY THE SCIENCE

Periodic table study rce in the ble is a u o s d e d ta nd nee ful riodic st basic a dic table. The pe. It provides a use o m e th f io ents f the One o tr y is the per ical elem pare all o of chemisisplay of the chemmatize and com r. The table has tabular d rk to classify, systeemical behaviou logy and engiframewo ferent forms of ch istr y, physics, bio s 118 elements many dif plications in chem ard table contain many ap The current stand neering. rch 2010. as of Ma

Who discovered the periodic table?

Lothar Meyer and Dmitri Mendeleev

Mendeleyev is regarded as the primary discoverer of the periodic table. However, in 1868, Lothar Meyer, a German chemist, had prepared a table which in many respects resembled the present periodic table. He did not publish this work until after the appearance of Mendeleev’s first paper on the subject in 1869. His table was very similar to that of Mendeleev, but it contained some improvements. In general, Meyer was more impressed by the periodicity of the physical properties of the elements, while Mendeleev saw more clearly the chemical consequences of the periodic law.

Lets check out how much do you know about the famous periodic table

a) groups b) periodicals c) elements

1.When was the periodic table invented ? a) 1859 b) 1869 c) 1969

5. All of the elements in a period have the same a) atomic weight b) number of atomic shells c) color

2.Which is the first element in the periodic table ? a) Helium b) Gold c) Hydrogen

6. Mg is the symbol for ? a) milligram b) megahertz c) magnesium

9. What is the atomic number? the number of electrons in an atom. a) The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. b) The number of shells belonging to an atom

7. The periodic table is called this way because: a) it describes the periodic motion of celestial bodies. b) it describes the periodic arrangement of chemical elements. c) it describes the signs of the zodiac in a new way.

8. All of the elements in a

10. Where, in the periodic table, are located the noble gases? a) In the far left column of the periodic table b) In the far right column of the periodic table c) In the middle of the periodic table

4.The columns of the periodic table are called ?

Answers: 1) b, 2) c, 3) b, 4) a, 5) b, 6) c, 7) b, 8) c, 9) b, 10) b

3.The rows of the periodic table are called ? a) Rows b) Periods c) Lines

group have the same number of: a) Neutrons b) Molecules c) Electrons in their outer shell

AUGUST 2010 Career Direct3 19

EASY EXAMS

n o i t a n i m Exa ? ? r e t A mons James Mathew

Examination, a nightmare for many. But with well planned steps and few tricks, you can convert the same into a cakewalk. Explore the magic and realize the ease.

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4Career Direct AUGUST 2010

EASY EXAMS

I

love talking to students, because they are more rational, receptive and open minded compared to elders. On one of such informal talks with them, I asked my students, “what do you dislike the most?”. “Sir, free advice and boasting”, came as the sudden reply of one of the student. He explained further saying that, we want inspiration instead of boring advice.

Though parents and well wishers talk to the children with good intentions, the outcome is most of the time negative. It cuts no ice with them but bounces back without any impact. So, a congenial environment should be a precondition as

take the advice of a career counselor.

The right time is when you are in the secondary classes. Try to gather as much as information possible from them who are experts in their profession or from newspapers and magazines. Do not take it lightly as it is your turning point in life.

Most of the professional courses have their base at plus two level itself.

So the stream should also be chosen according to your interests. Arts and Commerce stream, if chosen will give you a certain level of flexibility in the studies and extra curricular activities.

But laboratory experiments, projects and regular home assignments make the schedule of science students very

encourage you to do wrong things will desert you, if you are caught. Small mistakes will later lead you to big crime and later punishment.

Method of study The method of study varies from subject to subject. In general, it is said that Mathematics needs a lot of practice. Biology needs a lot of reading and memorization. Physics is quite different. It is interesting to few but boring to rest. The fact is that, it is like a nut with a hard shell. By putting some hardwork if you can break the shell, you will enter into the groove of Physics. The new generation finds it difficult since

Students should not be judged by their marks, a good student is not the one who scores the maximum. Mugging up things could make anyone earn up with marks.

The identification of the right skills of a child is necessary. the base before talking to students. The wavelength or frequency of the speaker should match that of the listener so that resonance (absorption of talk) should take place.

In each and every situation the way students feel and think are much different from others. In case of examinations, students always find it as a huge monster on the way to eat them up. Well, once you are focused then nothing is difficult. There is no universally accepted method for preparing for exams; it varies from person to person and time to time. Having received so much of advice from all, whatever I say will sound nothing new for you. Hence to start with I will focus on choosing the right course for you.

Choosing a course Aim for a career and choose a course in which you have interest. Do not choose a career under parental or peer group pressure. If your talents are not very obvious then you can always

tight. Therefore your temperament should be in resonance with the amount of work you have to do. Intelligence is not enough, proper time management and a burning desire is very essential for success. Never postpone your work.

How to study The first and foremost place of learning is the classrooms. So attend all classes positively and seriously. Clear your doubts in the class itself. Supplement the class room teaching with the text book reading on the same day. If you postpone it even by a day, the time required to understand the same topic will increase. Do not run after digests and tuition classes. It will destroy your originality, creativity and independence.

Tuition classes consume a large amount of your time which will spoil your self study habit.

Be authentic and honest and don’t indulge in copying from someone or somewhere and pretend to be smart.

Those who (even parents and teachers)

they have no patience to think.

Well, if we consider exams as a whole, they unfortunately harm the growth of science. Students should not be judged by their marks, a good student is not the one who scores the maximum.

In case of many competitive exams, the highly paid coaching classes would yield results but those who cannot afford them stand helpless. Education system prevalent in the country should be changed with sustainable development.

Original thinking, innovation and invention should be promoted. I recently saw a movie-“3 idiots”, it’s a movie worth watching. It completely peels off the present education system and promotes original thinking and abilities of students.

I hope I could answer at least few of the questions pondering you. Good luck for exams. On your march, get set go, to reach the skies.

(The author is a Professor of Physics at Smt Sandraben Shroff Gyandham High School, Surat, Gujarat)

AUGUST 2010 Career Direct3 21

PLAY WITH LANGUAGE

GROOM YOUR ENGLISH E

nglish, a language known to all but still an alien to many of the people who score great marks in the subject but fail when it comes to the grammar, they really find themselves standing on a lower level.

With the importance of the language reaching heights, each and every person around wants to excel their speaking and writing skills. It is not very uncommon to find many bizarre and ugly usages of English Language in some school corridors and official mails. Incompetent school teachers, especially at the primary level, underestimating the need for effective English communication, diminishing focus on grammar in the curriculum, can all be taken as contributory to the current upshot.

However, the concept of language errors is a fuzzy one. I’ll leave to the linguists the technical definitions. Here we are concerned only with deviations from the standard use of English

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With the importance of the language reaching heights, each and every person around wants to excel their speaking and writing skills.

as judged by sophisticated users such as professional writers, editors, teachers, and literate executives and personnel officers. You may still want to argue with me stating that often one man’s mistake is another man’s standard usage. But if your ‘standard usage’ designates you as a moron and sparks off titters of amusement among your colleagues and friends it surely is a warning bell for you to conform to a more widely accepted usage. I would therefore in this column and in the relevant columns of the forthcoming issues like to draw your attention to some of the common errors and standardized usage of the same.

Let us first begin with the simplest.

PRONOUNS As the definition goes, pronoun is a word used to take the place of a noun or noun phrase.

It is one of the eight parts of speech. There are many types of pronouns which can be easily explained as follows:

a) demonstrative pronoun

q a word that replaces a noun that can be understood from the context of the conversation or writing (eg: this, that, those)

b) indefinite pronoun

q a word that refers to identifiable but not specific people or things and conveys the idea of all, any, none, or some (eg: all, another, any, anyone, anything, each, everybody, etc)

c) intensive pronoun q a word that is used to emphasize its antecedent (eg: myself, himself, herself, themselves )

d) interrogative pronoun q a “wh” question word that acts as a pronoun and is used to ask questions (eg: who, whom, what, which, whoever, whomever, whatever, whichever )

e) personal objective pronoun q a word that refers to a specific person or thing and replaces a noun (object) that is affected by an action (eg: me, you, him, her, it, us, them )

f) personal possessive pro-

PLAY WITH LANGUAGE noun

one another)

q a word that refers to a specific person or thing and replaces a noun to show possession or ownership (eg: mine, yours, his, hers, ours, theirs, its )

i) relative pronoun

g) personal subjective pronoun q refers to a specific person or thing and replaces a noun (subject) that performs an action. (eg: I, you, he, she, we, they, it )

h) reciprocal pronoun q a word that refers back to the subject and shows that the action of the verb is a two-way action and is in the object position. (eg: each another,

GOOD MANNERS AND PRONOUNS n YOU AND I’ not ‘I and you’ n YOU AND HE’ not ‘He and you’ n ‘REEMA AND I’ not ‘Reema and me’ or ‘I and Reema’ n ‘HE AND I’ not ‘I and he’

VAGUE PRONOUN REFERENCE n

n

There are two main kinds of vague pronoun reference. The first one occurs when there are more than one word that the pronoun may refer to.

The other is when the reference is to a word that is implied and not explicitly stated eg-Before John could hold Jim’s hand he fell into a ditch.

Who does ‘he’ refer to?

The sentence can be edited as— Before John could hold Jim’s hand the latter fell into a ditch.

q a word that connects a phrase or clause to another phrase or clause (eg: what, which, who, whom, that, whatever, whichever, whoever, whomever )

j) reflexive pronoun q refers back to the subject of the clause or sentence and is used when the subject and the word following the verb are the same person (eg: myself, yourself, himself, herself, ourselves, yourselves, themselves, itself )

LACK OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PRONOUN AND THE ANTECEDENT

n Each of the puppies thrived in their new home.

Each of the puppies thrived in its new home. (‘Each’ is singular) n The team frequently changed its positions to get varied experience.

The team frequently changed their positions to get varied experience .( ‘TheTeam’ refers to the members of the team) n Every student must bring his own uniform Every student should bring his or her own uniform (‘ Every’ is singular ) n Its and It’s Its is the singular pronoun for non-living things and animals. eg-The cat is licking its kittens.

It’s means ‘it is’ eg-It’s a pleasant evening. (to be contd---) AUGUST 2010 Career Direct3 23

SCHOOL BUZZ

Colourful days of life

V

ibrant days of life filled with bubbles of innocence, jumping with energy to try out everything that is new; one can never forget those lovely school days of ours.

Those ironed blue and white uniforms with shoes polished to shine; for the teachers to see their face in it. The morning assemblies with students standing in different lines, designated to specific houses named after different colours or great leaders. The big blackboard and the white chalks, those wooden benches and chairs, the ambiance always filled with the chattering of students. Those memories are just once in a life time, which we can cherish forever as our school days.

Seeing just a group of uniform clad students on roadsides or in buses or parks, sprinkles the wonderful memories of those days. Starting from the morning assemblies where students coming from different walks of life, come together under one roof, to offer their morning prayers. It really makes us wonder on why these adults are still fighting in the names of religions and castes, when all of us are educated about the same things of nature, atmosphere, science and languages.

On one side, seeing the pin drop silence of the assembly one would admire the discipline nature of students, but it surely doesn’t last in the noisy classrooms until and unless a teacher is around.

How can one forget those days when we stood on benches to have not completed homework. Those noisy classrooms, scoldings, small fights with friends, the dusty playgrounds; all sound so wonderful.

The foremost things which one can recollect with the mere mention of school are the teachers, guardian angels at school. Always feared, at first with the scoldings and later with admiration as we discover their sea of knowledge. Standing on the shore we can just admire them and awe in wonder. Having them around in itself creates a shiver in mind but getting acquainted with friendly lot amongst them is like a boon. With most of the school teachers these days being friendly, it’s always a great time to spend our thoughts and doubts with them.

Sports period, well, one can never forget the

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ultimate fun we had during that time. The widespread playground with guys and girls playing to their best.

The vigorous attempts by many of us to showcase our talent and by chance if we score a goal or six; then obviously we become the upcoming master blaster for us. Right from throw ball, basketball, koko, and what not; we even had games founded by us. The interschool competition was the most wonderful of them all when the sportive spirit to support our school reaches the peak. We make songs for our team heightening their spirits and do sing funny counter songs for the opponents as well. The ultimate fun makes those moments always memorable.

The self investigative projects were the most creative of the lot. Using cardboards and clays, matchsticks and whatever that can be added on. Putting in the maximum efforts to make it reach the inter-school competitions was the main goal. The team effort to create something new out of nothing while discovering the surprising concepts of science was the main aspect of the time.

Lab experiments, practicals, chemicals, acids, magnetic fields and the physiology of cockroaches; all those new experiences sounded strange still exciting. The wonders of the nature and science were playing in the ambiance making us understand the world even better.

The excursions were those which we longed for.

Going out with friends and staying at a completely new place was like a dream come true then. Singing songs and dancing in the buses, scattering at the destination, having those lovely photograph clicks; those days always linger in the memories. The innocence of friendship, those small fights; friends were the dearest companions. Having days exclusively to spend them with your friends was really a cherished experience. The friends formed then always have a special place in the heart forever and we remember them always as they made us taste the first drops of real friendship.

Having so many vibrant colours, school life remains the most wonderful time of our life. Cherished forever, those days come only once in lifetime. So, all you young folks out there make the maximum of it, since school days are best time in one’s life, flowing in the waves of innocence and pure fun- enjoy the maximum of it.

PARENTS’ CORNER

I

PARENT’S CORNER

t’s an old saying that God created parents because they cannot reach everywhere all the time. Well it is not just a saying but a fact true to its core. Every step in a child’s life is related to their parents. Especially when it comes to education decision making process, parent’s participation is vitally important.

Parents play a crucial role in the Individual Education Program (IEP) team. They are the ones who know their child the best. The issues related to eligibility, evaluation, program development, and placement of a child can be handled better by them. Home is the ground from where a child starts to learn everything even the basic sounds to say. In most of the cases the major problem is that parents don’t know their role and sometimes even overdo things.

Parents may underestimate their importance Despite their experience, parents sometimes feel themselves as less knowledgeable when it comes to teaching. Especially if they are stay-home parents, then they devalue themselves. While, the actual fact is that they are the ones who provide critical input to a child’s growth. They know their children better than anyone else, the complete understanding of a child’s physical, s o c i a l ,

developmental, and family history. While they may not be educators themselves, they bring their years of experience in other professions and aspects of life to the process, Parents know their children the best In case of school, children just spend about six hours a day there. Parents have the opportunity to sit side-by-side with them, working through homework and other learning activities for the maximum time. They are the ones who can closely observe the skills of their child and ensure that their inherent skills are properly nurtured. Sometimes even the child remains unaware of his or her skills, it is the responsibility of the parents to notice them and help them pursue these skills.

When Parents’ rights to participate are limited or terminated But sometimes the role of parents is limited in case of the Individual Education Program. Once a child turns an adult, the parents have their limited role in the child’s decisions. This matter of fact, most of the time leads to clashes with parents continuing to express their opinions even at a time when children have become capable to take their own. In most of the cases, children should be left alone once they reach the age of 18 to take decisions of their own life.

But let whatever come the way, one can never cut off the parent’s role in a child’s life. The information they have on the child’s strengths and weaknesses at home, the background information on the child’s history and development, information on any family factors that may affect the child’s learning, commentary on whether current strategies and instruction are helping the child learn can only be available with the parents.

Parents are the ones who chart the future for their children with every step they take. They are the ones who are along with every transition of the child.

They are the roots on whom the child tree grows and even though once in life the role gets limited, one can never wipe or cut it off, a fact which every parent and child should realize.

AUGUST 2010 Career Direct3 25

MAGICAL MAESTROS

Uncomaprable Mozart of

Indian Music

The musical maestro needs no introduction even to the small kids of the world. His magic of music has spread over like a spell enchanting each and everyone around.

O

nce in a lifetime does brilliance emerge. Among the debris, they rise out as diamonds sparkling their charm all over. Scaling up the heights and attaining the biggest accolades, they emerge as the true masters of the world. One such sparkling gem is Allah Rakha Rahman, known as A R Rahman.

The musical maestro needs no introduction even to the small kids of the world. His magic of music has spread over like a spell enchanting each and everyone around. Having lakhs of fans across the world, the musical genius is a superstar in real terms.

The recent double Grammy triumph, two oscar awards, 13 filmfare awards, four national awards, BAFTA award, various film awards in itself explain the boundless talent of the master.

Though he has reached such a high level in his life, the paths were never a cakewalk for him. Filled with thorns and pains, his journey describes the victory of true passion and hardwork.

Born to a musically affluent family, his father, R K Shekar was a Chennai based composer and conductor for Malayalam films. Rahman lost his father at an young age, which made the family rent out the musical instruments as a source of income. Raised by his mother Kareema, the miseries faced by the family didnt seem to end. To raise his family, he converted to Islam at the age of eight. From there emerged a new Rahman whose earlier name was A S Dileep Kumar.

Bringing in his passion and hardwork to play, he served as a keyboard player and an arranger in many bands. At the age of 11, with true passion at heart, he joined the troupe of Ilairaaja, one of many composers to whom musical instruments belonging to Rahman’s father were rented, as a keyboardist.

It is said that he used to earn just Rs 50 as his first income. With

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pure devotion and severe hardwork, he worked with many artists and accompanied them in their musical journeys. On one of such trips, his strong determination made him obtain a scholarship to the Trinity College of Music where he graduated with a degree in Western classical music.

In 1992, Rahman began his own music recording and mixing studio.

Initially composing music jingles for advertisements, television channels and music scores in documentaries, he slowly developed his career. The right click came when he was approached by film director Mani Ratnam to compose the score and sound track for his tamil film Roja. W Bagging the Rajat Kamal award for Best Music Director at the National Film Awards, he made his magical mark as a debutant itself.

Later the offers came pouring in.

Attaining high acclaim, not just Indian even International filmmakers started approaching him for composing music in their films. Roja, Bombay, Rangeela, Lagaan, Minsaara Kanavu, Kannathil Muthamittal; the hits just followed the master.

Rahman’s talent does not resort to composing. Not just a film composer, he is also a record producer, musical, singer; his talent flow beyond any boundaries. He is also involved in making albums for many social causes, which include Vande Mataram, Jana Gana Mana, Pray for My Brother, Connections, etc.

Staring from nothing he attained the peaks of success only because of his hard work and passion. The complete devotion to music made him attain success. Even after facing so much pain and hurdles in life, he came out as a winner due to his vision. If you have the strong determination to make something big out of your life with complete justice to it, pure hardwork and devotion; then even the sky can be yours. The life of this musical genius is the best example for it.

A.R.RAHMAN

CAMPUS BYTES

Surviving the

college days

U U

ltimate one can never forget those memorable ltimatefun, fun,bunking bunkingclasses, classes,forever forever lectures; lectures; one can never forget those memorable friendships, the best time in ones life moments. friendships, the best time in ones life moments. are those spent in in the huge campuses are those spent the huge campuses With hostels, you must Withmost mostof ofyou youstaying stayingin in hostels, you must of ofour colleges.

The masti, fun, sleep our colleges. The masti, fun, sleep bebe onon thethe lonely lanes of of youth lifelife enjoying thethe lonely lanes youth enjoying driving lecturers, the wooden benches driving lecturers, the wooden benches complete freedom.

Doing everything right from complete freedom.

Doing everything right from that come to our rescue during exams to scribble that come to our rescue during exams to scribble washing your clothes to to your plates byby yourselves; washing your clothes your plates yourselves; ononthe theanswers answersononthem, them,the thecollege collegecanteens canteens lets explore onon thethe funnier tips which can help lets explore funnier tips which can help where we find ultimate peace where we find ultimate peaceafter afterbunking bunking you enjoy and survive thethe college days. you enjoy and survive college days.

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Since getting up in the morning for the classes is such a strenuous task, the first solution should be found for that. If you have an 8:00 am class, which is required for your major, well change your major.

With exam time around the corner, manipulation methods are the need of the hour. Newer methods are always discovered by young geniuses all the time.

But the most traditional and authentic method remains the margin method. Clever margin manipulation can turn even a four page outline into a 100-page big essay.

Minimize food budget by scheduling classes around happy time. Having classes all the time will make you hungrier and thereby making you spend more money on your food routine. So, have plentiful of food and then attend your Having classes so that if the classes your breakfast are boring you can also cereal can be made fun have a beautiful nap too provided you are ready as well. to face its consequences. In a pinch, beer can be used as a milk substitute in your breakfast cereal.

But don’t create a situation like Raju Enjoy Rastogi of 3 idiots, where you land being a up drunk for the professor’s class Sophomore – it is and at last with a rustication the best time during letter in your hand thinking on the three years of how to suicide. college. Its always best to be in the middle stage so enjoy the time to Washing the maximum. your own clothes must be the worst thing you might be experiencing in your college life. Getting a tip in it would be always a food for thought.

Have a blast Lemon juice and baking soda in college and make an excellent bong chill out the water stain remover for maximum. you Try to

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make them the most memorable days of your life.

AUGUST 2010 Career Direct3 27

FIFA F

Wakka wakka…

its the world cup wave…

With the FIFA world cup ongoing with great fanfare, the entire world is dancing to its tunes all over. Right from students to professionals are glued in front of the updates of the matches irrespective of their age or profession.

Are you a football fan?

But how much do you know about this game?

The Golden boot Thomas Muller won the Golden Boot for the year 2010. The Germany’s 20 year old forward, who made his international debut in March emerged as a wonderful surprise for all football players. He scored five times in South Africa to clinch the award. David Villa, Wesley Sneijder and Diego Forlan also scored five goals, but the Müller’s three assists saw him edge out the trio.

The First Red card Nicolas Lodeiro of Uruguay received the first red card of FIFA world cup 2010. The midfielder came in as a substitution in 62nd minute of the Group A match against France. Lodeiro replaced Ignacio Gonzalez but only after three minutes, he got a yellow card. Then, a terrible challenge on Sagna fouled him out in the 80th minute.

Thus, making him the first red-carded player of the 2010 FIFA World Cup

It was a rain of fouls and errors FIFA world cup 2010 witnessed some really shocking errors by referees and a major number of fouls by the players. In two crucial knockout games, the referees were involved in two controversies. In England v/s Germany match at FIFA world cup 2010, referee denied a goal to England’s midfielder Lampard. Similarly, the goal in Argentina v/s Mexico match at round of 16 game by Tevez was also under controversy of an off side.

Another major highlight of the world cup final was the number of fouls. 12 yellow cards was a major attraction of the final between Spain & Netherlands, issued to players of both the teams. Of this, 7 cards were issued to Netherlands whereas 5 were issued to Spain.

Netherlands also received a red card for John Heitinga.

Jabulani acts troublesome Well, Jabulani, as most of you must already know was the World cup ball for the FIFA world cup 2010. According to officials, the ball really acted as a major barrier in all the matches played. The ball was too unpredictable and flied through the air too easily making it difficult for the players to have a control over it. Some players have liked it while some others have not but the authorities are for sure on the run to find more on the ball.

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4Career Direct AUGUST 2010

FEVER

Do you know that the world cup is 80 years old...Well you have lots more to know. Be a true fan and enjoy the below treasure.

FIFA-1990

Winners: West Germany Golden Boot: Salvatore Schillaci (Italy) - 6 Number of matches: 52

FIFA-1994

Winners: Brazil Golden Boot: Hristo Stoichkov (Bulgaria)

Oleg Salenko (Russia) - 6 Number of matches: 52

FIFA-1998

Winners: France Golden Boot: Davor Suker (Croatia) - 6 Number of matches: 64

FIFA-2002

Winners: Brazil Teams; 32-Teams in qualifiers: 199 Golden Boot: Ronaldo (Brazil) - 8 Number of matches: 64

FIFA-2006

Winners: Italy Teams: 32 -Teams in qualifiers: 198 Golden Boot: Miroslav Klose (Germany) - 5 Number of matches: 64

FIFA-2010

WORLD CUP WINNERS (1990-2010)

Team Spain Netherlands Germany Uruguay

Status World Champions Runners Up Third Place Fourth Place

Position 1 2 3 4

FIFA HISTORY(1930-1990) 1930 Uruguay(18 matches),1934 Italy(17),1938 Italy(18),1950 Uruguay(22) 1954 W.Germany (26),1958 Brazil(35),1962 Brazil(32),1966 England(32) 1970 Brazil(32),1974 W.Germany(38),1978 Argentina(38),1982 Italy(52) 1986 Argentina(52),1990 W.Germany (52)

AUGUST 2010 Career Direct3 29

LOVE YOUR HOBBY

Puzzling

Puzzling has remained as a hobby to most of all, taking timeamidst travelling, while working, in between breaks; people engage themselves in this activity

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uzzles, crosswords, Jigsaws, nothing sounds more exciting than the world of puzzling.Coming in all varieties, right from that of words to pictures, the excitement one receives while puzzling cannot be expected anywhere else. It remains dear to all irrespective of age.

Right from small kids to even 50 year old ones are found engaged with such puzzles whenever they get free time.

Puzzling has remained as a hobby to most of all, taking timeamidst travelling, while working, in between breaks; people engage themselves in this activity forever.

Once driven into it, people remain fully mesmerized by its magic.

Fun with enhancement of skills that is what puzzling is all about.

Logical training,apt skills are well developed by pursuing this hobby.

Nowadays, more students are encouraged to be part of it.

The initial jigsaw puzzles were made of cardboard intended for developing a child’s focus. These brainteasers help in developing focus and critical thinking of the children at an early age.

It would be surprising to note that the first jigsaw puzzle which dates back to 1760, came as a result of a lookout by English school teacher John Spillsbury for a new way to teach geography.

The Crossword puzzle came along in 1913 when journalist Arthur Wynn published the first crossword puzzle in the newspaper New York World. Since then, crosswords have become an obsession for millions, especially on those long bus and train commutes to work. Not just as a hobby, puzzles offer a great mental activity which can help pass the time, relax and comfort, and stimulate the brain. It has remained a favorite learning toy of kids,moms and educators.

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Skills enhanced Puzzles improve a child’s problem solving and reasoning skills.

It helps them to see whole-part relationships, increases their visual spacial awareness and depending on the subject matter can teach them a variety of topics like the alphabet, numbers, color recognition, shape recognition, categories like pets or transportation vehicles, and more. Various types of puzzles like peg puzzles and chunky can help teach little ones to pick up and grasp pieces and they aid in the development of the pincher grasp.

Why every parent should teach their children how to solve puzzles The hand-eye coordination which forms the main aspect for a child can be rightly developed through solving puzzles. The more one practices, more it becomes easy for a child to recognize with the coordination work.

Patience and problem solving skills are developed with puzzling.

Many children become frustrated when trying to complete puzzles but the more they do them, the less frustrated they become. The child begins to realize the importance of having patience while solving problems. When they’ve completed the puzzle, they’ll be happy and will likely want to try another.

A child’s memory also gets stimulated with puzzling. There are many types of puzzles designed specifically to help develop a child’s memory.

One cannot even think of any other hobby which is pure fun as well as offers skill enhancement. It helps one to hone the skills while having relaxation. We can name it as the best hobby for all irrespective of age.

Lost your way

You’re travelling to some village. At some point there is a fork in the road.

You could go two ways but only one of them leads to the village. Lucky for you there are two men standing next to the fork. But unfortunately one of them always lies and one always speaks the truth and you do not know who is who.

Since the men do not really like to help you, you are allowed to ask one of them only one question. Which question should you ask?

Solution Ask one of the men, “if I would ask the man standing next to you: which is the road to the village?, what would he answer?”

If you ask this to the liar, he will point you in the wrong way.

If you ask this to the one who speaks the truth, he will also point you in the wrong way.

So after asking the question, take the other way. This will bring you in the village.

ITS MY PAGE

FunPage Aspirin story writers!

“Once upon a time, there was a king…..”; and slowly the pages turn and you enter into the world of imaginary characters and fascinating stories. There would be no one in this world who doesn’t love to read stories. Apart from reading them, imagining the characters dancing and playing next to you, won’t be a new thing for all you voracious readers. It’s for sure that there have been times when you yourself would love to pen down a story. So, here is your chance to make it published in paper. Send across your stories and experiences to us.

sudoku

For all those young poets Flowing in the waves of imagination When thoughts knock your door, Pen them down as you can, Who knows, you might be the Keats in the making!

Never bind your thoughts and emotions, just write them down. Poetry is all about putting your imagination into verse. Bring out the talent in you and write; who knows you might be the next star in the world of literature.

Send across your thoughts in verses and words to suchithra@thecareerdirect.com or by Post to : Career Direct, First floor, Oxford House, Chitoor Road,Cochin-18.

AUGUST 2010 Career Direct3 31

WATS ‘N’ AUGUST Neil Alden Armstrong August 5, 1930 American aviator and former astronaut. He was the first person to set foot on the Moon.

Barack Hussein Obama August 4, 1961 The 44th and current president of the United States.

First African American to hold the office.

Enid Mary Blyton August 11, 1897 Well known writer known as both Enid Blyton and Mary Pollock. One of the most successful children’s storytellers of the twentieth century.

Mother Teresa August 26, 1910 Indian Catholic nun of Albanian ethnicity, founder of the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkatta, India in 1950.

Napolean Bonaparte August 15, 1769 Military and political leader of France and Emperor of the French as Napoleon I.

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If you are born in August You are naturally attracted to professions involving the arts, public life, medicine, research, management, and all those ventures which offer you a chance to shine and head. Strong and dominant, you are strongly motivated by the will to succeed.

But sometimes destructive outburst of emotions can land you into trouble as well. When you are confident about something then nothing can stop you in your path. Creativity comes naturally to you.

With an attitude to sacrifice for others, you are a great help for your friends. Acting eccentrically or with pride and without forethought is your weakness but in the end you always handle all the difficulties courageously.

Birthstones: Peridot, a variety of olivine and Sardonyx, a form of chalcedony.

THIS DAY -

AUG august babies

Sir Donald Bradman August 27, 1908 Australian cricketer often referred to as The Don, acknowledged as the greatest batsman of all time.

Michael Jackson August 29, 1959 American recording artist, entertainer, referred as the King of Pop and recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records.

Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock August 13, 1899 English filmmaker and producer, who pioneered many techniques in the suspense and psychological thriller genres.

Sir Alexander Fleming August 6, 1881 Scottish biologist and pharmacologist. Best-known achievements ; discovery of the enzymelysozyme and penicillin.

4Career Direct AUGUST 2010

WATS ‘N’ AUGUST

Independence Day

Monthly specials

Celebrate the spirit and be proud to be an Indian. August 15th is celebrated to commemorate independence from British rule and the birth of our country as a sovereign nation on the same day in 1947. With flag-hoisting ceremonies all across, each and every Indian shares the joy with each other on the occasion. Awake, arise and enjoy your independence and the feel of being an Indian!

Sister’s day One of the best and treasured relation in the world – sisterhood. If you have a sister whom you love and care more than anything, then this is your day. On the first Sunday of every August, express your emotions and let them know on how much you value them your life. So, take them out and make their day special.

International Friendship Day You walk with them, play, enjoy and do whatever masti in life with them forever; they are the ones whom you treasure- friends. August 3rd of every year is celebrated as International Friendship day and people across the country take time from their busy schedule to spend the day with their friends. Walk down the memory lanes, break the barriers and have ultimate fun because friends remain the best you can have in your life.

THIS MONTH

GUST August 1 The first Olympic games opened in Berlin, Germany, 1936 Anne Frank’s last diary entry, 1944

AUGUST IN HISTORY è

The Statue of Liberty cornerstone was laid, 1884 August 6 The United States dropped an Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, 1945 August 8 Thomas Edison received a patent for his mimeograph, 1876 The USSR declared war on Japan, 1945 August 9 The United States dropped an Atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan, 1945 August 10

1832: The first commercial electric streetcar in America and the world was August 2 placed into operation in Baltimore.

August 13 The Persian Gulf War began, 1990 The coin operated telephone was August 3 patented, 1889 The first telephone conversation in which Florence Nightingale died in London, 1910 voices were bounced off the moon was August 15 accomplished by U.S. scientists, 1960.

India got independence in 1947 August 4 from British rule and the birth of our During WWII, Gestapo captured Anne country as a sovereign nation on the same Frank, her family and others, in Holland, day 1944 August 16 A world air speed record of 2196 mph was set by the X-15 experimental U.S. Hurricane Camille killed more than 300 rocket plane, piloted by Joseph A. people and left 70,000 homeless in Walker, a civilian test pilot, 1960.

Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama, 1969.

August 5

August 19

The first Atlantic cable was completed, 1858 The first federal income tax was levied, 1861

Adolf Hitler became Fuhrer of Germany, 1934

August 20

The first licensed radio broadcast occurred, 1920 August 22 The record player was patented, 1906 The world’s first nuclear-powered ship, the Savannah, made its maiden voyage from Yorktown, Virginia to Savannah, Georgia, 1962.

August 23 The first Indian Church was founded on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts,

by John Eliot and John Cotton of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, 1670.

August 24 A patent for a motion picture camera, the first of its kind, was filed by Thomas A. Edison, 1892.

August 28 The last day of the Roman Empire, 476 AD August 30 Cleopatra, the seventh and most famous queen of ancient Egypt committed suicide, 30 B.C. Occupation of Japan by United States troops began during WWII, 1945.

August 31 Thomas A. Edison received a patent for his Kinetoscope, 1887.

The first professional football game was played in Latrobe, Pennsylvania,1895.

Lady Diana & her companion Dodi Al Fayed died tragically in a car crash in Paris, France, 1997

AUGUST 2010 Career Direct3 33

Total Rural Education Empowerment

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