You are not doing enough: Tata to IISc

Mathang Seshagiri TNN

Bangalore: It was a rude wake-up call to the prestigious 101-year-old Indian Institute of Science when chairman of Tata Sons Ratan Tata told it that it was not doing enough. He said the institute had not changed as much as one would like to see and it should contribute to a new way of life in India —and not just file major number of patents compared to what it did before.

Tata, who is the president of the IISc Court, the topmost decisionmaking body, has said that the institute is not doing enough research of greater global relevance. “If I look back on what I have been trying to say in a very polite and in a very careful manner, it has been my perception that this institute, which is a great institute....has not perhaps changed as much as one would like to see. ...I have mentioned that we should perhaps be looking at greater change, research of greater global relevance and I have used my words carefully,” Tata told candidly at this year’s Court meeting. His message will be “reported” in writing to IISc Council headed by Planning Commission member K Kasturirangan at a meeting on Saturday. “I urge that all of us work together to make this possible in its true form where this institute not only files major number of patents compared to what it did before, not only pursues technical excitement or scientific excitement, but actually contributes to a new way of life both in India and elsewhere,” Tata said.

Tata told his colleagues: “But we should ask ourselves, as any good institute, as any good corporate or any good agency should — are we doing enough, are we relevant enough, can we do better. The greatest danger we have or anyone has in any congregation is to say that we are at the pinnacle of where we can be and we can do no better.

Ratan Tata| CHAIRMAN, TATA SONS

Anti-terror equipment, robots rule science fair

Srinivas Laxman | TNN

Mumbai: Robotics and anti-terrorism devices dominate the twenty-third Western India Science Fair at the Nehru Science Centre in Worli. The fair will be on till Saturday.

The four-day school science fair, which boasts 120 participants, was inaugurated on Wednesday by H C Pradhan, director, Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education. In all, 40 student projects and 18 teaching aids are showcased. There are representations from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagra Haveli, and Madhya Pradesh.

Walk around the hall near the entrance and a robot catches your attention. Said Gurunath Meher, a 12th standard student of GRPS Sabnis Junior College of Narayangoan, near Pune: “I have made this robot which can detect potential terrorist threats through various means. I demonstrated it at the Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) facility near Narayangoan.’’

An interesting aspect of the robot is that it is largely made of scrap material and uses mobile frequency. “I took about six months to make it and it cost about Rs 150,’’ he said.

Further away is what is known as a spy boat made by two eighth standard students, Vedant Gaonkar and Aniket Lawande, of Dr K B Hedgewar High School of Panaji. “The main role of this remote-controlled boat, which has a camera, is to enhance security in a river or areas close to the coast,’’ said Vedant.

Jaweer Singh, a Xth standard student of St Anselm’s High School in Jaipur, has made a robot which demonsrates how mining can be an unmanned activity. He told TOI: “This is known as robotic mining. This robot can go down a mine, set up a target location, start drilling and begin excavation.’’

Nehru Science Centre director Anil Manekar said, “Science fairs are useful because they help in developing an inquiring mind, stimulate a sense of curiosity, help in problem-solving and encourage researching attitudes among young minds.’’

WAY TO GO: Visitors at the fair admire a model called ‘Smart Roadblock Locator’ made by students of Lala Lajpatrai Vidyalaya, Gandhinagar

Small wonder: Ants can solve maths problems

Washington: An ant colony is probably the last place one would expect to find a maths whiz, but a study has shown that they could solve complex, dynamic problems, and may even help computer experts develop better software.

An international team has found the ants are capable of solving difficult mathematical problems and also able to do what few computer algorithms can — adapt optimal solution to fit a problem, the Journal of Experimental Biology reported.

Using a novel technique, scientists tested whether Argentine ants could solve a dynamic optimisation problem by converting classic Towers of Hanoi maths puzzle into a maze. But since ants cannot move disks, they converted the puzzle into a maze where the shortest path corresponds to the solution with fewest moves in the toy puzzle.

The ants were given one hour to solve the maze by creating a high traffic path between their nest and the food source, after which time the researchers blocked off paths and opened up new areas of the maze to test the ants' dynamic problem solving ability.

After an hour, the ants solved the Towers of Hanoi by finding shortest path around the edge of the maze. “Finding the most efficient path through a busy network is a common challenge faced by delivery drivers, telephone routers and engineers,” says Chris Reid, who led the study. AGENCIES

Over 65% students opt out of CBSE boards

Manash Pratim Gohain TNN

New Delhi: Over five lakh Class X students from senior secondary schools have decided to opt out of Class X board exams to be conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in March 2011. This is the first batch for which the Class X board exam has been made optional and these students will now sit for the school-based term-end Summative II exam in April 2011 under the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE).

The total number of Class X students in senior secondary schools across India affiliated to CBSE is 8,23,125, of which 2,73,538 are taking the Class X board exams. Another 1.75 lakh Class X students from secondary schools (schools with classes up to 10th) are going to join the 2.7 lakh students, who have already opted for the board exam. Though three more days are left for the last date of registration, CBSE officials say the final figures may vary by a couple of thousand students, who might change their option.

CBSE chairperson Vineet Joshi said, ‘‘CCE has turned out to be a success story. Though December 15 is supposed to be the last day when the final figures will emerge, there will hardly be any change.’’ According to Joshi, though 9,02,747 students registered for the Class X board exams in 2010, the number has gone beyond 10 lakh now. ‘‘These numbers are for senior secondary schools only and over 65% of the students have opted for internal exams,’’ said Joshi.

Asked if schools are imposing their choice on students, Joshi said the final choice rests with the students. He also said there are many cases in which a few students have opted for Class X examination rather than CCE. With a staggering 2.73 lakh senior secondary students still opting for the Class X board exams, questions arise if students and parents are still edgy about the school-based internal exercise. Responding to this, Joshi said, ‘‘This is the first time and naturally there will be some doubts in the minds of parents and students. But gradually the importance of CCE will be understood.’’

My first love is HRD ministry, says Sibal New Delhi: Union minister Kapil Sibal, who has been given additional charge of the high-profile telecom ministry, on Monday said his ‘first love’ is human resource development portfolio, whose handling had earned him praise from the Prime Minister. You were talking about the other ministries I am involved in, but I can tell you that this (the HRD ministry) is my first love and my last love,” Sibal said. He felt the HRD Ministry is dear to him because “there is nothing more important than building India’s future” and lamented that the political establishment was yet to recognize the importance of the teaching community for the country. The human resources is the ultimate foundation of all economy and growth, he said. Observing that the coming decade would throw up more challenges for the teaching profession, he said teachers have to “reinvigorate” and empower themselves as they carry on this grand enterprise. AGENCIES

NO BOARDS, NO STRESS

For The First Time, Over 5L CBSE Students Will Graduate Without Sitting For Board Exams

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Mumbai: It will be an altogether novel experience for Class X CBSE students: whether they choose to sit for the board exams or not, the marksheets that will be issued to them will be the same. In other words, they will look identical, and one will be hardpressed to figure out who appeared for the CBSE board exam, and who opted out. The bottom line is that on paper it will make little difference whether or not you decide to appear for the board exams in the coming year. Of the approximately 10 lakh CBSE Class X students, more than 50% (5.5 lakh) have opted to sit out the board exam. The final figure will be available after December 15.

The icing on the cake is that opting out of the exam will in no way hamper a student’s chances of getting into a junior college affiliated to another board. Marks will be announced well before junior colleges open for admission. By making the board exams optional—a first of its kind in the country—CBSE’s aim is to reduce stress levels among students.

“In both cases, 60% of the assessment will be carried out by the school, and will involve a process of continuous and comprehensive evaluation, which will include project work, sports, class participation, etc. The remaining 40% involves a written examination set by the CBSE board. For those who opt for the board exam, the exam papers will be assessed by external examiners. For the rest, the papers will be evaluated by the school,” says Avnita Bir, principal of R N Podar, a CBSE school at Santa Cruz. Around 75% of students at Podar have decided to give the board exams a miss this year.

Schools have been flooded with queries from parents who want to know whether there will be any difference in the way an answer paper will be evaluated if a child decides not to appear for the board exams. Principals insist that there will be no bias in either event. “Not only will the CBSE board set the question papers, both for those who do appear for the board exam and those who don’t, but the board will also send schools a marking scheme that needs to be followed,’’ said Rajeev Gupta, principal of DAV School, Airoli. An answer paper will be re-assessed by a second examiner who will check for errors and biases. Students have till December 15 to finalize their decision.

THE ROAD NOT TAKEN
Are you a confused Class X CBSE student biting your nails over whether to sit for the CBSE board exam or opt out of it? Well, it doesn’t matter either way. If you decide not to appear for the board exam, it will not affect your college or career prospects.

Here’s why:

If you opt out of the CBSE Class X board exam, will the marksheet reflect your choice?

A: No. The internal school assessment marksheet will be identical to that issued to a student who sat for the board exam

If you opt out of the CBSE board exam, will you get your results at the same time as someone who sits for it?

A: Yes

Who will assess the exam papers?
For those who appear for the board exam, 60% of the assessment will be done by the school and 40% by external examiners
For those who opt out of the board exam, the entire assessment will be undertaken by the school

Who sets the exam papers?
The board will set the papers for both students who appear for the board exams as well as those who don’t. In both cases, this will account for 40% of the total assessment

If you choose to not sit for the board exam, will the marksheet that you receive be adequate while applying to another board?
Yes. You can apply to a junior college in Mumbai on the basis of your marks even if you do not sit for the board exam

If you are a Class X student at a particular CBSE school, are you guaranteed a seat in Class XI in the same school?
Yes (irrespective of whether or not you appear for the board exam)

Are all CBSE schools in the country giving students the option of dropping the Class X board exam?
Only CBSE schools that run till Class XII are giving students the option of dropping out of the board exam

When is the last day to finalize your decision?
December 15, 2010

Too good to be true?
Mumbai: Across the city, Class X students are rolling their sleeves and burying themselves under a mountain of books in preparation for their first ever board exam. But 15-year-old Aakash Sharma is the epitome of calm. “I am studying just as hard as the other students. The only difference is that a board examination is not hanging over my head,” says the CBSE student who M T E E H S K R A has opted for a school assessment examination over the board examination. Sharma even finds the time to attend guitar classes. Nearly 5.5 lakh CBSE students in India have decided not to sit for the board exam in Class X.

“Students who have opted for an internal school assessment will be appearing for a paper set by the board, but will answer the questions in a familiar environment,” says Deepshika Srivatav, principal of Rajhans Vidyalaya in Andheri (W). At her school, nearly 40% Class X students will be sitting for the school-assessed examination. An equal number of CBSE students have chosen to give the board exams as they feel it will prepare them for the Standard XII finals.

Jyotsna Wankhade whose son will be appearing for the board exam says: “In Mumbai, there are many issues and prejudices when it comes to students from other boards. We don’t want to give the government another reason to not accept our son’s application.”

This school brings down crime rate

Anahita Mukherji TNN

Murshidabad (West Bengal): Tom Sawyer, the mischievous young protagonist of Mark Twain’s 19th century classic, is an unlikely hero for a social activist from rural West Bengal. But Shabnam Ramaswamy, a feisty 55-year-old from Murshidabad, likens herself to Tom Sawyer in more ways than one.

Like Sawyer, who, when given the onerous task of painting a wall, convinced his friends of the importance of his job and had them queuing up to help him, Ramaswamy has visitors from around the world knocking on her door in Katna—a remote crime-ridden village in Murshidabad district—eager to pitch in and help her run an extraordinary school she began five years ago. The Adventures of Shabnam Ramaswamy could give Sawyer a run for his money.

Jagriti Public School has changed the face of Katna village. The school, which provides rural kids with quality education in English, has helped bring down the crime rates in the area. “Most crimes are committed because of the grinding poverty and unemployment in the region,” says Ramaswamy, who has no qualms in employing former criminals, including those who have attacked her in the past. Take for instance her driver, a jolly, strapping man in his forties who ferries kids from the surrounding villages to school. His loyalty towards Ramaswamy is unquestionable. It is near impossible to tell that he was part of a group of contract killers who lobbed handmade bombs at Shabnam and her husband 11 years ago at the behest of her uncle, a man she sacked for swindling money meant for the school.

The very spot where the school now stands was once the scene of a crime. One night, eight years ago, when Shabnam and her husband, senior journalist Jugnu Ramaswamy, first moved to Katna, they were shaken by the sound of a piercing scream along the lonely road near their home. Armed with torches, they traced the sound to a peasant who had been robbed and tied to a tree. That’s when the duo decided they wanted to build their dream school beside that very tree. It’s little wonder that Ramaswamy’s NGO, Street Survivors, won the Sanskriti Award for social achievement this year.

The school building, an ornate brick structure with a rustic feel, was designed by a Delhi architect and built by local masons.

Jagriti Public School has changed lives in the remote Katna village in Murshidabad district

Providing quality edu to tribal kids

Bandra Couple Gives Up City Life To Start School In Dahanu Village

Anahita Mukherji I TNN

Sogwe Village (Dahanu): Call it a case of reverse migration. While millions trade their homes in the village for life in a metro, two Mumbaikars decided to do the unthinkable. Bandra girl Michelle Chawla and her husband, Hemant Babu turned their backs on the big city lights and headed for a tribal village in Dahanu called Sogwe, where they have lived for the last eight years.

After nearly a decade of working at community radio stations and documenting the oral history of the Warli tribals in Dahanu, the duo set up a pre-primary school for tribal kids in June this year.

Their aim? To provide quality education. The school uses a whole range of progressive methods of teaching that could give city schools a run for their money. While introducing English to these children, the medium of instruction at the school is Warli, a dialect of Marathi spoken by the tribals in the village.

The teachers at the school are sourced from the local community itself. Two teachers, Anusaya Sunar and Anil Gorkhana, are Warli tribals while another, Tina Surti is from a community of bamboo weavers in Dahanu. They were put through a course in early childhood education by Active Learning Centre, an organization that works in the education sphere.

“There’s a huge disconnect between students and teachers at government-run balwadis and zilla parishad schools, where the teachers are not from the local area and speak in Marathi. The kids don’t relate to the pure, Brahminical form of the language, as their dialect varies from it. We want to provide them with an education that is culturally relevant and at the same time, exposes them to the outside world,’’ says Chawla. Gadgets like laptops that may otherwise be alien to the village, have now entered the lives of these children.

For Chawla and her husband, starting a school isn’t a form of charity. Instead, they’re looking at a social entrepreneurship model, where parents pay Rs 200 a month as fee. Those who can’t afford it can apply for a scholarship.

The school attracts children from neighbouring villages such as Jamshet as well. So just why have a bunch of farmers, brickkiln workers and truck drivers—whose average family income works out to Rs 4,000 a month—chosen to cough up Rs 200 to send their kids to a private school when they have free government schools?

“The education here is very good. Our children get to learn English,’’ said Ganpat Dhinde, a construction worker from Jamshet. “In the zilla parishad school, the teachers only write reports, teach our kids a couple of songs and send them home. They don’t learn anything there,’’ adds Sunil Dhodi, a farmer from Jamshet.

The village sarpanch at Sogwe, Lahani Tandel, has supported the school and even went house to house telling the villagers that if they were willing to spend money buying cellphones, they could just as well set aside Rs 200 a month on education.

While the school currently caters to pre-school kids in the age group of three to five, Chawla and Babu plan to start a primary school as well. And unlike most folks, they even plan to enroll their own daughter Ira in the same school along with the tribal kids, once she’s of the right age to join.

Michelle Chawla with tribal kids at her school at Sogwe, a village in Dahanu

Making of a literate nation

RTE Act over and above the reforms that it promises for the education sector has given rise to many areas of concern, which has the education fraternity debating...

Ansy Austin and Nagma Hasan | NIE

Mumbai: The Right to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act definitely is a laudable Act, opine most educationists, as every child deserves to be educated. But the questions that arise have got educationists debating since the RTE Act was set up.

Aditi Banerji, teacher at St Gregorios High School, asserts that the 25% reservation for disadvantaged communities is going to be difficult to implement. “They have to study with those who are a little better off monetarily. It’s a good idea but what about the ramifications on the child, as the social backgrounds are different.” Carl Laurie, principal of Christ Church School, is also of the same opinion, “The government providing 25% free education for underprivileged children seems too idealistic. With so many unaided schools it doesn’t seem feasible to implement this reform. Also, how will children belonging to different backgrounds and society adjust with each other? They are going to have a culture shock to adapt themselves in a different atmosphere.” Another issue that bothers Aditi is ‘no detention’ till class VIII. “No one should be detained, even I agree to that. But if there is a case where a child needs some more learning in a particular class, then you would be promoting a child who is not well equipped.”

“For implementation of such an Act you need trained teachers. Are teachers equipped for the new system?” asks Zeenat Shaukat Ali, professor at St Xavier’s College. She explains that the burden borne by the teacher will also increase as there will be more oral tests while exams are bid good bye.

Areas of concern
Meera Isaacs, principal of Cathedral and John Connon School, says that the RTE Act is too idealistic to be implemented in India. She says, “It is haphazardly drawn up without really getting to the root of the problem. The Act has not made any provisions to accommodate the increasing number of labour class children. Carl Laurie says, “The managing committee is going to decide on the criteria of which children deserve to go to which school, which I fail to understand how. The Act also mentioned that teachers have to work 45 hours per week, which makes it 9 hours per day. Imposing 9 hours work timing is like punishing the teacher. It may look good on paper but it is too immature to be implemented.”

CRITICAL VIEW
Since unrecognized schools could face closure in view of the prescribed recognition standard within 3 years we would have to find ways to support such schools and improve their facilities by providing linkages with financial institutions. The Act only talks about inputs and has nothing to offer on learning outcomes. It guarantees a right to schooling but not the right to education. It is pointed out by many experts that the article 8, 9, 12 and 29 would have to be critically assessed and modified. The passage of the bill in the Rajya Sabha clearly shows the commitment of the government but is surely needs to be remade with far more consideration to details and the nation deserves nothing less. Zeenat Shaukat Ali, professor, St Xavier's College

My world of fantasies!

Bollywood is pressing hard for the animation courses to be included at the school level. Now apart from other creativities, visuals will also come alive to your classes...

Pragya Singh

The ministry of Human Resource Development is likely to introduce a new course of Animation in schools governed by CBSE from Intermediate level as soon as it receives a detailed model for this stream from Bollywood industry which wants government to initiate animation courses in all schools and colleges as early as possible, said Kapil Sibal, union minister for HRD. He pointed out that a delegation of Bollywood called him to introduce the animation courses at school levels in view of its demand in the industry.

World of opportunities
Sibal has emphasised the need for introduction of such skillful and resourceful courses in all CBSE controlled institutions and other colleges also since people with skill are hardly available and that India is able to successfully absorb shocks of anticipated human resource crisis as Sibal foresees a great human resource crisis taking India into it’s grip. Padmaja L, teacher, Fr Agnel’s School, Vashi, feels, “We have been stressing the need of vocational education in this country for the last few years. If animation becomes a subject at school level it would be a wonderful decision especially for those who want to make their career in this field.” With the emergence of technology in Broadcast Media and Cinema, animation has shown wonderful scope with thousands of jobs. Anita Almeda, teacher, DPS Bangalore agrees, “This subject will hold a child’s attention and give their creativity an outlet. However, I feel the subject should be optional and not compulsory as some children may not be talented in this area. It would also help if the government recognises it.”

Animation excites
Students are quite excited on the government’s move as it will give them an opportunity to explore their creative side. Annabel A, class VIII, St Anthony’s GHS, excitedly says, “We are bored of studying science and humanities and want to study something different which is not only unique but creative and innovative. Animation is one subject which has vast opportunity to explore your creativity. At the same time it is interesting too.” Ashish Garud, class X, St Mary’s School says, “At a time when the world, especially the technological world is advancing so much, this would be an added advantage. Animation can help unleash creativity and also make students learn how to use the software.” This new move has sent a new wave of freshness among students and is sure to receive an immense positive response from them.

Integrated development
The inclusion of animation as a course at the school level is definitely poised for an integrated development for the students. Many feel that apart from opening an artistic outlet, it will help them develop a visual flavour, which may not be possible currently. Abigail A, student, feels, “The visual expression of minds ready to take the leap in dynamics of pattern through exploring lines, spaces, shapes, textures, painting, silkscreen printing and dyeing, colours on paper and fabric. If blended with mixed media together, it can be demonstrated in sketchbooks as well. It will help in providing us with a broader picture of some of the technological changes that have emerged in the world of media and animation. Thus providing us with a way of integrating this technology in the designing process. The importance of the development process, from concept to consumer, continues to surface in the subject as you explore the various designing software and programmes pertaining to visualisation.”

PROVISIONS IN THE PIPELINE...

• Kapil Sibal has emphasised needs for introduction of such skillful and resourceful courses in all CBSE controlled institutions and other colleges also since people with skill are hardly available so that India is able to successfully absorb shocks of anticipated human resource crisis

• He also clarified that the government will make sure that colleges run by private institutions adhere to their disclosure norms as pronounced in the prospectus and in case any discrimination is discovered by the regulator, the institutions guilty of any omission will be prosecuted

• The MHRD will not interfere with the private sector education but if established norms are violated, the law will take it’s own course

Residents to use waste to light up Reclamation

Sukhada Tatke | TNN

Mumbai: Don’t be surprised if, a few months down the line, you don’t find the BMC’s garbage collection vehicles in the environs of Bandra Reclamation. Local residents have come up with an idea to not only collect and treat the garbage generated in the area but convert it into electricity. The electricity, in turn, will be used to light up the Reclamation promenade.

The project aims at taking care of five tonnes of garbage per day generated from Reclamation, Bandra market, Rang Sharda auditorium, Spastic society, IES high school, Lilavati hospital and the green waste from the promenade. Members of the Bandra Reclamation Area Volunteers’ Organisation (Bravo) approached BMC officials on Monday with a proposal to set up a solid waste management plant and provide them space of approximately 500 sq metres for the purpose. Additional municipal commissioner Ashish Kumar Singh said, “I have asked the residents to make a detailed presentation and we will provide as much help as we can. If this is a success, the model can be replicated at other places in the city.’’

Residents made the proposal based on a survey they conducted, which found every building in the area generates anywhere between 7 to 70 kg of wet waste daily. “We will start by setting up a 5-tonne garbage plant, then set up another one. The segregated garbage will reach the plant where it will be further segregated and treated,’’ said Vidya Vaidya, secretary of Bravo. “Installation cost will be between Rs 28 and 30 lakh, with Rs 3 lakh annual maintenance cost,’’ she added. The plant will be partly funded by the Celebrate Bandra Festival association. Corporate bodies have also promised funding.

“This biogas can be used as a source of renewable energy to produce electricity,’’ said bio-gas expert Srinivas Kasulla who is providing his expertise to the residents. The residents also plan to involve members of the Stree Mukti Sanghatna to operate the plant, thereby providing employment to needy women.

Corporator Ashish Shelar said, “I have supported the project from the beginning and will help it get clearance from the BMC.’’

PROCESSING THE WASTE
The plant can handle 5 tonnes of segregated organic biodegradable waste per day. It will use a biomethanation process developed by BARC Process temperature will be managed through solar panels Daily 350 cubic metres of biogas will be generated The biogas will be used to generate electricity

RAINWATER HARVEST
The surface runoff water will be collected in a catchment It will later be filtered and decontaminated It will be treated for oil, rubber It will be stored and then distributed for non-potable use