Network is the focus
From zero experience to threshold experience
Simple secrets of doing business, how to relocate our emphasis to do business in this truly different times. One has to be bold enough to walk through the new and unknown roads down. Times are changing fast. Let us retool and rework for the days ahead. It is not mathematical models, but the ability to relate, facilitates the business through.
VINOD CV
The business is all about the ability to build relationships. One does need a personalised attention to buy even a simple thing or on deciding a seemingly unimportant business proposition. Times are such that choices are many. The days of customers looking for sellers are over. Now seller is chasing the customer. We are living in a buyers market. In a buyers market with multiple options for the customers, to standout in the crowd is the toughest thing. How to stand out and how to reach to the relevant customer is the challenges of any organisation. Running a successful business is tough in a competitive world. “A major part of keeping profitable and growing your business is maintaining a focus on business development” says Claire McLennan in an article ”tips for acquiring new business”. The strategy is to maintain competitive edge by opening up business
While discussing about opening up, it is sure that one can’t operate in cocoon. Business develops as we do business. It is when the very important first contact is made; future follow up measures can be undertaken. So, many marketing function boils down to making the very important first contact. Just like the Chinese proverb- a journey of two thousand miles also start with a single step- any long standing and fruitful association bears the pangs and pressures of establishing the initial communication. One cannot get away with the scoring of first run if he is planning to be in the middle to score big ones.
Before making the first contact, considerable thought and research must go, to identify the potential customer. World over companies wanted to eliminate the inefficiency of wasting the energy by following the non-productive client. There is no point in squandering time with a non-prospective customer. A smart businessman is noted for his ability to distinguish between the possible and unlikely customer. Intuition and cumulative experience of businessperson has to be relied to spot the right target. Sometimes this is very easy when customer didn’t have the wherewithal to buy so that he can be well bypassed in the campaign. Theories of management textbooks wont help much here. It’s the understanding of human mind and experience gathered over the years may save one in deciding the prospective ness of a-would be buyer.
In this connection, results of some surveys are relevant. Recent surveys by Warne, a Toronto marketing company, tracked more than 3,500 people who inquired about an advertisement. Here is what the surveys found: 19% of the inquirers made purchases within six months (whether from the advertiser or a competitor) and 29% purchased within a year. By 16 months, 43%, and by 25 months, 57% had made purchases. That translates into two in 10 that want to buy "now" and four others that want to buy "later" — or about six prospects for every 10 queries. Clearly, inquiries are a key to sales. But to understand and distinguish the potentiality of the buyer at the time of enquiry or during a follow up session is important
That's because all queries look alike at the outset. You can't tell which will fade and which will turn into prospects. Since good follow-up requires three or four subsequent contacts, companies cannot afford to respond to every request for information or pricing with such attention. So the good gets tossed with the bad.
So first contact is very important in all aspects as the process of warming up a cold client to a hot prospect stars there. And the person who makes the contact has to be thoroughly prepared for it. He must be in full know of the things. No fumbling and mumbling will do. A total knowledge of the market and competitive advantages of the product shall figure in the radar screen of his mind as and when require. Any shortcoming in this regard will expose the marketing man and his prestige will be in doldrums.
Another thing is, Understanding the customers’ needs in proper perspective. There is no point in pushing a buyer to make decision. The persuasive, charming and pleasing manners can do the trick. In any successful negotiation what is important is the ability to see things from other persons perspective. It is the keynote of success. In a business opportunities also, this is no different.
There are times when the customer is not aware of the product or not aware the range of services entailed in the package. A smart marketing man ought to have the insight to understand the level of customer awareness. There is no point in explaining the things which one is already aware. Nobody has time and energy to listen the empty prattles anymore. Reading the level at which customer operates is very significant. It applies to the general awareness of the customer as well as the knowledge of the particular product or service offered. Raising the customer from the ‘zero awareness’ to ‘threshold awareness’ to make a purchasing decision is the challenge a marketing man must address.
The mindless and continuous chattering is not associated with elegance in business. A smart marketing man prompts the customer to open up. While the customer speaks, a view into his future potentials and apprehensions is available for a marketing man to analyse. That will help in allaying doubts. Allowing customer to talk may make a businessman understand his related needs and anxieties.
Another significant aspect on which marketing people often fail to give sufficient attention is the space needed for the buyer to take decision. There exists a tendency among sellers to rush through the business. It is not right that all customers countenance this. Penchant to do this may repulse a perceptive customer.
Customer is the one who sustains market. He is the raison d'etre of the business. He must be treated with respect and care. A customer once created, shall be retained. While putting forward a business proposition, a marketing man must remember this. Any information withholding or distortion may switch off the customer later when it is found out. The cardinal rule is to be truthful. There shall not be any information shocks later. But one ought to be thoughtful enough for not to pass information, which is not in the immediate interest of the prospective customer, be it about the product, company, or services. Being truthful doesn’t mean that belting out everything. It means that the businessperson has to divulge all related things, relevant to the product and service to the customer at the outset.
It is the persuasive charm of the marketing man combines with the value addition he offers, make a business proposal through. Simple, hassle free approach with utmost sincerity and a truly professional attitude will help a seller to clinch the deal.
Friday, December 31, 2004
Thursday, December 30, 2004
FROM EARTH TO LIFE- Thimakkas activities on greening Restaurants(Enviornment)
From Earth to Life
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VINOD CV
By commenting on what is environmentalism, the article takes a route through the activities of Thimakkas (A project of Thimmakka’s Resources for Environmental Education, http://www.thimmakka.org) latest project greening south asian restaurants in US. A lovely poem is there too at the end to relish. Thanku
Environmentalism, as a term is semantically more tilted to the vocabulary of politics. Caring and revering nature is a more emotionally and poetically poignant description.. Whatever one calls it, from the very practical point of the survival of the existence of this lovely earth to the sentimentality of preserving the charms and wonders of our mother planet, a green check list is the order of the day before venturing into any activity.
Even before, Environmentalism has become a fad, particularly after the publication of ‘Silent spring’ in 60s, which revolutionised the western world’s environmental awareness; the indigenous communities and tribal were living in full consonance with the grammar of an environmental existence. The entire societal project the eastern philosophers put forward through millenniums was in line with respecting Mother Nature. The latest in this series is the father of Indian Nation Mahatma Gandhi’s social and political programme, which he introduced during Indian freedom struggle. One can safely say he is he is first green thinker of our times.
Though it is said that Easterners including South Asian community is by their religious upbringing indoctrinated to treat nature as mother, many a times in real life situation, they cut a sorry figure as far as environmental literacy is concerned. Thus the failure to understand the cost effective and ecologically sound practises with regard to environment is sorely missing in the south Asian communities. Thimmakka is formed to bring the said communities into the high level of ecological alertness. The effort of the organisation is to present alternatives from the native wisdoms so that acceptability will be high. Thimmakka is committed to introduce social justice perspectives through the environmental campaign. Such a holistic and culturally fruitful programme with environmental angle makes the effort of Thimmakka a special one.
It is here Thimmakka’s new attempt to green Ethnic restaurants assume path breaking significance. Especially as a diasporic community, ethnic minorities like south Asians visit their restaurants frequently. This is the ideal place to initiate them into the sustainable and logically unavoidable ways of living to minimise the impact to environment. More than that, the restaurants as business hubs themselves need lot of training and technology to eliminate wasteful and costly methods, which are environmentally hazardous. As a programme for the present, GER makes the restaurant and the community green savvy. But as the future beginning of a great campaign, entire community who frequent is invited to the new trends in environmental consciousness. So a total overhauling in the thinking of entire community is effected by the greening project of restaurants. It is not greening of restaurants. It is about greening the minds. Greening the minds of future. Greening the ideas of a community. It is about greening the way one think and live. The greening process will be so easy when the message is sent in their own languages, in their own idioms and in their own cultural means with the help of community leaders. The efficacy of talking to people by reaching out to their cultural universes is evident in the success of the programme so far.
A poem for earth written in connection with sending this piece
Sleeping girl in a shy green skirt
Earth is an invitation for pure romance
She is the silky seduction with thousand eyes
Earth is a mother with oceans in the womb
She is the blessed bosom with the pearls of silence
Earth is ever ready to feed her toddler trees in prayer
In the language of love, Earth is the soul
And sky is a monk in meditation
src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">
VINOD CV
By commenting on what is environmentalism, the article takes a route through the activities of Thimakkas (A project of Thimmakka’s Resources for Environmental Education, http://www.thimmakka.org) latest project greening south asian restaurants in US. A lovely poem is there too at the end to relish. Thanku
Environmentalism, as a term is semantically more tilted to the vocabulary of politics. Caring and revering nature is a more emotionally and poetically poignant description.. Whatever one calls it, from the very practical point of the survival of the existence of this lovely earth to the sentimentality of preserving the charms and wonders of our mother planet, a green check list is the order of the day before venturing into any activity.
Even before, Environmentalism has become a fad, particularly after the publication of ‘Silent spring’ in 60s, which revolutionised the western world’s environmental awareness; the indigenous communities and tribal were living in full consonance with the grammar of an environmental existence. The entire societal project the eastern philosophers put forward through millenniums was in line with respecting Mother Nature. The latest in this series is the father of Indian Nation Mahatma Gandhi’s social and political programme, which he introduced during Indian freedom struggle. One can safely say he is he is first green thinker of our times.
Though it is said that Easterners including South Asian community is by their religious upbringing indoctrinated to treat nature as mother, many a times in real life situation, they cut a sorry figure as far as environmental literacy is concerned. Thus the failure to understand the cost effective and ecologically sound practises with regard to environment is sorely missing in the south Asian communities. Thimmakka is formed to bring the said communities into the high level of ecological alertness. The effort of the organisation is to present alternatives from the native wisdoms so that acceptability will be high. Thimmakka is committed to introduce social justice perspectives through the environmental campaign. Such a holistic and culturally fruitful programme with environmental angle makes the effort of Thimmakka a special one.
It is here Thimmakka’s new attempt to green Ethnic restaurants assume path breaking significance. Especially as a diasporic community, ethnic minorities like south Asians visit their restaurants frequently. This is the ideal place to initiate them into the sustainable and logically unavoidable ways of living to minimise the impact to environment. More than that, the restaurants as business hubs themselves need lot of training and technology to eliminate wasteful and costly methods, which are environmentally hazardous. As a programme for the present, GER makes the restaurant and the community green savvy. But as the future beginning of a great campaign, entire community who frequent is invited to the new trends in environmental consciousness. So a total overhauling in the thinking of entire community is effected by the greening project of restaurants. It is not greening of restaurants. It is about greening the minds. Greening the minds of future. Greening the ideas of a community. It is about greening the way one think and live. The greening process will be so easy when the message is sent in their own languages, in their own idioms and in their own cultural means with the help of community leaders. The efficacy of talking to people by reaching out to their cultural universes is evident in the success of the programme so far.
A poem for earth written in connection with sending this piece
Sleeping girl in a shy green skirt
Earth is an invitation for pure romance
She is the silky seduction with thousand eyes
Earth is a mother with oceans in the womb
She is the blessed bosom with the pearls of silence
Earth is ever ready to feed her toddler trees in prayer
In the language of love, Earth is the soul
And sky is a monk in meditation
Friday, December 10, 2004
Freedom Child- A social commentary of a sexual scandal in Kerala(Society)
A Enquiry into the societal conspiracy behind the sad end of a 17 year old kerala(Southern most indian state) girl who died after giving birth a baby girl.
The Freedom Child
A MIRROR WE CAN’T MISS
SHE IS UNLIKE ANY CHILD. UNLIKE ANYBODY BORN IN KERALA FOR THE LAST SEVERAL DECADES, SHE POSES QUESTIONS, WHICH CAN SHAKE THE EMPTY AND MOTH-EATEN FOUNDATIONS OF THE MALAYALI MORAL PSYCHE. SHE IS THE PIERCING MIRROR HELD TO OUR CRUMBLING HYPOCRISY.
She was born on Aug 15th, 2004. Exactly on the same day, 57 years ago, the proud Prime Minister of India unfurled the national flag and delivered his historic “tryst with destiny speech.” (1947 aug 15 India won its political Independence after being a colony of british for 200 years)
She was born at the Kottayam Medical College Hospital (MCH). It is for sure that in the hospital records, against her name, the place for her father’s remained unfilled. But her mother’s name has filled the newspaper columns across Kerala for the last 3-4 months. Now the mother is no more and her ill-fated face stilled in time after undergoing unspeakable agonies, travelled to our drawing rooms, courtesy the insensitive TV journalists with anaesthetized sensibilities. This unfortunate child born to this unlucky mother on the Independence Day, is the hapless daughter of Shari S. Nair who died after going through the trauma of sexual abuse, and the possible poisoning later to facilitate the easy burial of evidences.
The ordeal of the 17-year old girl’s life, starting from being the winner of a small time beauty competition at Kottayam, to the tragic end at the MCH hospital is a frightful pointer to the atrocious times we live in. That it happened the way it happened is not surprising while analysing the recent sex scandals. In all these cases, it is a mix of beauty contests, fashion shows, serial acting, modelling, mobile phones and love affairs, that proved to be fatal. Invariably, the story line is, young and over ambitious girls around the age of 15-17 getting lured into some kind of relationships with men who cheat the girls and lead them to a glamour ring where a kind of semi-prostitution and allied activities thrive to cater to the demands and needs of the high and mighty - in recent Kerala parlance, ‘VIPs’.
Many times an elder woman also makes an appearance in the racket, and the girls who get trapped, either willingly or unwillingly, lose their sense of discretion and decision making power till they find themselves pregnant and thrown away. Parents cooperate and even connive at times without knowing the full gravity of the situation, thinking that their girl is on the path to stardom. Initially, both the girls and their parents get blinded, by the flow of easy money and the promise of immediate celluloid triumphs. Being poor and defenceless, their lines of resistance get weakened till disaster visits them, as happened in the Kiliroor case.
The society in Kerala has undergone breathtaking changes in the last 20 years or so. The invasion of satellite TV and the acceptance of Hindi films with sleazy stories and lurid song sequences have fuelled the trademark liberalism of this generation. Reduced space of social resistance movements and the withering of the intellectual idealism accentuated this trend.
Media cleverly passed the buck in the critical hour of reckoning and even acted as cheerleaders. Irresponsible women’s magazines in the state infected by a bug borrowed directly from the salacious Sunday magazines and city editions of some well-known English newspapers, went to town detailing stories which had obvious hints, tips and fast facts to become instant celebrities. Celebrating and glorifying the success of film stars by the so-called family magazines had a profound impact in securing the social sanction for many ill adventures.
Thus the cultural and intellectual consent for treating the body as an object of adulation and a medium of commerce are well endorsed by these insidious endeavours promoted and acquiesced by media. The not so vigilant society played into the hands of big time media merchants interested solely in the flow to their coffers. So the price Malayali paid and the pain he experienced seeing the lifeless face of the mercilessly battered Kiliroor girl were long over due. The ticket for it was really taken while reading and rejoicing the success stories of models, film stars and their utterly rubbish gossips.
The group suicide of a Namboodiri family at Kaviyoor in Kottayam in connection with the Kiliroor case is quite revealing. Namboodiri’s daughter, a 15-year-old upcoming classical dancer was duped after luring her and her family about the prospects in TV serial acting by a self-styled talent scout, Latha Nair, who is the prime accused in the Kiliroor case. How can her priest cum astrologer father be blamed if he thought that sending his daughter to some preliminary tests with another woman was necessary for an acting career.
How can we find fault with him if he thought that his talented daughter has a chance when many girls with upper caste surname tails are making names in the film and serial industry. He belongs to the Malayali middle class community who is entranced by the pervasive success tales of past Kalathilakams and their subsequent married lives, which were fed as the favourite diet to the readers of pop Malayalam magazines. What is left unstated in these features is the kind of trials and tough days, these so-called successful stars encountered in their route to stardom. Unpleasant stories of compromises remain unsaid and unknown, while the effort of bestowing a non-existing goodness and decency to these fields continue unabated. Cost of that information deficit is terrible and devastating as it leads the uninitiated and the unsuspecting to cleverly disguised traps. This becomes a collective tragedy of the society when the supposedly alert media acts as a shameless collaborator in this project of deceit.
What one must know is that a well-designed package is readied to draft the woman into the roles, which the market wants to fit and fix for them. From beauty contests to modelling, the victim is glorified as the victor. And the smiling girl or boy is just a new recruit to the logic of the market where he or she thinks that they are scoring points. The reality is that points are scored at their expense. That is the mesmerising art and science of showbiz. To one success tale printed, there would be hundreds of failed stories of painful tears, awful abuse and lost innocence. Nobody says about it and nobody reads about it. At least the Kiliroor case must open our eyes and harden our resolves. We owe that much to the little girl born on the day we celebrated our initiation into freedom. Born on the Independence Day of an illustrious Nation, she will remain as a lasting indictment to our ethical ineptitude. This is a curse our morally hollow society surely deserves.
helo
The Freedom Child
A MIRROR WE CAN’T MISS
SHE IS UNLIKE ANY CHILD. UNLIKE ANYBODY BORN IN KERALA FOR THE LAST SEVERAL DECADES, SHE POSES QUESTIONS, WHICH CAN SHAKE THE EMPTY AND MOTH-EATEN FOUNDATIONS OF THE MALAYALI MORAL PSYCHE. SHE IS THE PIERCING MIRROR HELD TO OUR CRUMBLING HYPOCRISY.
She was born on Aug 15th, 2004. Exactly on the same day, 57 years ago, the proud Prime Minister of India unfurled the national flag and delivered his historic “tryst with destiny speech.” (1947 aug 15 India won its political Independence after being a colony of british for 200 years)
She was born at the Kottayam Medical College Hospital (MCH). It is for sure that in the hospital records, against her name, the place for her father’s remained unfilled. But her mother’s name has filled the newspaper columns across Kerala for the last 3-4 months. Now the mother is no more and her ill-fated face stilled in time after undergoing unspeakable agonies, travelled to our drawing rooms, courtesy the insensitive TV journalists with anaesthetized sensibilities. This unfortunate child born to this unlucky mother on the Independence Day, is the hapless daughter of Shari S. Nair who died after going through the trauma of sexual abuse, and the possible poisoning later to facilitate the easy burial of evidences.
The ordeal of the 17-year old girl’s life, starting from being the winner of a small time beauty competition at Kottayam, to the tragic end at the MCH hospital is a frightful pointer to the atrocious times we live in. That it happened the way it happened is not surprising while analysing the recent sex scandals. In all these cases, it is a mix of beauty contests, fashion shows, serial acting, modelling, mobile phones and love affairs, that proved to be fatal. Invariably, the story line is, young and over ambitious girls around the age of 15-17 getting lured into some kind of relationships with men who cheat the girls and lead them to a glamour ring where a kind of semi-prostitution and allied activities thrive to cater to the demands and needs of the high and mighty - in recent Kerala parlance, ‘VIPs’.
Many times an elder woman also makes an appearance in the racket, and the girls who get trapped, either willingly or unwillingly, lose their sense of discretion and decision making power till they find themselves pregnant and thrown away. Parents cooperate and even connive at times without knowing the full gravity of the situation, thinking that their girl is on the path to stardom. Initially, both the girls and their parents get blinded, by the flow of easy money and the promise of immediate celluloid triumphs. Being poor and defenceless, their lines of resistance get weakened till disaster visits them, as happened in the Kiliroor case.
The society in Kerala has undergone breathtaking changes in the last 20 years or so. The invasion of satellite TV and the acceptance of Hindi films with sleazy stories and lurid song sequences have fuelled the trademark liberalism of this generation. Reduced space of social resistance movements and the withering of the intellectual idealism accentuated this trend.
Media cleverly passed the buck in the critical hour of reckoning and even acted as cheerleaders. Irresponsible women’s magazines in the state infected by a bug borrowed directly from the salacious Sunday magazines and city editions of some well-known English newspapers, went to town detailing stories which had obvious hints, tips and fast facts to become instant celebrities. Celebrating and glorifying the success of film stars by the so-called family magazines had a profound impact in securing the social sanction for many ill adventures.
Thus the cultural and intellectual consent for treating the body as an object of adulation and a medium of commerce are well endorsed by these insidious endeavours promoted and acquiesced by media. The not so vigilant society played into the hands of big time media merchants interested solely in the flow to their coffers. So the price Malayali paid and the pain he experienced seeing the lifeless face of the mercilessly battered Kiliroor girl were long over due. The ticket for it was really taken while reading and rejoicing the success stories of models, film stars and their utterly rubbish gossips.
The group suicide of a Namboodiri family at Kaviyoor in Kottayam in connection with the Kiliroor case is quite revealing. Namboodiri’s daughter, a 15-year-old upcoming classical dancer was duped after luring her and her family about the prospects in TV serial acting by a self-styled talent scout, Latha Nair, who is the prime accused in the Kiliroor case. How can her priest cum astrologer father be blamed if he thought that sending his daughter to some preliminary tests with another woman was necessary for an acting career.
How can we find fault with him if he thought that his talented daughter has a chance when many girls with upper caste surname tails are making names in the film and serial industry. He belongs to the Malayali middle class community who is entranced by the pervasive success tales of past Kalathilakams and their subsequent married lives, which were fed as the favourite diet to the readers of pop Malayalam magazines. What is left unstated in these features is the kind of trials and tough days, these so-called successful stars encountered in their route to stardom. Unpleasant stories of compromises remain unsaid and unknown, while the effort of bestowing a non-existing goodness and decency to these fields continue unabated. Cost of that information deficit is terrible and devastating as it leads the uninitiated and the unsuspecting to cleverly disguised traps. This becomes a collective tragedy of the society when the supposedly alert media acts as a shameless collaborator in this project of deceit.
What one must know is that a well-designed package is readied to draft the woman into the roles, which the market wants to fit and fix for them. From beauty contests to modelling, the victim is glorified as the victor. And the smiling girl or boy is just a new recruit to the logic of the market where he or she thinks that they are scoring points. The reality is that points are scored at their expense. That is the mesmerising art and science of showbiz. To one success tale printed, there would be hundreds of failed stories of painful tears, awful abuse and lost innocence. Nobody says about it and nobody reads about it. At least the Kiliroor case must open our eyes and harden our resolves. We owe that much to the little girl born on the day we celebrated our initiation into freedom. Born on the Independence Day of an illustrious Nation, she will remain as a lasting indictment to our ethical ineptitude. This is a curse our morally hollow society surely deserves.
helo
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Lashing Leviathan- (study of the power of STATE in the light of Swami Jayendra Saraswathis arrest)(STATE AND POLITICS)
Lashing Leviathan
THE STATE CAN STILL DO
VINOD CV
THE ARREST OF KANCHI SANKARACHARYA, SRI JAYENDRA SARASWATHI, REVEALS THE POWER INGRAINED IN OUR NATION STATE. IT IS INTERESTING TO ANALYSE THE HANDLING OF SISTER ABHAYA MURDER CASE AND THE INCARCERATION OF ABDUL NAZER MAUDANI IN THE BACKDROP OF JAYALALITHAA’S BOLD BUT RISKY DECISION.
It was the awesome power of the State that was in display. The characteristically soft Indian State, for many years in the first time, showed the inner iron. It was a welcome relief from the inured scenes of leaders visiting and propitiating the God-men and mutt heads. Jayalalithaa’s action of arresting Kanchi Sankaracharya, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi, is one of the few moments in the recent history of the country when the might of the State decided to strike the so-called holy cows.
As the roulette of the Sankararaman murder case is yet to unwind, it is highly premature to jump into a conclusion with regard to the involvement of the Swami. A trial by media and politicians indicting the Swami is as uncalled for, as issuing a good certificate to Sankaracharya. Just like any accused in a murder case, Swami deserves all privileges the law presupposes, like being treated as an innocent till convicted. His standing and age are also factors to be considered while deciding facilities in the jail.
But the most important message of this whole episode is that State is capable of touching anybody with the wrong end of the pole, if it wills. When Jayalalithaa was confronted with sufficiently strong evidence against the Swami, her souring of personal relationships with him also might have prompted her to the political decision of arresting the revered mutt-head. Political observers lauded the authority and command she showed in the process.
Fact of the mater is that the strength and power she displayed is the reflection of the power of our glorious Nation State, executed through the authority of Tamilnadu State Govt and police. Though Jayalalithaa is a doughty lady with a great penchant for exercising power, the clout and confidence she exhibited while deciding to arrest Sankaracharya shall not be missed for her personal power. It was the limitless sovereign power of the all-powerful Indian State on act. It is true that the Tamilnadu Chief Minister is one of the few leaders in India who has the ability and willpower to use the inherent power of the State.
Jayalalithaa, unlike many other spineless political leaders, had enough resolve to use the inalienable and undivided power, the society has bestowed on the Nation State. She is not the one to blink an eye in the event of adversities. Jayalalithaa herself has tasted the power of the State, visiting her from the wrong side when she was arrested with charges of corruption.
It is educative in this connection to ponder over Abdul Nazer Maudani’s arrest and Sister Abhaya murder case as both cases highlights the implications of the working of the State and its Organs - muscles in Maudani’s case and muzzled thinking in Abhaya case.
Maudani’s arrest and subsequent incarceration is sequel to his alleged role in the Coimbatore case, but was preceded by a series of defiant speeches and daring violations of law, in which he took the State and its power as too silly. For a long time, the State and its various law enforcing arms looked other way and didn’t respond properly, which made a false impression that the Govt., and its law & order machinery is weak. But the State and its organs like intelligence agencies were gathering evidences against him and they used it very effectively once he was arrested in connection with a very serious case like the Coimbatore blast case. It was proof that the seemingly weak behaviour of the State shouldn’t be enough to conclude that it will act weak in future too. The change in style with which Maudani was treated before and after his arrest is a clear instance in this regard.
But in the Sr. Abhaya case the story runs in a different direction. It is a case of the State (in this case, Kerala Police) allegedly helping the accused by not recording the evidence in the true spirit of investigation. The systematic destroying of evidence with an eye to weaken the prosecution case, later led to the CBI hitting a roadblock while trying to get to the bottom of the mystery.
This is in sharp contrast to the readiness of Jayalalithaa and TN police going after the Swami. That earnestness was not visible in Kerala in Sr. Abhaya case as the case involved touching the religious sensitivities. No wonder, some people are saying that Swami Sri Jayendra Saraswathi would have been untouched if he were in Kerala. Though the cultural contour of the social setting is different in Kerala and TN, the power of our Nation State is equally available to Jayalalithaa and a Kerala Chief Minister. What makes the difference is the power to use the power. Jayalalithaa has the grit and determination to use that already bestowed power.
But in the confusion of the Swami’s arrest, what shall not be forgotten is that, in the Sankararaman murder case, the latest indication is that the prosecution case is not as strong as it was made out to be in the initial days. So in the event of Swami coming out unscathed in the case, Jayalalithaa would be paying a very high price. The possibility of such a situation must be deliberated before using the sacred and sovereign power of the State. Indiscriminate, whimsical and arbitrary use of it for personal gains will recoil and damage the credibility of institutions and individuals involved. So the rule is, Power of the State, since it has absolutist dimensions at times, ought to be used with great care and discretion.
THE STATE CAN STILL DO
VINOD CV
THE ARREST OF KANCHI SANKARACHARYA, SRI JAYENDRA SARASWATHI, REVEALS THE POWER INGRAINED IN OUR NATION STATE. IT IS INTERESTING TO ANALYSE THE HANDLING OF SISTER ABHAYA MURDER CASE AND THE INCARCERATION OF ABDUL NAZER MAUDANI IN THE BACKDROP OF JAYALALITHAA’S BOLD BUT RISKY DECISION.
It was the awesome power of the State that was in display. The characteristically soft Indian State, for many years in the first time, showed the inner iron. It was a welcome relief from the inured scenes of leaders visiting and propitiating the God-men and mutt heads. Jayalalithaa’s action of arresting Kanchi Sankaracharya, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi, is one of the few moments in the recent history of the country when the might of the State decided to strike the so-called holy cows.
As the roulette of the Sankararaman murder case is yet to unwind, it is highly premature to jump into a conclusion with regard to the involvement of the Swami. A trial by media and politicians indicting the Swami is as uncalled for, as issuing a good certificate to Sankaracharya. Just like any accused in a murder case, Swami deserves all privileges the law presupposes, like being treated as an innocent till convicted. His standing and age are also factors to be considered while deciding facilities in the jail.
But the most important message of this whole episode is that State is capable of touching anybody with the wrong end of the pole, if it wills. When Jayalalithaa was confronted with sufficiently strong evidence against the Swami, her souring of personal relationships with him also might have prompted her to the political decision of arresting the revered mutt-head. Political observers lauded the authority and command she showed in the process.
Fact of the mater is that the strength and power she displayed is the reflection of the power of our glorious Nation State, executed through the authority of Tamilnadu State Govt and police. Though Jayalalithaa is a doughty lady with a great penchant for exercising power, the clout and confidence she exhibited while deciding to arrest Sankaracharya shall not be missed for her personal power. It was the limitless sovereign power of the all-powerful Indian State on act. It is true that the Tamilnadu Chief Minister is one of the few leaders in India who has the ability and willpower to use the inherent power of the State.
Jayalalithaa, unlike many other spineless political leaders, had enough resolve to use the inalienable and undivided power, the society has bestowed on the Nation State. She is not the one to blink an eye in the event of adversities. Jayalalithaa herself has tasted the power of the State, visiting her from the wrong side when she was arrested with charges of corruption.
It is educative in this connection to ponder over Abdul Nazer Maudani’s arrest and Sister Abhaya murder case as both cases highlights the implications of the working of the State and its Organs - muscles in Maudani’s case and muzzled thinking in Abhaya case.
Maudani’s arrest and subsequent incarceration is sequel to his alleged role in the Coimbatore case, but was preceded by a series of defiant speeches and daring violations of law, in which he took the State and its power as too silly. For a long time, the State and its various law enforcing arms looked other way and didn’t respond properly, which made a false impression that the Govt., and its law & order machinery is weak. But the State and its organs like intelligence agencies were gathering evidences against him and they used it very effectively once he was arrested in connection with a very serious case like the Coimbatore blast case. It was proof that the seemingly weak behaviour of the State shouldn’t be enough to conclude that it will act weak in future too. The change in style with which Maudani was treated before and after his arrest is a clear instance in this regard.
But in the Sr. Abhaya case the story runs in a different direction. It is a case of the State (in this case, Kerala Police) allegedly helping the accused by not recording the evidence in the true spirit of investigation. The systematic destroying of evidence with an eye to weaken the prosecution case, later led to the CBI hitting a roadblock while trying to get to the bottom of the mystery.
This is in sharp contrast to the readiness of Jayalalithaa and TN police going after the Swami. That earnestness was not visible in Kerala in Sr. Abhaya case as the case involved touching the religious sensitivities. No wonder, some people are saying that Swami Sri Jayendra Saraswathi would have been untouched if he were in Kerala. Though the cultural contour of the social setting is different in Kerala and TN, the power of our Nation State is equally available to Jayalalithaa and a Kerala Chief Minister. What makes the difference is the power to use the power. Jayalalithaa has the grit and determination to use that already bestowed power.
But in the confusion of the Swami’s arrest, what shall not be forgotten is that, in the Sankararaman murder case, the latest indication is that the prosecution case is not as strong as it was made out to be in the initial days. So in the event of Swami coming out unscathed in the case, Jayalalithaa would be paying a very high price. The possibility of such a situation must be deliberated before using the sacred and sovereign power of the State. Indiscriminate, whimsical and arbitrary use of it for personal gains will recoil and damage the credibility of institutions and individuals involved. So the rule is, Power of the State, since it has absolutist dimensions at times, ought to be used with great care and discretion.
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
A script less journey through visuals-A nine-minute meditation( REVIEW OF a TV production)
A script less journey through visuals-A nine-minute meditation
Vinod c.v
Visuals do communicate. It is the impression one carries after seeing a nine-minute video film made by students of electronic journalism of Trivandrum press club
In this short film images are collected from sources like commonplace locales and ordinary sights in the streets. It looks like a product of an unplanned journey conducted through uncharted territories. Camera is behaving as if it is freed from the tyranny of premeditated path and predetermined script. Things are unfolding and evolving in this journey
Another interesting aspect of this wok is that it is devoid of any audio support in terms of narration. Enough space is given for the silence to bloom. This is noteworthy as viewer is released from the shackles of middleman in the garb of narrator and nobody is there to negotiate between viewer and visuals. It is a direct communication uncorrupted by intermediaries. As the visuals are poignant and powerful, an audio supported narration might have limited the possibilities of the visuals, if not corroded the innocence of it. Music is used wisely and it is supported by aptly suiting four liners from well-known Malayalam poems.
Visuals in this film hold a meditative quality in it. As it is a map less, or rather path less journey, one wouldn’t know what to expect in the next shot. In fact one will not expect anything and he finds himself beyond expectation. Unlike the traditional approach, where a viewer is simultaneously weaving story line and readying his mind for next shot, here one will lose one self in visuals and forget neatly about the impending frames. Thus this film effectively fixes and grounds the viewer in the present. This experience of emptying the expectation and raising the viewer to the state of ‘just see it’ state of mind lends meditative character to this short film.
The beauty of this nine-minute experiment is that each frame is complete in itself. It is an expression in fullness. Visuals are serene modest and rich. Though each frame is total in itself, it is falling in right slots while placed in the film.
Some of the frames like an old man looking nonchalantly, has brilliantly captured the mood of the environment. Camera is successful in catching the meaning of the meaninglessness of his face. It is like seeing a disturbingly blank face, but with a lot of unspoken messages, difficult to be deciphered. The flat expression in his eyes is agonisingly evocative.
The sight of the youth of Indian right in khaki shorts is contrastingly followed by sermons from a Christian charismatic convention. The slow motion technique used and audio back ground of a marching army while showing white shirt wearing youth is effective and is hitting the target. Here visuals do forewarn, with out loud mouthing it about the coming of a roller coaster ride and in a single shot conveys the brutalizing power and terrorising potential of a violent march with undemocratic impulses.(it’s shot from an RSS route march)With right mixing of audio support and visuals, here the film finds it magic and finesse
Another scene where woman lying and writhing in pain in the base of an erected steel pole of a communist party is loaded with messages and striking. This scene accompanied by the two line poem is subtly reminds one of the failed romance with left which raised great expectations during 40’s to 60’s and probably till mid 80’s through occasional, outbursts.
Having said all these, the nice part of this short film is that everything remain unsaid Nowhere the film assumes an activists role or altruistic mode It just sheds light and leaves the viewer alone to see and judge for himself. Even then what camera is seeing or showing sends a message. But it is in a very subtle, covert and soft-spoken manner. It is a decent and civilized way of telling things. Camera is mature enough to be unexcited .it is refreshing to see the modesty in the presentation
As this nine minutes of experience is culled from a five our long video shooting, the efforts and attention, the team behind the work should have put in editing is imaginable. To their credit, they have done it succinantly.
On the flip side of this short film, it is noticed that many of the frames is not physically flowing fluently. It can be a technical flaw. While giving some lines from very well known N. N Kakkad poem SAFALAMEE YATHRA, which he has s written in the last stages of his life as an intimate talk to his life time companion as the audio support for a scene, the voice and tone of the singer is not carrying either spirit of the poem or scene. It seemed singer is singing the title song of a serial. Soft and haunting voice of a woman should have been used there.
The name given to the short film ”OM” can be widely misunderstood in this troubled times. Situation is being that Indian ultra right has cleverly hijacked symbols of collective past to suit its designs, one would have to be more circumspect while dealing such things. And it evokes the memories of some commercial filmmakers illiterate penchant for shallow diving into Indian spirituality to capitalise on the popular mood. But the naming of OM for the film can also be seen as a bold attempt to reclaim the words lost to the violent crowd.
.
Vinod c.v
Visuals do communicate. It is the impression one carries after seeing a nine-minute video film made by students of electronic journalism of Trivandrum press club
In this short film images are collected from sources like commonplace locales and ordinary sights in the streets. It looks like a product of an unplanned journey conducted through uncharted territories. Camera is behaving as if it is freed from the tyranny of premeditated path and predetermined script. Things are unfolding and evolving in this journey
Another interesting aspect of this wok is that it is devoid of any audio support in terms of narration. Enough space is given for the silence to bloom. This is noteworthy as viewer is released from the shackles of middleman in the garb of narrator and nobody is there to negotiate between viewer and visuals. It is a direct communication uncorrupted by intermediaries. As the visuals are poignant and powerful, an audio supported narration might have limited the possibilities of the visuals, if not corroded the innocence of it. Music is used wisely and it is supported by aptly suiting four liners from well-known Malayalam poems.
Visuals in this film hold a meditative quality in it. As it is a map less, or rather path less journey, one wouldn’t know what to expect in the next shot. In fact one will not expect anything and he finds himself beyond expectation. Unlike the traditional approach, where a viewer is simultaneously weaving story line and readying his mind for next shot, here one will lose one self in visuals and forget neatly about the impending frames. Thus this film effectively fixes and grounds the viewer in the present. This experience of emptying the expectation and raising the viewer to the state of ‘just see it’ state of mind lends meditative character to this short film.
The beauty of this nine-minute experiment is that each frame is complete in itself. It is an expression in fullness. Visuals are serene modest and rich. Though each frame is total in itself, it is falling in right slots while placed in the film.
Some of the frames like an old man looking nonchalantly, has brilliantly captured the mood of the environment. Camera is successful in catching the meaning of the meaninglessness of his face. It is like seeing a disturbingly blank face, but with a lot of unspoken messages, difficult to be deciphered. The flat expression in his eyes is agonisingly evocative.
The sight of the youth of Indian right in khaki shorts is contrastingly followed by sermons from a Christian charismatic convention. The slow motion technique used and audio back ground of a marching army while showing white shirt wearing youth is effective and is hitting the target. Here visuals do forewarn, with out loud mouthing it about the coming of a roller coaster ride and in a single shot conveys the brutalizing power and terrorising potential of a violent march with undemocratic impulses.(it’s shot from an RSS route march)With right mixing of audio support and visuals, here the film finds it magic and finesse
Another scene where woman lying and writhing in pain in the base of an erected steel pole of a communist party is loaded with messages and striking. This scene accompanied by the two line poem is subtly reminds one of the failed romance with left which raised great expectations during 40’s to 60’s and probably till mid 80’s through occasional, outbursts.
Having said all these, the nice part of this short film is that everything remain unsaid Nowhere the film assumes an activists role or altruistic mode It just sheds light and leaves the viewer alone to see and judge for himself. Even then what camera is seeing or showing sends a message. But it is in a very subtle, covert and soft-spoken manner. It is a decent and civilized way of telling things. Camera is mature enough to be unexcited .it is refreshing to see the modesty in the presentation
As this nine minutes of experience is culled from a five our long video shooting, the efforts and attention, the team behind the work should have put in editing is imaginable. To their credit, they have done it succinantly.
On the flip side of this short film, it is noticed that many of the frames is not physically flowing fluently. It can be a technical flaw. While giving some lines from very well known N. N Kakkad poem SAFALAMEE YATHRA, which he has s written in the last stages of his life as an intimate talk to his life time companion as the audio support for a scene, the voice and tone of the singer is not carrying either spirit of the poem or scene. It seemed singer is singing the title song of a serial. Soft and haunting voice of a woman should have been used there.
The name given to the short film ”OM” can be widely misunderstood in this troubled times. Situation is being that Indian ultra right has cleverly hijacked symbols of collective past to suit its designs, one would have to be more circumspect while dealing such things. And it evokes the memories of some commercial filmmakers illiterate penchant for shallow diving into Indian spirituality to capitalise on the popular mood. But the naming of OM for the film can also be seen as a bold attempt to reclaim the words lost to the violent crowd.
.
Friday, November 05, 2004
Self Financing Engineering Education in Kerala- A Total Over view ( Social commentary on Education)
The Story Hitherto
VINOD CV
THE CHAOS IN THE SELF-FINANCING SECTOR IS CONTINUING WITH GOVT AND THE MANAGEMENTS PULLING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS. EVEN AFTER THE INTERPRETATION OF THE TMA PAI VERDICT IN THE ISLAMIC ACADEMY CASE, THIS SECTOR IS MAULED BY CONFUSION, UNCERTAINTY AND DISORDER.
Since the late 1980s, Kerala students went in droves to colleges in Tamilnadu and Karnataka for professional education. In 2001, for instance, nearly 50 per cent of the students in the private professional colleges in these States were from Kerala. The AK Antony Government's decision to sanction private, self-financing engineering and medical colleges on a large scale from the year 2002-03 was intended to harness the huge demand in the State for professional education. The decision was expected to stem the exodus of students to outside states. The Government claimed that "allowing two private self-financing colleges would be the same as starting a Government college," the rationale being that 50 per cent of the seats in the private colleges would be in the Government quota.
Kerala had refrained from starting self-financing colleges, as a matter of policy, for a long time. In effect, it meant the state losing a great deal of money to neighbouring states. But being a state where the Left politics had played a major role in shaping policies and political formulations, Kerala had remained reluctant to allow private capital to dictate its educational policies. It was naturally argued that allowing colleges in self-financing sector meant the withdrawal of Govt from the educational sector.
But viewing from a different angle, self-financing arrangement is hailed as the bold and innovative attempt to release the strangulated energies of private enterprises. It unleashed money and resources even in the rural areas of the state. The new self-financing college managements proudly claim that in a state where investors fear to tread, they have already invested Rs. 2500 crores, provided direct employment to 18,000 people, and indirect jobs to another 25,000. Above all, they claim, they had re-routed the Rs. 400 crores that used to be invested in Tamilnadu and Karnataka every year.
It is a fact acknowledged by realistic people in the state that Govt cannot afford to invest any more money in the higher education sector. The shortage of resources available for investment, coupled with the high invisible subsidy doled out by the Govt (as low fees), while it runs an institution, ensured that it is not possible for the Govt to start business-worthy ventures any more. And it was almost sure that Govt cannot tamper with the fees that it can directly charge, given the peculiar political and socio-cultural set up of the state.
It is in this context that the idea of self-financing colleges was born. The contradictions between the requirement of technical manpower and the inability of the Govt to invest the required quantum of resources to establish the required institutions, opened the domain to private sector. The private managements have the money and resources at their command and at the same time they have the leeway to charge more tuition fees to meet the expenses. Even the Govt followed this model through the various semi-autonomous bodies under it, like IHRD & LBS.
Though now it is an endless dispute between former chief minister AK Antony (Antony termed the going back of private managements on the issue of Govt fees for merit seats as "nothing but a betrayal of trust''), and private managements, the civil society in the state had clearly understood that 50% of the seats in the private self-financing sector will go to students in the state merit list. With this condition, 50 percentage of students need to pay only the fees due to be paid by a student in a Govt engineering college. Social scientists and political observers felt it as a unique way of reconciling the egalitarian concerns of a socialist state with the ground realities of our times. In the Unnikrishnan Case (Unnikrishnan vs. State of Andhra Pradesh, 1993), Justice Jeevan Reddy evolved this scheme. Unnikrishnan Case judgement tried to check commercialisation of education and ensure social justice and quality in self-financing professional education.
The agreed and accepted arrangement based on the Unnikrishnan Case was working more or less smoothly in the engineering education sector. But Justice BN Kripal's majority judgment in the 11-judge TMA Pai case (Oct 31, 2002) and Chief Justice VN Khare's 5-judge bench judgment in the Islamic Academy case (Islamic Academy of Education vs. State of Karnataka) on August 14, 2003 changed the scenario. With these judgments, differentiated fees structure for merit and management seats became constitutionally questionable. As for the economics of education, “it is well known all over the world”, reads the October 31 judgment, “that those who seek professional education must pay for it.”
This changed situation was correctly echoed by Kerala HC, while judging a case regarding self-financing college fees structure, "the State must realize that after it had given the no-objection certificates to the college managements, the decision of the apex court in the TMA Pai case has brought about a sea change in the legal position. The State cannot shut its eyes to the hard realities in the post-TMA Pai era.’’ The Judges also observed that if freedom from the Government was the goal of an unaided institution, the Government cannot fix an arbitrary price on that freedom. This made Antony to remark that “though the self-financing managements had the right to approach the court, it was wrong on their part to have done so. We had not thought that they would go to court.”
These developments and the continued agitation of students forced the Kerala Govt to go for a bill securing the rights of 50 percent of the students, whom the Govt thought as deserving the earlier promised fee of Govt colleges. However, many of the provisions of the Prohibition of Capitation Fees and Procedure for Admission and Fixation of Fees Act, 2004, passed by the Kerala Assembly went against the grain of the recent Supreme Court's directions on admissions and fee structure in unaided, self-financing professional colleges in the TMA Pai case and Islamic Academy case. In fact, some of the provisions in the bill were similar to the ones in a 1993 apex court verdict (on Unnikrishnan Case), which was subsequently declared as "unconstitutional" by an 11-Judge Bench in October 2002 in TMA Pai Case {TMA Pai Foundation and Others vs. State of Karnataka and Others).
Meanwhile, the committee appointed by Govt under the chairmanship of Justice KT Thomas, as per the Supreme Court direction in Islamic Academy case to finalise a reasonable fee for self-financing colleges, came up with its own list of proposals. Those proposals too were in line with the Supreme Court directive of non-differentiated fees structure. The commission did away with the one-lakh refundable security deposit, which colleges were allowed to charge from management quota students, as Supreme Court was clearly decreed against the capitation fees in both Unnikrishnan and TMA Pai case.
But private managements resisted the attempts to restore the situation to the pre-TMA Pai Judgment days. The managements had gone to court against the Kerala Self-Financing Professional Colleges (Prohibition of Capitation Fees and Procedure for Admission and Fixation of Fees) Act, 2004, which insisted on a government-fixed fee structure in merit seats in private professional colleges. SC stayed the clause in the act pertaining to the cross-subsidization. A 3-Judge Bench of the Supreme Court said, while hearing three petitions filed by private college managements, that for the current academic year, the ‘uniform’ fee structure recommended by the Justice KT Thomas Committee, constituted as per the court's directions, would apply for both Government and management seats in all private, self-financing colleges. The SC shot down the provision that allows two types of fees - one for students from the management quota and another for students from the government quota. It also said that, a 5-Judge Constitution Bench would decide the questions rising about the constitutional validity of the law. As things stand now, the KT Thomas Commission’s recommendation on fee structure is being followed in Kerala.
The Fundamental Fault
A STUDY ABOUT THE INTRICATE BALANCE BETWEEN THE POLITICS-OF-ADMISSIONS AND THE ECONOMICS-OF-FEES IN THE SELF-FINANCING SECTOR AWAKENS ONE TO A FUNDAMENTAL AND COLLECTIVE MISTAKE COMMITTED IN THE PROCESS OF SANCTIONING COLLEGES INDISCRIMINATELY. CREATING COLLEGES AND SEATS WITHOUT ANY PLANNING OR PROGRAMME, WHAT IT LEFT IS A SORRY SCENARIO WHERE MANY COLLEGES ARE GASPING FOR BREATH. A LOOK INTO THIS FUNDAMENTAL FAULT.
Former Chief Minister AK Antony used to wax eloquent from many platforms about the transparent manner in which no-objection certificates were issued to start self-financing engineering colleges. He also used to repeat his now-infamous argument behind the mass sanctioning of colleges, "the sanctioning of two self-financing professional colleges would be equivalent to establishing a Government college,” as 50 per cent of the seats in these institutions would be allowed to be filled only from the Government merit list. With a very liberal or at least not-that-stringent criterion for securing permission to start a college in place, all caste and communal combinations without even an iota of integrity and professionalism in the educational sector ventured to start colleges. SFI leader KK Ragesh laconically termed it as a No-Objection-Certificate (NOC) issuing spree. But by doing so, Antony was successful in pampering the vested interests, which was already deeply entrenched in the educational sector.
And everybody was happy; right from the construction industry to local politicians. We had MLAs who thought that getting a sanction for an engineering college in his or her constituency was a credit due to him. Of course, it was true to an extent, considering the allied activities and business opportunities that get triggered in the locality.
But it is the long-term planning, based on a futuristic vision on the requirement of engineering graduates, that was sorely missing in the much-vaunted engineering extravaganza unleashed in the state in the name of librating shackled enterprising ideas. No studies were undertaken by the Government on the realistic needs of education in technical sector. Minister KM Mani remarked recently, "We have more than enough professional colleges now. The government granted permission to everyone who applied for the college without any restrictions. And this led to the worst situation now. In many engineering colleges nearly half of the seats are vacant and the managements are find it difficult to run the colleges."
Columnist Shashi Mehta wrote recently about vacant engineering seats, “Over 12,500 seats Tamilnadu engineering colleges, 8000 in Maharashtra, 6000 in Karnataka, 6000 in Kerala, and 1572 in Punjab are going abegging. Unbelievable, but true. And these seats are not in the unrecognized, street corner teaching shops run by fly-by-night operators, but in recognized and established engineering institutions, which have flourished because of the promise of rewarding careers after a degree.”
Courses and seats were sanctioned indiscriminately. This resulted in excess no of seats. Because of this reason, a good number of seats in many engineering colleges remain vacant even after 2-3 months from counselling. Unofficial estimates suggest that well around 5000 seats are lying vacant (refer the interviews with State Education Minister ET Mohammed Basheer and TN Jayachandran, given in this cover story, elsewhere). Private self-financing colleges were getting better students in merit quota in pre-KT Thomas Commission days. With all difference literally vanishing between merit and management seats, students are doubly reluctant to join these colleges as tuitions fee is beyond the reach of middleclass families (refer the interview with Prof. RVG. Menon, given in this cover story, elsewhere). A cursory study of student preferences in the last years with this year will corroborate this.
In this connection, Antony and the thoughtless bureaucratic apparatus may try to justify that the departure from the earlier agreed cross-subsidizing of fees is solely on account of the Supreme Court ruling, and that it is making life difficult for managements and students. To an extent, it may ring true. However, a deep study of the sector leads one to a different conclusion. Even if one had continued with the earlier scheme of cross subsidizing, the troubles some colleges find themselves in now, would have met them eventually.
In a scenario where available seats are more than required, those who wanted to join an engineering college would have got it from the merit quota of this or that college. In that case, some of the management quota seats will remain vacant. This way some colleges will get financially choked as the money required for running was expected from the unfilled seats too. The indiscriminate creation of colleges and seats points to the flawed and faulty ways in which a very serious affair of our collective destiny was handled.
Because, the root reason for the non-occupation of seats is the existence of excess number of seats and the inability of a good number of students to shell out the money required for the studies at the existing rate of fees. Managements can tackle the issue of financially handicapped students by offering fee concessions and scholarships, though it will itself affect the very economics of running colleges.
The only way to handle this situation is to raise the standards of the college, thereby building a brand value. This will attract good students to the institution. Some academicians suggest that an early completion of the counselling process will help stop students from crossing Kerala borders for admissions, as it is also the uncertainty prevailing here that is forcing them to leave the state for a secured seat elsewhere. Though self-financing managements argue this point vociferously, this is not going to alter the situation dramatically. Early counselling may improve the situation a shade better only.
Can All Survive?
THE JURY IS NOT OUT OFFICIALLY. BUT SOME HAVE DARED TO PREDICT IT. YES, ALL IS NOT WELL ON THE SELF-FINANCING FRONT. MANY COLLEGES ARE NOT IN THE PINK OF HEALTH.
A growing opinion in the technical education sector in Kerala is that all these new colleges are not going to survive in the heat and dust of competition. The stark mismatch between the seats available at the current fees rates and the willingness and resourcefulness of students to fill those seats are leaving gaping hole in the calculation of many managements in the form of empty benches in the classrooms. 30-40% seats in many self-financing colleges are lying unoccupied.
Of course, this is not true for all colleges. There are worthy institutions where seats are filled almost comfortably. Those who observe this sector closely, believe that some of the colleges will wither and vanish from the scene. The excess number of seats created at this rate of fees can be the main reason for not getting students. Added to it is the lack of professionalism, experience and skills to run an educational institution. The present Govt too cannot wash its hand off this fiasco. States an LDF state committee resolution, “The no objection certificates (NOC), to all applicants for the colleges, have been issued by the Government very liberally. It did not even examine whether an applicant is eligible in any sense to run a professional college.”
Many groups, neither having experience in the educational sector or any social service sector, have taken up the venture of starting engineering colleges as a business option. All these efforts would have survived and prospered if all went smoothly. But the indiscriminate number of colleges with the mindlessly high number of seats left even good colleges in a bit of trouble. Though the trouble is distributed across the spectrum, the burden is disproportionately borne by the weakest of the lot. The weak and the unprepared, without the real experience, expertise, perseverance and dedication to raise the levels of technical education is finding themselves totally unequipped to meet the challenges in the critically troubled times.
This is leading colleges into a vicious circle of failure. This starts from the failure to attract students in sufficient numbers to work out the mere economics of running an engineering college. This in turn leads to compromising the educational standards and the quality of faculty. Eventually, managements cannot ensure a good placement process. All these makes sure that survival hangs as a question mark for such institutions.
Simple Ways to Solve the Riddle
SUCCESS OF A SOCIETY DEPENDS ON MANAGING THE CONTRADICTIONS. NEW ISSUES AND PROBLEMS KEEP CROPPING UP, SEEMINGLY DEFYING SOLUTIONS. BUT A SIMPLE AND IMAGINATIVE APPROACH MAY SAVE THE SITUATION IN THE SELF-FINANCING ENGINEERING SECTOR.
Given the fact that a lot of investment has gone into this sector, it is prudent now to think about the solutions available than crying hoarse and pointing fingers. As the country envisions a double-digit growth rate in the coming years, technical graduates will be in great demand. Irrespective of the argument that excess seats were created in the sector, students are still keen to join engineering courses, provided the fees incurred is well within their capacity.
Thus it boils down to the fact that it is the inability of students to pay the stipulated fees the key factor for many seats still remaining unoccupied. The volatile situation in the job market is also not enthusing students to take up loans. Banks are also not very forthcoming to give loans to poor people. “The RBI guidelines, which state that education loans up to Rs 4 lakh need not have collateral security, also enjoin upon the banks to look into the income profile of the parents and ensure that the course proposed to be pursued by the student will lead to employment,” says KV Acharya, Joint General Secretary of All India Bank Officers' Confederation. But as SFI leader KK Ragesh argues, “Benefit of educational loans never reaches the needy students because as per the compulsory direction to all commercial banks by the Reserve Bank of India, one important criterion in sanctioning the loan must be the capability of the student to repay the loan.”
Since it is a colossal national waste that the faculties and infrastructure already made ready is allowed to go unutilised, the Govt should step in with comprehensive fees concession or scholarships. Govt can salvage the situation by offering scholarships to the financially weak in the Govt quota. “By shelling out 6 crores annually, the Govt can cover the financial expenses of at least 30% of the merit quota students,” says Prof. CI Abdul Rahiman, an office-bearer of the association of self-financing engineering colleges. “Govt can solve the whole problem by doing this,” he adds.
The remaining 70 percent would have the wherewithal to pay the existing fees. “It is not the merit / management divide that is required. The need of the day is to identify students who will have to forsake their engineering dream just because they don’t have the finances. Supporting them is the key,” says Fr. Jose Alex, Director of Rajagiri School of Engineering And Technology. Prof RVG. Menon feels that the managements must come out with liberal scholarships, “The only way out is the private managements providing scholarships to offset the difference between Government fee and the recommended fee”. He feels that those colleges who cannot find the resources to do this will have to quit this business eventually.
Another innovative solution is to provide a certain number of seats from each college, for international students. Studies show that the Indian brand can have takers in countries where a good number people of Indian origin reside like Mauritius, Fiji, Srilanka etc. Students from Middle East, South East Asia, and African countries are willing to come and have their studies here, if proper marketing is done. An imaginative attempt in this line, after putting in place world-class facilities, can do wonders.
Going back to the refundable deposit scheme of Rs. 1 lakh, which was in place earlier, might be one solution, provided the SC can be convinced that it is not capitation due to its refundable nature.
Another solution might be giving some sort of autonomy to colleges to fix their own fees. In that way colleges, which is attracting low student interest, can offer a low level of fees. Some observers argue that there is no logic in charging the same fees for a college in a city suburb and one located in a deep rural area, as the cost involved in the establishing and running the institution vary. So differentiated or variable fee structure might work. It is a way of leaving it to market. “Let students decide where to join after analysing the comparative merit and fee structure of different colleges. They can factor the infrastructure and placement activities, in their calculation. This scheme is followed in Anna University, Tamilnadu from this year,” says SH Musaliar, Chairman of TKM Trust and a member of the Anna University Syndicate.
THE CASE FOR CROSS SUBSIDY
Arguing for the Underdog
CROSS-SUBSIDY, SCHOLARSHIPS, FEE CONCESSION - WHATEVER NAME ONE CALLS IT, A NEEDY STUDENT MUST GET THE ASSISTANCE AND BACKING FOR PURSUING STUDIES. THE REALITIES AFTER THE T.M.A. PAI CASE ARE LEAVING A SAD SPECTACLE ON THIS ACCOUNT. CLEARLY, THE ESTABLISHMENT IS FAILING TO CHECK THE CURRENTS OF NEO-LIBERALISM EATING THE VITALS OF INDIAN STATE’S SOCIALIST ETHOS.
In India, we have perfected the art of making a mockery of well-cherished ideals. Lured by the colours of veneer, what is missed is the substance of ideologies. Is it justified to dish out subsidies for the studies of a rich student in the name of keeping the wilting banners of a welfare state? A true welfare state must tax the rich. The tax money must be used to ensure the welfare of the needy and disadvantaged. In this connection, just after the judgment in the Islamic Academy Case, columnist Rajeev Dhavan wrote, “The Supreme Court judgments on professional education have moved from `half-baked socialism' to `half-baked capitalism'.” He was tracing the shifts in stance of the SC from the days of the Unnikrishnan Case.
The logic of making the rich pay for the poor has a superficial ring, while analysing the cross-subsidy structure of fee collection that once prevailed in the engineering colleges after the historic verdict of Justice Jeevan Reddy in the Unnikrishnan Case. But the real and true inner colours of a mindless state will be sharply visible when it is known that the cross subsidy was not between rich and poor. It was between those who got high ranks and low ranks. This logical lacuna is one of the fundamental weaknesses of the argument for cross subsidy. May be the SC judges would have taken a lenient view of cross subsidy if it were presented as between the rich and not that rich. Many social studies across the world shows that those who are financially and socially well placed end up occupying the top slots in any competitive exam.
Not only were the institutions that followed the Unnikrishnan Case scheme confronted with revenue shortfalls, but most of the ‘free seats’ were occupied by students from affluent families, as their scores in the common entrance test were higher (their better economic and social backgrounds gave them access to better coaching) than those from less affluent families (the latter ended up paying exorbitant capitation and tuition fees to secure admission). This makes one to pitch against the idea of cross subsidy and this probably must have influenced the SC while pronouncing against it in the TMA Pai verdict.
Cross subsidy is not a sin though Supreme Court put it otherwise as far as fee structure in educational institutions is concerned. A cross subsidy scheme, which helps and benefits the poor, would have presented a much stronger case than the one that existed between those who got high ranks and low ranks. The argument of the high rank holders is that the fee concession is a kind of scholarships for them. Though it is true, it is not in tune with the ethos of the Indian state where considerations of equity is the highest motive when understanding the Constitution through the light of the exalted minds of our Constitution makers. Scholarship argument for high performers would have a resonance in the more capitalistic societies where achievement and merit are the worshipped deities. The question that remains is what we must do and where we stand in the process of restructuring our highly hierarchical Indian society.
The impulses of the Indian state while reordering the society according to the egalitarian instincts are a pretentious gimmick even in the best of times. Devoid of that cosmetic consideration in the changed and altered times, the state is now happy to leave the field open. How can one expect to justify what our establishments including the courts think - that a poor student shall bear the burden of studying, which he or she clearly can’t. The ultimate result shall be the poor leaving the hallowed precincts of learning, which will prove costly later to the overall well being of society in terms of the social engineering so painfully undertaken for the last 50 years.
This is the reason why many would like to opt for the cross subsidy scheme although SC had pointed out the irrationality of payment seat students subsidizing the education of merit seat student. This is all the more true when Govt made it clear by actions and pronouncements that it can’t any long subsidise education especially in the newly created institutions. “With no hope for Government aid, and no ready source for scholarships, cross-subsidy might remain as an alternative,” says TN Jayachandran. Nearly 25 per cent of the population in Kerala lives below the poverty line. The majority of the people have annual incomes below Rs.10, 000. Only a small percentage of the people in the State can afford the luxury of paying even Rs 38,000/- as fees every year for engineering or Rs. 1.2 lakh for medicine.
That cross subsidy is a bad and irrational strategy, is a purely sanitised analysis independent of social realties. Even worse is the cross subsidy between those who get high rank and low rank. The ideal is managements or Govt giving concession or scholarships to the needy students. But this doesn’t happen, as Govt is fund strapped and managements cant work out the economics of it. In that case, a cross subsidy between affluent students and the less affluent is perfectly in order, considering the ideals of our 50-year old independent nation state.
In fact, there is no need for the divide between merit and payment seats. A rich student even if he falls in the top bracket of ranks, doesn’t deserve subsidised fee. Just because one got slightly lesser rank doesn’t mean that he or she doesn’t deserve fee concession. Fee concession should be solely based on the financial capability of the student. “No one shall be denied education just because of lack of money,” says Father Jose Alex, Director of Rajagiri School of Social Sciences. “Poor students, even if they get lesser ranks must get fee concession. But not the rich students with good ranks. One who is capable of supporting his education must be allowed to do it,” he adds. That one got a top rank shall not come as a hindrance to pay the expenses. This must be made applicable to Govt colleges too. Lot of wealthy students gets subsidised education now. One shall not forget that a high rank, at many times, is the direct outcome of his or her status of being from a high-income group.
VINOD CV
THE CHAOS IN THE SELF-FINANCING SECTOR IS CONTINUING WITH GOVT AND THE MANAGEMENTS PULLING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS. EVEN AFTER THE INTERPRETATION OF THE TMA PAI VERDICT IN THE ISLAMIC ACADEMY CASE, THIS SECTOR IS MAULED BY CONFUSION, UNCERTAINTY AND DISORDER.
Since the late 1980s, Kerala students went in droves to colleges in Tamilnadu and Karnataka for professional education. In 2001, for instance, nearly 50 per cent of the students in the private professional colleges in these States were from Kerala. The AK Antony Government's decision to sanction private, self-financing engineering and medical colleges on a large scale from the year 2002-03 was intended to harness the huge demand in the State for professional education. The decision was expected to stem the exodus of students to outside states. The Government claimed that "allowing two private self-financing colleges would be the same as starting a Government college," the rationale being that 50 per cent of the seats in the private colleges would be in the Government quota.
Kerala had refrained from starting self-financing colleges, as a matter of policy, for a long time. In effect, it meant the state losing a great deal of money to neighbouring states. But being a state where the Left politics had played a major role in shaping policies and political formulations, Kerala had remained reluctant to allow private capital to dictate its educational policies. It was naturally argued that allowing colleges in self-financing sector meant the withdrawal of Govt from the educational sector.
But viewing from a different angle, self-financing arrangement is hailed as the bold and innovative attempt to release the strangulated energies of private enterprises. It unleashed money and resources even in the rural areas of the state. The new self-financing college managements proudly claim that in a state where investors fear to tread, they have already invested Rs. 2500 crores, provided direct employment to 18,000 people, and indirect jobs to another 25,000. Above all, they claim, they had re-routed the Rs. 400 crores that used to be invested in Tamilnadu and Karnataka every year.
It is a fact acknowledged by realistic people in the state that Govt cannot afford to invest any more money in the higher education sector. The shortage of resources available for investment, coupled with the high invisible subsidy doled out by the Govt (as low fees), while it runs an institution, ensured that it is not possible for the Govt to start business-worthy ventures any more. And it was almost sure that Govt cannot tamper with the fees that it can directly charge, given the peculiar political and socio-cultural set up of the state.
It is in this context that the idea of self-financing colleges was born. The contradictions between the requirement of technical manpower and the inability of the Govt to invest the required quantum of resources to establish the required institutions, opened the domain to private sector. The private managements have the money and resources at their command and at the same time they have the leeway to charge more tuition fees to meet the expenses. Even the Govt followed this model through the various semi-autonomous bodies under it, like IHRD & LBS.
Though now it is an endless dispute between former chief minister AK Antony (Antony termed the going back of private managements on the issue of Govt fees for merit seats as "nothing but a betrayal of trust''), and private managements, the civil society in the state had clearly understood that 50% of the seats in the private self-financing sector will go to students in the state merit list. With this condition, 50 percentage of students need to pay only the fees due to be paid by a student in a Govt engineering college. Social scientists and political observers felt it as a unique way of reconciling the egalitarian concerns of a socialist state with the ground realities of our times. In the Unnikrishnan Case (Unnikrishnan vs. State of Andhra Pradesh, 1993), Justice Jeevan Reddy evolved this scheme. Unnikrishnan Case judgement tried to check commercialisation of education and ensure social justice and quality in self-financing professional education.
The agreed and accepted arrangement based on the Unnikrishnan Case was working more or less smoothly in the engineering education sector. But Justice BN Kripal's majority judgment in the 11-judge TMA Pai case (Oct 31, 2002) and Chief Justice VN Khare's 5-judge bench judgment in the Islamic Academy case (Islamic Academy of Education vs. State of Karnataka) on August 14, 2003 changed the scenario. With these judgments, differentiated fees structure for merit and management seats became constitutionally questionable. As for the economics of education, “it is well known all over the world”, reads the October 31 judgment, “that those who seek professional education must pay for it.”
This changed situation was correctly echoed by Kerala HC, while judging a case regarding self-financing college fees structure, "the State must realize that after it had given the no-objection certificates to the college managements, the decision of the apex court in the TMA Pai case has brought about a sea change in the legal position. The State cannot shut its eyes to the hard realities in the post-TMA Pai era.’’ The Judges also observed that if freedom from the Government was the goal of an unaided institution, the Government cannot fix an arbitrary price on that freedom. This made Antony to remark that “though the self-financing managements had the right to approach the court, it was wrong on their part to have done so. We had not thought that they would go to court.”
These developments and the continued agitation of students forced the Kerala Govt to go for a bill securing the rights of 50 percent of the students, whom the Govt thought as deserving the earlier promised fee of Govt colleges. However, many of the provisions of the Prohibition of Capitation Fees and Procedure for Admission and Fixation of Fees Act, 2004, passed by the Kerala Assembly went against the grain of the recent Supreme Court's directions on admissions and fee structure in unaided, self-financing professional colleges in the TMA Pai case and Islamic Academy case. In fact, some of the provisions in the bill were similar to the ones in a 1993 apex court verdict (on Unnikrishnan Case), which was subsequently declared as "unconstitutional" by an 11-Judge Bench in October 2002 in TMA Pai Case {TMA Pai Foundation and Others vs. State of Karnataka and Others).
Meanwhile, the committee appointed by Govt under the chairmanship of Justice KT Thomas, as per the Supreme Court direction in Islamic Academy case to finalise a reasonable fee for self-financing colleges, came up with its own list of proposals. Those proposals too were in line with the Supreme Court directive of non-differentiated fees structure. The commission did away with the one-lakh refundable security deposit, which colleges were allowed to charge from management quota students, as Supreme Court was clearly decreed against the capitation fees in both Unnikrishnan and TMA Pai case.
But private managements resisted the attempts to restore the situation to the pre-TMA Pai Judgment days. The managements had gone to court against the Kerala Self-Financing Professional Colleges (Prohibition of Capitation Fees and Procedure for Admission and Fixation of Fees) Act, 2004, which insisted on a government-fixed fee structure in merit seats in private professional colleges. SC stayed the clause in the act pertaining to the cross-subsidization. A 3-Judge Bench of the Supreme Court said, while hearing three petitions filed by private college managements, that for the current academic year, the ‘uniform’ fee structure recommended by the Justice KT Thomas Committee, constituted as per the court's directions, would apply for both Government and management seats in all private, self-financing colleges. The SC shot down the provision that allows two types of fees - one for students from the management quota and another for students from the government quota. It also said that, a 5-Judge Constitution Bench would decide the questions rising about the constitutional validity of the law. As things stand now, the KT Thomas Commission’s recommendation on fee structure is being followed in Kerala.
The Fundamental Fault
A STUDY ABOUT THE INTRICATE BALANCE BETWEEN THE POLITICS-OF-ADMISSIONS AND THE ECONOMICS-OF-FEES IN THE SELF-FINANCING SECTOR AWAKENS ONE TO A FUNDAMENTAL AND COLLECTIVE MISTAKE COMMITTED IN THE PROCESS OF SANCTIONING COLLEGES INDISCRIMINATELY. CREATING COLLEGES AND SEATS WITHOUT ANY PLANNING OR PROGRAMME, WHAT IT LEFT IS A SORRY SCENARIO WHERE MANY COLLEGES ARE GASPING FOR BREATH. A LOOK INTO THIS FUNDAMENTAL FAULT.
Former Chief Minister AK Antony used to wax eloquent from many platforms about the transparent manner in which no-objection certificates were issued to start self-financing engineering colleges. He also used to repeat his now-infamous argument behind the mass sanctioning of colleges, "the sanctioning of two self-financing professional colleges would be equivalent to establishing a Government college,” as 50 per cent of the seats in these institutions would be allowed to be filled only from the Government merit list. With a very liberal or at least not-that-stringent criterion for securing permission to start a college in place, all caste and communal combinations without even an iota of integrity and professionalism in the educational sector ventured to start colleges. SFI leader KK Ragesh laconically termed it as a No-Objection-Certificate (NOC) issuing spree. But by doing so, Antony was successful in pampering the vested interests, which was already deeply entrenched in the educational sector.
And everybody was happy; right from the construction industry to local politicians. We had MLAs who thought that getting a sanction for an engineering college in his or her constituency was a credit due to him. Of course, it was true to an extent, considering the allied activities and business opportunities that get triggered in the locality.
But it is the long-term planning, based on a futuristic vision on the requirement of engineering graduates, that was sorely missing in the much-vaunted engineering extravaganza unleashed in the state in the name of librating shackled enterprising ideas. No studies were undertaken by the Government on the realistic needs of education in technical sector. Minister KM Mani remarked recently, "We have more than enough professional colleges now. The government granted permission to everyone who applied for the college without any restrictions. And this led to the worst situation now. In many engineering colleges nearly half of the seats are vacant and the managements are find it difficult to run the colleges."
Columnist Shashi Mehta wrote recently about vacant engineering seats, “Over 12,500 seats Tamilnadu engineering colleges, 8000 in Maharashtra, 6000 in Karnataka, 6000 in Kerala, and 1572 in Punjab are going abegging. Unbelievable, but true. And these seats are not in the unrecognized, street corner teaching shops run by fly-by-night operators, but in recognized and established engineering institutions, which have flourished because of the promise of rewarding careers after a degree.”
Courses and seats were sanctioned indiscriminately. This resulted in excess no of seats. Because of this reason, a good number of seats in many engineering colleges remain vacant even after 2-3 months from counselling. Unofficial estimates suggest that well around 5000 seats are lying vacant (refer the interviews with State Education Minister ET Mohammed Basheer and TN Jayachandran, given in this cover story, elsewhere). Private self-financing colleges were getting better students in merit quota in pre-KT Thomas Commission days. With all difference literally vanishing between merit and management seats, students are doubly reluctant to join these colleges as tuitions fee is beyond the reach of middleclass families (refer the interview with Prof. RVG. Menon, given in this cover story, elsewhere). A cursory study of student preferences in the last years with this year will corroborate this.
In this connection, Antony and the thoughtless bureaucratic apparatus may try to justify that the departure from the earlier agreed cross-subsidizing of fees is solely on account of the Supreme Court ruling, and that it is making life difficult for managements and students. To an extent, it may ring true. However, a deep study of the sector leads one to a different conclusion. Even if one had continued with the earlier scheme of cross subsidizing, the troubles some colleges find themselves in now, would have met them eventually.
In a scenario where available seats are more than required, those who wanted to join an engineering college would have got it from the merit quota of this or that college. In that case, some of the management quota seats will remain vacant. This way some colleges will get financially choked as the money required for running was expected from the unfilled seats too. The indiscriminate creation of colleges and seats points to the flawed and faulty ways in which a very serious affair of our collective destiny was handled.
Because, the root reason for the non-occupation of seats is the existence of excess number of seats and the inability of a good number of students to shell out the money required for the studies at the existing rate of fees. Managements can tackle the issue of financially handicapped students by offering fee concessions and scholarships, though it will itself affect the very economics of running colleges.
The only way to handle this situation is to raise the standards of the college, thereby building a brand value. This will attract good students to the institution. Some academicians suggest that an early completion of the counselling process will help stop students from crossing Kerala borders for admissions, as it is also the uncertainty prevailing here that is forcing them to leave the state for a secured seat elsewhere. Though self-financing managements argue this point vociferously, this is not going to alter the situation dramatically. Early counselling may improve the situation a shade better only.
Can All Survive?
THE JURY IS NOT OUT OFFICIALLY. BUT SOME HAVE DARED TO PREDICT IT. YES, ALL IS NOT WELL ON THE SELF-FINANCING FRONT. MANY COLLEGES ARE NOT IN THE PINK OF HEALTH.
A growing opinion in the technical education sector in Kerala is that all these new colleges are not going to survive in the heat and dust of competition. The stark mismatch between the seats available at the current fees rates and the willingness and resourcefulness of students to fill those seats are leaving gaping hole in the calculation of many managements in the form of empty benches in the classrooms. 30-40% seats in many self-financing colleges are lying unoccupied.
Of course, this is not true for all colleges. There are worthy institutions where seats are filled almost comfortably. Those who observe this sector closely, believe that some of the colleges will wither and vanish from the scene. The excess number of seats created at this rate of fees can be the main reason for not getting students. Added to it is the lack of professionalism, experience and skills to run an educational institution. The present Govt too cannot wash its hand off this fiasco. States an LDF state committee resolution, “The no objection certificates (NOC), to all applicants for the colleges, have been issued by the Government very liberally. It did not even examine whether an applicant is eligible in any sense to run a professional college.”
Many groups, neither having experience in the educational sector or any social service sector, have taken up the venture of starting engineering colleges as a business option. All these efforts would have survived and prospered if all went smoothly. But the indiscriminate number of colleges with the mindlessly high number of seats left even good colleges in a bit of trouble. Though the trouble is distributed across the spectrum, the burden is disproportionately borne by the weakest of the lot. The weak and the unprepared, without the real experience, expertise, perseverance and dedication to raise the levels of technical education is finding themselves totally unequipped to meet the challenges in the critically troubled times.
This is leading colleges into a vicious circle of failure. This starts from the failure to attract students in sufficient numbers to work out the mere economics of running an engineering college. This in turn leads to compromising the educational standards and the quality of faculty. Eventually, managements cannot ensure a good placement process. All these makes sure that survival hangs as a question mark for such institutions.
Simple Ways to Solve the Riddle
SUCCESS OF A SOCIETY DEPENDS ON MANAGING THE CONTRADICTIONS. NEW ISSUES AND PROBLEMS KEEP CROPPING UP, SEEMINGLY DEFYING SOLUTIONS. BUT A SIMPLE AND IMAGINATIVE APPROACH MAY SAVE THE SITUATION IN THE SELF-FINANCING ENGINEERING SECTOR.
Given the fact that a lot of investment has gone into this sector, it is prudent now to think about the solutions available than crying hoarse and pointing fingers. As the country envisions a double-digit growth rate in the coming years, technical graduates will be in great demand. Irrespective of the argument that excess seats were created in the sector, students are still keen to join engineering courses, provided the fees incurred is well within their capacity.
Thus it boils down to the fact that it is the inability of students to pay the stipulated fees the key factor for many seats still remaining unoccupied. The volatile situation in the job market is also not enthusing students to take up loans. Banks are also not very forthcoming to give loans to poor people. “The RBI guidelines, which state that education loans up to Rs 4 lakh need not have collateral security, also enjoin upon the banks to look into the income profile of the parents and ensure that the course proposed to be pursued by the student will lead to employment,” says KV Acharya, Joint General Secretary of All India Bank Officers' Confederation. But as SFI leader KK Ragesh argues, “Benefit of educational loans never reaches the needy students because as per the compulsory direction to all commercial banks by the Reserve Bank of India, one important criterion in sanctioning the loan must be the capability of the student to repay the loan.”
Since it is a colossal national waste that the faculties and infrastructure already made ready is allowed to go unutilised, the Govt should step in with comprehensive fees concession or scholarships. Govt can salvage the situation by offering scholarships to the financially weak in the Govt quota. “By shelling out 6 crores annually, the Govt can cover the financial expenses of at least 30% of the merit quota students,” says Prof. CI Abdul Rahiman, an office-bearer of the association of self-financing engineering colleges. “Govt can solve the whole problem by doing this,” he adds.
The remaining 70 percent would have the wherewithal to pay the existing fees. “It is not the merit / management divide that is required. The need of the day is to identify students who will have to forsake their engineering dream just because they don’t have the finances. Supporting them is the key,” says Fr. Jose Alex, Director of Rajagiri School of Engineering And Technology. Prof RVG. Menon feels that the managements must come out with liberal scholarships, “The only way out is the private managements providing scholarships to offset the difference between Government fee and the recommended fee”. He feels that those colleges who cannot find the resources to do this will have to quit this business eventually.
Another innovative solution is to provide a certain number of seats from each college, for international students. Studies show that the Indian brand can have takers in countries where a good number people of Indian origin reside like Mauritius, Fiji, Srilanka etc. Students from Middle East, South East Asia, and African countries are willing to come and have their studies here, if proper marketing is done. An imaginative attempt in this line, after putting in place world-class facilities, can do wonders.
Going back to the refundable deposit scheme of Rs. 1 lakh, which was in place earlier, might be one solution, provided the SC can be convinced that it is not capitation due to its refundable nature.
Another solution might be giving some sort of autonomy to colleges to fix their own fees. In that way colleges, which is attracting low student interest, can offer a low level of fees. Some observers argue that there is no logic in charging the same fees for a college in a city suburb and one located in a deep rural area, as the cost involved in the establishing and running the institution vary. So differentiated or variable fee structure might work. It is a way of leaving it to market. “Let students decide where to join after analysing the comparative merit and fee structure of different colleges. They can factor the infrastructure and placement activities, in their calculation. This scheme is followed in Anna University, Tamilnadu from this year,” says SH Musaliar, Chairman of TKM Trust and a member of the Anna University Syndicate.
THE CASE FOR CROSS SUBSIDY
Arguing for the Underdog
CROSS-SUBSIDY, SCHOLARSHIPS, FEE CONCESSION - WHATEVER NAME ONE CALLS IT, A NEEDY STUDENT MUST GET THE ASSISTANCE AND BACKING FOR PURSUING STUDIES. THE REALITIES AFTER THE T.M.A. PAI CASE ARE LEAVING A SAD SPECTACLE ON THIS ACCOUNT. CLEARLY, THE ESTABLISHMENT IS FAILING TO CHECK THE CURRENTS OF NEO-LIBERALISM EATING THE VITALS OF INDIAN STATE’S SOCIALIST ETHOS.
In India, we have perfected the art of making a mockery of well-cherished ideals. Lured by the colours of veneer, what is missed is the substance of ideologies. Is it justified to dish out subsidies for the studies of a rich student in the name of keeping the wilting banners of a welfare state? A true welfare state must tax the rich. The tax money must be used to ensure the welfare of the needy and disadvantaged. In this connection, just after the judgment in the Islamic Academy Case, columnist Rajeev Dhavan wrote, “The Supreme Court judgments on professional education have moved from `half-baked socialism' to `half-baked capitalism'.” He was tracing the shifts in stance of the SC from the days of the Unnikrishnan Case.
The logic of making the rich pay for the poor has a superficial ring, while analysing the cross-subsidy structure of fee collection that once prevailed in the engineering colleges after the historic verdict of Justice Jeevan Reddy in the Unnikrishnan Case. But the real and true inner colours of a mindless state will be sharply visible when it is known that the cross subsidy was not between rich and poor. It was between those who got high ranks and low ranks. This logical lacuna is one of the fundamental weaknesses of the argument for cross subsidy. May be the SC judges would have taken a lenient view of cross subsidy if it were presented as between the rich and not that rich. Many social studies across the world shows that those who are financially and socially well placed end up occupying the top slots in any competitive exam.
Not only were the institutions that followed the Unnikrishnan Case scheme confronted with revenue shortfalls, but most of the ‘free seats’ were occupied by students from affluent families, as their scores in the common entrance test were higher (their better economic and social backgrounds gave them access to better coaching) than those from less affluent families (the latter ended up paying exorbitant capitation and tuition fees to secure admission). This makes one to pitch against the idea of cross subsidy and this probably must have influenced the SC while pronouncing against it in the TMA Pai verdict.
Cross subsidy is not a sin though Supreme Court put it otherwise as far as fee structure in educational institutions is concerned. A cross subsidy scheme, which helps and benefits the poor, would have presented a much stronger case than the one that existed between those who got high ranks and low ranks. The argument of the high rank holders is that the fee concession is a kind of scholarships for them. Though it is true, it is not in tune with the ethos of the Indian state where considerations of equity is the highest motive when understanding the Constitution through the light of the exalted minds of our Constitution makers. Scholarship argument for high performers would have a resonance in the more capitalistic societies where achievement and merit are the worshipped deities. The question that remains is what we must do and where we stand in the process of restructuring our highly hierarchical Indian society.
The impulses of the Indian state while reordering the society according to the egalitarian instincts are a pretentious gimmick even in the best of times. Devoid of that cosmetic consideration in the changed and altered times, the state is now happy to leave the field open. How can one expect to justify what our establishments including the courts think - that a poor student shall bear the burden of studying, which he or she clearly can’t. The ultimate result shall be the poor leaving the hallowed precincts of learning, which will prove costly later to the overall well being of society in terms of the social engineering so painfully undertaken for the last 50 years.
This is the reason why many would like to opt for the cross subsidy scheme although SC had pointed out the irrationality of payment seat students subsidizing the education of merit seat student. This is all the more true when Govt made it clear by actions and pronouncements that it can’t any long subsidise education especially in the newly created institutions. “With no hope for Government aid, and no ready source for scholarships, cross-subsidy might remain as an alternative,” says TN Jayachandran. Nearly 25 per cent of the population in Kerala lives below the poverty line. The majority of the people have annual incomes below Rs.10, 000. Only a small percentage of the people in the State can afford the luxury of paying even Rs 38,000/- as fees every year for engineering or Rs. 1.2 lakh for medicine.
That cross subsidy is a bad and irrational strategy, is a purely sanitised analysis independent of social realties. Even worse is the cross subsidy between those who get high rank and low rank. The ideal is managements or Govt giving concession or scholarships to the needy students. But this doesn’t happen, as Govt is fund strapped and managements cant work out the economics of it. In that case, a cross subsidy between affluent students and the less affluent is perfectly in order, considering the ideals of our 50-year old independent nation state.
In fact, there is no need for the divide between merit and payment seats. A rich student even if he falls in the top bracket of ranks, doesn’t deserve subsidised fee. Just because one got slightly lesser rank doesn’t mean that he or she doesn’t deserve fee concession. Fee concession should be solely based on the financial capability of the student. “No one shall be denied education just because of lack of money,” says Father Jose Alex, Director of Rajagiri School of Social Sciences. “Poor students, even if they get lesser ranks must get fee concession. But not the rich students with good ranks. One who is capable of supporting his education must be allowed to do it,” he adds. That one got a top rank shall not come as a hindrance to pay the expenses. This must be made applicable to Govt colleges too. Lot of wealthy students gets subsidised education now. One shall not forget that a high rank, at many times, is the direct outcome of his or her status of being from a high-income group.
Thursday, November 04, 2004
14 Different Intros, headings, subtitles i wrote for Same type Institutions(Engineering Colleges)
VINOD CV
ADI SHANKARA INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
SURGING AHEAD WITH STORIES OF SUCCESS
AS PLACEMENT ACTIVITY RECEIVES EXTRAORDINARILY POSITIVE RESPONSE, ADI SHANKARA COLLEGE MANAGEMENT’S CLAIM OF MOULDING EMPLOYABLE GRADUATES IS RINGING ALL THE MORE TRUE.
Though he is busy with ironing out the last minute hitches, nowadays Gopala Krishna Iyer, Principal of Adi Shankara College of Engineering & Technology (ASIET), is extremely happy. That is quite natural given the kind of response the college is receiving from the industry. Not just small time operators, it is the big timers hunting for the quality manpower at ASIET.
AMAL JYOTHI COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
MOULDING MANAGER-TECHNOLOGISTS
AN ECO FRIENDLY CAMPUS WITH EXCELLENT FACILITIES, SET IN THE SCENIC BACKDROP OF THE SAHYADRI RANGES AIMS TO REWRITE THE PATTERN OF ENGINEERING EDUCATION IN KERALA.
“More than 50 of our students already got placed in companies like Proton Web, Birla Soft, and Accenture. Within the next one to three months more than 50-60% of our students will be receiving appointment letters from top companies. Work in that direction is well in progress,” Fr. Aji Athimoottil, Asst. Manager of Amal Jyothi College of Engineering (AJCE) is exuding with confidence. “Fr. KJ Jose, former placement officer of NSS Palakkad is the key man in the placement cell here,” adds Fr. Aji. The self-belief the institute has is well in the order given the kind of attention provided to perfect academic excellence. The reason why a tech giant like Wipro found it worthy to pick 12 students from the AJCE.
CAARMEL ENGINEERING COLLEGE
CARVING OUT A NICHE IN QUALITY EDUCATION
NESTLED IN THE PICTURESQUE AND POETICALLY POIGNANT CAARMEL ESTATE, PATHANAMTHITTA, THIS ENGINEERING COLLEGE, A DREAM PROJECT OF ITS LATE FOUNDER BABU P THOMAS, IS OFFERING QUALITY EDUCATION IN ENGINEERING.
Rarely are men with great visions born. They execute things others think difficult and impossible. But the impressions made by them in the mind of others and efforts put by them stand to testify the spirit with which they worked. When seeing the Caarmel College and feeling the soulful mist wrapped with the memories of it Founder Chairman, Late Er. Babu P Thomas, one can experience the dream he visualised. Er. Babu was also one of the promoters of the Kairali Malayalam Channel.
FEDERAL INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (FISAT), ANGAMALY
FOREARMING FUTURE LEADERS
A PATH-BREAKING VENTURE FROM FEDERAL BANK OFFICERS ASSOCIATION TO BRING ALIVE A SECULAR APPROACH IN THE EDUCATIONAL ARENA.
Running an Engineering College by a bank officers association! Those who don’t know about the Federal Bank may be surprised to hear about it. But the question is, will you find somebody in Kerala like that? One who is familiar with the Federal Bank and the Federal Bank Officers Association (FBOA) will see it as the continuation of a natural process that started 35 years back. Federal Bank, the most coveted brand name in Kerala’s banking sector signifies service and credibility in the mind of stakeholders. This image is nurtured and nourished by FBOA to make it a most customer friendly commercial bank.
JYOTHI ENGINEERING COLLEGE
READYING FOR A RARE LEAP IN TECHNOLOGY
A VENTURE OF THRISSUR ARCHDIOCESE IS ONE OF THE FEW COLLEGES IN KERALA, WHICH LIBERALLY OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS TO MERITORIOUS STUDENTS. THEY BELIEVE THAT THIS WILL CREATE A GLORIOUS TRADITION IN THE SELF-FINANCING SECTOR.
By the time students of other colleges joins classes for the first time, a student of Jyothi Engineering college might have gained a fairly good idea about core engineering subjects like Engineering Graphics, Engineering Mechanics and Basic Electrical Engineering. While others are grappling with the basics of it, students of Jyothi might have started getting deep into the wonders of these subjects. This is exactly what bridge courses are intended to do and a core area that Jyothi is famous for. “The program is intended to overcome the difficulty of students and to give them a firm footing in the most important engineering subjects,” says Manager Thomas Mathew.
MANGALAM COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
A MANGALAM MISSION IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION
ENTRY OF A LONG-STANDING MEDIA GROUP LIKE MANGALAM INTO THE PRIVATE TECHNICAL EDUCATION FIELD, IS ADDING THE MUCH NEEDED CREDIBILITY AND STRENGTH TO THE SECTOR. “THE LAST 4- YEARS OF OUR SUCCESS VOUCH FOR THIS,” SAYS KURIAN LUCOSE, CHAIRMAN OF THE COLLEGE, WITH CONFIDENCE.
Some groups do things perfectly. That is why history can’t just bypass their name. Such will be the power and reach of the brands created and sustained with incomparable acumen. When they step into the new landscapes of explorations, it will be doubly noticed.
So the foray of Mangalam Group into the Engineering Education of Kerala is watched with great interest. The question in the beginning was whether the institution would be able to leave a mark in the true tradition of the mother group. The last 4-years performance of Mangalam College of Engineering made it sure that this quality engineering school is going to leave a blazing trail in the technical education sector, just like the parent company rewrote the history of magazine journalism in India.
MAR BASELIOS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
ENGINEERING @ 3500 FT ABOVE SEA LEVEL
HERE IS AN ENGINEERING COLLEGE THAT INVITES YOU TO STUDY AT THE SOUL SOFTENING SILENCE OF MISTY MOUNTAIN RANGES. THIS FULLY RESIDENTIAL ENGINEERING COLLEGE IN KERALA OVERSEES THE MAKEOVER OF A STUDENT TO A CAREER TECHNOLOGIST.
Not just schooling, but a full-blooded 4-year long professional degree course at an altitude of 3500 ft above sea level. And straight away walk directly into the highly sophisticated insides of a multinational company after enjoying the misty silence of a fully residential college for four years. Is it sounding something beyond the reality? Not for the final year students of Mar Baselios Christian College Of Engineering and Technology, situated at the world-renowned Peermade Hill Station.
The 77-acre plot where the college is located, comprise picturesque hills at an elevation of 1000 m above sea level. The idyllic location, which offers nature's beauty at its best, has the tranquillity and charm of a resort. Tea estates, wide vistas of cardamom, lofty peaks, valleys, green meadows and little streams, surround the place.
MOHANDAS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AIMING BIG
THIS UNIQUE SELF-FINANCING ENGINEERING COLLEGE IS FOUNDED AND PROMOTED BY VNGP MEMORIAL TRUST. THE INSTITUTE IS THE PET PROJECT OF BUSINESSMAN-HOTELIER G MOHANDAS.
Every person wants to be unique and to be known and respected for his or her positive qualities and capabilities. Whether it is creating, deciding, governing or solving, a well-trained person with a well disciplined work culture and properly evolved reasoning power stands out from the ordinary. This remarkable individual is at home guiding the actions of others and always leading from the front. Mohandas College of Engineering and Technology has been perceived and created to mould such leaders who shall influence and change for the better the way others think and work- Thus starts the message of Chairman G Mohandas to the students of the Mohandas College of Engineering and Technology.
INFOSYS INFLUENZA
WITH THE NEWS OF INFOSYS PICKING UP 54, SPIRITS ARE HIGH AT RAJAGIRI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY. “BUT THE SUCCESS SPREE HAS JUST STARTED,” FEELS DIRECTOR FR. JOSE ALEX.
A company like Infosys picking up more than 50 students through campus selection from a Kerala Engineering College might seem highly unlikely. Still, Rajagiri pulled this off, recently. Nearly 60 students of Rajagiri School of Engineering and Technology (RASET) will be carrying Infosys identity cards, next year. And Infosys is not the only tech-giant that is seriously considering Rajagiri for their campus selection. Wipro Technologies, Mindtree, BirlaSoft, Saken Communications, FutureSoft and Huawei have roped in around 75 Rajagiri students already. Clearly, years of nurturing the relations with industry, is staring to pay off. The presence of Prof. Varkey Philip as the Placement Co-ordinator greatly aided Rajagiri’s efforts in this direction. Prof. Philip was formerly Placement Co-ordinator at College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram.
SAINT GREGORIOS INSTITUTES OF TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCES
SAINTGITS STANDS OUT
THE AESTHETICALLY DESIGNED AND STYLISHLY BUILT CAMPUS OF SAINTGITS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING LEAVES A LASTING IMPRESSION IN THE MIND OF A NEW VISITOR. THIS ENGINEERING SCHOOL IS DETERMINED TO CREATE AN ENDURING IMAGE OF AN ACADEMICALLY EXCELLENT INSTITUTION WITH EXTRA ORDINARY FACILITIES.
Visit all engineering colleges in Kerala. Saintgits will stand out.
When we walk down a new place, we can’t stop that experience which starts unfolding. May be the elegance of the setting. May be the simplicity of the ambience. May be the embedded nobility in the air. May be the sheer energy and zest radiating from all angles. How great would be the feeling if all these combine in one place? In the eco friendly campus of Saintgits College of Engineering, delightful blending of all these factors is silently at work.
SREE NARYANA GURUKULAM COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
FROM ENGINEER TO ENTREPRENEUR
SREE NARYANA GURUKULAM COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING IS ONE INSTITUTION, WHICH UNDERSTOOD THE REQUIREMENTS OF A STATE LIKE KERALA. THIS ENGINEERING INSTITUTE IS COMMITTED TO BRING OUT A PIONEERING CHANGE IN THE MINDSET OF STUDENTS BY ENCOURAGING THEM TO TAKE UP ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITIES.
“We need job creators, not job seekers,” remarks TA Vijayan, President of the Sree Naryana Gurukulam College of Engineering (SNGCE). “That is why we established a entrepreneur development club in college. The club is working in consultation with the industries department. They guide our students to develop an entrepreneurial culture”. He believes, these efforts to inculcate the attitude of a job creator rather than a job seeker will be evident in the coming years. “You will come to know about the success of our students in this regard,” he says with confidence.
TRUST TKM
TKM INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY IS THE LATEST VENTURE IN EDUCATION BY ONE OF THE BEST-KNOWN EDUCATIONAL GROUPS IN KERALA, TKM TRUST.
“Our name will stand good in any comparison. Our understanding of the sector is unlimited.” When he says so, the experience gathered over the years, reflects on his face. The trust the name evokes, blended with the glorious tradition, is making him additionally assertive to make such a modest but confident statement. One must admit that SH Musaliar, is right on target as he is the President of the TKM college Trust, which runs the famous TKM Engineering College for the last five decades.
TOC-H INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
TRAINING TECHIES FOR THE FUTURE
IN KERALA, THE NAME TOC-H IS SYNONYMOUS WITH QUALITY EDUCATION. SO IT WAS ONLY NATURAL THAT THE TOC-H INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY BECAME A HIT AMONG THE STUDENTS SEEKING ADMISSION IN PRIVATE SELF-FINANCING ENGINEERING COLLEGES.
You may not believe it. They launched a massive headhunt for the right person. The management was just determined to do it. “Yes, we spent Rs. 2 lakh for advertisements alone to find a distinguished person for the post of Principal,” says PJ Joseph, President of Toc-H. This attention to the minute details of academic importance makes Toc-H Institute of Science & Technology, different. This engineering college finely combines great academic heritage with a grand futuristic vision.
VIMAL JYOTHI ENGINEERING COLLEGE
VISUALISING A MANAGER IN AN ENGINEER
VIMAL JYOTHI ENGINEERING COLLEGE IS A KIND OF ENGINEERING INSTITUTION WHERE PERFECTION IS THE TRADITION AND DISCIPLINE AND QUALITY APPROACH IS THE INTEGRAL PART OF EXISTENCE.
Set in the serene and soothing back drop of Western Ghats, Vimal Jyothi Engineering College (VJEC) presents a very a relaxed ambience for tech savvy students to explore their academic passions. Here studies combine with extra curricular activities to inculcate the true meaning of education. The possibilities of education are coupled with the core values, and enterprising attitude is imparted in the process of learning at VJEC.
ADI SHANKARA INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
SURGING AHEAD WITH STORIES OF SUCCESS
AS PLACEMENT ACTIVITY RECEIVES EXTRAORDINARILY POSITIVE RESPONSE, ADI SHANKARA COLLEGE MANAGEMENT’S CLAIM OF MOULDING EMPLOYABLE GRADUATES IS RINGING ALL THE MORE TRUE.
Though he is busy with ironing out the last minute hitches, nowadays Gopala Krishna Iyer, Principal of Adi Shankara College of Engineering & Technology (ASIET), is extremely happy. That is quite natural given the kind of response the college is receiving from the industry. Not just small time operators, it is the big timers hunting for the quality manpower at ASIET.
AMAL JYOTHI COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
MOULDING MANAGER-TECHNOLOGISTS
AN ECO FRIENDLY CAMPUS WITH EXCELLENT FACILITIES, SET IN THE SCENIC BACKDROP OF THE SAHYADRI RANGES AIMS TO REWRITE THE PATTERN OF ENGINEERING EDUCATION IN KERALA.
“More than 50 of our students already got placed in companies like Proton Web, Birla Soft, and Accenture. Within the next one to three months more than 50-60% of our students will be receiving appointment letters from top companies. Work in that direction is well in progress,” Fr. Aji Athimoottil, Asst. Manager of Amal Jyothi College of Engineering (AJCE) is exuding with confidence. “Fr. KJ Jose, former placement officer of NSS Palakkad is the key man in the placement cell here,” adds Fr. Aji. The self-belief the institute has is well in the order given the kind of attention provided to perfect academic excellence. The reason why a tech giant like Wipro found it worthy to pick 12 students from the AJCE.
CAARMEL ENGINEERING COLLEGE
CARVING OUT A NICHE IN QUALITY EDUCATION
NESTLED IN THE PICTURESQUE AND POETICALLY POIGNANT CAARMEL ESTATE, PATHANAMTHITTA, THIS ENGINEERING COLLEGE, A DREAM PROJECT OF ITS LATE FOUNDER BABU P THOMAS, IS OFFERING QUALITY EDUCATION IN ENGINEERING.
Rarely are men with great visions born. They execute things others think difficult and impossible. But the impressions made by them in the mind of others and efforts put by them stand to testify the spirit with which they worked. When seeing the Caarmel College and feeling the soulful mist wrapped with the memories of it Founder Chairman, Late Er. Babu P Thomas, one can experience the dream he visualised. Er. Babu was also one of the promoters of the Kairali Malayalam Channel.
FEDERAL INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (FISAT), ANGAMALY
FOREARMING FUTURE LEADERS
A PATH-BREAKING VENTURE FROM FEDERAL BANK OFFICERS ASSOCIATION TO BRING ALIVE A SECULAR APPROACH IN THE EDUCATIONAL ARENA.
Running an Engineering College by a bank officers association! Those who don’t know about the Federal Bank may be surprised to hear about it. But the question is, will you find somebody in Kerala like that? One who is familiar with the Federal Bank and the Federal Bank Officers Association (FBOA) will see it as the continuation of a natural process that started 35 years back. Federal Bank, the most coveted brand name in Kerala’s banking sector signifies service and credibility in the mind of stakeholders. This image is nurtured and nourished by FBOA to make it a most customer friendly commercial bank.
JYOTHI ENGINEERING COLLEGE
READYING FOR A RARE LEAP IN TECHNOLOGY
A VENTURE OF THRISSUR ARCHDIOCESE IS ONE OF THE FEW COLLEGES IN KERALA, WHICH LIBERALLY OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS TO MERITORIOUS STUDENTS. THEY BELIEVE THAT THIS WILL CREATE A GLORIOUS TRADITION IN THE SELF-FINANCING SECTOR.
By the time students of other colleges joins classes for the first time, a student of Jyothi Engineering college might have gained a fairly good idea about core engineering subjects like Engineering Graphics, Engineering Mechanics and Basic Electrical Engineering. While others are grappling with the basics of it, students of Jyothi might have started getting deep into the wonders of these subjects. This is exactly what bridge courses are intended to do and a core area that Jyothi is famous for. “The program is intended to overcome the difficulty of students and to give them a firm footing in the most important engineering subjects,” says Manager Thomas Mathew.
MANGALAM COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
A MANGALAM MISSION IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION
ENTRY OF A LONG-STANDING MEDIA GROUP LIKE MANGALAM INTO THE PRIVATE TECHNICAL EDUCATION FIELD, IS ADDING THE MUCH NEEDED CREDIBILITY AND STRENGTH TO THE SECTOR. “THE LAST 4- YEARS OF OUR SUCCESS VOUCH FOR THIS,” SAYS KURIAN LUCOSE, CHAIRMAN OF THE COLLEGE, WITH CONFIDENCE.
Some groups do things perfectly. That is why history can’t just bypass their name. Such will be the power and reach of the brands created and sustained with incomparable acumen. When they step into the new landscapes of explorations, it will be doubly noticed.
So the foray of Mangalam Group into the Engineering Education of Kerala is watched with great interest. The question in the beginning was whether the institution would be able to leave a mark in the true tradition of the mother group. The last 4-years performance of Mangalam College of Engineering made it sure that this quality engineering school is going to leave a blazing trail in the technical education sector, just like the parent company rewrote the history of magazine journalism in India.
MAR BASELIOS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
ENGINEERING @ 3500 FT ABOVE SEA LEVEL
HERE IS AN ENGINEERING COLLEGE THAT INVITES YOU TO STUDY AT THE SOUL SOFTENING SILENCE OF MISTY MOUNTAIN RANGES. THIS FULLY RESIDENTIAL ENGINEERING COLLEGE IN KERALA OVERSEES THE MAKEOVER OF A STUDENT TO A CAREER TECHNOLOGIST.
Not just schooling, but a full-blooded 4-year long professional degree course at an altitude of 3500 ft above sea level. And straight away walk directly into the highly sophisticated insides of a multinational company after enjoying the misty silence of a fully residential college for four years. Is it sounding something beyond the reality? Not for the final year students of Mar Baselios Christian College Of Engineering and Technology, situated at the world-renowned Peermade Hill Station.
The 77-acre plot where the college is located, comprise picturesque hills at an elevation of 1000 m above sea level. The idyllic location, which offers nature's beauty at its best, has the tranquillity and charm of a resort. Tea estates, wide vistas of cardamom, lofty peaks, valleys, green meadows and little streams, surround the place.
MOHANDAS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AIMING BIG
THIS UNIQUE SELF-FINANCING ENGINEERING COLLEGE IS FOUNDED AND PROMOTED BY VNGP MEMORIAL TRUST. THE INSTITUTE IS THE PET PROJECT OF BUSINESSMAN-HOTELIER G MOHANDAS.
Every person wants to be unique and to be known and respected for his or her positive qualities and capabilities. Whether it is creating, deciding, governing or solving, a well-trained person with a well disciplined work culture and properly evolved reasoning power stands out from the ordinary. This remarkable individual is at home guiding the actions of others and always leading from the front. Mohandas College of Engineering and Technology has been perceived and created to mould such leaders who shall influence and change for the better the way others think and work- Thus starts the message of Chairman G Mohandas to the students of the Mohandas College of Engineering and Technology.
INFOSYS INFLUENZA
WITH THE NEWS OF INFOSYS PICKING UP 54, SPIRITS ARE HIGH AT RAJAGIRI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY. “BUT THE SUCCESS SPREE HAS JUST STARTED,” FEELS DIRECTOR FR. JOSE ALEX.
A company like Infosys picking up more than 50 students through campus selection from a Kerala Engineering College might seem highly unlikely. Still, Rajagiri pulled this off, recently. Nearly 60 students of Rajagiri School of Engineering and Technology (RASET) will be carrying Infosys identity cards, next year. And Infosys is not the only tech-giant that is seriously considering Rajagiri for their campus selection. Wipro Technologies, Mindtree, BirlaSoft, Saken Communications, FutureSoft and Huawei have roped in around 75 Rajagiri students already. Clearly, years of nurturing the relations with industry, is staring to pay off. The presence of Prof. Varkey Philip as the Placement Co-ordinator greatly aided Rajagiri’s efforts in this direction. Prof. Philip was formerly Placement Co-ordinator at College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram.
SAINT GREGORIOS INSTITUTES OF TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCES
SAINTGITS STANDS OUT
THE AESTHETICALLY DESIGNED AND STYLISHLY BUILT CAMPUS OF SAINTGITS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING LEAVES A LASTING IMPRESSION IN THE MIND OF A NEW VISITOR. THIS ENGINEERING SCHOOL IS DETERMINED TO CREATE AN ENDURING IMAGE OF AN ACADEMICALLY EXCELLENT INSTITUTION WITH EXTRA ORDINARY FACILITIES.
Visit all engineering colleges in Kerala. Saintgits will stand out.
When we walk down a new place, we can’t stop that experience which starts unfolding. May be the elegance of the setting. May be the simplicity of the ambience. May be the embedded nobility in the air. May be the sheer energy and zest radiating from all angles. How great would be the feeling if all these combine in one place? In the eco friendly campus of Saintgits College of Engineering, delightful blending of all these factors is silently at work.
SREE NARYANA GURUKULAM COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
FROM ENGINEER TO ENTREPRENEUR
SREE NARYANA GURUKULAM COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING IS ONE INSTITUTION, WHICH UNDERSTOOD THE REQUIREMENTS OF A STATE LIKE KERALA. THIS ENGINEERING INSTITUTE IS COMMITTED TO BRING OUT A PIONEERING CHANGE IN THE MINDSET OF STUDENTS BY ENCOURAGING THEM TO TAKE UP ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITIES.
“We need job creators, not job seekers,” remarks TA Vijayan, President of the Sree Naryana Gurukulam College of Engineering (SNGCE). “That is why we established a entrepreneur development club in college. The club is working in consultation with the industries department. They guide our students to develop an entrepreneurial culture”. He believes, these efforts to inculcate the attitude of a job creator rather than a job seeker will be evident in the coming years. “You will come to know about the success of our students in this regard,” he says with confidence.
TRUST TKM
TKM INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY IS THE LATEST VENTURE IN EDUCATION BY ONE OF THE BEST-KNOWN EDUCATIONAL GROUPS IN KERALA, TKM TRUST.
“Our name will stand good in any comparison. Our understanding of the sector is unlimited.” When he says so, the experience gathered over the years, reflects on his face. The trust the name evokes, blended with the glorious tradition, is making him additionally assertive to make such a modest but confident statement. One must admit that SH Musaliar, is right on target as he is the President of the TKM college Trust, which runs the famous TKM Engineering College for the last five decades.
TOC-H INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
TRAINING TECHIES FOR THE FUTURE
IN KERALA, THE NAME TOC-H IS SYNONYMOUS WITH QUALITY EDUCATION. SO IT WAS ONLY NATURAL THAT THE TOC-H INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY BECAME A HIT AMONG THE STUDENTS SEEKING ADMISSION IN PRIVATE SELF-FINANCING ENGINEERING COLLEGES.
You may not believe it. They launched a massive headhunt for the right person. The management was just determined to do it. “Yes, we spent Rs. 2 lakh for advertisements alone to find a distinguished person for the post of Principal,” says PJ Joseph, President of Toc-H. This attention to the minute details of academic importance makes Toc-H Institute of Science & Technology, different. This engineering college finely combines great academic heritage with a grand futuristic vision.
VIMAL JYOTHI ENGINEERING COLLEGE
VISUALISING A MANAGER IN AN ENGINEER
VIMAL JYOTHI ENGINEERING COLLEGE IS A KIND OF ENGINEERING INSTITUTION WHERE PERFECTION IS THE TRADITION AND DISCIPLINE AND QUALITY APPROACH IS THE INTEGRAL PART OF EXISTENCE.
Set in the serene and soothing back drop of Western Ghats, Vimal Jyothi Engineering College (VJEC) presents a very a relaxed ambience for tech savvy students to explore their academic passions. Here studies combine with extra curricular activities to inculcate the true meaning of education. The possibilities of education are coupled with the core values, and enterprising attitude is imparted in the process of learning at VJEC.
Monday, November 01, 2004
Malayala Manorama: Send them back to school-Media criticism(Human Hights)
I noticed this atrocious photo about which I wrote in this article when I was in Trivadrum during 2003, I wrote this piece then. Now by coming to know about the independent publishing activity through web logs, I am happy to share the same for the larger audience
This piece seems to be late, strictly following the date of events discussed. But it is not too late. Please read it
MALAYALA MANORAMA-SEND THEM BACK TO SCHOOL
VINOD CV
It is a grim reminder of the kind of journalism flourishing in Malyalam print media. And it is doubly depressing and disheartening as it comes from a leading news paper house which has publications varying from year book to English weekly. What is referred here is a photo and news item carried in the second page of Malayala Manorama dated Feb. 5 2003 of Thruvanathapuram edition.
The same news story featured in all Malayalam dailies from capital. It was about nabbing of Tamil boys of less than 12 -13 year old from Trivandrum medical college campus for duping dumb for taking alms. It is alleged in the story, these boys were used by some vested interests in an organized manner. That's how the story ends in all newspapers.
But the disturbing part of Malayala Manorama coverage of this event lies in the nature of photograph used to spice the story. It appears innocuous and benign to non-discerning readers that we definitely are and became, judging from the lack of responses to this outrageously callous photograph. (See the photograph). It is evident from the snap shot, the picture is taken while they were in custody (photo features, the boys making gestures with hands and face as if they are really dumb and policemen looking on. It is clear boys were asked to act in the presence of policeman). It has taken with the help of an illiterate policeman who must be sent out of job for allowing and facilitating for making the boys act mute in front of camera in the total violation his rightful duties
Less said, the better about the photographer. Giving a short shrift to the evolved and evolving understanding of human rights from the time of New Testament to the plethora of UN declarations, photographer has committed blasphemy, considering the sacredness of the job, he is supposed to be doing and media morality he is expected to stick to. The sin becomes uglier as this passes the nod of a thoughtless desk and it reflects the poor comprehension and low judgement. Basic minimum arithmetic of media literacy and human rights schooling is sorely and painfully missing across the spectrum. That is the awful message from this act of indiscretion, which bypassed the concern for the elementary dignity of a human being, whomsoever he or she is.
At least the political incorrectness of having such a photograph in the dawn of this 21st should have stopped those who involved in the tracks, if not the plight and dehumanization of those boys and the depriving life they lead in the process.
Though it was a small news item, the way it was dealt with and handled is a pointer to the low level of standard, we unknowingly have in ourselves and the creeping carelessness we allowed to set in. And no critics in print and electronic media found it objectionable is again opens one to the kind of media criticism we have here, that too when one news paper and bunch of critics stand always alert to find the follies and foibles Malayala Manorama. It is not the bold declarations, loud pronouncements and empty sermonizing that inform about the quality and awareness of an individual or medium. But it is the subtle, sensitive, sensible and responsible handling with the knowledge of full implications and repercussions of the issue at hand, is the key and benchmark. It is where we are failing hands down.
The question remains to be answered is that how extent our media will be able to handle the gross violation of human rights other than howling in protest with out knowing either text or subtext, when the finer points, essential dynamics and guile nuances of the issues are poorly understood as evidenced by dumb-boys photograph of Malayala Manorama. It is no wonder then that in a society where this kind of news papers and journalists thrive, parents will be going for the mass withdrawal of their wards just because two of the boys in the school is unfortunate victims of AIDS.(referring to a famous incident which drew the attention of president Kalam when he saw a HT report on it) policemen colluded, the photographer and those who were in desk must go back to school, please. You are not adult enough to handle the job. Really sorry to say so.
This piece seems to be late, strictly following the date of events discussed. But it is not too late. Please read it
MALAYALA MANORAMA-SEND THEM BACK TO SCHOOL
VINOD CV
It is a grim reminder of the kind of journalism flourishing in Malyalam print media. And it is doubly depressing and disheartening as it comes from a leading news paper house which has publications varying from year book to English weekly. What is referred here is a photo and news item carried in the second page of Malayala Manorama dated Feb. 5 2003 of Thruvanathapuram edition.
The same news story featured in all Malayalam dailies from capital. It was about nabbing of Tamil boys of less than 12 -13 year old from Trivandrum medical college campus for duping dumb for taking alms. It is alleged in the story, these boys were used by some vested interests in an organized manner. That's how the story ends in all newspapers.
But the disturbing part of Malayala Manorama coverage of this event lies in the nature of photograph used to spice the story. It appears innocuous and benign to non-discerning readers that we definitely are and became, judging from the lack of responses to this outrageously callous photograph. (See the photograph). It is evident from the snap shot, the picture is taken while they were in custody (photo features, the boys making gestures with hands and face as if they are really dumb and policemen looking on. It is clear boys were asked to act in the presence of policeman). It has taken with the help of an illiterate policeman who must be sent out of job for allowing and facilitating for making the boys act mute in front of camera in the total violation his rightful duties
Less said, the better about the photographer. Giving a short shrift to the evolved and evolving understanding of human rights from the time of New Testament to the plethora of UN declarations, photographer has committed blasphemy, considering the sacredness of the job, he is supposed to be doing and media morality he is expected to stick to. The sin becomes uglier as this passes the nod of a thoughtless desk and it reflects the poor comprehension and low judgement. Basic minimum arithmetic of media literacy and human rights schooling is sorely and painfully missing across the spectrum. That is the awful message from this act of indiscretion, which bypassed the concern for the elementary dignity of a human being, whomsoever he or she is.
At least the political incorrectness of having such a photograph in the dawn of this 21st should have stopped those who involved in the tracks, if not the plight and dehumanization of those boys and the depriving life they lead in the process.
Though it was a small news item, the way it was dealt with and handled is a pointer to the low level of standard, we unknowingly have in ourselves and the creeping carelessness we allowed to set in. And no critics in print and electronic media found it objectionable is again opens one to the kind of media criticism we have here, that too when one news paper and bunch of critics stand always alert to find the follies and foibles Malayala Manorama. It is not the bold declarations, loud pronouncements and empty sermonizing that inform about the quality and awareness of an individual or medium. But it is the subtle, sensitive, sensible and responsible handling with the knowledge of full implications and repercussions of the issue at hand, is the key and benchmark. It is where we are failing hands down.
The question remains to be answered is that how extent our media will be able to handle the gross violation of human rights other than howling in protest with out knowing either text or subtext, when the finer points, essential dynamics and guile nuances of the issues are poorly understood as evidenced by dumb-boys photograph of Malayala Manorama. It is no wonder then that in a society where this kind of news papers and journalists thrive, parents will be going for the mass withdrawal of their wards just because two of the boys in the school is unfortunate victims of AIDS.(referring to a famous incident which drew the attention of president Kalam when he saw a HT report on it) policemen colluded, the photographer and those who were in desk must go back to school, please. You are not adult enough to handle the job. Really sorry to say so.
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Plus Thirty Heroes-A Comment on Indian Cricket(sports)
Plus Thirty Heroes
ALL OF THEM ARE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF 30. IN INTERNATIONAL CRICKET, THIS EXACTLY DOESN’T MEAN AGED. BUT IT SAYS THE SWAN SONG IS NOT FAR AWAY. IN THE NEXT TWO-THREE YEARS, THERE WILL BE A VACUUM IN INDIAN CRICKET WITH THE IMPENDING RETIREMENT OF OUR KEY PLAYERS.
Vinod CV
Have you ever thought about the years of cricket left in Sachin Tendulakar, Rahul Dravid, V.V.S. Laxman and Sourav Ganguly? The ‘big four’ of Indian cricket is well above the 30. One can’t be blamed if he or she feels that these heroes are over the hill. They are in the twilight zone of their career. One or two among them may chug for 2-3 years more. But cricket establishment ought to start searching for replacements
Tendulkar didn’t play first two test matches against Australia due to a tennis elbow, which is the result of excessive use of top hand with a heavy bat. He is in international cricket for the last 14 years. Probably the senior most player in the game, as far as the number of years spent in actually playing international cricket is concerned. The gruesome schedule of one-day matches in the last 10 years is enough to take the energy of any fit player. Now, the wise point about Sachin is to use him sparingly. It is not advisable to utilise him in all matches. He should be preserved for some important matches.
Saurav Ganguly has weathered many storms as a captain. His name will go down in cricketing history as India’s most successful captain. But he is also showing weariness in the field and broke down during the series against Pakistan and Australia. At times he plays as if taking some 20-25 runs is his only responsibility. Many discerning cricket buffs feel that he gets into an aggressive frame of mind without taking into consideration requirements of the situation. It seems he loves to challenge the bowler with an offensive bent of mind that is characteristic of a young cricketer. But it must be said to Ganguly’s credit that he infused the much-needed killer instinct into the Indian team. He protected the young players from the whims and fancies of selectors. Now time has come to look for alternatives.
Ganguly is expected to be at the centre stage for a few more years. That does not lessen the need for grooming the next generation to assume the onerous responsibilities. These heavy weight cricketers can’t make a come back in the event of they being omitted from the squad. And a player doesn’t need much time to lose his form. Any responsible cricket administration will be giving enough attention to these aspects
Coming to Rahul Dravid, his playing, as wicketkeeper was instrumental in India’s many famous wins recently. Dravid doubling as the keeper helped the team to accommodate an extra batsman. Mohammad Kaif being that extra batsman brings batting depth. He lent considerable life in the field too. Kaif means saving some 20 odd runs. Although Rahul Dravid is looking pretty fit, it is not fair to expect that he carries on indefinitely. Rahul can be an asset in the longer versions of the game. But that does shouldn’t stop India from scouting for another player who is comparable to the skills and solidity for which Rahul Dravid is so well known.
Some of the teams like Australia rates V.V.S. Laxman even ahead of Tendulkar. He is the most stylish batsman now in business. Though very unpredictable, Laxman is capable of playing a long innings. He may not have played as much matches like the other three. But he belongs to the same age group. Laxman himself admitted that some of the Shoaib Akthar deliveries blinded him in Pakistan. Even in his best of times, Laxman was not inspiring in the field. The one-day cricket in the coming days will demand exacting standards on the field. In test matches Laxman can be a quality presence, but in the short duration game the need for a possible substitute for Laxman ought to begin now. Then only by the time he retires, there will be a smooth transition.
Anil Kumble has won more test matches for India than any other player. He is a real threat in Indian pitches. Anil played a key part in all most all India’s test wins at home. But he is not suitable for one dayers any more. Anil Kumble looks jaded. He is the eldest member in the team. Even the most optimistic will not give him more than one or two seasons of playing. As Kumble had cemented his place in Indian team for many years, no other leg spinner emerged to occupy the top slot.
These cricketing heroes can still come up with stellar performances as they are all endowed with exceptional abilities. But what is important is that they have already played the most part of their cricket by this time. Even ardent fans of these players won’t argue that the best is yet to come. They may come up with a good performance here or there. But no forward-looking planning can’t rely on the past heroes to deliver in the future battles.
All these players are exceptionally talented ones. They essayed many an Indian victory. Their standing and reputation in international cricket is admirable. But the team should not suffer the transition blues when they retire. The success of a great team is to retain the competitive edge even when key members declare their retirement. The sorry state of affairs of West Indian cricket and to some extent the fate of Pakistan cricket after the exit of Wasim Akram and Waqar Unis ought to open the eye of cricket administrators.
ALL OF THEM ARE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF 30. IN INTERNATIONAL CRICKET, THIS EXACTLY DOESN’T MEAN AGED. BUT IT SAYS THE SWAN SONG IS NOT FAR AWAY. IN THE NEXT TWO-THREE YEARS, THERE WILL BE A VACUUM IN INDIAN CRICKET WITH THE IMPENDING RETIREMENT OF OUR KEY PLAYERS.
Vinod CV
Have you ever thought about the years of cricket left in Sachin Tendulakar, Rahul Dravid, V.V.S. Laxman and Sourav Ganguly? The ‘big four’ of Indian cricket is well above the 30. One can’t be blamed if he or she feels that these heroes are over the hill. They are in the twilight zone of their career. One or two among them may chug for 2-3 years more. But cricket establishment ought to start searching for replacements
Tendulkar didn’t play first two test matches against Australia due to a tennis elbow, which is the result of excessive use of top hand with a heavy bat. He is in international cricket for the last 14 years. Probably the senior most player in the game, as far as the number of years spent in actually playing international cricket is concerned. The gruesome schedule of one-day matches in the last 10 years is enough to take the energy of any fit player. Now, the wise point about Sachin is to use him sparingly. It is not advisable to utilise him in all matches. He should be preserved for some important matches.
Saurav Ganguly has weathered many storms as a captain. His name will go down in cricketing history as India’s most successful captain. But he is also showing weariness in the field and broke down during the series against Pakistan and Australia. At times he plays as if taking some 20-25 runs is his only responsibility. Many discerning cricket buffs feel that he gets into an aggressive frame of mind without taking into consideration requirements of the situation. It seems he loves to challenge the bowler with an offensive bent of mind that is characteristic of a young cricketer. But it must be said to Ganguly’s credit that he infused the much-needed killer instinct into the Indian team. He protected the young players from the whims and fancies of selectors. Now time has come to look for alternatives.
Ganguly is expected to be at the centre stage for a few more years. That does not lessen the need for grooming the next generation to assume the onerous responsibilities. These heavy weight cricketers can’t make a come back in the event of they being omitted from the squad. And a player doesn’t need much time to lose his form. Any responsible cricket administration will be giving enough attention to these aspects
Coming to Rahul Dravid, his playing, as wicketkeeper was instrumental in India’s many famous wins recently. Dravid doubling as the keeper helped the team to accommodate an extra batsman. Mohammad Kaif being that extra batsman brings batting depth. He lent considerable life in the field too. Kaif means saving some 20 odd runs. Although Rahul Dravid is looking pretty fit, it is not fair to expect that he carries on indefinitely. Rahul can be an asset in the longer versions of the game. But that does shouldn’t stop India from scouting for another player who is comparable to the skills and solidity for which Rahul Dravid is so well known.
Some of the teams like Australia rates V.V.S. Laxman even ahead of Tendulkar. He is the most stylish batsman now in business. Though very unpredictable, Laxman is capable of playing a long innings. He may not have played as much matches like the other three. But he belongs to the same age group. Laxman himself admitted that some of the Shoaib Akthar deliveries blinded him in Pakistan. Even in his best of times, Laxman was not inspiring in the field. The one-day cricket in the coming days will demand exacting standards on the field. In test matches Laxman can be a quality presence, but in the short duration game the need for a possible substitute for Laxman ought to begin now. Then only by the time he retires, there will be a smooth transition.
Anil Kumble has won more test matches for India than any other player. He is a real threat in Indian pitches. Anil played a key part in all most all India’s test wins at home. But he is not suitable for one dayers any more. Anil Kumble looks jaded. He is the eldest member in the team. Even the most optimistic will not give him more than one or two seasons of playing. As Kumble had cemented his place in Indian team for many years, no other leg spinner emerged to occupy the top slot.
These cricketing heroes can still come up with stellar performances as they are all endowed with exceptional abilities. But what is important is that they have already played the most part of their cricket by this time. Even ardent fans of these players won’t argue that the best is yet to come. They may come up with a good performance here or there. But no forward-looking planning can’t rely on the past heroes to deliver in the future battles.
All these players are exceptionally talented ones. They essayed many an Indian victory. Their standing and reputation in international cricket is admirable. But the team should not suffer the transition blues when they retire. The success of a great team is to retain the competitive edge even when key members declare their retirement. The sorry state of affairs of West Indian cricket and to some extent the fate of Pakistan cricket after the exit of Wasim Akram and Waqar Unis ought to open the eye of cricket administrators.
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