New Year Feedback
Hi Folks!
 I’, sure the New Year must have unraveled itself on a happy note for all of you out there!
I, on the other hand, had a quiet and serene New Year’s eve... as promised! Much as people would refuse to believe, I decided to spend the momentous day with the two most enlightened people on earth…. My parents, of course! (I didn’t make them feel that they need to equip themselves with a little knowledge about the ways of the world today!)
It did make a lot of difference to me, and I am not embarrassed to disclose that within the bosoms of these two individuals who have the best intentions for me, lie young hearts yearning to interact with me on an equal footing! So I just did that… the three of us went ahead and had the weirdest food in the latest coffee pub in the city and I was most surprised to see that they enjoyed their time with me. Of course, we did miss Big Sis a lot… I DID… madly! Her enchanting laughter still rang in my ears... most of all I missed teasing her … I had the vicarious satisfaction of doing that during out New Year chat!
Got down to serious thinking about what steps I would take if I were empowered enough to make changes in our great city. I am sure, all of you would agree with me if I begin with schools/colleges. First and foremost, I would introduce the system of open-book examinations! (I can’t wait to see your gleeful faces as you read this!) Secondly, I would pass a law that teachers should be friends and not TEACHERS... to foster warm guru-sishya relationships. Thirdly, and the most dangerous of all…. I would introduce feedback forms that the students should deliver to the institutions’ board about the teachers, as it happens in all other countries. Just imagine, what a pleasurable experience it would be... if these things happen… looks like it is next to impossible in our country… but well… it is just a dream… a pleasant one at that… and dreaming about a just and fair school or college is no sin… where merit and talent are recognized, interactions are not based on looks, caste, status and various extraneous considerations and where the students are empowered enough to pen their opinions and views to enhance their learning experience and bring about meaningful interactions with their teachers.. who in turn will try to perfect themselves and their knowledge based on our feedback!
Until next week,
-Namrata
Editor, Teen Mag
Post your feedback to teenmag@evestimesonline.com
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Chennai’s Spring Song
Hi Folks!
Chennai is at its best around Dec-Jan. The weather’s pleasant--- good enough to elicit a few poetical lines in the bosom of some of us who have the makings of Keats. The rains have stopped and the sun has not started blazing down on us yet. There’s music in the air – when the strains of pleasant Christmas carols mingle with the baritone of classical music – divine songs dedicated to Iyappa and Tiruppavai that waft in the milieu from homes and temples…. one can sense a strange feeling of elation and spirituality… For us youngsters… we see no difference amongst our friends or people around… There is oneness in our hearts as all religions, caste, creed, economic status and whatever idiosyncrasies of nature… merge without boundaries… For us friendship reigns supreme!
There’s an aura of optimism and festivities around this time of the year too. After the not- so-difficult half yearly exams or semesters, it is time to beckon the Santa Claus of happiness and fun. I am sure most of you would already have chalked out your New Year plans, gifts, movies and favourite hotspots. And don’t forget, the most exquisite confectionary and chocolates are just waiting for you! Indeed a grand treat after poring over voluminous textbooks, burning the midnight oil so to speak, and taking the barbs from your teachers and parents.
Just a little thought….. is it time yet to make a list of our New Year resolutions too? A frightening proposition! Try mentioning it aloud and you will find your relatives and teachers rallying around you with zillions of dos and don’ts. For us… life and times are different indeed. Can’t imagine a life without fun and spunk……. Our activity list seems endless….. mobiles, chats, movies, pubs and clubs, colas and pizzas… Hritiks and Shah Rukhs… Sanias and Sachins… genies (read friends) and sorcerers (read parents/teachers!) Life is indeed worth all these and some more….. Well have a whale of a time when Chennai’s spring is here!
Until next week,
-Namrata
Editor, Teen Mag
Post your feedback to teenmag@evestimesonline.com |
