"School bags in the State set to become lighter" screamed a recent headline. That must have sounded like music to the ears of parents (especially mothers) and children considering that the fervent pleas for weight reduction had fallen on deaf ears all these years. Out of compulsion, children had to adopt a "heavy-handed" approach while going to and returning from the school in the last couple of decades. It is a moot point if children gained expertise in sifting information, but undoubtedly they became adept in lifting information!
I was wondering what would have been prompting the schools and the authorities to proclaim a "Big Bag theory" and insist on total adherence to that. Silent moments, deeper contemplations led to these Revelations:
a) The inability of a billion plus nation to bag (again!) gold medals in World sporting events in categories such as weight-lifting has been a cause of heart-burn. Now, what better way to provide opportunities and groom children than when going to school? Be it a flyweight or featherweight, lightweight or a heavyweight, it is only a question of time before these medals belong to India.
b) As the nation looks for more and more leaders, a vital attribute that is sought after is their ability to shoulder responsibilities.Precisely what this ingenious plan has been striving for with the future leaders!
c) "What is not bent at Five cannot be bent at Fifty" is an ancient wisdom. Start the bending at five, so that it is complete by fifteen!
d) Being prepared for many (if not all) scenarios is an important aspect of learning. Carrying all the books, all the note-books, all the records, all the instruments effortlessly imparts this concept to the children.
The ringing of the door bell ended my contemplative mood. It was my younger daughter and her sweet look conveyed that she was looking for something. "Dad, need a small help!" she said. "Yes my dear!" I assured. "Dad, I have brought it all the way from the main gate. Can you please help me now?", she enquired. "What is it?" was my query. Tiredness evident, came her reply, "My School bag"!
I was wondering what would have been prompting the schools and the authorities to proclaim a "Big Bag theory" and insist on total adherence to that. Silent moments, deeper contemplations led to these Revelations:
a) The inability of a billion plus nation to bag (again!) gold medals in World sporting events in categories such as weight-lifting has been a cause of heart-burn. Now, what better way to provide opportunities and groom children than when going to school? Be it a flyweight or featherweight, lightweight or a heavyweight, it is only a question of time before these medals belong to India.
b) As the nation looks for more and more leaders, a vital attribute that is sought after is their ability to shoulder responsibilities.Precisely what this ingenious plan has been striving for with the future leaders!
c) "What is not bent at Five cannot be bent at Fifty" is an ancient wisdom. Start the bending at five, so that it is complete by fifteen!
d) Being prepared for many (if not all) scenarios is an important aspect of learning. Carrying all the books, all the note-books, all the records, all the instruments effortlessly imparts this concept to the children.
The ringing of the door bell ended my contemplative mood. It was my younger daughter and her sweet look conveyed that she was looking for something. "Dad, need a small help!" she said. "Yes my dear!" I assured. "Dad, I have brought it all the way from the main gate. Can you please help me now?", she enquired. "What is it?" was my query. Tiredness evident, came her reply, "My School bag"!
