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Author: Smile Editorial Team

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Health Smile

Importance of Regular Health Check-ups for Children

Importance of Regular Health Check-ups for Children
Importance of Regular Health Check-ups for Children

Early this month, when our team reached one of the government lower primary schools in Bengaluru to conduct health check-ups, several common health concerns – malnutrition, anaemia and skin infections – were identified among the children. While free medicines were distributed to them with the support of the teachers and parents, this sheds light on the importance of spreading awareness on essential topics like nutrition, hygiene and wellness at the school level and the need to work towards bringing about the necessity of regular health-checkup services for children, especially from the disadvantaged communities, where limited sanitation and healthcare access pose daily challenges.

Let’s remember that children are tender and delicate beings, constantly susceptible to several health hazards that can have long-term effects. Whether inherited or acquired, early detection of diseases and health conditions in children can facilitate a healthy life later. Thus, authorities, government and community-level healthcare institutions should come together and put conscious efforts to facilitate regular health check-ups for children because these checkups are essential even when your child shows no symptoms and looks healthy.

The Reality through Data

Child development is a global crisis affecting many low and middle-income countries. India, which comes under this category, is seeing an upsurge in child obesity, malnutrition, increase in cases of genetic disorders and stunted growth. While many factors cause this, a recent Lancet study suggests that nearly 182 million children in low—and middle-income countries, around three-fourths of those aged three or four, lack access to adequate nurture, risking healthy development.

A global problem mainly low- and middle-income nations is child development. This crisis largely affects India, where there is a rise in childhood obesity, malnutrition, genetic abnormalities and stunted development. Numerous factors contribute to this, but according to a recent Lancet research, over 182 million children in low- and middle-income nations—roughly three-fourths of those who are three or four years old—do not have access to proper nurturing, endangering their ability to grow normally.

The Lancet series highlights the critical phase between a child’s second and fifth birthdays, the “next 1,000 days,” for fostering nurturing care.

Why are Regular Health Check-ups Important for School Children?

Monitoring growth and development

Regular health checks are necessary for children to maintain a healthy life and parents play a crucial role in this process since routine examinations are essential to closely monitoring their child’s health. Regular engagement of parents and community health workers can enhance treatment outcomes and overall health of children by identifying potential health issues and taking prompt action. These examinations give parents the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with medical professionals while also obtaining beneficial guidance on safety measures, nutrition and other aspects of child health. The purpose of health examinations is to protect a child’s development and growth.

Preventive care and early detection

Regular health checkups are the best way to inculcate other preventive treatments including vaccinations and immunizations. In order to preserve your child’s health and shield them from potentially dangerous illnesses, vaccinations are essential. To make sure your kid gets the required vaccinations at the right ages, regular health checkups are needed to set vaccination schedules. These immunizations help build community immunity in addition to protecting your kid. Further, regular check-ups for children can also inform children and parents about healthy nutrition, regular exercise and good hygiene practices. By focusing on prevention, children’s health outcomes are frequently improved, and therapy is more successful when initial detection occurs.

Assistance with emotional and mental health

Not only with physical health, through the regular routine health check-ups, medical practitioners can assess children’s emotional and mental health and provide the necessary support or referrals. At a time when there has been an increased discussion around mental health, early detection of mental health problems and timely intervention can enhance long-term outcomes.

Detecting the right nutrients

Several children in developing countries enter adolescence undernourished, making them more vulnerable to disease and early death. Iron deficiency anaemia was among the leading causes of healthy years of life lost due to disability by adolescents aged 10–19 in 2021. Iron and folic acid supplements are a solution that also helps to promote health of adolescents. It is only through regular health check-ups that the lack of these nutrients can be identified and thereby, the right diet and food are recommended for better development.

Detection of NCDs to improve health

Many NCDs, such as type 1 diabetes, congenital and rheumatic heart disease, sickle cell disease and asthma, manifest early in childhood, impacting a child’s social interactions and academic activities. For children with certain NCDs, an early diagnosis significantly improves outcomes, including a longer life expectancy and the avoidance of major problems. According to research, early intervention also improves quality of life by lowering chronic pain, exhaustion or difficulties carrying out daily tasks and improving learning and developmental results. Families are also significantly impacted financially and emotionally by NCDs. Early detection, prevention and treatment of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) reduces the burden on families and enhances the general well-being of families and society. 

Smile Foundation’s Work 

As part of Smile on Wheels programme, health camps are regularly organised to extend preventive and curative healthcare to schools and communities in need. Additionally, Smile Foundation’s Health Cannot Wait campaign is bringing high-quality healthcare services to the doorstep of underprivileged communities, with an emphasis on women and children, in an effort to improve the nation’s current healthcare system and lower out-of-pocket medical costs. To encourage children and the community to adopt a health-seeking behaviour, awareness-raising events such as school health camps and street plays are also held.  

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Smile Insights

Anganwadi Systems Help Indian Healthcare Systems

Is the World Still Women-averse?
Is the World Still Women-averse?

The initial five years of a child’s development are vital for their health, well-being and the direction of their lives in many aspects. High-quality care during this period can establish a strong foundation for good health, proper nutrition, educational achievement, social and emotional growth, and future economic success. However, not everyone has the opportunity to access these essential resources.

Here is where Anganwadis came in; they play an important role in the nation’s campaign against malnutrition, striving to ensure equitable access to government programmes across all regions of India that address issues such as malnutrition, infant mortality, public health challenges, insufficient educational resources for children and preventable diseases.

Launched in 1975 as part of the Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS), this initiative focuses on combating child hunger and malnutrition. These community-focused centres address the health and nutritional requirements of children under the age of six, expectant mothers and nursing women. They offer services such as vaccinations, additional nutritional support, health assessments and preschool education. By enhancing the well-being of mothers and children, Anganwadi centres significantly contribute to better public health results, help decrease malnutrition and promote early childhood development, particularly in rural and disadvantaged regions.

Role of Anganwadi Centres

Despite challenges faced by Anganwadi centres and workers, before and during the pandemic they have time and again proven themselves to be assets in healthcare development in India. Some of their core areas of work include:

Early Childhood Education

Anganwadi centers offer early learning and cognitive development for underprivileged children under six by providing preschool education. This helps prepare them for formal schooling while promoting their social, emotional and intellectual growth in a supportive setting.

Monitoring Health Indicators of Mothers and Children

This encompasses dietary guidance, monitoring growth, meal plans, and health support. Anganwadi centers provide nutritious meals that include pulses, grains, oil, sugar, and iodised salt. Food rations are sometimes available to take home. The centres measure and track a child’s growth. Additionally, they help mothers satisfy their nutritional and health through psychotherapy, home visits and hands-on demonstrations.

Bridging Healthcare Access Gaps in Rural Areas

These centres help build crucial links between rural communities and healthcare services by making the services accessible and affordable. They also reduce the burden on urban healthcare services.

Impact on the Indian Healthcare Systems

Reducing Child Mortality and Malnutrition 

Anganwadi centres are essential in the improvement of infant health by addressing malnutrition and its associated mortality. Supplementary nutrition is provided to alleviate undernourishment in young infants. These centres can promptly identify and address malnutrition through consistent health surveillance and their immunisation services substantially reduce the likelihood of preventable illnesses. Over time, these initiatives have resulted in a substantial decrease in infant mortality. 

Supporting Health Awareness and Preventive Measures

Anganwadi workers are necessary for the purpose of educating communities about preventive health practices, including family planning, breastfeeding and hygiene. They promote the well-being of mothers and children by increasing awareness, which in turn allows families to make healthier choices and reduce the incidence of illness. This heightened awareness is instrumental in the prevention of disease and improves long-term health outcomes.

Supporting Mothers

Anganwadi centres play a vital role in alleviating fatigue, health issues, and stress for caregivers (mothers) by supporting one of their key responsibilities: nurturing their young children. This assistance allows them to have more time for their other daily activities and family responsibilities.

Challenges that Hinder Their Effectiveness

Despite their successes, Anganwadi workers in India, who are predominantly women, face systemic barriers and occupational challenges that hinder their effectiveness.

Insufficient Training
Anganwadi workers receive inadequate training in behaviour change strategies tailored for vulnerable populations, which limits their effectiveness in encouraging positive health practices. 

Lack of Resources

The absence of essential medical tools and necessary supplies (including educational materials and medications) constrains their ability to tackle emerging health challenges. 

Emotional Challenges

Addressing sensitive issues that effectively change mindsets and attitudes combined with limited resources places a heavy emotional burden on Anganwadi workers.

Financial Challenges

Low compensation (often in the form of honoraria rather than salaries), insufficient social security, and irregular payment schedules contribute to considerable financial struggles for Anganwadi workers.

Supporting the Anganwadi Centres for Better Outcomes

Anganwadi centres are part of the community and should be treated as such. From homes to lawmakers, strong advice and support are needed. Understand and solve each difficulty these centres confront, then develop plans and schemes to improve quality in each Anganwadi. Develop the skills of workers through training programmes customised to the need of the particular centres and where it functions. Technology can be utilised to create tools and aides that alleviate the burden of Anganwadi workers.

Additionally, workers can be provided with sufficient training to enhance the effectiveness of their work. For instance, assisting them in the digital maintenance of records, telemedicine and monitoring, and digital health information. 

The strategic step towards a healthier future for all is the empowerment of Anganwadi workers through guidance, advanced training and monetary incentives. It is imperative that policymakers, healthcare providers and communities collaborate to guarantee that these workers are empowered to perform and succeed in their noble work. 

Smile’s Work with Anganwadi Workers

Smile Foundation recognises the potential of Anganwadi centers in shaping India’s healthcare landscape, particularly for vulnerable communities. Through its healthcare initiatives, Smile Foundation actively supports and complements the efforts of Anganwadi workers, ensuring better health and nutrition outcomes for children and mothers. By conducting health awareness campaigns, distributing essential supplies and providing supplementary healthcare services, Smile Foundation helps bridge critical gaps in the existing system. Our programmes focus on empowering Anganwadi workers with resources and training, enabling them to tackle malnutrition, ensure immunizations and offer much-needed support to mothers in rural and underserved regions.

Aligned with the ethos of community-driven care, Smile Foundation integrates technology and innovative solutions to enhance the impact of Anganwadi centres. From digital health tools for record-keeping to mobile health vans delivering doorstep services, we amplify access to healthcare in remote areas. By working closely with Anganwadi centers, Smile Foundation ensures that holistic support—spanning early childhood education, maternal health and preventive care—reaches those who need it the most, thereby driving meaningful improvements in India’s healthcare system.

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Education

Climate Change will Create Problems for Our Children

co-education
The shared relationship between education and living longer

Air Quality in Delhi again reached alarming levels, with Air Quality Index (AQI) measurements going above 1500 in some areas. At this level, the air in Delhi is practically poisonous and can cause major breathing problems, lung-related illnesses and other issues especially in vulnerable groups like the elderly and children.

Delhi has been grappling with severe air pollution for years now, primarily caused by industrial activities, vehicular pollution, burning of crop residues in nearby states and much more. However, it seems that not much has been done to solve the problem. This begs the question if Delhi’s air pollution is an isolated issue or is it connected to something bigger?

Air Pollution and Climate Change

Air pollution and climate change are intrinsically linked. The reasons behind air pollution, namely crop burning, vehicular emissions, fossil fuel consumption, uncontrolled industrial activities, etc., also contribute to global warming. In Delhi, the rampant use of diesel generators, open burning of crop residue and construction dust exacerbate the pollution levels, creating a vicious cycle that worsens the effects of climate change.

Delhi, known for its winters, has now been experiencing shorter and harsher winters, while the summers are becoming more and more unbearable every year. The use of air conditioning has become a necessity in the last decade. Similar changes are being experienced in other major cities too, as Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru also grapple with problems of changing weather conditions, increased occurrences of floods and rise in pollution levels.

Even in the popular hill destinations like Simla, the temperatures are rising in a way that people are now forced to install air coolers and sometimes air conditioning in their homes and hotels. These changes are not just limited to India but can be seen in all the major cities around the world. This is because climate change’s adverse effects don’t remain limited to a country or region which is contributing the most to greenhouse gas emissions.

Beyond Air Pollution

While air pollution is the most talked about problem because it has a direct impact on our lives, there are other forms of pollution that are consistently contributing to climate change. One of the biggest issues is that of the pollution of our water bodies. Every day, huge amounts of industrial waste is dumped into rivers, lakes are dried up to make space for urban construction and dams are built altering the natural environment significantly.

Similarly, we are also dealing with newer and bigger problems as the world progresses and adopts more technology. Discarding electronic waste is one such problem as it is leading to huge landfills covered with electronic waste. This is again a major contributor to pollution and climate change. Cutting down of trees, deforestation and land degradation, everything is increasing the speed of climate change. However, these issues only get cursory coverage in the media while we go back to our daily lives.

Extreme Weather Events

While it may seem like all these climate changes are not creating a direct impact on us as of now, it would be a big misconception to carry. Climate change is causing an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Heatwaves, floods, hurricanes and droughts are becoming more common, with devastating impacts on communities worldwide. In India, recent events like the Kerala floods of 2018 and the Cyclone Amphan of 2020 have resulted in significant loss of life, property and livelihoods.

Similar extreme weather events are being reported from around the world and are becoming more frequent. While the worst effects of climate change are currently borne by the most vulnerable communities, like those who are living near the coastal areas, the poor and homeless, and those who do not have access to expensive remedies; we must understand that this is not a permanent condition. As the problem of climate change worsens, its effects will start showing up more significantly in our protected urban areas too. There is no escaping the effects of climate change.

Climate Change Impact on Children

Any extreme weather conditions or pollution is bound to have worse effects for children and other vulnerable groups because their immunities are not strong enough to fight it. Children are particularly vulnerable to the health risks posed by climate change due to their developing bodies and immune systems. According to UNICEF, over half a billion children live in areas with extremely high flood occurrence and nearly 160 million live in high or extremely high drought severity zones.

Air pollution can impact the lung development of children. It can also hamper their cognitive development. Water scarcity and food insecurity, driven by climate change, can lead to malnutrition and stunted growth. The psychological impact of experiencing extreme weather events, displacement and loss of loved ones can also have lasting effects on children’s mental health.

As the climate change problem increases, it is likely to intensify the impacts on children. Extreme weather conditions like floods, rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are likely to affect the access to clean water, air, nutrition rich food and healthcare services too. Children of today and tomorrow are most at risk of being denied a safe and healthy future and to live in the kind of world that their ancestors lived in.

Initiatives to Tackle Climate Change Problem

Addressing climate change needs a muti-faceted approach where individuals, organisations and governments work together. While individuals need to focus on their own carbon footprint and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle, governments need to come together and frame policies that can begin to slow down the climate change process. Here are some of the initiatives that have come up in the recent time-

  1. Paris Climate Agreement: It is an international treaty aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. However, the progress in this direction has been far from impressive because of the political resistance.
  2. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): This is again an international treaty that aims to counter climate change through various protocols and mechanisms.
  3. National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): India has also been playing a big role in this fight against climate change and NAPCC is one such initiative. It focuses on renewable energy sources, sustainable agriculture, water conservation, etc.

Apart from the global initiatives, various private sector organisations and nonprofits are also playing an important role in tackling climate change. Smile Foundation, for example, is actively involved in promoting environmental sustainability and educating communities about the impacts of climate change. Through initiatives like tree plantation drives, water conservation projects and climate resilience programmes, NGOs are making a significant impact at the local level.

To secure the future of children, it is important that the effects of climate change are mitigated. Children are the future of our world and if they do not have a healthy world to live in, our future will be in jeopardy. Therefore, we need to adopt solutions like promoting renewable energy, enhancing climate education, tackling pollution, etc. By taking collective action and implementing sustainable solutions, we can protect our planet and ensure a healthier and more prosperous future for all.

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Smile Health

History of Healthcare in India

History of Healthcare in India
History of Healthcare in India

India’s healthcare sector is a combination of public and private service providers, and the government plays a central role in ensuring access to healthcare for everyone in the country. In a developing country like India, with one of the largest populations, the government becomes an important stakeholder in healthcare. However, the system faces significant challenges. For example, The Ayushman Bharat scheme, which was launched in 2018, aims to provide medical insurance to more than 500 million people. This also makes it one of the largest governments funded healthcare schemes in the world. Even after this, people face critical challenges in accessing good healthcare facilities because of lack of hospitals, healthcare professionals and insufficient infrastructure to support such a scheme. With 3.5 percent of its budget, India also spends less on healthcare as compared to the global average.

Latest Initiatives in Healthcare in India

As mentioned above, Ayushman Bharat is one of the recent healthcare programmes launched in India. Apart from this, PM-JAY or Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, is also a key scheme by the Indian government. Similarly, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs launched as part of Ayushman Bharat Scheme provide comprehensive primary healthcare services, including maternal and child health services, vaccination and screening for non-communicable diseases.

Various state governments in India are also launching their own healthcare programmes including insurance schemes, infrastructure support, etc. In Delhi, Mohalla Clinics are one such example which aim to provide local healthcare support for free. Also, the state government also provides free medicine to anyone through its official networks.

India also showed its intent in building a strong healthcare system at the time of Covid-19 pandemic when the country responded by developing vaccines that were later exported to other countries. The India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Package provided financial support and essential materials like PPEs, N95 masks and ventilators to healthcare facilities.

Healthcare in India – From Beginning to Now

Healthcare in India dates back to ancient times, with traditional medicine practices like Ayurveda. The practice is believed to have originated more than 3000 years ago and it continues to find ground in today’s world. Similarly, Unani medicine practice that was introduced in the region by Arabs and Persians also thrived and grew. There are names in Indian medicine history like Charak or Patanjali who played an important role in paving the path for modern medicine.

First medical colleges were established in India at the time of the British who brought modern medicine practice to the country with them. The founding of institutions like the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in 1956 marked a turning point in India’s healthcare system. AIIMS has since become a premier medical institution, known for its high standards of education, research and patient care.

Today, India boasts of a strong healthcare infrastructure with various AIIMS campuses across the country and a growing medical professional pool.

India’s Contribution to Global Healthcare

Today, India is a key player in medical research, pharmaceutical production and healthcare services. It is also an important medical tourism destination for people coming from different countries to access good-quality healthcare at a cheaper cost as compared to many western and European countries. Patients from around the world come to India for treatments like cardiac surgery, orthopaedics and oncology, benefiting from the high-quality care at a fraction of the cost in developed countries.

India’s pharma industry is also world’s third-largest in terms of volume of drugs manufactured here and it plays a significant role in the global drug production. Not just that, Indian companies also provide cheaper generic medicine to many developing and poorer countries. At the same time, the country is also an active participant in global medical research.

Gaps in Indian Healthcare

With all the advancements in healthcare, India still faces a lot of challenges, especially in ensuring equal access to good-quality healthcare services to all its people. This gap is even bigger when we see healthcare infrastructure and professional availability in rural and urban areas. According to the National Health Profile, India has about one doctor for every 1,445 people, which is below the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of 1:1,000. Additionally, only about 50% of rural households have government health insurance, and access to diagnostic facilities is limited. While India becomes an important global player in healthcare, it needs to address these local challenges too for ensuring all its people can benefit from the progress.

Future of Healthcare in India

As we have seen, healthcare in India dates back to thousands of years. There is a vibrant history of traditional medicine, fitness practices and healthcare that exists. However, what is needed today is that modern medicine reaches all the people so that India can deal with new-age diseases. At the same time, the rural-urban gap in healthcare facilities also needs to be reduced as it puts a heavy burden on few institutions within the country which sees thousands of patients visits every day, overwhelming the entire infrastructure.

With the advancement of technology, India can make use of digital healthcare infrastructure to provide services to those living in rural areas or remote regions. The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission seeks to create a national digital health ecosystem, linking healthcare providers, patients and insurance providers to streamline healthcare delivery. What can also be a game-changer is public-private partnerships and seeking global collaboration. India has a long way to become entirely self-sufficient in its healthcare landscape. However, there are a lot of opportunities that the country can leverage.

Smile’s Healthcare Commitment 

Smile Foundation is deeply committed to addressing the healthcare challenges that affect millions in India, particularly in underserved rural and urban areas. With a focus on bridging the gap between need and access, Smile Foundation’s healthcare initiatives deliver essential services to those who lack basic medical facilities. Through its Smile on Wheels mobile medical units, we bring primary healthcare services to the doorsteps of marginalised communities, tackling issues such as maternal and child health, vaccinations and chronic disease management. This innovative approach ensures that people in remote areas, often left out of the healthcare system, can receive timely and quality care.

Recognising the importance of preventive health, Smile Foundation also emphasises health awareness and education through health camps and school-based initiatives. These programmes focus on improving sanitation, nutrition and hygiene practices, contributing to long-term well-being. Additionally, we align our work with national health missions like Ayushman Bharat, complementing government efforts to create a more equitable healthcare system. Smile Foundation’s multi-faceted approach not only addresses immediate medical needs but also builds a healthier future for the communities it serves.

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Smile Education

Interactive Classrooms – Engaging Children Better

Interactive Classrooms – Engaging Children Better
Interactive Classrooms – Engaging Children Better

Imagine a science classroom where the students are learning about photosynthesis. If you remember your school days, you’d remember how this concept was taught to you – using chalkboard, books and a lot of words. Now, think about how it felt at the moment? Did the topic excite or fascinate you? Or did you feel bored?

Now, do you remember those science labs where you got to see the onion peel under a microscope for the first time? Or, where you saw different bird claws kept inside glass jars? How was that experience? The interaction in a traditional classroom, as we understand from the example of photosynthesis being taught using pictures and lectures, is minimal and students struggle to grasp the concept fully.

On the other hand, in an interactive classroom, students get to engage with the topic at a more immersive and experiential level. For example, the teacher might make use of animated diagrams, time lapse videos or a science experiment to teach a particular topic in the classroom. Students can participate in the experiment, answer questions, collaborate with each other and even conduct experiments of their own.

This is how an interactive classroom differs from a traditional classroom. While the latter is predominantly based on passive listening, the former allows the students to actively participate in the process of learning, thereby adding the element of play in the classroom. This is why we need interactive classrooms today, to enhance the learning experience of students.

What is an Interactive Classroom?

As we understand from the scenario shared above, an interactive classroom is where students get to engage and participate in the learning process actively and not just act like passive listeners. Interactive classrooms are modern learning environments that integrate technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences.

Even classrooms that do not have the latest technology can be turned into interactive classrooms with the use of simple techniques like creating teaching-learning materials, using games to teach a topic and engaging students into more hands-on activities rather than forcing them to sit and listen.

Differences between Traditional and Interactive Classrooms

  1. Teaching method – As explained above, the traditional classrooms primarily use lecture-based teaching methodology, while interactive classrooms use more collaborative and hands-on learning methods.
  2. Student engagement – In a traditional classroom, a student is just a passive listener who is supposed to grasp everything that the teacher says. On the other hand, an interactive classroom allows every student to learn in their own way through active participation.
  3. Technology – Traditional classrooms make minimal use of technology while interactive classrooms deploy any technology that helps in enhancing learning participation.
  4. Learning tools – The primary learning tools in a traditional classroom are chalkboard, books, etc., while in an interactive classroom, teachers can use smartboards, tablets, computers, VR headsets, etc.
  5. Assessment methods – A traditional classroom mostly assesses the students through age-old methods of written or oral examinations. However, an interactive classroom uses methods that are more innovative and allow for gathering real-time feedback to learning. This includes engaging activities, quizzes, demonstrations, etc.

Technology in Interactive Classrooms

One of the things that truly sets interactive classrooms apart from traditional classrooms is technology. Smart classrooms are becoming a reality today as we are realising the importance of giving students a chance to immerse in the topics they are learning. Here are some of the technological tools that are used in interactive classrooms-

  1. Smartboards – It is a replacement of a traditional board which was used to write with chalk. At the same time, a smartboard is also an extension of a traditional teaching board as teachers have the option to write on the board using a digital pen. However, they can also display pictures, animations, zoom in or out, and do much more with a smartboard. It also makes it easy for the teachers to explain a topic as they have more ways of explaining a concept.
  2. Tablets and laptops – While traditional classrooms could have had one or two computers, their use was again limited to passive demonstrations for students. In an interactive classroom, students get access to individual or shared digital devices through which they can engage with the learning in real-time by answering questions, sharing inputs, completing assignments, etc.
  3. Virtual reality and augmented reality – These are fairly new technologies and are yet to be deployed in classrooms in India. However, virtual reality allows for learners to completely immerse themselves into what they are learning. Think about the metaverse where social media users can live in a virtual world. This is how virtual reality can work in an interactive classroom. Students can get a chance to see the planetary movements up close, learn about prehistoric times or witness the photosynthesis process as if it is happening in real-time.
  4. Learning management systems – These are platforms that are used to host content on digital learning portals. A good example can be Google Classroom where teachers can host their content, share notes, take assignments and mark attendance.

Teaching in Interactive Classrooms

Now that we understand how interactive classrooms differ from traditional classrooms and how they make use of technology, let us look at a few examples of how the teaching-learning process becomes more engaging in interactive classrooms.

  1. In a science classroom, students who are learning about human anatomy can ditch the old method of seeing it on a dummy, but actually experience it through VR headsets where they can move through the human body and see the functioning of different organs.
  2. In a mathematics classroom, students can solve a problem collaboratively using tablets or computers and come up with solutions to real-life problems.
  3. Digital storytelling can be used in language classrooms where students can learn to make use of artificial intelligence and other tools that are changing the world of creative content rapidly.

Interactive Classroom Initiatives in India

Many state governments in India are now investing in building smart classrooms and the New Education Policy also promotes pedagogical methods that are more interactive. At the same time, many private organisations and nonprofits like Smile Foundation are also working in this area by supporting existing schools in building their interactive classrooms infrastructure, training the teachers and even sending their volunteers in educational institutions to teach students using these new ways.

Smart India Hackathon is also an event that focuses on developing innovative solutions using technology. It promotes the use of interactive learning methods. The Central government’s Digital India Campaign is also building digital infrastructure and services across India which are also allowing classrooms to go digital.

Future of School Education

The children growing up in today’s world are probably the first generation which is growing up in the world of artificial intelligence. If we look back at the last 10 or 20 years, we will realise how fast technology has changed and we can expect this to become even faster in the coming years. Therefore, for students to keep up with the changing times, they need to learn about concepts through innovative and interactive methods. This is the future of school education. It is going to be digital, interactive and collaborative.

As technology continues to evolve, so will the methods of teaching and learning. The integration of AI, VR and AR will further personalise education, catering to the unique needs of each student. Schools will become hubs of innovation, where students are not just passive recipients of information but active participants in their learning journey. As initiatives in India and around the world continue to promote interactive learning, the future of education looks promising, with endless possibilities for enhancing student engagement and achievement.

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Smile

Employability in Rural India and Stable Consumption Behaviour 

Increasing Employability in Rural India linked to Stable Consumption Behaviour 
Increasing Employability in Rural India linked to Stable Consumption Behaviour 

Despite the growth of numerous manufacturing and service sectors over the years, India has always relied on agriculture both for its economic growth and employment. This is mainly because over 60% of its population resides in rural areas. One of the important factors that will drive rural prosperity is having access to stable and diverse employment opportunities that will provide regular income. Along with the employability, it increases the stability of household income. This in turn will have a significant impact on consumption patterns in both rural and urban areas of the country.

It is said that a stable consumption pattern is the core aspect of the economic stability of a country. For it makes sure of the predictable demand for goods and services, thereby reducing market volatility and supporting economic growth. Before we go on to discuss the connection between employability in rural areas and stable consumption behaviour across the country, let’s understand what stable consumption behaviour actually means.

Understanding Stable Consumption Behaviour

Stable consumption behaviour is a financial planning concept that has been developed and tested by renowned economists across the world. It refers to the practice of maintaining an average level of spending or expenses over a period of time, irrespective of the variations in their revenue. It is commonly referred to as consumption smoothing by experts. Consumption smoothing, according to Investopedia, is a practice of optimizing people’s standard of living by maintaining a proper balance between expenses and saving during various phases of life.

Consumption smoothing is aimed at offering a cushion to individuals while dealing with unexpected expenses, economic downturns, and income volatility. The cushion can be achieved by saving money whenever one gets a high income and spending the saved money during the income volatility or after retirement.

It is considered an extremely difficult idea to put in place. For it requires vigorous planning, and one needs to stick to the budget in all situations. But it is one of the aspirational ideas that will allow individuals to have a relatively predictable and stable way of living through their lifetime. Stable consumption behaviour promotes the financial resilience and stability of an individual.

Link between Increasing Employability in Rural India and Stable Consumption Behaviour

For a layman to understand the impact of the rise in rural employability on the stable consumption behaviour of the country, it is vital to break down and understand the relationship between employment opportunities, income stability and consumption patterns. Let’s discuss the relationship in detail. 

When the government attempts to increase employment opportunities in rural areas, they diversify and create opportunities in various sectors like manufacturing, service and agriculture sectors. Because diversification of opportunities spreads risk. It will also make sure that even if one sector faces challenges, other sectors can prevent the economy from destruction. For instance, if agriculture fails due to droughts or fluctuating commodity prices, manufacturing and service sectors will buffer the financial strain. A diversified rural economy will lead to greater resilience in consumption patterns even during shocks.

The increased employability in turn will allow people to grab stable, formal and diverse forms of jobs. This will eventually reduce revenue fluctuations caused by seasonal and limited employment opportunities and lead to a steady stream of income. 

When a household gets a stable income, they can predict their financial situations and plan their finances accordingly. Better planning and spending as per their budget will make their consumption patterns more consistent.

When people in rural areas get steady income, they can afford to purchase goods and services on a regular basis. This regular consumption of essential goods and services becomes predictable. Also, the chances for discretionary spending on non-essential goods and services will increase. This in turn will stimulate unprecedented demand in the economy. This consistent consumption pattern will reduce fluctuations in production cycles and allow small and medium rural businesses to plan and produce better.

As small and medium enterprises grow and employ more people, a higher flow of money starts to circulate within the region. A resilient and self-sustaining rural economy will contribute greatly to national economic stability. For it creates a more balanced regional consumption pattern. 

Moreover, when an individual gets a stable income, financial institutions are more likely to offer loans. Not just that, banks will also encourage rural consumers to save, invest, and spend more predictably. This will also help in smoothing consumption even during times of unexpected expenses.

Raised revenue will directly lead to increased purchasing power. (Purchasing power refers to the quantity of product or service that can be purchased with a particular currency unit.) This in turn will also reduce the consumption between the rural and urban areas, thereby reducing stark economic disparities between rural and urban areas. This will lead to a uniform consumption trend across the country.

This is how the stability in consumption patterns in rural areas will have a cumulative effect on the country’s economy.

Current Trends in the Rural Labour Market

For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic that hit the globe in 2020, annual average employment demand for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has fallen below the pre-pandemic levels. Under the scheme, temporary jobs are provided to people in rural areas with limited or no stable income opportunities. According to the data accessed from their website, the average number of people employed under the scheme in 2024 is 25,000. Following the pandemic, the number had moved close to 40,000 in 2021.

A reduction in the number of employees under the schemes means there has been a rise in other stable employment opportunities in rural areas. This year has received above-average monsoons, thereby rising employment opportunities in the farm sector.

According to the latest PLFS report, employment opportunities in the construction sector have rebounded due to initiatives like the national infrastructure pipeline and increased government capital expenditures. Not just that, employment in manufacturing and service sectors has also increased considerably.

Conclusion

In summary, increasing employability in rural India like through Smile’s women empowerment programme Swabhiman will lead to a stream of stable income. This in turn contributes significantly to the stable consumption behaviour in rural areas. This smooth consumption will help rural households to manage their financial needs effectively. This will also create a more predictable and resilient consumption environment at the national level. As rural consumption stabilises, it can contribute to more consistent demand for goods and services, fostering overall economic stability and growth in India.

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Smile

No Children Should Be Out of School

No Children Should Be Out of School
No Children Should Be Out of School

SDG-4 aims at inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. The global out-of-school population has decreased by barely 1% in nearly ten years, according to the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report 2024. The disparity in educational investment among countries is significant, with low- and lower-middle-income nations suffering from substantial underinvestment in education.

Children face considerable barriers to future work when they lack access to a high-quality education. They are at a higher risk of experiencing negative health consequences and are less likely to engage in decisions that impact them. This jeopardises their capacity to create a more positive future. In an era of swift social, technological and economic transformation, investing in education is crucial for enhancing the endurance of nations.

Education is a Basic Human Right

Children are denied access to education for multiple reasons. Poverty persists as one of the most inescapable obstacles. Children experiencing economic instability, political turmoil, conflict or natural disasters are more likely to be deprived of education, as are those with impairments or belonging to ethnic minorities. In certain nations, educational options for girls are significantly constrained. Lack of learning material, proper environment and teachers is yet another obstacle. A child cannot acquire knowledge without an appropriate setting. In most , children frequently find themselves confined to overcrowded classrooms, which are in a bad condition, or are studying outside in weather that may not be conducive to learning.

The interplay of discrimination, insufficient training in inclusive pedagogical techniques among educators, and the absence of accessible educational institutions renders this population particularly susceptible to the denial of their right to education.

For numerous children globally, the journey to school requires several hours. This is particularly challenging for children with disabilities, those experiencing starvation or illness, and those obligated to perform family chores.

Several children, particularly females, are susceptible to violence during their risky commutes to and from school.

The Need for Government Funding on Education

Increases Economic Growth: Investment in education can facilitate economic expansion and development. Education enhances individuals’ abilities and knowledge, hence increasing their productivity and efficiency in the workplace. This subsequently enhances the nation’s economy by augmenting the production and output of products and services. If a government invests in technology education, it can cultivate a pool of highly trained workers who will enhance the technology sector’s growth.

Mitigates Poverty: Education serves as a potent instrument for alleviating poverty. It equips persons with the skills and knowledge necessary to obtain higher-paying employment, thereby aiding in their escape from poverty. Furthermore, educated persons are more likely to attain employment, receive higher salaries and have greater job security compared to their uneducated counterparts. 

Fosters Social Development: Education is essential not just for economic advancement but also for facilitating social development. It can foster an informed and involved populace, potentially resulting in a more democratic and equitable society. Educated individuals are more inclined to engage in civic activities, volunteer and express their views on social issues. This can foster a more tolerant and inclusive society that appreciates variety and advances social justice.

Enhances Health: Education positively influences health outcomes. Educated persons are more inclined to make informed health decisions and pursue medical care when necessary. This helps them have better lives and healthier populace, hence alleviating the financial strain of healthcare on the economy.

Education Fosters Social Stability: Education equips individuals with the information and skills necessary to resolve conflicts non-violently and without discrimination, particularly as schools often serve as one of the few environments where students may interact and engage with diverse individuals. Furthermore, schooling can enhance children’s resilience by mitigating the chance of engaging in detrimental coping mechanisms such as early marriage or child labour, hence augmenting the probability of good well-being.

The Indian government has implemented several initiatives to ensure accessible and free education for all students, particularly those from marginalised communities. Initiated in 2001, the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) seeks to ensure universal basic education for children aged 6 to 14 years. Right to Education (RTE) Act. The Right to Education (RTE) Act, established in 2009, requires free and compulsory education for children between the ages of 6 and 14 years. The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative seeks to rectify the diminishing child sex ratio and foster the education and empowerment of girls. Initiated in 2015, the program aims to transform cultural perceptions of girls and guarantee their education and involvement.

Way Ahead

Governments and educational institutions can significantly influence the reducing of disparities with policy interventions. This may involve amending school financing procedures to allocate additional resources to disadvantaged regions, instituting progressive policies for marginalised groups, and requiring inclusive educational materials and adjustments. A joint effort of community-based organisations and governments, can help enhance governmental initiatives by engaging directly with marginalised populations. They can offer supplementary educational services, engage in outreach to improve understanding of the significance of education, and push for policy reforms.

Through its ‘Shiksha Na Ruke’ initiative, Smile Foundation has been supporting children from difficult circumstances in sustaining their education, aspiring for a more promising future and improved quality of life. Currently, Smile is directly educating more than 120,000 children throughout 27 states in India.

Our initiative embodies the belief that every child deserves access to education, regardless of their circumstances. With the conviction that “no child should be out of school,” this programme was designed to ensure continuous learning for underprivileged children, even in the face of major disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. By providing resources such as digital devices, community learning centers and remote learning support, Shiksha Na Ruke strives to bridge the education gap for children who face barriers due to socioeconomic challenges.

This initiative aims to create lasting educational equity by addressing the roots of educational disparity. Through partnerships with local communities and families, Shiksha Na Ruke encourages a holistic approach, making sure that children not only remain engaged in their studies but also have the support they need to thrive. Smile Foundation’s commitment to “no child left out of school” underlines the importance of education in empowering future generations and building resilient, inclusive communities.

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Education

The Case for Free Education

Year ender 2024: Education
Not only educated, but thinking Indians

Something incredible has been observed in Mumbai lately. There has been an increase in the number of girls enrolling in professional courses. This is because of the recent decision to bring in a free education scheme in the state of Maharashtra. While this may seem like a small change, the share of girls going up to more than 41 per cent of enrolments in professional courses hints towards something important – that if education is made free, it is the women and other disadvantaged groups which are most likely to benefit from it.

The scheme has opened doors for many women who might not have been able to pursue higher education due to financial constraints. The impact of this change is bound to create a ripple effect where many of these women can be expected to find employment in the future, become financially independent, and contribute to the overall well-being of their families.

Importance of Equal Access to Education

This brings us to an important argument of why ensuring equal access to education is crucial for the success of any society. Education is the bedrock of any society, serving as a catalyst for social, economic and personal development. By ensuring equal access to education, it can be ensured that every individual, no matter what their socio-economic background is, has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

When education is available to everyone equally, it fosters an environment of inclusivity and justice where individuals from unique and different backgrounds are able to contribute to the collective knowledge. It also empowers marginalised communities, helping them break the vicious circle of poverty and deprivation. Equal access to education also has an impact on the overall economic growth of a country as more and more talented people are able to accumulate skills and knowledge which translate into productivity and innovation.

Education and Equality of Opportunity

One of the biggest benefits of ensuring education for all is that it cultivates a culture where everyone has equal opportunities. It is the cornerstone of any democratic society where every individual has the chance to excel in life. Education plays the central role in this success as people coming from marginalised groups can grow in life by getting a good education.

Free education removes financial barriers that prevent many individuals from accessing quality education. It levels the playing field, allowing students to compete based on their abilities and efforts rather than their financial resources. In the long run, it creates a society where upward mobility is made possible for everyone and also contributes to more equitable distribution of wealth.

Initiatives to Ensure Free Education

While the goal may seem easy, providing free education to everyone comes with a massive cost and it is often difficult for developing countries like India to allocate funds for the same. However, it does not mean that this is an unachievable goal. Here are some of the ways through which free education can be ensured for everyone:

  1. Government funding – the first and most crucial way of providing education for free is to allocate a significant amount for it in the union and state budgets. Governments have the biggest potential to provide funds for running good quality universities, schools and other educational institutions without monetary returns. It is also beneficial for the country in the long run as an educated population means healthier economic growth.
  2. Public-private partnership – another way to achieve this when the government is not able to fund the entire education infrastructure is to collaborate with the private sector to build infrastructure, provide scholarships, fund research, etc. A mechanism can be created where the private sector benefits from its contribution in the form of tax rebates, etc.
  3. International aids and grants – developing countries can benefit from international aid and grants aimed at improving their education systems. International organisations, such as UNESCO and UNICEF, can provide technical assistance, funding and resources to support educational initiatives in low-income countries.
  4. Community involvement – one of the most effective ways to build a robust education infrastructure that is free for all is by involving the community in creating it. Affluent individuals can come forward, pool the money, and contribute towards building high-quality education facilities. It is also a way for them to give back to their community.

Global Examples

There are many countries around the world where partial or full funding of education by state has been achieved, making them a haven for students who want to dedicate themselves to academic pursuit without worrying about the finances. Here are some of the examples:

Germany – The country offers tuition-free education at public universities for both domestic and international students. This policy has made Germany an attractive destination for students seeking quality education without the burden of exorbitant expenses.

Norway – Like Germany, Norway also provides free education at all levels, for both Norwegian citizens and international students. Norway’s education system is known for its emphasis on inclusivity and student well-being, contributing to high levels of student satisfaction and academic achievement.

Finland – Apart from providing state-funded education, Finland’s education system is also appreciated for the unique approach that is followed in the classrooms for teaching. It focuses on personalised learning, collaborative skills, creative thinking, etc. The country consistently ranks high in international assessments proving the effectiveness of its education system.

Brazil – Unlike the countries mentioned above, Brazil is a nation which cannot be considered as affluent. However, it has also been able to implement the free education policy to an extent showing positive growth in access to higher education for its citizens. Brazil’s investment in education has led to improved literacy rates, higher enrolment numbers, and better educational outcomes for students from diverse backgrounds.

Conclusion

While there are examples to look at and solutions available, it must also be noted that ensuring free education for a large population like India is extremely challenging and can put a huge financial burden on the treasury. Apart from the financial constraints, it is also challenging to ensure quality of education in state-funded institutions, ensuring access to all communities and sustainability of the system. However, even with all this, the case for free education is compelling.

It is not just about providing access to knowledge; it is about creating a more equitable and just society where everyone can succeed. The success of initiatives like the free education scheme for females in Maharashtra demonstrates the positive impact of such policies. By ensuring equal access to education, we can build a brighter future for all.

Smile Foundation’s education work

Smile Foundation’s work in education seeks to break down the financial barriers that often prevent children from underserved communities from accessing quality education. In line with the philosophy behind Maharashtra’s free education scheme, which has significantly increased girls’ enrollment in professional courses, Smile Foundation’s Mission Education initiative focuses on reaching underserved communities, ensuring that children, especially girls, receive the support they need to pursue their studies. By providing essential resources and creating an environment where education is accessible, Smile Foundation empowers children to envision a better life and achieve financial independence.

Through its commitment to free and equal access to education, Smile Foundation aims to create a ripple effect that can uplift entire communities. Education is a powerful tool that allows children to develop skills and knowledge that can contribute to social and economic growth.

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Women Empowerment

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

The Biggest Elephant in the Room: India's Gender Pay Gap
The Biggest Elephant in the Room: India's Gender Pay Gap

Isn’t it utterly shocking to know that almost one in three women across the globe have been subjected to physical or/and sexual violence at least once in their lifetime? It roughly puts the estimation close to 736 million in the world, according to the UN Women. The data also shows that most violence against women is committed by their current or former spouses or intimate partners. Violence against women is one of the most frequent human rights violations across the world.

In India, police have registered 4.45 lakh ‘crime against women’ cases in 2022, according to the National Crime Records Bureau. It means about 1,220 cases are officially registered every single day. Nobody has counted how many go unaccounted in a country as diverse and geographically large as India. These women, who are subjected to violence, are prone to suffer from anxiety disorders, depression and sexually transmitted diseases, among others, for a really long time.

Before we delve deep into the topic, let’s understand what violence against women actually is. Because there are several misconceptions surrounding violence against women.

What is violence against women?

Violence against women refers to any act of violence that makes women suffer. It just does not mean only physical violence. It also includes sexual, psychological and emotional abuses.

The United Nations general assembly in 1993 issued the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women and it provides a definition for violence against them. In their own words, “The term violence against women means any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or private life.”

Any form of physical abuse, including slaps, punches, shoves, kicks, arm twists, burning and stabbing, is punishable irrespective of its intensity. Sexual violence includes sexual assault, harassment, coercion, rape and marital rape. Psychological and emotional abuses include continual humiliation, threats against children, threats to induce injury or death, manipulation, gaslighting and controlling behaviours. Child marriage, female genital mutilation and trafficking for sexual exploitation and slavery are also forms of violence used against women.

When these abusive behaviours are used by family members, including her spouse, to gain or maintain power and control over another in an intimate relationship, it falls under domestic violence. In India, dowry-related violence continues to occur even today, despite the government terming dowry as illegal and banning it across the country. When the women’s family fails to meet the dowry demands, it often leads to violence, harassment and even the deaths of women.

Consequences of violence against women

Violence, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), has immediate and long-lasting effects on women’s health, and in certain cases, it is fatal. In addition to their physical health, it also affects the mental and behavioural health of the victims. Violence against women affects not only the victims but also families, communities and societies at large.

  1. Physical health issues: The physical health consequences of violence can be immediate and acute, long-lasting and chronic, and can even be fatal. Studies have constantly found out that the impact on women’s physical and mental health depends upon the severity of abuse. Victims may suffer from chronic pain, gynaecological problems, complications during pregnancy and childbirth, sexually transmitted diseases and other long-term health conditions.
  2. Mental health issues: Almost all the survivors of violence face the risk of adverse mental health issues. Some of the most prevalent issues include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating and sleeping disorders, suicidal thoughts and psychosomatic disorders.
  3. Behavioural health issues: Abuse in childhood has been associated with risky behaviours like early sexual activity, alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse. Victims often feel worthlessness and have difficulty distinguishing sexual from affectionate behaviour, maintaining appropriate personal boundaries and refusing unwanted sexual advances. They withdraw from friends and family, leading to isolation and decreased social support, which can perpetuate the cycle of violence.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2024

Despite the numerous efforts taken to contain violence against women, the scourge has been intensifying, especially in the post-pandemic era. One of the solutions is to invest in prevention. According to the UN, only 5% of government aid is focused on tackling violence against women and girls, and less than 0.2% is invested in preventing the crimes. There is a dire requirement for investing in women’s organisations, better legislation and training of law enforcement officials, among others. More than that, creating awareness about it is the need of the hour.

To eliminate the incidents of violence against women by creating awareness, the United Nations has been commemorating International Day for the elimination of violence against women on November 25 annually. November 25 was commemorated as a day against gender-based violence by activists for women’s rights ever since 1981. It was to honour three Mirabal sisters, activists from the Dominican Republic who were murdered based on the order of the country’s ruler in 1960. 

The UN’s General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women on December 20, 1993. It in turn has paved the path for eradicating violence against women across the world. On February 7, 2000, the assembly adopted the resolution. It has been inviting governments and other organisations to come together to raise awareness among the public.

As part of the observance, campaigns would be organised for 16 days. Emphasis would be given to achieve gender equality, empower all women and girls as mentioned in the sustainable development goals and call for unity to end violence against women.

Facts on violence against women

Ever since the sustainable development goals were adopted during the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in 2015 with the target to achieve them by 2030, a lot of efforts have been taken. Though there have been notable gains in certain areas, the shift towards attaining gender equality has been significantly slow. The recent report by UN Women estimates about 286 years to achieve gender equality in the world.

About 162 countries have passed laws against domestic violence. Nearly 147 countries have laws against sexual harassment at the workplace. But what is heartbreaking is that over 600 million women continue to live in countries that have not taken any steps towards protecting them from domestic violence.

Irrespective of whether a country has laws to protect its women from violence or not, research points out that many have not properly implemented the laws. Even the ones that have implemented the laws are non-compliant with international standards. According to data, less than 40% of the victims of violence come forward to report their abuse, and only 6% of women report sexual abuse from their husbands. Studies, time and again, confirm that women are frequent victims of intimate violence.

UN Women, in 2018, published a report titled ‘Turning promises into action: gender equality in the 2030 agenda for sustainable development’. According to it, as many as 49 countries do not have laws to protect women from domestic violence; one in five girls and women aged under 50 years report physical or/and sexual violence by their partner within a year; more than 750 million girls were married before they turned 18 years; and over 200 million girls and women in 30 countries have undergone female genital mutilation.

Whatever the little progress the world has made in curbing the violence against women, the COVID-19 pandemic has effortlessly squashed it all and pushed the world behind by several years. According to a recent Oxfam report, lockdowns linked to the pandemic have rapidly increased the violence against women and girls. The report says that up to 33% raise in intimate partner violence has been reported in certain countries. It also estimates that 47 million women and girls had been pushed into extreme poverty since the declaration of the pandemic. Poverty has in turn paved the path for school dropouts, child marriages and human trafficking.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2024- In Date and Spirit

Though some progress has been made in curbing all kinds of violence against women, more significant steps need to be taken across the world to eliminate it completely like Smile Foundation does in through women empowerment programme. But only when people are aware of the violence and its impact on women will steps be taken and successfully implemented to curb it. That’s why commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2024 has become more important now than ever.

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Education

Experts Advocate Critical Thinking and Creativity to Improve Indian Education System

Dropout and out-of-school children
Reasons to Donate for Girl Child Education

During his visit to India in 2015, CEO of Google, Sundar Pichai, said that his Class XII score was not enough to get him admission to Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) in Delhi University. He also spoke about how India’s education system would do well to emphasise greater creativity and risk-taking, something that was reported widely by the Indian media. 

Later, during an interaction with Harsha Bogle, Pichai called for a shift in focus in India’s education system from academic rigour to develop creativity and hands-on projects for students, according to a Business Standard article. It quoted Pichai as saying: “Look at what is needed to solve the next generation of problems. It requires creativity. Encourage creativity in education. The Indian education system values rigorous academic knowledge rather than encouraging creativity. The best schools in the US are experiential and hands on. Doing things rather than learning (from books). Teach project-based experimental training. Teach students to take risks and make sure that the system doesn’t penalise if you take risks or are different.”

No room for creativity

The lack of imagination and creativity in the Indian education system is a topic that has long been debated upon. And Pichai’s sentiments have been echoed by other leaders as well as educationists in India. In 2018, co-founder of Apple, Steve Wozniak, said that creativity is being lost out of the Indian academic system and that, in the process of looking for good jobs, the hunger for creativity has taken a backseat. Wozniak said that the Indian education system is based around studiousness and doesn’t encourage creativity, according to newspaper reports.

Flaws in the educational system

Over the years, various studies have been done by researchers to see how the educational system can be improved. ‘Understanding Issues in The Indian Education System Through the Lens of the Movie 3 Idiots’ (2009) by Vardha Kharbanda, aimed to explore the issues within the Indian education system as portrayed in mainstream media. The various themes that emerged from the scenes included rat race and rote learning, societal norms and pressures, barriers to learning, authentic education, diversity and inclusive classrooms and emotional burnout of the students. It was published in The International Journal of Indian Psychology dated January- March 2022. It found that “Indian education not only promotes a rat rate for marks but also encourages an unhealthy form of competition among the students. The system creates mechanical robots who are programmed to focus on the reward of education (high scores) instead of actively participating in the process of acquiring knowledge.”

Most of the students in India are primed from childhood to pursue certain careers. Parents often impose their unfulfilled career aspirations and dreams in the pursuit of realising them through their children. In India, the burnout rates for students are extremely high which is a consequence of relentless pressure of the academic syllabus. The fear of failure takes over the joy of learning and by the time students graduate they are physically and emotionally drained, said the study.

Beyond rationed goals

“The education system is more goal-oriented than process-oriented. When you are taught to learn towards a goal, the process of learning is directed towards it, and what you are actually learning takes a back seat,” says Carnatic musician Rithvik Raja. “But, if it’s not focussed on goals, the intent of learning would be to learn, understand and appreciate what you are  learning,” he says, adding that he was lucky to have attended a school that valued creative endeavours, even if they didn’t directly facilitate it.

“I was able to pursue music and cricket passionately and in depth and so am able to do one of it to earn a living now. And that was also possible as my parents supported me,” says Rithvik. “Today, it is important for parents to allow their children to expose themselves to other things, some sort of art or creative thinking. When you put your child in some sports or art activity because they enjoy doing it then, over time, their cognitive and decision-making skills develop. Exposure to different forms of learning is crucial and absolutely vital.”

When all emphasis is on academics

“It is evident that the current educational system is neither appealing to nor serving its purpose to a whole set of students who are enrolled in it,” says psychiatrist Dr M Suresh Kumar. “The system is focussed on the academic curriculum, which is entirely dependent on students memorising things from books, retaining it in the brain and recalling it at the time of the examination. It is a test of memory, which may be exciting for a certain group of children who are good at it and hence known as children who excel academically,” he says. “But it’s not as though people who haven’t excelled at academics haven’t done well in life.”

There are many students out there who are challenged by regular academics but bright in other things, such as writing, painting or other creative endeavours, says Dr Suresh Kumar.  “Unfortunately, these are seen as extracurricular activities,” he says. “While there are alternative education schools that encourage creativity, there are many students in regular schools who are not given the option to think.”

Impact on mental health

With only academic excellence being recognised and encouraged, children who don’t perform well in the classroom develop a sense of low self-esteem, which can be detrimental for their mental health.

“A student who is good in writing or painting is not appreciated as much as another who excels in science and mathematics. So many children do not feel good about themselves, and develop low self-esteem” says Dr Suresh Kumar, adding that huge pressure is being put on students, especially when they have to appear for the board exams and choose their career paths. Every year, cases of self-harm and death by suicide is reported as result announcements near.

“Only if the families are supportive or the school doesn’t focus on academics alone can such children feel confident,” he says, adding that traditional professions such as medicine and engineering are still the career paths chosen by Indian parents as they feel such careers are more secure and financially rewarding. “Today, we see so much work-related stress because people are stuck in professions that are not aligned to their interests, passion and personality.”

NEP addresses the lacunae

The National Education Policy (NEP), introduced in 2020, aims to shift the focus from rote learning to critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, curiosity and communication.  It promotes experiential learning, critical thinking, and reduced course content in the school curriculum. Vocational education is introduced in classes VI to VIII, accompanied by internship opportunities. It has also integrated arts, music and culture into the curriculum, and encourages flexible curricula that accommodate different learning styles and interests, enabling students to pursue their passions and innovative ideas.

“The education system needs to move the focus from marks to learning. There should be stress on conceptual learning and the way of testing should also be different,” says Rithvik. “Teachers also need to have the basic sensitivity to understand that each child is different.”

Other initiatives also promote experiential learning, creativity

NGOs are also working to support NEP’s vision. Smile Foundation’s STEM and Experiential Learning programme works to build scientific temperament in students by introducing them to think critically, solve problems through inquiry and logic, ideate creatively and continue this process of learning for a lifetime. Vocational exposure has been initiated amongst students to facilitate holistic learning and development by providing a space for students beyond regular curriculum subjects to enable children and youth to make connections between different areas of learning. 

The Foundation also works to create an enabling learning environment, which enables children to understand easily and retain the concepts well. As part of the initiative, the Foundation has improved the infrastructure of centres through green infrastructure and digital classrooms, including solar panels, smart class installation, learning software and educational tablets. And also provided sports materials, musical instruments, speaker systems, etc., at 18 locations.

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