Monday, 23 November 2015
Friday, 20 November 2015
ടീച്ചിംഗ് പ്രാക്ടീസ് വിജയകരമായി ഇന്നു ITHITHANAM H S S CHANGANCHERRY ഇല്
പൂര്ത്തിയായി .കഴിഞ്ഞു പോയ രണ്ടു മാസം നല്ല അനുഭവമായിരുന്നു അധ്യാപന
മേഖലയിലേക്കുള്ള ചുവടുവയിപ്പ് ആയിരിക്കാം ഇത് .വര്ഷങ്ങള്ക്ക് ശേഷം സ്കൂൾ
ലൈഫ് ലേക്ക് തിരിച്ചു പോയപോലെ തോന്നി പക്ഷെ റോളുകൾ മാറി എന്നു മാത്രം.
വര്ഷങ്ങള്ക്ക് ശേഷം ഉച്ചകഞ്ഞി യുടെ സ്വാദ് അറിഞ്ഞു ..പക്ഷെ
കാലങ്ങൾക്കിപ്പുറം ഉച്ചകഞ്ഞി ചോറ് ആയി രൂപാന്ദരപ്പെടുകയുണ്ടായി ..5
മിനുട്ട് വൈകിയാൽ രൂക്ഷമായി നോക്കിയിരുന്ന HM പക്ഷെ ഇന്നു ഒരുപാടു
സ്നേഹത്ത്ടെ സംസാരിച്ചു ആശംസകൾ നേർന്നു..ഇത്രയും നാൾ നല്കിയ സഹകരണത്തിന്
പ്രിയ അധ്യാപകരോടും സ്നേഹോപഹാരം നല്കി യാത്രയാക്കിയ പ്രിയ
വിദ്യാർഥികൾക്കും നന്ദി രേഖപ്പെടുത്തുന്നു ....
നിനക്ക് നേരെ അടയുന്ന വാതിലുകള്, നിനക്കെതിരെ ഉയരുന്ന ചോദ്യ ശരങ്ങള്,
നിനക്ക് നഷ്ടമാകുന്ന സൌഹൃദ കൂട്ടങ്ങള്, തുടര്ച്ചയായ
പരാജയങ്ങള്..,ഇവയെല്ലാം നിനക്ക് വേണ്ടിയുള്ള
ദൈവത്തിന്റെ കരുതലുകളാണ്..ഇന്നലെ വരെ നീയായിരുന്ന അവസ്ഥയില് നിന്ന്
ഇനിയും മെച്ചമാകേണ്ട അവസ്ഥയിലേക്ക് എത്തിക്കുവാന് നിന്നെ വലയം
ചെയ്തിരിക്കുന്ന സ്നേഹം കാണിക്കുന്ന ചില ചെറു കുസൃതികള്......
സ്നേഹത്തിന്റെ ചട്ടക്കൂടുകൾക്ക് ഒരു പൊളിച്ചെഴുത്തൊക്കെ
അത്യാവശ്യമാണ്..ഇതല്ല സ്നേഹം, ഇതേ അല്ല സ്നേഹം, സ്നേഹത്തെ പലപോഴും
നിര്വച്ചനങ്ങള്ക്ക് ഉള്ളിലാക്കിയതാണ് നമുക്ക് പറ്റിയ തെറ്റ് , നിന്റെ
സ്നേഹം , നീ സ്നേഹിക്കപെടണ്ട ആളുകള്, നിന്റെ സ്നേഹ പരിസരങ്ങള്
ഇവക്കൊക്കെയും സാഹചര്യം പോലെ അര്ത്ഥം കൊടുത്തു കാത്തു
സൂക്ഷിക്കുമ്പോഴാണ് പലയിടത്തും നമ്മള് തളര്ന്നു പോകുന്നത്.
ചില മനുഷ്യരെ കണ്ടിട്ടില്ലേ, പുറമേയുള്ള സാഹചര്യങ്ങള് നിരാശപെടുത്തുമ്പോഴും ജീവിതത്തിന്റെ താളം നഷ്ടപെടുത്താതെ ഓരോ ചലനത്തിലും ഉള്ളിലെ സ്പന്ദനത്തിനു കാതോര്ത്തു നന്ദിയോടെ ജീവിക്കുന്നവര്. അവര് ഇങ്ങനെ സ്നേഹിക്കുകയാണ്..,വരുന്നവരും പോകുന്നവരും നെഞ്ചില് അണി തറച്ചുനോക്കി തളര്ത്തുമ്പോഴും എന്തെ നിങ്ങള്ക്കിങ്ങനോക്കെ ചിരിക്കാന് പറ്റുന്നു..? സ്നേഹിക്കുന്നവരെ മാത്രം തിരികെ സ്നേഹിക്കാവൂ എന്നൊക്കെ എവിടെയാ പറഞ്ഞേക്കുന്നത് എന്നൊരു മറു ചോദ്യത്തിനു മുൻപിൽ വല്ലാതെ നിശബ്ദരാകുന്നു നമ്മള്...
മെഴുകുതിരി വെട്ടങ്ങളില് ദൈവം പുഞ്ചിരിക്കുന്നുണ്ട് എന്ന് പറയുന്നൊരു ചങ്ങാതി ഉണ്ട് . അങ്ങനെ ഘോഷിക്കാന് മാത്രം ഒന്നും ജീവിതം നല്കിയിട്ടില്ലെങ്കിലും അവന് എന്നും ചിരിച്ചും ചിരിപ്പിച്ചും ഉത്സവം തീര്ക്കുമായിരുന്നു . ചില ചിരികള് ഒക്കെ അങ്ങനെയാണ്, ഉള്ളില് കനലെരിയുമ്പോഴും അവര് ഇങ്ങനെ പുഞ്ചിരിക്കും മനസ്സില് നിന്ന്.. ചില ബോധ്യങ്ങളുടെ, അടുപ്പങ്ങളുടെ,കരുതലുകളുടെ, ഒക്കെയും ഓര്മ്മകള് മനസ്സിൽ ഉണ്ടാകുമ്പോള് പിന്നെ അവര്ക്ക് വീണു കിടക്കാന് സാധ്യമല്ലലോ..! എങ്ങനെ ആണ് അവരെ ഒക്കെ ഒന്ന് കൈ കുപ്പിയല്ലാതെ നോക്കാന് പോലും കഴിയുക, ചങ്ങാതി നിന്നെ കുന്തിരിക്കം മണക്കുന്നു ...
പറഞ്ഞു വന്നത് സ്നേഹത്തെ പറ്റിയുള്ള ധാരണകള് തിരുത്താന് സമയമായി എന്നു തന്നെ ആണ് , ഇനിയും വെളിപെടുവാന് പോകുന്ന ഏതോ ലക്ഷ്യങ്ങള്ക്ക് വേണ്ടി നിന്നെ പ്രചോദിപ്പിക്കുന്ന എന്തിനെയും ഇനി സ്നേഹം എന്ന് വിളിക്കാം , അപ്പൊ ചില സ്നേഹവലയങ്ങളെ ഇനി ദൈവം എന്നും വിളിക്കാം അല്ലെ ...? അല്ല ദൈവം കൊണ്ട് തരുന്ന എന്റെ സ്നേഹകൂട്ടങ്ങള്...! അതെ അങ്ങനെയും പറയാം...
ഇനി മുതല് പ്രാര്ത്ഥനകളില് ഈ ഗുരുമൊഴി കൂടി ചേര്ക്കേണ്ടിയിരിക്കുന്നു...
“മാഹാകരുണ്യമേ നിന്റെ പ്രണയപ്രവാഹത്തി ല് ഒരുപൂവിതള്പോലെ ഞാനടര്ന്നുവീഴട്ടെ, അജ്ഞാതമായ സ്ഥലികകളിലൂടെ ഇമയടയാത്ത നിന്റെ ശ്രദ്ധ പൊതിഞ്ഞും പുണര്ന്നും ഇവനെ നിനക്കിഷ്ട്ടമുള്ളിടത്തെക്ക് കൂട്ടിക്കൊണ്ടുപോവുക .” Courtsy:Rinu Boby
ചില മനുഷ്യരെ കണ്ടിട്ടില്ലേ, പുറമേയുള്ള സാഹചര്യങ്ങള് നിരാശപെടുത്തുമ്പോഴും ജീവിതത്തിന്റെ താളം നഷ്ടപെടുത്താതെ ഓരോ ചലനത്തിലും ഉള്ളിലെ സ്പന്ദനത്തിനു കാതോര്ത്തു നന്ദിയോടെ ജീവിക്കുന്നവര്. അവര് ഇങ്ങനെ സ്നേഹിക്കുകയാണ്..,വരുന്നവരും പോകുന്നവരും നെഞ്ചില് അണി തറച്ചുനോക്കി തളര്ത്തുമ്പോഴും എന്തെ നിങ്ങള്ക്കിങ്ങനോക്കെ ചിരിക്കാന് പറ്റുന്നു..? സ്നേഹിക്കുന്നവരെ മാത്രം തിരികെ സ്നേഹിക്കാവൂ എന്നൊക്കെ എവിടെയാ പറഞ്ഞേക്കുന്നത് എന്നൊരു മറു ചോദ്യത്തിനു മുൻപിൽ വല്ലാതെ നിശബ്ദരാകുന്നു നമ്മള്...
മെഴുകുതിരി വെട്ടങ്ങളില് ദൈവം പുഞ്ചിരിക്കുന്നുണ്ട് എന്ന് പറയുന്നൊരു ചങ്ങാതി ഉണ്ട് . അങ്ങനെ ഘോഷിക്കാന് മാത്രം ഒന്നും ജീവിതം നല്കിയിട്ടില്ലെങ്കിലും അവന് എന്നും ചിരിച്ചും ചിരിപ്പിച്ചും ഉത്സവം തീര്ക്കുമായിരുന്നു . ചില ചിരികള് ഒക്കെ അങ്ങനെയാണ്, ഉള്ളില് കനലെരിയുമ്പോഴും അവര് ഇങ്ങനെ പുഞ്ചിരിക്കും മനസ്സില് നിന്ന്.. ചില ബോധ്യങ്ങളുടെ, അടുപ്പങ്ങളുടെ,കരുതലുകളുടെ, ഒക്കെയും ഓര്മ്മകള് മനസ്സിൽ ഉണ്ടാകുമ്പോള് പിന്നെ അവര്ക്ക് വീണു കിടക്കാന് സാധ്യമല്ലലോ..! എങ്ങനെ ആണ് അവരെ ഒക്കെ ഒന്ന് കൈ കുപ്പിയല്ലാതെ നോക്കാന് പോലും കഴിയുക, ചങ്ങാതി നിന്നെ കുന്തിരിക്കം മണക്കുന്നു ...
പറഞ്ഞു വന്നത് സ്നേഹത്തെ പറ്റിയുള്ള ധാരണകള് തിരുത്താന് സമയമായി എന്നു തന്നെ ആണ് , ഇനിയും വെളിപെടുവാന് പോകുന്ന ഏതോ ലക്ഷ്യങ്ങള്ക്ക് വേണ്ടി നിന്നെ പ്രചോദിപ്പിക്കുന്ന എന്തിനെയും ഇനി സ്നേഹം എന്ന് വിളിക്കാം , അപ്പൊ ചില സ്നേഹവലയങ്ങളെ ഇനി ദൈവം എന്നും വിളിക്കാം അല്ലെ ...? അല്ല ദൈവം കൊണ്ട് തരുന്ന എന്റെ സ്നേഹകൂട്ടങ്ങള്...! അതെ അങ്ങനെയും പറയാം...
ഇനി മുതല് പ്രാര്ത്ഥനകളില് ഈ ഗുരുമൊഴി കൂടി ചേര്ക്കേണ്ടിയിരിക്കുന്നു...
“മാഹാകരുണ്യമേ നിന്റെ പ്രണയപ്രവാഹത്തി ല് ഒരുപൂവിതള്പോലെ ഞാനടര്ന്നുവീഴട്ടെ, അജ്ഞാതമായ സ്ഥലികകളിലൂടെ ഇമയടയാത്ത നിന്റെ ശ്രദ്ധ പൊതിഞ്ഞും പുണര്ന്നും ഇവനെ നിനക്കിഷ്ട്ടമുള്ളിടത്തെക്ക് കൂട്ടിക്കൊണ്ടുപോവുക .” Courtsy:Rinu Boby
Tuesday, 28 July 2015
Wednesday, 8 July 2015
GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING: What is Counselling? Meaning ,Need and Significanc...
GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING: What is Counselling? Meaning ,Need and Significanc...: a) MEANING OF COUNSELLING Counselling is the service offered to the individual who is under going a problem and needs professional help to ...
Monday, 15 June 2015
20 Things People Don’t Do In a Healthy Relationship
1. Get too serious, too quickly.
It can be tempting to contemplate the future with your partner, but
to get there, you have to build on the present moment. You have to
immerse yourself in the now with that person if you want to make the
journey into the future with them. Take things day by day instead, and
just enjoy the person’s company without feeling the need to live too far
in the future.
2. Use the relationship to fill a void.
Many people look to others to distract them from inner problems or
heal their own pain. While other people can definitely make you feel
happy, you should never rely solely on them to alleviate emptiness or
loneliness. Become so happy with yourself and your life that a
relationship only adds to your happiness, not serves as your only source
for it.
3. Never expect challenges or problems to arise.
Some conflict will inevitably occur in any close relationships. A
disagreement here and there does not automatically mean that you and the
other person should go your separate ways; rather, it just gives you
both opportunities to grow closer and learn from one another.
4. Let the fear of getting hurt overwhelm them.
We all have been hurt in some way or another, but in the end, love
will always prevail. If you really feel a connection with someone, see
where it leads rather than cutting them off due to past pain. When you
hold back, you halt any progression the relationship might make; healthy
relationships require openness and vulnerability in order to last in
the long run.
5. Withholding the truth.
When asked about the most important quality a person can possess,
most people quickly say “trust.” If two people don’t have that, the
foundation of the relationship will quickly crumble once the truth
finally comes to the surface. Healthy relationships require two people
committed to sharing their darkest secrets and most authentic self no
matter what.
6. Expressing fake feelings.
Telling a person you just don’t feel the same way can cause
discomfort, especially if the other person really likes you. Don’t ever
feel wrong for letting them down – being honest with them, no matter how
they react, will allow them to move on without getting too heavily
invested in the relationship in the first place.
7. Repressing their best self.
If you don’t show other people your authentic nature, they will never
get the opportunity to know the real you. By letting your inner light
shine through, you will just feel more alive and can better gauge the
connection between you and the other person.
8. Waiting for another person to approve who you are.
No one needs approval to simply be themselves – we can all express
ourselves fully without having to check with someone else for
validation. Healthy relationships should consist of two whole, confident
people who have worked on creating their best selves and can offer this
to someone else without reservation.
9. Holding grudges.
Even people who love you might hurt you unintentionally – to keep a
healthy relationship, though, it requires forgiveness and understanding.
Even if the incident means parting ways, letting go of the hurt is the
only way to restore inner peace.
10. Living in the past.
Focusing on the wrongdoings and mistakes that people in your past
made will only make you feel negative about your current relationship.
Let go and leave those relationships where they belong – fixating on
prior pain will only cause more to appear…what you resist persists.
11. Expecting their lover to always carry their weight.
People sometimes go through deep struggles that you may not know
about. Understand that your partner can still love you, but just be
unable to carry the burden of your problems on top of theirs at the
moment.
12. Defining people solely by their flaws.
People in healthy relationships lift each other up, not cut each
other down. Everyone has imperfections, but they don’t make up the
totality of someone’s character. Choose to see the beauty in others, and
you will see more of that in yourself.
13. Giving with expectations of receiving.
If you can only give to someone else when they promise something in
return, you will always attract self-seeking types of people. Give just
because you can, and you will inevitably gain more as a result. The
universe will always offer the same energy that you give out.
14. Taking relationships for granted.
People need validation that they matter, even if they have a lot of
confidence in themselves. Show or tell people you care, otherwise, they
won’t feel like they make any sort of impact on your life, or contribute
at all to your happiness.
15. Leaving during tough times.
True relationships can weather any type of storm, and don’t just
stick around for the happy times. People in healthy relationships want
to help one another through the trying times, too, because they
genuinely care.
16. Trying to change the other person.
If you don’t like the other person as they are, you probably should
find another partner who aligns more with your own values and
personality. Healthy relationships thrive when both people absolutely
love one another and can thoroughly enjoy each other’s company.
17. A need to talk (without listening).
Healthy relationships require some talking, and a whole lot of
listening. Sometimes, the best gift you can give is silence. When you
open your heart and ears to listen, you allow a space for the other
person to talk openly and really be understood.
18. Staying with someone just because it feels comfortable.
If someone doesn’t encourage you to grow and create yourself by
trying new things, it might be time to leave them behind. Relationships
should help you reach new heights, not hold you back.
19. Feeling jealous when the other person succeeds.
You should feel happy when other people reach a new goal or
accomplish an exciting feat – jealousy leads to self-hatred and will
only impede your own growth. People in healthy relationships want to see
the other person thrive and support their dreams.
20. Say “yes” all the time just to avoid conflict.
If you only say what the other person wants to hear, you will soon
fall out of sync with your intuitive needs. Honor yourself always, even
if that means disagreeing with someone. They will probably respect you
more for speaking up, and you can usually find some way to compromise
with the other person, anyway.
Friday, 5 June 2015
INDIAN SECULARISM
Secularism in India refers to the equal status and treatment of all religions.
The dictionary meaning of the word ‘secularism’ is skepticism in matters of religion. But we, in India, use the work in a broader sense. We use the word to mean impartiality or non-interference by the Government of the country in matters of religion. Independent India is one of the largest states in the world of today with a population of nearly 120 crores. This vast population is made up of people professing different religions like Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Jainism, Christianity etc. and practicing different religious rites.
One of India’s guiding principles in impartiality in religious matters. India wants her citizens to cling to any religion they like without any government interference. And this noble decision of the Indian Government is unequivocally proclaimed in the amended Preamble to the Constitution of our country.
Importance of Secularism in India:
Secularism and Democracy are two remarkable achievements of independent India. These two achievements have stood the test of time and set the goal of the nation on religious and political fronts. The State, remaining free from religious obligations, can take a tolerant attitude towards every religion and can pursue the ideal of achieving the well-being of the people, irrespective of caste, creed, religion etc.Challenges and Threats to Secularism in India:
Secularism is, no doubt, an ideal principle. But in practice it is not so easy to follow. The vulnerable point in India is the deep religious sentiment prevailing among its different religious communities.Both Hindu and Muslim fundamentalists in India are whipping up this sentiment of the staunch adherents of these religions, most of whom are either illiterate or semi-literate. This is a threat to the Secular principles of India.
India, moreover, has failed to fulfill some of the important conditions laid in the Constitution. Education has not been given the priority that it deserves. The condition of backwardness – poverty, population explosion and environmental pollution – prevails in the country in alarming proportions. The fundamentalists fish in this troubled water.
The secular parties, too, cannot exonerate themselves from their share of blame. They cannot ignore the existence of fanaticism in the body politic. It is very often seen that in the time of elections most of the political parties completely forget this noble ideal of secularism and woo the voters even on communal or cast lines. These acts are not done out of ignorance, but are due to compromise of convenience. It is the duty of the secular and democratic forces to rally behind those political forces that really profess and practice secularism.
The various aspects of Indian social life most affected by the process of secularisation are discussed below.
1. Decline in the Concept of Purity and Pollution:
To understand and evaluate the process of secularisation and its impact on social change in modern India, we have to take into account the traditional values of purity and pollution So that we may know the difference between the traditional system and the modern Traditionally, purity was given an important place in the life of an individual and also in public life.The concept of purity included the purity of body and mind, and development of spiritualism and a life of sacredness. Any person who violated the principles of purity was considered as impure and had to undergo certain rituals to purify himself so that he could become a member of the society and could lead a normal life. Under the impact of secularisation, there are profound changes in Hindu society regarding purity and pollution.
(a) Caste System:
The traditional Hindu society was divided into four castes. The untouchables were not included in the four-fold division of the society. On the basis of the concept of purity and pollution, social distance was maintained between the four castes.If a high caste person came in contact with a person of low caste, he became polluted and impure. Many actions are regarded as impure; in particular if a high caste person does actions reserved for the low castes, he will get stained by impurity. Similarly, the sentiment of untouchability is linked with this feeling of impurity. As a result of the process of secularisation, the traditional concepts of purity and pollution have declined in these aspects.
(b) Restriction of lnterdining:
In traditional Hindu society, many restrictions were imposed on the high caste people regarding interdining. If a person of a high caste started eating meat and drinking wine, he became impure and had to undergo purificatory rites. Due to secularisation, restrictions on dining have disappeared.(c) Occupational Purity:
Traditionally, some occupations were regarded as pure and some as impure. For example, those castes which worked with their hands were regarded as impure because they had to touch dirty things. Therefore, high caste people were forbidden to do dirty works so that they may not become impure. The traditional idea of purity and pollution associated with occupation has declined. Now people of all castes are taking to all types of occupations.(d) Purity in day-to-day life:
Traditionally purity and pollution were associated with day-to-day life. For example, a person was not allowed to shave on Tuesday and Thursday. A woman was considered impure while menstruating and the food cooked by her was considered impure. A person coming into contact with the Barber was supposed to become impure. Under the impact of secularization, the concept of purity and pollution has declined. Now-a-days a menstruating woman freely moves everywhere and does all the household duties. She is no longer considered impure.In the twenty first century we find that the traditional concepts of purity and impurity and the restrictions imposed on individual by tradition are declining. The English educated young men and women are averse to considering anything pure or impure merely because of religious sanction. Now the criterion of pure and impure is not religious scripture but the rules of hygiene. ,
2. Decline in the Rituals of Life Cycles:
Traditionally, we find in Hindu society that many rituals have been associated with the life cycles. A person has to go through these rituals from birth to death. As a result of the process of secularisation, the life cycle rituals are coming to an end. The important rituals which are now declining may be mentioned in the following manner:(a) Name giving Ceremony:
Traditionally, we find that a Pandit was invited at the time of birth of a child who prepared his horoscope. Similarly, the Pandit gave a particular name to the child on the basis of the position of his stars. In this manner, a person had to have two names. First, the name given at birth by the Pandit and second, the name by which he was addressed in public life. Now-a-days the traditional name giving ceremony has come to an end.(b) Upanayana Samskara:
It is believed that every Hindu is a Sudra at the time of birth and he becomes pure only after the Upanayana Samskara. Therefore, he is called a twice- born; first, it is the physical birth and second, the life which starts after the initiation ceremony. As a result of the process of secularisation, modern Hindus have ignored this important ceremony of purification.(c) Vidyarambha Samskara:
Traditionally, the education of a Hindu child started only after Vidyarambha Samskara and a priest was called to initiate the child in process of education. Now no Vidyarambha Samskara is performed and people started the education the child as soon as he can move about in the houses. Apart from this, modern education has be cm secular. In this manner, the important Samskara of educates come to a 5 dine and this is the result of the process of secularisation in modern India(d) Marriage Ceremony:
Traditionally Hindu marriage was regarded as a religious sacrament and a person could enter into matrimony only after going through certain rituals. Now as a result of the process of secularisation, the institution of marriage is no longer regarded religious. On the one hand, some people a-e getting married through the court and on the other hand, even those persons who are getting married through Vedic rites have cut down the elaborate marriage rites and rituals as a result of secularization.(e) To start a Business:
Traditionally, it was considered necessary to rites and rituals before a person started any business. Now as a result of the process or Secularisation these rites and rituals as ceremonies connected with the starting of business have come to a decline.(f) Status of Women:
Traditionally it was regarded that a woman should follow the wishes’ of her husband because he was equal to God. As a result of the conception of Pati Parmeshwar the wife ate only when her husband had eaten and slept only when her husband had’ slept. Now, owing to secularisation, these rules are no longer followed.(g) Religious Rites:
Sandhya and Upasna: It was the duty of every householder to perform puja five to seven times in the day and only then his day became reasonably good. As a result of secularisation, the daily worship has been cut short and some people do no worship at all.(h) Religious Functions:
Traditionally, a lot of money and time was spent on religious ceremonies and functions but as a result of process of secularisation, religious actives ties have come to a decline. Even it a person goes to a place of worship or pilgrimage first of all he tries to find out a suitable place to stay in a dharamshala or a hotel and then a one he goes for darshan. In this manner, the feeling of religiosity is considered unimportant.(i) Foreign Travel:
Previously foreign travel was prohibited on grounds of religion and the concept of purity and pollution played an important role in hindering foreign travel. As a result of the process of secularisation, this is no longer so and hose people who go abroad have no longer to undergo purifactory rites to become ritually clean.Thus it can be seen that the rites and rituals connected with the life cycle of an individual ‘are undergoing important changes. We are moving from religiosity to a secular way of life Changes are taking place in the status of widows, marriage institutions and attitude towards education.
Monday, 1 June 2015
FEATURES OF INDIAN CONSTITUTION
Typically, democratic constitutions are classified into two categories - Unitary and Federal. In a unitary constitution, all the powers are concentrated in a central authority. The states or the constituents of the country are subordinate to such central authority. In a federal constitution, powers are distributed among the center and the states. States are not subordinates of the center. According to Prof. Wheare, the constitutions of USA, Australia, and Switzerland are prime examples of a federal constitution.
Dr. Ambedkar has categorically said in Constituent Assembly discussions that notwithstanding certain provisions that centralize the powers, Indian Constitution is essentially federal. Prof. Wheare and some other academicians, however, are hesitant in calling it a federal constitution and prefer to term it as "quasi-federal" or "federal with strong centralizing tendency".
Though, it should be noted that even prof. Wheare accepts the existence of certain provisions in the American constitution, such as dependence of Senate on States, that are contrary to federal character. However, he says that while the principles of federalism should be rigid, the terminology of "federal constitution" should be wide. A constitution should be called federal if it displays federal character predominantly.
The following are the defining features of federalism;
1. Distribution of Powers between center and states.
2. Supremacy of the Constitution.
3. Written Constitution.
4. Rigidity of the Constitution.
5. Independent Judiciary.
All the above characteristics are present in the Indian Constitution. However, there are certain provisions that affect its federal character.
1. Appointment of the Governor of a State
Art 155 and 156 provide that the Governor, who is the constitutional head of a State, is to be appointed by the President and stays only until the pleasure of the President. Further, that the Governor can send the laws made by the state for assent from the President, who can veto the law.
It should be noted that Governor is only a ceremonial held and he works on the advice of council of ministers. In past 50 yrs, there has been only one case (re Kerala Education Bill), where amendments to a state law were asked by the center and that too after the opinion of the Supreme Court. Thus, it does not tarnish the federal character and states are quite free from outside control.
2. Power of the parliament to make laws on subjects in the State list.
Under art 249, center is empowered to make laws on subjects in the state list. On the face of it, it looks a direct assault on the power of the states. However, this power is not unlimited. It is exercised only on the matters of national importance and that too if the Rajya Sabha agrees with 2/3 majority. It should be noted that Rajya Sabha is nothing but the representative of the states. So an approval by Rajya Sabha means that States themselves are giving the power to the center to make law on that subject.
3. Power to form new states and to change existing boundaries
Under Art 3, center can change the boundaries of existing states and can carve out new states. This should be seen in the perspective of the historical situation at the time of independence. At that time there were no independent states. There were only provinces that were formed by the British based on administrative convenience. At that time States were artificially created and a provision to alter the boundaries and to create new states was kept so that appropriate changes could be made as per requirement. It should be noted that British India did not have states similar to the States in the USA.
4. Emergency Provisions
Center has the power to take complete control of the State in the following 3 situations :
An act of foreign aggression or internal armed rebellion (Art 352)
Failure of constitutional machinery in a state (art 356)
Financial Emergency (art 360)
In all the above cases, an elected state government can lose control of the state and a central rule can be established. In the first case, it is very clear that such a provision is not only justified but necessary to protect the existence of a state. A state cannot be left alone to defend itself from outside aggression. In the third case also, it is justified because a financial emergency could cause severe stress among the population, plunge the country into chaos and jeopardize the existence of the whole country. Such provisions exist even in USA. The second provision is most controversial. It gives the center the power to take over the control of a state. However, such an action can be taken only upon the advice of the governor and such an advice is not beyond the purview of the Supreme Court. In a recent case, Supreme court ruled that the imposition of Presidential rule in the state of Bihar was unconstitutional.
Thus, it can be safely said that Indian Constitution is primarily federal in nature even though it has unique features that enable it to assume unitary features upon the time of need.
Features of Indian Constitution
Constitution was written by a committee headed by Dr Ambedkar. Took 2 yrs, 11 mos, 18 days. Adopted on 26th Nov (celebrated as Law Day), enforced fully on 26th Jan.
Longest written constitution - 447 articles, 26 parts, 12 schedules. Original US constitution had 7 articles and Australia had 128.
Establishment of sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, republic.
Parliamentary form of govt.
Unique blend of Federal and Unitary features
Independent and supreme Judiciary - Keshavand Bharati vs State of Kerala & L Chandra Kumar vs Union of India
Advisory Jurisdiction of SC - Art 143 - Does not exist in US constitution.
Rigidity and flexibility
Emergency Provisions
Single Citizenship
Single Electorate / Adult Suffrage
Positive Secularism - St. Xavier's College vs State of Gujarat , S R Bommai vs Union of India, Aruna Rai vs Union of India
Indian Socialism - Combination of Marxist and Gandhian ideology. Right to work is absent.
Economic Democracy
Other features
Fundamental rights - J Bhagvati in Menaka Gandhi vs Union of India
Directive Principles - Unnikrishnan vs State of AP - Directive Principles are as good as fundamental rights.
Fundamental Duties
Saturday, 30 May 2015
Value Education
Value education is ingrained in every tradition of lndia culture. Yet it is a matter of great regret that gradually we are lasing our values with the result that we tend to become cornet and hypocrite. This trend must be checked urgently. Perhaps a major responsibility for the corrective action lies on our leaders in different walks of life. Nevertheless educational institutions can also play a significant role in die promotion of values.
The ultimate good of human society is the good of all. The idea has been beautifully expressed in one of our ancient prayers "Let all be happy free from diseases, let men sec well of one-another, let there be no sorrow or unhappiness in this world". Value education is rooted in Indian philosophy and culture.
The Vedas and Upanishads which are the source of inspiration are full of value education. Value education is important at every point of life. In the Vedic period when a Shishya completed his education in Aashram at the feet of his Gum, he was exhorted by his Guru to follow certain values throughout his life, like "Speak truth; fulfil your duties, never lax in self- study". The central task of value based education is to develop men of goodwill who do not cheat, or steal, or kill; universal individuals who value as one both self and mankind.
R.W. Emerson has described the men of value as:
Not gold, but only men can make A people great and strong men Who far truth and honor's sake Steadfast and suffer long Brave men, who work while others sleep Who dare while others fly They build a nation's pillars deep And lift them to the sky.
Meaning of Term Value
Value means primarily to prize, to esteem, to appraise, to estimate, it means the act of cherishing something, holding it dear and also the act of passing judgment upon the nature and amounts of values as compared with something else. A value stands for ideas men live for. They are the part and parcel of the philosophy of a nation and that of its educational system. They are the guiding principles of life.
Various Values
The ideals contained in the constitution are: - socialist, secular, democratic, justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, dignity of the individual and integrity of the nation. Naturally, therefore, our values in life must draw their inspiration from these ideals. Earlier die University Education Commission 1948-49 mentioned the various aspects of morality as: loyalty, courage, discipline, self- sacrifice and spirituality.
The Secondary Education Commission 1952-53 laid special emphasis on the following values in the formation of character of the students:
1. Efficiency
2. Integrity
3. Discipline
4. Co-operation
5. Good Temper.
The Committee of Religious and Moral Instruction headed by Shri Prakash made a special mention of dignity of labour, love of humanity, patriotism and self-discipline. Moral values particularly refer, to the conduct of man towards man in various situations good manners.
The Committee of Emotional Integration referred to the mutual appreciation of the various religions in the country spiritual values, national unity and the unity of mankind.
The Education Commission emphasised the inculcation of the values of cooperation and mutual regard, honesty and integrity, discipline and social responsibility. It also stressed the development of scientific temper of mind, respect for manual labour, capacity to put in hard and responsible work, respect for an proper pride in the past faith and confidence in the future, national consciousness, spirit of social service for promoting social and national integration, equally essentials are values which help to make democracy a way of life and thereby strengthen it as a form of government, readiness to appreciate other's point of view and patience.
A few examples of Human Values as contained in Various Religions Control of Anger.
Buddhism:
One should not give way to anger, but should control it.
Christianity:
The mark of Christian is love not hatred.
Confucianism:
One should so conduct oneself as lo avoid hatred or anger from others.
Hinduism:
Anger breeds confusion.
Islam:
The strong man is only he who controls himself when lie is angry.
Jainism:
Anger is not for the wise or dies religious.
Judaism:
Anger causes strife and destruction.
Sikhism:
Anger is the fire that burns me as at cremation.
Taoism:
Return anger with goodness.
Zoroastrianism:
Never give way to the deadly emotion of anger.
Need for Value Education:
The following are some reasons that may be mentioned in this connection:
(1) The progress in science and technology without simultaneous development of moral values could have serious repercussion in many areas of life. It is very essential that moral awareness is promoted to orient the progress in science and technology towards the welfare of mankind.
(2) With the general decline of traditional values, some common values should be re-discovered to unite human beings.
(3) Schools can remain hardly neutral so far value education is concerned. Teachers are always passing on some values to their students whether they are conscious of it or not through their conduct in and out of classrooms, through their selection of books to be read, through dicir choice of instructional strategic and so on. The need for a consciously planned value education programme, therefore is obvious.
(4) There is an increasing moral complexity in the contemporary world, and pupils are expected to face more complicated decision-making situations about issues involving values. They should be helped in developing the ability to make proper choices in such situations.
(5) It cannot be ignored that the rate of juvenile delinquency is increasing everywhere. It is a definite symptom of a crisis which today's youth undergoes in the process of his personal growth. In such a situation value education assumes a special significance.
Inculcation of Values:
Broadly these types of approaches have been suggested:
1. Suggestions/Including care elements in various subjects.
2. Participation/Experience/Activities.
3. Examples.
It is possible to adopt all the three methods but more reliance should be placed on participation of the students in various activities and gaining experiences in value education and care elements. Value development should be integrated through the day-to- day activities of the school.
Direct Participation in Activities:
We attach great importance to the role of indirect influence in building up good character. The school atmosphere, the personality and behaviour of the teachers, the facilities provided in the school, will have a large say in developing a sense of values. We would like to emphasize that the consciousness of values must permeate the whole curriculum and the programme of activities in the school.
It is not only the teacher's in charge of moral instruction who are responsible for building character. Every teacher, whatever is the subject he teaches must necessarily accept this responsibility. He must ensure that in the teaching of his particular subject and in his dealings with his pupils, fundamental values such as integrity and social responsibility are brought out.
The teachers need not, we can even say that he should not try to draw out the moral all the time but if lie has given some thought to the values underlying the scope of his subjects and his work as a teacher, they will imperceptibly pass into his teaching and make an impact on the minds of his students.
The school assembly the curricular and co curricular activities, the celebration of religious festivals of all religions, work experience, team, games and sports, subject clubs, social service programmes all these can help in calculating the values of cooperation and mutual regard, honesty and integrity, discipline and social responsibility. These values have a special significance in Indian society today when young men and women are passing through a crisis of character.
Relation between Moral Values and Religion :
There will be natural points of co-relation between the moral values sought to be inculcated and the teachings of the great religions. Starics drawn from the great religions of the world will be most appropriate in a discussion of moral values and of problems in life, All religions stress certain fundamental qualities of character, such as honesty and truthfulness, consideration for others, reverence for old age, kindness to animals and compassion for the needy and the suffering. In the literature or every religion, the story of parable figures prominently as a means of impressing an ethical value on the followers. The narration of such stories by the teachers at the right moment in the programme of moral education would be most effective, particularly in the lower classes.
National Integration and Conservation of Past:
(1) The pupils may be involved in learning and singing songs in languages of various regions and states.
(2) Students may be given opportunities to learn other scripts.
(3) Students may learn at least a few common sentences or words of few other languages.
(4) Students may be involved in the dances of other parts of the country.
(5) Students may be encouraged to found good points of things available in other regions.
(6) Students may be encouraged to take interest in the historical remains of the past and feel responsible for the maintenance of such things.
Activities Relating to Appreciation of Our Struggle for Freedom:
(1) The students may be told about the sacrifices made by the freedom-fighters in the struggle for freedom.
(2) They may be encouraged to read stories and biographies of great leaders.
(3) They may be encouraged to visit memorials connected with freedom-fighters.
(4) They may be encouraged to participate in debates, speech making and dramas etc. connected with the subject.
(5) They may be encouraged to take up various projects like stamp collecting, picture collecting etc. of great leaders.
(6) National days are celebrated.
(7) Exhibition on various themes of the freedom movement maybe organized.
Activities Relating to Respect of National Symbols:
(1) From time to time students should be reminded of the rules to be observed while hoisting the national flag and singing the national anthem.
(2) Children may be helped to prepare scrap books of flags of those countries which are similar to the Indian National Flag. They may be asked to draw these flags, using colours.
(3) The significance and importance of the National symbols may be made clear to the students.
Activities Relating to the Protection of Environment and Conservation of Resources:
The students may be helped to undertake the study of local environment and collect the following type of information:
(1) What type of natural resources available in your area?
(2) How are these resources used?
(3) What type of natural Resources is not available in your area?
(4) How do you meet your requirements if some of the natural resources required by you are not available in your locality?
(5) Students may be helped to prepare talks, dramas etc. on the importance of conservation of resources.
(6) Students may be asked to describe the effects of stagnant pool.
(7) Students may be helped to compare a polluted and an unpolluted site in the environment.
(8) Labour weeks may be organized to keep the school campus and neighbourhood clean and students involved in these programmes.
Activities Relating to Observance of Family Norms:
(1) Students may be asked to compare the facilities provided in the same income in two families, one with large number of children and the other with small number of children.
Students may be asked to prepare budgets of small and big families.
Students may be asked to find out the effects on the living conditions of the family in case there is an increase in the members, but no increase in income.
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