In the tumultuous post-independence period, a striking majority of India's population, estimated at approximately 70%, languished in dire poverty. As we transition into a new era, this disconcerting statistic has seen significant improvement. Today, we estimate the poverty rate at a comparatively diminished figure, around 15%. How did this remarkable shift transpire? To trace the roots of this evolution, we must journey back to India's nascent days as an independent nation. In the wake of 1947, India adhered to a unique socio-economic framework termed 'Democratic Socialism'. This compelling doctrine embodied a few salient principles: The fusion of private enterprise and societal welfare: Democratic socialism actively encouraged the participation of the private sector but insisted that it must work toward social advancements alongside economic prosperity. This approach reflects the ethos of successful cooperative movements such as Amul, which has revolutionized the dairy...
Exploring the Paradox of Academic Excellence and Real-World Incompetence Unraveling the Dichotomy of Academic Brilliance and Practical Inefficiency Over the years, I have had the privilege of interacting with a diverse array of students, ranging from mature learners, parent-students, to research scholars. These individuals, adept at navigating their professional lives, often exhibit a unique perspective towards education, viewing it as a communal activity or a sacred journey of enlightenment and progress. However, a striking observation that emerges from my interactions with these research scholars and students is their ability to circumvent the conventional education system to achieve their academic goals. This phenomenon is not a reflection of their intellectual prowess but rather an indication of their survival instinct in a system that values degrees over knowledge. For instance, many of these students have been nurtured by 'helicopter paren...