Restricted education, endangered future

The Plight of Kuhuboto Town High School and the call for immediate action.

For many centuries now, education has been the ultimate tool for liberating the mind, thus invigorating and empowering one to exploit, imagine and utilise their ability to the fullest. Education has and will always be the ultimatum for progress of any kind in society or personal growth. What and where we are, the world and the universe we know today are all the results of the continuous efforts of curious minds shaped by education and right knowledge. With the passage of time and tide, our world has advanced in all spheres from being technologically futuristic to exponentially improved living conditions of many people through various inventions and discoveries.

Unfortunately, there seem to have been a great leap as we look at where our 40 years old beloved Government High School of Kuhuboto stands. For more than two decades the people and citizens of Kuhuboto have dreamt in vain for improvement and advancement in education hoping for secured, con - tend and sustained future. Little did we know, some things happen in reverse, at least that’s what became of one of the oldest school in Dimapur (now in Niuland). Like an abandoned and orphaned child, for the past four to five years, this school has been functioning without proper teachers with no follow up appointment in place of retired teachers especially Maths and Science since 2018, thus adding more inversely to the HSLC result that has consecutively been a heartache for many years. Furthermore, there has been decline in the number of GT and PT since December 2018(ref table 1) resulting in declining enrolment of students each year. And now finally the school is without Headmaster and Assistant Headmaster with no intention of appointing new. While the inattentiveness of some staffs have always been a hurdle which is also a case for another discussion, there is no doubt that the teachers and the school in-charge have been doing their best to hold up the mess by adding extr a classes to their routine while continuously appealing the higher authority for assistance and support.

For all these years, the Kuhuboto Town Students’ Union (KTSU), Kuhuboto Ghakhu Students’ Union (KGSU) and Kuhuboto Ghakhu Public Organisation (KGPO) have individually and collectively held meetings and discussions further appealing the education department for necessary action but have received nothing except indifference towards our desperation and demands.

Below is the progressive yearly tabulation of the Number of GT, PT and students enrolment since 2018

The school that once gloriously had 300-400 students enrolled has now hardly hundred students in the past 6 years.

There are overflowing number of teachers in other schools in and around Dimapur and Niuland, take the example of our neighbour school GHS Nihoto that is 3km away from GHS Kuhuboto with total of 28 teaching staffs. 24 GT and 22 PT plus 2 language teachers. How is this not discrimination? And why such discrimination and indifference?

These statistics keeps us wondering if the concerned authorities have been receiving our appeals for degradation of school rather than upgradation.

Dear Education Department, how can you say children are the leaders of tomorrow when their today is in so much turmoil? How can students learn in classroom with no teachers? Where the anticipation for their teachers to actually come in and take classes has become a luxury only for the neighbouring schools. Unless the students automatically develop technologically advanced brains along with the advanced Artificial Intelligence(AI) technology there is no other way our children can grow or progress from the little knowledge they possess. And you know, little knowledge is more dangerous than no knowledge at all. It is sad but right to assume that these students and their mentality are still that of medieval times or worse while their peers graciously tag along with the norms of modern society. So close to better life yet so far because of your ignorance. How are you going to take responsibility for so many dropouts and shattered dreams? Private schools are expensive and the nearest GHS is 3km away, 7 to 10km km for some students who come from far. How and what better alternative solution can you offer other than simply doing the needful arrangements that’s meant and rightly deserved. Therefore, this is yet another appeal to the concerned Authority, to the Department of Education and to the Caretakers of future generations from the Kuhuboto Ghakhu Students’ Union (KGSU) and Kuhuboto Town Students’ Union (KTSU) on behalf of all the students and citizen of Kuhuboto Area, to comprehend to our demands and recruit adequate number of teachers at the earliest without any further delay and negligence.

The students, the citizens of Kuhuboto Area and the surrounding villages who depend on this school will continue to anticipate for your attention and service for the sake of our tomorrow. Hundreds of dreams have been shattered yet hundreds more to be realised. Each life is precious and so is their desire for proper education. Lastly, No students deserve empty promises, that is such a threat to the future.

Demands for caste census: Opposition’s ‘Brahmastra’ against BJP in 2024?

The opposition parties are yet to firm up an alliance for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, but their unanimous demands for a caste census and the removal of reservation cap could be a binding factor and hand them what a section of leaders feels the “Brahmastra” to counter the BJP and its Hindutva plank.

The issues of caste census and reservation not only put all opposition parties on the same page but leaders feel it could also help them win back many backward classes who have veered towards the BJP in the recent past.

At a DMK-convened conference, RJD leader and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav summed it up for opposition parties when he had said that the best way to beat the BJP’s politics of “polarisation” was through social justice-based politics.

This formula has been adopted by the Congress with much enthusiasm with Rahul Gandhi making an aggressive pitch for a caste-based census and the removal of 50 per cent cap on reservation in his recent speech in Karnataka’s Kolar, in a bid to turn the tables on the BJP that had been gunning for him over his 2019 “Modi surname” remarks alleging that he insulted OBCs.

The BJP has hit back at Gandhi for his remarks, alleging that he is being “disingenuous” with his claim on the issue of social justice when the erstwhile Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka did nothing to address long-pending demands of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

The Opposition has spoken with unanimity on general issues such as inflation and rising employment but lacked cohesiveness on specific issues like the Adani matter. However, with the issues of caste-based census and removal of reservation cap, opposition parties have found an arrow with which they can hit multiple targets at one go -- it forges instant unity in the opposition ranks, puts the BJP on the back foot as it is yet to spell out its stance on them categorically, and prepares a counter for the Hindutva push expected closer to the polls.

With the Congress aggressively taking up the issue, it is likely to endear the party to regional outfits which have till now been circumspect of the grand old party fearing that it may play the “big brother” by superseding their agenda with issues of its own.

Asked about the Congress’ strong pitch, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh told PTI, “The demand for a caste-based census was articulated forcefully by many civil society groups to Rahul Gandhi during Bharat Jodo Yatra. The Congress is following through on that demand.” A socio-economic caste census was conducted by the end of 2012 covering some 25 crore households but the data could not be published for various reasons, he pointed out.

An example of how the issue of caste-based census could be the glue for the Opposition unity is how even the Aam Aadmi Party which does not see eye-to-eye with the Congress on most issues has joined the caste-based census chorus.

The JD(U) and the RJD, which are part of the ruling ‘Mahagathbandhan’ alliance in Bihar, the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) have also been vociferously demanding caste-based census for a long time.

The caste census and the removal of the cap on reservation are also likely to put the BJP in a quandary and test its own outreach to the backward classes.

The BJP unit in Bihar had supported a resolution at an allparty meeting convened by Nitish Kumar and later a unanimous resolution was passed in the Bihar Assembly on caste census. However, the BJP’s central leadership is yet to respond to the demand for a socio-economic and caste census.

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal said the “doublespeak” of the BJP is clear from its “ambivalent position” on the Opposition demand for publishing the figures of the caste-based census of 2011.

“It (BJP) seeks the votes of the forward classes while it engages in doublespeak on backward classes,” he alleged.

Sibal added that just being on the same page on this issue was not enough and that the Opposition unity requires much more than this.

RJD MP Manoj Jha, another prominent voice in the Opposition ranks, also underlined the importance of the caste-based census issue. “We have been demanding caste-based census, it started in 2010-11 when Lalu ji, Sharad ji and Mulayam ji raised this question and the then UPA government agreed to it. Subsequently, 2014 heralded (Narendra) Modi ji’s victory and myself and other MPs raised the question as to what happened to the data and we were told that the data got corrupted. Don’t know whether the corruption was of the data or somewhere else,” Jha told PTI.

“The Kolar speech of Rahul ji provided a further impetus to the demand made by several state governments and leaders from diverse political parties. It is important to see that it is not a political issue, it involves deepening of democracy, who would not want deepening of democracy, it involves psychological, social and political empowerment of communities, it involves ensuring of representation in accordance with their population,” the RJD leader said.

Having said that, it is important to collectively raise this issue and tell the prime minister and his party that politics cannot be rhetorical, one has to come down to the ground and look at what are the critical issues, he said.

“The critical issue is that in the governance structure and bureaucracy, the representation of SCs, STs and OBCs is negligible. Can a democracy live with such anomalies that is our question and that is how we will take it up forward,” he asserted. Political commentator Sanjay Jha, who was once a spokesperson for the Congress party, alleged that India has been devastated by a double whammy -- unemployment crisis and extreme inequality -- under the current government.

“The biggest sufferers are those from underprivileged communities and the backward classes. No amount or number of social welfare programmes being propagated by the BJP can neutralize the deprivation and the economic destitution of millions of Indians. Therefore the Opposition is completely justified in focusing on social justice as its key political message,” he told PTI.

“That’s why a nervous BJP is prevaricating on the caste census, as at core, it remains an upper caste party. Further, it is a party of the rich, by the rich, for the rich,” he claimed.

A leader on condition of anonymity said that with the BJP likely to use its Hindutva plank to consolidate its vote bank, the demands for a caste-based census and the removal of reservation cap could be the Opposition’s “Brahmastra” ahead of the 2024 elections.

Asim Kamal PTI

Does agitation or moodiness classify as a severe mental disorder?

Everybody experiences occasional restlessness, agitation, or moodiness. Nonetheless, some people take advantage of anxiousness, a more intense form of unease that results in less concentration.

Agitation can be exceedingly painful and upsetting. It also interferes with social connections and professional performance, and in some cases, it raises the likelihood that someone would damage himself or others.

“People who suffer from mood problems may be more likely to become agitated. Bipolar illness and depression are examples of mood disorders that can be treated medically and cause changes in cognition, energy, and behaviour. Anyone can be affected by them, regardless of age, ethnicity, or social standing,” says Kanchan Rai, an emotional and mental well-being coach.

“A period of agitation is characterised by insig - nificant motions, such as trembling hands. Additional signs include hostility, a lack of self-control, stress, and aggressive or disruptive behaviour. Even though it frequently coexists with stress, clinicians typically designate the term ‘moodiness’ to identify serious mental activity that stems from emotional discomfort. These outward habits act as an expression of the person’s emotions. Agitation is a sign of a medical ailment, such as a mood disorder or feeling nervous. When a person’s treatment for depression or bipolar disorder isn’t functioning as effectively as it should, they frequently become agitated. It can also be brought on by traumatic or extremely stressful circumstances. A person may at first come across as caustic. If the stress intensifies, they may begin to pace, lash out vocally, clench their fists, or even act in a threatening or confrontational manner.”

IANSlife caught up with Kanchan, the founder of Let Us Talk to get more information.

Excerpt:

What are the signs of agitation or moodiness?

Kanchan: Some of the symptoms of agitation or moodiness are Irrational or impulsive behaviour, disruptive outbursts, excessive talking or moving other than usual days. Along with this, difficulty concentrating or continuing with the conversation, pacing or shuffling feet, stress, anxiety, impatience, wringing hands, or clenching fists.

What effect does agitation have?

Kanchan: People with mood disorders may struggle to perform successfully at jobs, school, or at home due to the uncomfortable emotions of moodiness. This frequently causes severe disruptions to their everyday life and hinders their capacity to accomplish their objectives. Relationships might suffer from stress. People who experience this may become intolerable with repetitive actions. Even close friends and family members could start to lose patience with someone who finds it difficult to hold a meaningful discussion. Being upset makes it challenging to focus on everything. Tasks relating to your career can frequently become almost unattainable. Conversations with colleagues or employers may result in rigidity.

Agitated people frequently struggle to fall asleep at night. Hence, lack of sleep could exacerbate the disease and cause other health issues. Furthermore, it may be challenging for them to appropriately describe patients’ symptoms and medical background to their doctors, which makes treating their mood problems more challenging. Several studies indicate that agitation increases the probability of suicidal behaviour.

What treatment and preventative options are available?

Kanchan: Accurately identifying and treating a person’s health problems or other underlying diseases is the first step in preventing agitation. It usually goes away when depression, bipolar disorder, or other diseases are properly controlled.

In case you start to feel anxious at a serious level, get assistance. The best outcomes frequently come from early intervention, and being alert. The intensely unpleasant feelings can be reduced with appropriate treatment. An agitation crisis can be avoided by recognizing and dealing with its early warning signals before they intensify.

Mood swings are a common occurrence in life. They can, however, become a symptom of a mental health condition which should be guided by the specialist or as required.

Well, a medical expert can suggest techniques for curing such mental syndrome.

How to treat your close ones that are facing mental disorders?

Kanchan: Remain close to the one who is going through an agitation phase. Avoid walking or running away from that individual if it is all feasible. Make sure you and others are safe. Remove harmful things from the surrounding. Reduce other kinds of stimulation, such as loud noises, vivid colours, and extreme temperatures, and remove all unwanted furniture from space if it is possible.

Listen, If the person is at ease enough to speak, pay close attention. Reiterating statements can aid in establishing a verbal connection while preventing agitation from rising.

Some lifestyle practices, such as a better sleep quality and giving yourself space from work, may be useful if agitation is mild to moderate and does not entail hostility.

N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

Snippets

MNS’s Nashik city chief quits

NASHIK (MAHA), APR

19 (PTI): Maharashtra

Navnirman Sena’s (MNS)

Nashik city unit chief Dilip Datir resigned from his post on Wednesday. While he cited personal reasons in his resignation letter to party chief Raj Thackeray, internal politics might have prompted him to quit, sources said. Nashik in north Maharashtra was once a stronghold of the party. In the letter, Datir thanked Thackeray for reposing faith in him and said though he was resigning from his post, he will remain a member of the party forever. He was appointed as the MNS’s city president last year.

Ambulance kills street vendor

NAGPUR, APR 19 (PTI):

A 59-year-old street vendor was killed and a pedestrian was injured after a speeding ambulance hit them in Nagpur city of Maharashtra, police said on Wednesday. Police have arrested the 21-year-old driver of the ambulance for rash and negligent driving. The incident occurred in Sakardara area on Tuesday evening when the ambulance was shifting a body. The injured duo was rushed to the government hospital where doctors declared the 59-year-old vendor dead.

Two youths die while performing bike stunts

CHENNAI, APRIL 19 (IANS): Two youths sustained grievous head injuries while performing bike stunts at Hosur in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district on Wednesday and died on the spot, while another youth suffered serious head injuries and is admitted in a hospital, police said. The deceased youths were identified as Sabari, 24, and Harsha, 24, of Hosur. Police said that the two youths, along with their friend Nebik, went to Hosur on Wednesday to perform bike stunts. During performance the bikes rammed against each other inflicting serious head injuries to all three. While Sabari and Harsha died on the spot, the condition of Nebek is extremely critical and he is admitted at the government general hospital, Hosur.

Two freight trains collide in MP

BHOPAL, APRIL 19 (IANS): A loco pilot died while at least three more railways employees were injured as two freight trains collided in Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday morning. Impact of the collision was so strong that several bogies of the trains overturned and one of the engines caught fire. The injured have been rushed to a nearby hospital, and the fire was doused. Railways officials swung into action to clear the track.

As per reports, the incident occurred due to signal overshoot. While one of the trains was stopped on the track, the other one coming from the opposite direction rammed into it. The incident occurred near Singhpur railway station in Shahdol district, which falls under South-East Central Railway division. Due to the incident, the movement of several other trains got disrupted.