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A gentleman went to a circus manager and asked if he was interested in something unique. The circus manager replied,
"Yes, it's my job to showcase such things for my audiences."
The man took out a small dog and a petite piano from his suitcase. The dog started playing the piano very well. Just then a big dog came into the room and swiftly seized the smaller canine in its jaws and took him away. Bewildered, the circus manager asked what was going on. The man replied,
"The big dog is the father, who wants his son to become a doctor."
This joke pertinently mirrors the prevalent situation in many households across the nation. There exists a prevailing desire among parents to steer their offspring toward professions in medicine and engineering, often devoid of an understanding of their true inclinations. While parents undoubtedly harbour noble aspirations for their children's future, unwittingly, they inflict unintended harm by directing them toward the rigours of "Kota Factory."
Kota in Rajasthan is renowned as the prolific factory of producing doctors and engineers. Doting parents from across the country send their children to see this transformation.
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The annual influx of about 2 lakh students need board and lodging, transportation, study materials etc. These hapless students with hope of cracking IIT-JEE, NEET, CLAT etc, have to cope with financial, societal, parental and peer pressure in addition to a punishing academic schedule.
Have a look at economics. Coaching institutes are earning a lot of money in Kota. The revenue of about 150 coaching centers in the city is estimated to be Rs 6000 crore. The annual remuneration for a star trainer ranges from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 2 crore, as they are very concerned about their image and brand name.
Coaching institutes mislead students and their parents by highlighting successes and covering up failures. They recruit everyone, but then segregate students based on their performance in periodic tests conducted by them. The marginalised students have to bear the brunt of poor performance. There is hardly any student-friendly environment for them.
Students find themselves distanced from the comforts of home and parental guidance, a factor contributing to their struggles and, regrettably, even suicidal tendencies. Rather than cherishing moments with their families, engaging in meaningful conversations, and seeking valuable counsel, they often become ensnared by their smartphones.
These adolescents are already going through a stressful period of physical and psychological development which exacerbate their confusion, insecurity and internal conflicts. Beyond academic pursuits, the financial strain on parents also constitutes a significant source of stress for students.
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Relentless study impacts their physical and mental health. They don't go for outdoor games. Instead they stay indoors and start suffering from headache, eyestrain, cervical pain and obesity.
Overall the result is appalling. Kota has been in the headlines in the last month. So far this year 23 (6 in August itself) committed suicide Around 100 students in the parallel education industry of Kota city have become victims of the suicide bug.
The question is why Kota alone? Because of their track record. Yes, many students from those institutions have been successful, but not all. This must be kept in mind.
There were no such organized coaching classes when we were children. Weren't students then becoming IAS, IPS, doctors or engineers?
A one-size-fits-all solution is never a solution. Most of these hapless students want to do something other than becoming doctors or engineers, but parents force them to join the rat race.
Certainly, it is imperative for both state and central governments to implement resolute measures to safeguard the well-being of innocent children. Nevertheless, the initial steps towards this noble endeavor must be taken by parents. Charity begins at home.
--Kaushal Kishore
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