Raza Ullah,
The question of acquisition of knowledge from others is not a matter of dependence. Man should acquire good ideas, thoughts, knowledge, and skills, from all corners of the world. That is a different thing. The real problem with an educational system not geared to the objective of self-sufficiency is that the people are trained in such a way that instead of fulfilling the needs of their nation and establishing a sympathetic relationship with the deprived masses, instead of the service of the people and the care and treatment of the sick of our motherland, instead of making roads for our deprived villages, all efforts are directed in such a way that every effort undertaken is either for the sake of one’s pocket, or in the interests of the pagan oppressors, or for launching such projects as multiply our dependence on foreign powers. The real problem is the culture of dependence, adoption of hollow and empty cultural and intellectual ideals, values, aims and principles, which are devoid of meaning and are bankrupt. Graduates want higher university education so that they can count upon their chances of getting good employment, after college education and elevation of their place and position in society. If they are told that the high school diploma bears the same value in the employment market, then the majority of them would not care for the university education. If one visits any Eastern or Western country, one will find that only 11 to 14 % of high school graduates find way into the university. The majority, unable to find their way into the university, is absorbed in other jobs and fulfils other needs of the society.
What is the reason that our students while deciding upon the choice of their field of study are always after the subjects which offer better chances of entrance into the university or which are more paying. They do not give their mind as to which of the subjects is more congruous to their taste, their capabilities, or is appropriate to the needs of their society. It does not matter to them as to which of the subjects can be more useful for improving the lot of the deprived and the downtrodden, or which is more effective in assisting their societies in achieving self-sufficiency. The only thing that they consider is the market value of any field, or subject with better chances of admission to the university, regardless of whether the subjects opted by them for study are in conformity with their interests or not, whether they are in accordance with the demands of their society. That is absolutely of no concern to them. All this exhibits deterioration of our values, degeneration of ideals, and absence of any sense of responsibility. Our children have initiative, creativity, capacity for working hard and productivity. When they become soldiers they can make certain important parts of tanks and guns, but also they could manufacture certain parts of Phantom planes. They can repair one of the biggest warships, the same ship that if they had wanted to repair three years back, it would have had to be in British waters waiting eleven months for its turn, and which would have cost us an expense of several million dollars also. Our own workers repaired it. Muslim children have immense capabilities, why shouldn’t they be utilized? Why shouldn’t they be allowed to blossom? Why in lieu of this we should be so much dependent on others?
Educational system of Pakistan needs complete overhauling. Teachers are meant to play important role in the education system of any society. One menace which has spread in our educational system not like any other is cheating. Cheating during exams is on the rise and there are a number of factors leading rise in this issue. Through cheating, students secures high marks in matric and intermediate level but fail to qualify entry test for medical and engineering. It is important to mention here that examinations are considered significant milestones in achieving admissions in higher educational institutions or securing jobs. The center of attention rest on achieving higher grades or marks. Students remain under stress from their parents and teachers to do well in examinations. Peer pressure is also felt for fear of being ridiculed in case of collapse or low grades. Fear of failing and not being able to get admissions in colleges or universities looms over students at secondary and higher secondary levels. Even suicides in some cases have also been reported in Pakistan.
Cheating in examination has many detrimental effects on society. For instance, securing marks through cheating undermines the spirit of hardworking in students, which at a later stage results in non-availability of effective and spirited PhDs, intellectuals, scholars and good researchers. Schools should raise the standards of education and attend to the needs of the children. Teachers and scholars should invigorate and animate the schools in order to attain the goal of self-sufficiency. Schools should try to raise the general standard of scientific knowledge, specialization, and expertise. The students should realize their duties with earnestness and awaken to the sense of responsibility. At the same time grade and designation should not be discarded. But as some used to say about the pulpit (minbar) that if other things have drawn you to the pulpit, at least think of God when you step upon the pulpit. In the same way, if salary and grade or something else is required to draw you to the classroom, at least as soon as you step into the class, enters for the sake of God, and teaches the children with devotion and dedication. The working hours should be increased in order to assist the children properly. The idea of sitting idle for three long months during vacation time should not be accepted. Instead the teachers should organize camps, coaching classes, and classes for giving training in first aid, social work, art work, and volunteer work. Teachers should organize refresher courses, discussion classes and other study programmes. Programmes are charted out for participation in the activities of the societies and social work. The thought that we are idle today, or that we shall be idle this week should be distressing to us. We should keep ourselves busy in one or some other constructive activity.
The author is PhD Scholar in the department of Sociology International Islamic University, Islamabad. He can be contacted via email [email protected]