Education Nowadays

In recent years, the scope of Commerce stream after 10th course is rapidly increasing and bringing large number of students closer to opt this field to get their dreams fulfilled. However, students should choose

In recent years, the scope of Commerce stream after 10th course is rapidly increasing and bringing large number of students closer to opt this field to get their dreams fulfilled. However, students should choose

In recent years, the scope of Commerce stream after 10th course is rapidly increasing and bringing large number of students closer to opt this field to get their dreams fulfilled. However, students should choose commerce stream only if they have an aptitude as well as an avid interest in it. Commerce can give all the benefits that one can get by having a career in the

EDUCATION

In recent years, the scope of Commerce stream after 10th course is rapidly increasing and bringing large number of students closer to opt this field to get their dreams fulfilled. However, students should choose

In recent years, the scope of Commerce stream after 10th course is rapidly increasing and bringing large number of students closer to opt this field to get their dreams fulfilled. However, students should choose

EDUCATION

In recent years, the scope of Commerce stream after 10th course is rapidly increasing and bringing large number of students closer to opt this field to get their dreams fulfilled. However, students should choose

In recent years, the scope of Commerce stream after 10th course is rapidly increasing and bringing large number of students closer to opt this field to get their dreams fulfilled. However, students should choose

In recent years, the scope of Commerce stream after 10th course is rapidly increasing and bringing large number of students closer to opt this field to get their dreams fulfilled. However, students should choose commerce stream only if they have an aptitude as well as an avid interest in it. Commerce can give all the benefits that one can get by having a career in the

IN-FOCUS 26 IN-FOCUS 23 EDUCATION

In recent years, the scope of Commerce stream after 10th course is rapidly increasing and bringing large number of students closer to opt this field to get their dreams fulfilled. However, students should choose

23 EDUCATION

In recent years, the scope of Commerce stream after 10th course is rapidly increasing and bringing large number of students closer to opt this field to get their dreams fulfilled. However, students should choose

For every student, the biggest challenge is to select subject after 10.

Mahesh Babu Editor-in-Chief, Education Nowadays

For every student, the biggest challenge is to select subject after 10. Normally, this is decided on the basis of several aspects like job opportunities, the ability and the interest of the students. There is a notion that most of the students opt for stream on the basis of their percentage in class 10th. Students put Science on the first place and treat Commerce as a second option. But, over the years, it has been seen that students are now diversifying themselves and opting commerce instead of Science and Arts. As per data from All India Survey on Education published by Ministry of Human Resource Development, India, the total of 9.65 lakhs students had enrolled for commerce in graduate level courses in that particular year. For every student, the biggest challenge is to select subject after 10. Normally, this is decided on the basis of several aspects like job opportunities, the

ability and the interest of the students. There is a notion that most of the students opt for stream on the basis of their percentage in class 10th. Students put Science on the first place and treat Commerce as a second option.

But, over the years, it has been seen that students are now diversifying themselves and opting commerce instead of Science and Arts. As per data from All India Survey on Education published by Ministry of Human Resource Development, India, the total of 9.65 lakhs students had enrolled for commerce in graduate level courses in that particular year. For every student, the biggest challenge is to select subject after 10. Normally, this is decided on the basis of several aspects like job opportunities, the ability and the interest of the students. There is a notion that most of the students opt for stream on

National Education Policy (NEP):

Can it be a Game-changer

in India?

The success of the NEP depends on its uniform and transparent implementation at all levels and fair distribution of resources. This gigantic task seeks a whole-hearted cooperation and collaboration between the Union Ministry of Education and State Governments.

In July 2020, the Union Cabinet approved the National Education Policy (NEP), bringing in several changes in the Indian education system — from the school to the college level. The NEP, while outlining the vision of new education system of India, replaces the previous National Policy on Education, 1986.

It aims at making “India a global knowledge superpower” by transforming the old-age Indian Education System to meet the needs of the 21st century. This policy focuses on various changes to be made to improve the education system carried out for several decades.

The new policy focuses on giving the best and most effective methods to teach children in the best possible way. It has scrapped the traditional 10+2 model of Education and introduced a new 5+3+3+4 mode. As per this policy, the curricular

structure corresponds to age groups 3-8 years, 8-11 years, 11-14 years and 14-18 years, respectively. The policy seeks improvement in the poor literacy and numeracy outcomes associated with primary schools, reduction in dropout levels in middle and secondary schools and adoption of the multidisciplinary approach in the higher education system. Apart from this, NEP also focuses on early childhood care, restricting curriculum and pedagogy, reforming assessments and exams, and investing in teacher training and broad basing their appraisal.

It also targets universalization of education from pre-school to secondary level with a 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio in school education by 2030. It focuses on bringing back the 2 crore out-of-school students into the mainstream through an open schooling system.

• Secondary stage (4) multidisciplinary study, greater critical thinking, flexibility and student choice of subjects.

• Middle stage (3) experiential learning in the Sciences, Mathematics, Arts, Social sciences, Humanities etc.

• Preparatory stage (3) play, discovery, and activitybased and interactive classroom learning.

• Foundational Stage (5) multilevel, play/activitybased learning.

NEP 2020 emphasizes providing equitable and quality education from the Foundational Stage through Grade 12 to all children up to the age of 18, but it does not state what suitable facilities are being provided.

The following are the changes made in NEP 2020 from the old

It focuses on vocational education and imparting knowledge of the core subjects.

The number of examinations will be reduced from eight examinations to only three examinations for grades 3, 5 and 8.

The ministry has also decided that students will learn to code and do internships from class 6 onwards. They also want students to leave for higher education with one core skill.

For years students have had to choose between three streams to study. But under the new model, they can be taught any subject they want to.

The policy also focuses on the chance of giving board exams twice a year to improve their scores. Teaching up to at least Grade 5 to be in mother tongue/regional language. No language will be imposed. Three language policies are to be imposed giving importance to Sanskrit.

NEP has proposed the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) as the single regulator for higher education, which would take place of both UGC

M.Phil to be discontinued

The new pedagogical and curricular structure of school education focuses on 3 years in Anganwadi/ pre-school and 12 years in school.

• Music, arts and literature are to be taught in all colleges.

• Every student is to be taught the vocational skill of his/her choice. Coding will also be taught from Class VI onwards.

• An Academic Bank Credit will be set up which will digitally store academic credits earned.

• Single Common Entrance Exams will be conducted for all the colleges.

• It also emphasizes the importance of practical knowledge and skill development after Class VI.

• By 2030, the minimum degree qualification for teaching will be a 4-year integrated B.Ed. degree.

Possible Benefits of NEP 2020

• It will give importance to students’ practical knowledge then without pushing them towards learning.

• It will also help students to develop a scientific temper from a young age.

• It also aims at setting up new quality higher educational institutes which will be at par with global standards.

• It will also promote value-based education.

• It will also focus on making education a basic

right for children from 3 years of age till 18 and provide them free education at government-run institutions.

Possible disadvantages of the NEP 2020

• It emphasizes the introduction of the mother tongue at the primary level which will be a monumental task for converting basic subjects to various major languages of India.

• It will also lead to delays in the teaching of English in government-run institutions which will be a setback as private schools will keep practicing it from the very beginning.

• Digital learning is a need of the hour and very much practical but everyone can’t afford smartphones as many students are underprivileged.

• The updated terms of the Undergraduate Program will lead to non-seriousness and a high dropout without completing their education.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the 75th foundation day celebration of D.U.’s Hansraj College, the then Vice-President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu

Sports are to be made part of the curriculum and emphasize sports ad integrated learning as well as adopting fitness as a lifelong attitude. During Khelo India Youth Games this year in June, when asked about NEP, Anurag Thakur, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, said:

Today, the hopes and aspirations of the young players of the country are forming the basis of decisions and policies. The promotion of sports in the new education policy emphasizes building modern sports infrastructure. The synergy of modern technology is creating a rich sports culture in India today. From the identification, selection and training of talent in the field of sports to the sporting needs of the players, the government is with the country’s talented youth at every step.”

in July said that the New Education policy will prove to be a game-changer. He further added that it is set to transform the world of education. It lays out an elaborate, layered roadmap for educational institutions in terms of charting the course of national development and seeks to restructure the higher educational institutions of the country towards changing needs of the knowledge economy. “The policy will prove to be a game-changer. I am happy to learn that Delhi University is implementing NEP-2020 from this

session in right earnest,” he added. From school to higher education, NEP aims at revising the education structure and revamping the regulations and governance and creating a new system aligned with the aspirational goals of the 21st century.

Introduction of multi-entry and exit four-year undergraduate degrees, removing M.Phil and establishing fee examinations for private and public institutions are some critical features. T the policy

In a brief interview with Pratiksha Thakur

Education Nowadays, Vibha Singh, the Sr. Vice President of Nagar Nigam Sikshak Sangh and Principal (Nigam Pratibha Co-ed Vidyalaya, Mahila Colony) answered

A new education policy has been adopted by the central government, how will it be imple mented?

The NEP 2020 will be adopted in a faced manner. Truly speaking, government will cherry pick provisions of NEP 2020 at its convenience.

Is there any kind of goals to its implementation?

There are no time-bound goals related to NEP 2020 implementation.

a few questions on issues including the NEP.

will prove beneficial in enabling an individual to study one or more specialized areas of interest at a deep level, while developing students’ personality, creativity, scientific temper, and spirit of service across a spectrum of disciplines.

So basically, we can see that it is a progressive shift towards a more scientific approach to education. The prescribed structure will help to cater for the ability of the child- stages of cognitive development as well as social and physical

awareness. If implemented as it is decided then for sure India will be among the leading countries in the world. Its success depends on its uniform and transparent implementation at all levels and fair distribution of resources. This gigantic task will realize 100% cooperation and collaboration between the Central, State Governments and the Ministry of Education.

In past, NEPs have faced major financial hur dles. Is the government’s new NEP ready with the new financial plan?

Yes, the Government of India is completely ready with a financial plan for the implementation of the national education policy in 2020.

As per the NEP 2020, the previous academic structure 10 + 2 has been changed to the 5 + 3 + 3 + 4 models, how much will it help students?

It will help students of early childhood education to come into mainstream formal education in the early stages of their education.

Are the majority of schools/ educational institutions responsive to the needs of students?

No, most Institutions of education at the primary stage and higher stages are not responsive to the needs of the students.

Will the NEP 2020, offer an answer to the question: How do we know what we want to know? Yes, if implemented in matter and spirit. As per the NEP 2020, the medium of instruction till

5th grade and above will be the mother tongue/ local language. Don’t you think that it will create more problems than solving them?

No, it will help students to get more confidence in formal education.

Sports are introduced as a part of curriculum after primary class, what are the positive aspects of this?

The positive aspect is that a child will develop all around. He will be regular in school.

Can the NEP prove to be a game-changer in India?

Yes, definitely. It will prove to be a game-changer as it will lessen the burden on students and give them chance to pick and choose their academic journey rather than conforming to the set standards and norms.

Why to Choose 10TH COMMERCE AFTER

Over the years, it has been seen that students are now diversifying themselves and opting commerce instead of Science and Arts.

By Tanuja Jha, B.Com(Hons.)

For every student, the biggest challenge is to select subject after 10. Normally, this is decided on the basis of several aspects like job opportunities, the ability and the interest of the students. There is a notion that most of the students opt for stream on the basis of their percentage in class 10th. Students put Science on the first place and treat Commerce as a second option. But, over the years, it has been seen that students are now diversifying themselves and opting commerce instead of Science and Arts. As per data from All India Survey on Education published by Ministry of Human Resource Development, India, the total of 9.65

lakhs students had enrolled for commerce in graduate level courses in that particular year.

Meaning and scope of Commerce

Commerce is a term related to transactions, which provide group of educational courses that deals with the study of business, accounts and trades.

By choosing Commerce, students get chance to do many professional courses. Some professional courses offer by Commerce stream are:-

• Chartered Accountant (CA)

• Company Secretary (CS)

• Cost and management Accountant (CMA)

• Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA)

• MBA, CPA

• LLB, CIMA

• Competitive exams (like RBI grade B)

• Investment Banker

• Graduation degrees – B.Com/ BBA/ BA in subject specialization.

Apart from the above courses, this stream always opens door for teaching career and entrepreneurship.

As per an estimate, there are total of nearly 10,500 Commerce Colleges in India for providing degree Courses. Some of the top-rated Commerce Institutes are Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi; Hindu College, Delhi; Hansraj College, Delhi; Loyola College, Chennai; Christ University, Banglore; Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics, etc. The placement opportunities for these colleges are the best in the country. It has also been estimated that to pursue commerce is economical in India because 81% of the Colleges have annual fees of less than Rs 1 lakh .If a student graduates with B.Com, he/she gets opportunities in both government and private sector. To get highest paid job, one should do professional courses after B. Com or pursue post graduation.

Why prefer Commerce?

Commerce is considered as the life blood for any business and economy of the nation. Many students opt for the commerce stream as they want to follow their family business or they have interest in numbers and data. When a student thinks about the subject, the first thing that comes in his mind is that what type of job he can get from it and how much that job will pay to him? So, if any student is interested in the field of management and finance, Commerce is the best choice for him/her. For example, the average salary of CA in India ranges between 6-7 lakhs to 30 lakhs and for Company Secretary (CS) this is around 2.7 lakhs to 17 lakhs.

Commerce has the nature of applicability. When a student studies something and if he is not applying it anywhere. Then there is no use of that efforts which he has put on the study. In commerce whether you study accountancy, business studies and economics, everything is applicable in day to day life. Commerce is used as an essential part of daily life; it is not only used in companies but also used to maintain home budget. Commerce is an inevitable source for maintaining the economy of our country. It helps in adaptation of business need. For example, recently Covid-19 has effected almost all the largest economies of the world.

Unemployment has risen by 40% during 2020-21 from previous data. These economical backdrops can only be managed by the knowledge of commerce and trade cycles.

Girl students’ preference

The growth in the number of girl students opting Commerce has been noted over the years. In today’s generation, where we talk about gender equality and women empowerment, every girl should be financially independent. Despite many transformative changes in recent year that bolstered up their education, they are still facing numerous obstacles to pursue the career especially in rural areas and in small cities. Although our country is developing rapidly, most of the girls are not allowed to go away from home for education and also they got married in their early age. Even their family considers that teaching a girl child is waste of money. So, due to lack of opportunities, time and money, girls should prefer commerce for the best career options. Government has put lots of efforts in backward states to educate girl. For example In Bihar when an unmarried girl graduates, she gets

a scholarship of Rs 75,000 from Bihar government. But it’s not enough to improve education system for girl. Everyone should be gender neutral and we’ll see how number of students in the subject is witnessing a growth.

For few years, entrepreneurial spirits are being promoted by every government all over the world. An entrepreneur is a person who starts his organization. If a person wants to start an organization, he/she should know all the details about finance and management. The students from Science and Arts background can also do all these by hiring CA, CS, Accountant, Auditors, Managers, etc. But a Commerce students have the edge over them and start up is easier for them as compared to other streams’ students. Due to increase in business and entrepreneurship, many job opportunities are available for commerce students to do different kinds of financial work.

Famous personalities from Commerce background

There are fnumerous personalities from commerce background who changed the view of the world that treated Commerce as a second option. Some of them are:

• Arun Jaitley: Former Finance Minister

• Rajat Sharma: Well-known Anchor

• Deepak Parekh: Well-known businessman

Arun Jaitley Former Finance Minister

Rajat Sharma Well-known Anchor Deepak Parekh Well-known businessman

Amartya Sen

The 1998 Nobel laureate in economics

Ajal Bijli

Founder of PVR Ltd.

• Amartya Sen: The 1998 Nobel laureate in economics

• Ajal Bijli: Founder of PVR Ltd.

• Naveen Jindal: Chairman of Jindal Steel Power Ltd.

• Kumar Mangalam Birla: Chairman of Birla Group

Among the above, Arun Jaitley served as the minister of finance and corporate affairs from 2014 to 2019 of the government of India. He previously held the cabinet portfolios of finance, defence, corporate affairs, Commerce and Industry and law and justice in the Vajpayee government and Narendra Modi government. He graduated with the honors degree in Commerce (B.Com) from Shri Ram College of Commerce, Delhi University and passed in LLB degree from faculty of Law University of Delhi. Kumar Mangalam Birla is a fourth generation of Birla family and the chairman of one of the

Mangalam Birla Chairman of Birla Group

Education Nowadays, Vibha Singh, the Sr. Vice President of Nagar Nigam Sikshak Sangh and Principal (Nigam Pratibha Co-ed Vidyalaya, Mahila Colony) answered a few questions on issues including the NEP.

largest global conglomerates in India. He had also done his higher education from commerce .He did his high school from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics and a bachelor’s degree from H.R. College of Commerce and Economics of the University of Mumbai. He is also a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

If they had opted for other stream, they might not have achieved what they achieved.

In recent years, the scope of Commerce stream after 10th course is rapidly increasing and bringing large number of students closer to opt this field to get their dreams fulfilled. However, students should choose commerce stream only if they have an aptitude as well as an avid interest in it. Commerce can give all the benefits that one can get by having a career in the other fields and that too with the full security in the first place as well. Therefore, choosing commerce as a stream will never disappoint you.

Naveen Jindal

Chairman of Jindal Steel Power Ltd.

Kumar

THE RISING COST OF EDUCATION IN INDIA

By K N THAKUR, FCMA, FCS.

The pressure to pursue higher education and the competitive admissions process means students will pay higher amounts in tuition, prompting colleges to raise their prices.

Before we throw light on increasing trend in education fee, it’s better to understand the education first. Education is a teaching and learning system aiming to socialise individuals and maximise their development. Education is the process of facilitating learning, or acquiring knowledge, skills, values, morals, beliefs, and habits. Educational methods include teaching, training, storytelling, discussion and directed research. In ancient India, there was the system of both formal and informal ways of education system. Indigenous education was imparted at home, in temples, and Gurukuls. There were people in homes, villages and temples who guided young children in education.

To understand the education in a right way we have to first understand- “What is education and its purpose?

The main purpose of education is the overall development of a person. In addition, it is a source of its obvious benefits for a making the life complete in all respect. Education can contribute to the betterment of society. It develops a society in which people are aware of their rights and duties through their acquired knowledge by way of educating themselves.

It is often said that we are learning all the time and that we may not be aware of it happening. Learning can be both a process and an outcome. As a process, it is part of being and living in the world, part of the way our bodies work. As an outcome, it is a new understanding or appreciation of something happening in our life.

Ancient education system in India was full of real quality education. The entire education was imparted in Sanskrit. Customs, culture, and

traditions of the society they live in were taught with discipline.

In the Modern education system, the mode of communication in most of the Schools are either English or Hindi or the blending of both. And in so called English medium schools in metro cities, English is the preferred language.

Indian spirituality and meditation are extremely valuable learning techniques that should be included in the Indian educational system. These are unique in the world and should be taught in schools beginning in kindergarten. Ample opportunities for the development of

Education Nowadays, Vibha Singh, the Sr. Vice President of Nagar Nigam Sikshak Sangh and Principal (Nigam Pratibha Co-ed Vidyalaya, Mahila Col ony) answered a few questions on issues including the NEP.

the student’s individuality should be provided. The contemporary educational system aims for a high level of achievement in terms of character development, personality development, and contribution to knowledge in all fields of study, as well as social well-being and material prosperity.

The current Indian curriculum must evolve a unique style of education that establishes congenial environment between materialism and spiritualism, as well as human existence, so that it progresses toward higher perfection. As a result, social traditions and rituals were preserved. Education has the potential to be a strong tool for molding and reforming society. It is a method for

determining the quality of manpower, which in turn leads to qualitative changes in society in toto. Nevertheless, right kind of education is a must for character building and to have a better citizen. Though it may be commonly linked to knowledge, these two terms should not be confused. Education is related to moral rules, while knowledge is broader than that.

With the introduction of model and new approach for learning primely based on three strategies namely- objective oriented learning, studentsoriented learning, and forums-based learning, learning process has changed and traditional learning is not as effective as it was in the past.

EDUCATION INFLATION

9.62% 8% 10%

Food Inflation Healthcare Inflation

MOSPI, Edufund Research

Specialization, innovation, speed, and excellence are the aims of modern learning. Students have ample opportunities to adept and make themselves informative and knowledge without limitations. This model opens the doors and eases the difficulties for students to achieve their goals. With the adoption of modern education system which is very expensive and beyond accessible to the mass particularly for developing countries, may leads to different problems of seamless adoption. Lack of funds, hefty higher education cost, illiteracy and problems of primary education can be considered as few of main burning problems. The pressure to pursue higher education and the competitive admissions process means students will pay higher amounts in tuition, prompting colleges to raise their prices.

Education Inflation

If we analyses the education inflation rate in India, it was 0.63 % in April 2021 and 1.00 % in May 2021 but has further increased to 4.12 % and 4.09 % (approx.) in the corresponding months of 2022, respectively, as per the data shared by The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Apart from fees which constitute about half of the total spends on education, there are various other miscellaneous expenses that make for a costly education. The cost of education in India increased by about 10-12 per cent. Periodic increases in not just the tuition fee but also the cost of transportation and various exams impact overall spending.

To have a better understanding about the modern education cost we have to first understand the concept of education or definition of education cost. .Educational cost is a measure of what a

Source:

student, an institution of learning, or the public has to give up in order to educate an individual or a group of people. Cost of education may he incurred by educational institutions or by students and their parents. It is worth noting that the actual fees form only a part of the total expenses involved in education. Indicates that the fees charged by an institution is not just the tuition fees, but other expenses such as examination fees, building/ development fees and other charges levied by institutions accounted for only around 40% of total education expenses in rural areas and 60% in urban areas. Books and other study material account for a substantial chunk of the money spent, especially in rural areas, and transport costs are significant everywhere. Besides, private tuition costs itself constitute very significant portion of entire education cost, questioning the quality of the institutionally provided learning may not be good

enough to meet the desired needs of students, despite the relatively high costs. Education cost creating a situation in which education beyond the secondary level is essentially unaffordable for most working people, and even school education involves costs for families that can be very high.

If we analyse the influencing factors affecting the cost of education-it could be teacher’s salary, student-teachers mix /class size, infusion of new areas of learning such as artificial intelligence/ robotics and teaching times etc. The primary reason behind this upward trend is said to be the infusion of technology and the desire of the people to give the best available and affordable education to their children. However, this sharp rise in educational expenditure comes with a lot of challenges. Quality education to all is a fundamental right and it is evident that there is a direct relationship between

public investment in education, child development and empowerment. The disparity in income along with the pandemic situation has added more troubles for a lot of parents which is forcing most of them to compromise with their children education. India already has status of “Vishwa Guru” with the world’s largest higher education system with over 1000 universities and its presence in the global education field will ensure that it reaches newer heights, making education in India one of the best things for its school going children and its youth population largely. With the government’s real initiative, not only fulfilling the dream of ‘Education for All’ will be achieved but will also ensure ‘Quality Education

for All’ at affordable cost. India needs more quality institutes which can provide better education in affordable cost to common man of India. The importance of making education a priority, increasing its access, providing capable teachers, investing in their proper training, improving resources, and really finding ways to make institutions accountable for their actions, not just to the governing bodies but ultimately to the children, needs to be realized. Whether it is government, private aided, or the private unaided institutes, the question to ask is how can learning be made effective without throwing money at the problem and trying to find a temporary fix?

Education Nowadays, Vibha Singh, the Sr. Vice President of Nagar Nigam Sikshak Sangh and Principal (Nigam Pratibha.

What is yours will come to you

A student needs to get inspired, but how? You can do this by telling them some inspirational stories. A best inspirational story builds up sympathy, wisdom, and love in them to lead their life happily. Our magazine is going to portray some inspirational stories in each edition. So sit back and start reading.

This story is upon the following saying

Being persistent and never giving up even after so many failures that you faced in the past is of great importance. A girl in her very teenage lost her father to an accident, and her mother was severely ill to take care of her. She was left all alone by everyone. She managed to do all the household chores, take care of her mother, study, and then doing 2-3 part-time jobs to fulfill their needs.

At a very young age, she faced so many things that let her be rude enough. She tried her luck in her studies and did great even though she had such a tough life. Once, she made the worst decision in life to marry a guy who left her alone after their son’s birth. She broke down.

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”

--Confucius

She was not able to handle being alone again. She lost her job due to her worsening condition. She never knew what to do next, how to feed her son as well as her ailing mother. Whenever she felt down, she remembered her small son and complied herself to be strong.

She tried her luck in many companies to get a suitable job according to her family’s condition but failed. Despite so many failures, she never stopped. She kept on believing in herself and considered failures as part of learning. If she wants success, she should never give up and try again and again. It might take time but, eventually, she’ll find a better life for her and her family.

She spent day-night, sketching and planning about her start-up. For many days, she worked hard to start her small fashion boutique. It was the first milestone to her success. And the time passed, she never looked back to what happened to her in the past. Keeping herself down to earth, she climbed the stairs of success, and now she is big fame in the world of fashion. She owns a big fashion company and is MD of it. So, children, this story teaches us to never stop or get afraid of failures. You should always give your best, no matter if it takes time. So goes the adage: what is yours will come to you.

She never knew what to do next, how to feed her son as well as her ailing mother. Whenever she felt down, she remembered her small son and complied herself to be strong.

World’s fastest Human Calculator of India

Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash, a 23-yearold math magician from Hyderabad (India), is titled as the “World’s fastest Human Calculator of India” for his ability to solve multifaceted mathematical tasks at breakneck speeds. For his mathematical calculations, he holds 50 Limca records. He also won gold in the Mental Calculation World Championship at the Mind Sports Olympiad in 2020. He founded Bhanzu with the intention of overcoming math phobia. Bhanu Prakash was recently named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list in 2022. He has also spoken at several TED talks, with the goal of inspiring young people with his story and drive to succeed.

Bhanu’s goal is to eliminate math phobias and make numbers easier to understand and analyze. He believes that proper Math knowledge can prepare students to succeed in any profession.

Bhanu was born in Eluru, India, on October 13, 1999, to parents Srinivas Jonnalagadda and Hema Siva Parvathi. When he was five, he suffered a head injury that required him to be bedridden for an entire year; this was the first time he learned math and calculations, and he began competing in various competitions at that age. He was also a mathematical child from a young age. His education was completed at Hyderabad’s Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Public School. In 2020, he graduated with honors from St. Stephen’s College in Delhi with a BSc in mathematics. Neelkanth Bhanu’s name appears on numerous records. He holds several world records for arithmetic calculations.

In 2015, Neelkanth was named International Speed Math Champion ’13,’ National Speed Math Champion ’11,’ and Math Genius Award. He has numerous gold medals. Bhanu broke Shakuntala Devi’s record (adding a two-digit number to itself as many times as possible in 15 seconds) and was dubbed the “World’s Fastest Human Calculator.” “Speed is not the only criterion for appreciating numbers,” he says. Bhanu’s goal is to eliminate math phobias and make numbers easier to understand and analyze. He believes that proper Math knowledge can prepare students to succeed in any profession.

Making Math Easier Through ‘Bhanzu’

“As a math lover, I had two options: be the face of maths or the face of math’s phobia,” Bhanu said. “I chose to be the face of mathematics because I want to inspire people to love numbers through their various interests. Math phobia affects three out of every four students worldwide. This is primarily due

to students’ perceptions that math is the most difficult subject and that they do not find it relatable or interesting,” said the math wizard. Bhanu founded “Bhanzu” to make math learning easier and more enjoyable (a math educational startup to overcome the fear of maths).

After winning the Olympic Gold Medal in Mind Sports at the Mind Sports Olympics in the United Kingdom in 2020, the BBC stated, “Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash is to math (mental calculation) what Usain Bolt is to running.” When he suffered a head injury, his father gave him a puzzle, and that puzzle brought Bhanu closer to numbers, making him the fastest Human Calculator. Many international companies and leading political parties have offered him high-paying jobs, but he has turned them down. He is excelling in education, particularly in math. His works are admirable, and we hope to see more of him in the future.

CHESS PRODIGY

Praggnanandhaa

Pragg began playing chess when he was three years old because his sister Vaishali had a TV addiction and her parents wanted to wean her off the tube.

Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa (Pragg), a 17-year-old boy, has become a well-known figure in indoor sports. He is a grandmaster of Indian chess. He is a chess prodigy who earned the title of International Master at the age of ten and the title of Grandmaster at the age 12, becoming the second youngest player at the time to do so.

On 20 February 2022, he proved that ‘age is just a number’ by defeating current world champion Magnus Carlse in the eighth round of the rapid game of the Airthings Masters Rapid Chess Tournament.

Praggnanandhaa was born in a middle-class family on August 10, 2005 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. His father, Rameshbabu, is a TNSC bank branch manager, and his mother, Nagalakshmi, is a housewife. He is the younger brother of R. Vaishali, a female grandmaster and international master. In Chennai, he attends Velammal Nexus School. Pragg began playing chess when he was three years old because his sister Vaishali had a TV addiction and her parents wanted to wean her off the tube. So her parents tried chess, and Pragg followed suit. Rameshbabu and Nagalakshmi committed them to the best coaching Chess Gurukul by world’s best coach R.Ramesh when their chess knowledge became obvious.

Praggnanandhaa earned the title of FIDE master at the age of seven by winning the Youth Chess Championship Under -8 title in 2013 and thus began his life’s journey to success. In 2015, he won the Under-10 title.

Pragg became the youngest international master in history in 2016 at the age of ten years, ten months, and nineteen days, and he earned the first grandmaster norm at the World Junior Chess Championship in 2017 by finishing fourth with eight points. On April 17, 2018, he received his second norm at the Heraklion Fischer Memorial GM norm tournament in Greece. By defeating Luca Moroni in the eighth round of the Gredine Open in Urtijei, Italy, at the age of 12 years, 10 months, and 13 days, he earned the third and final norm and became the second youngest Grandmaster ever, trailing only Sergey Karjakin, who attained the title at the age of 12 years and 7 months. He is the fifth youngest Grandmaster (GM) in history, following Abhimanyu Mishra, Sergey Karjakin, Gukesh D, and Javokhir Sindarov.

Making of the Champion Par Excellence

Praggnanandhaa was invited to a four-game rapid match against Westley So in 2018. Pragg defeated So in the first game, and the score was tied at 1½1½ after three games. Unfortunately, Pragg was defeated by So in the final round, 2½-1½. But this defeat could not deter him. Praggnanandhaa tied for third place with grandmaster Alder Escobar Forero and international master Denys Shemlov in the Charlotte Chess Centre’s Winter 2018 GM norm in Charlotte, North Carolina, in January 2018.

Praggnanandhaa won the Xtracon Open in Denmark in July 2019 with a score of 8½/10 points, and he hasn’t looked back since, continuing his successful journey. On October 12, 2019, he won the World Youth Championships in the Under-18 category with a score of 9/11. He became the second youngest person to achieve a rating of 2600 in December 2019, at the age of 14 years, 3 months, and 24 days.

Julius Baer Group and Chess24.com organized a rapid online event for young talents in April 2021. Praggnanandhaa won the Polgar challenge, the first (of four) legs of the Julius Baer Challengers Chess Tour, with a score of 15.5/19, 1.5 points better than the next best competitor. Following this victory, on April 24, 2021, he qualified for the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour, finishing in 10th place with a score of 7/15(+4-5=6), including wins over Teimour Radjabov, Jan Krzysztof Duda, Sergey Karjakin, and Johansebastian Christiansen, and a draw against the world champion Magnus Carlsen.

Praggnanandhaa entered the Chess World Cup

2021 as the 90th seed and defeated grandmaster Gabriel Sargissian by 2-0 in Round 2 and grandmaster Michal Krasenkow in rapid tie breaks in Round 3. Maxime Vachier- Lagrave eliminated Praggnanandhaa in Round 4. He also competed in the Masters Section of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2022, where he defeated Andrey Esipenko, Vidit Gujrathi, and Nils Grandelius, finishing in 12th place with a total score of 5½.

A Living Legend

Praggnanandhaa made history by defeating the World Champion Magnus Carlsen in the Online Airthings Masters Rapid Tournament of the Champions Chess Tour 2022 on February 20th. With this victory, Praggnanandhaa became the third Indian player to defeat the World Champion, following Anand and Harikrishna. In May 2022, at the Chessable Masters Online Rapid Chess Tournament, he defeated Carlsen for the second time in three months, and with this victory, Praggnanandhaa advanced to the finals. In the FTX Crypto Cup 2022, he also defeated Carlsen three times. However, he could only finish second in the overall standings.

Praggnanandhaa was asked by a media outlet how he planned to celebrate his victory in February 2022. “I think it’s just about going to bed,” he replied. He has only just begun his path to success, but has made India proud. He has demonstrated that age is irrelevant. We should take lessons from him. We should appreciate all of our country’s children and instill in them the belief that they can achieve anything if they work hard and with all of their hearts.