Prevention of Child Abuse

Few weeks back I had the privilege of attending three days Sensitization Programme on Child Abuse organized by the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development Regional Centre at Guwahati for the Principals & Vice Principals of Govt. Schools of Arunachal Pradesh & Nagaland. Even though I was forced to cut short my summer vacation and attend the programme, I have no regrets for sacrificing my holidays because the programme was well designed and was effectively executed to derive maximum benefit within the limited time.

I have been in the teaching field for nearly 25 years and have developed a feeling that I am discharging my duties sincerely towards the cause of children. But the facts and figures we got exposed at the program made me feel guilty for being ignorant about an important issue concerning children over these many years. I am afraid that many teachers, school administrators and officials dealing with children may be in the same state of mind as I am. As practically it will not be possible for the Govt. to depute all the Principals and Teachers in the state to such training programmes, I wish to share the knowledge gained from the Sensitization programme with the readers in the coming days. I hope it may help to increase awareness among the public and would ultimately help the helpless children. Kindly remember that I am not an expert in this subject matter and my main intention is to arouse curiosity among the readers for further exploration of knowledge.

Child abuse starts from home:

Child abuse in India is often a hidden phenomenon especially when it happens in the home or by family members. Numbers of cases of child abuse in the home are hard to ascertain because most of these crimes go unreported. Focus with regards to abuse has generally been in the more public domain such as child labour, prostitution, marriage, etc. Intra-family abuse or abuse that takes place in institutions such as schools or government homes has received minimal attention. Societal abuses that are a result of poverty such as malnutrition, lack of education, poor health, neglect, etc are recognised in various forms by the Indian legal system. But India does not have a law that protects children against abuse in the home.

In 2007, the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) released a study report on child abuse. The report discusses incidence of child abuse nationwide. The study of the MWCD found a wide spread incidence of child abuse. Children between the ages of 5-12 are at the highest risk for abuse and exploitation. The study found that 69% of children reported to have been physically abused. Out of these 54.68% were boys. 52.91% of boys and 47.09 % of girls reported having been abused in their family environment. Of the children who were abused in family situations 88.6% were abused by their parents. Every two out of three school children reported facing corporal punishment. In juvenile justice institutions 70.21 % of children in conflict with law and 52.86% of children in need of care and protection reported having been physically abused. With regard to child labour 50.2% of children work all seven days of the week. 81.16% of the girl child labourers work in domestic households, while 84% of the boy child labourers worked in tea stalls or kiosks. 65.99 % of boys and 67.92% of girls living on the street reported being physically abused by their family members and other people.

The study also examined emotional abuse and girl child neglect. It examined two forms of emotional abuse: humiliation and comparison. Half the children reported facing emotional abuse with 83% of that abuse begin conducted by parents. Girl child neglect was assessed girls comparing themselves to their brothers on factors like attention, food, recreation time, household work, taking care of siblings, etc. 70.57% of girls reported having been neglected by family members. 48.4% of girls wished they were boys. 27.33% of girls reported getting less food then their brothers. Of the young adults (ages 18-24) interviewed, almost half of them reported having been physically or sexually abused as children. In the next discussion we shall see about Impact Of Child Abuse Including Corporal Punishment.

Are We Role Models To Our Children?

Today our life is greatly influenced by technology and almost everyone from children to old age people could not imagine spending a day without a mobile phone at hand. Even though the advantages of the latest mobile technology outshine the disadvantages caused by it in our life, the tendency of excessive dependence on mobile gadgets may cause irreparable damages to humanity in long run. I am sure that the shortcomings described below would be applicable to most of us.

We adults try to restrict use of mobile phones by children but many of us set ourselves as worst examples in front of them. Whether it is at home or at office we never part ourselves away from the gadget. Many schools have banned the use of mobile phones by students inside the school campuses but very few schools could effectively restrict its teachers from using the same during school hours. Even many teachers use mobiles inside class rooms. If we check the Facebook and WhatsApp status of many of us during the school and office hours, definitely majority of us will be available online and one could get instant responses. The free periods of teachers are meant for utilizing in preparatory works, evaluation works etc and being engaged with mobile phones during the school hours would definitely divert our attention away from such works. Moreover, when students observe us using mobile phones during school hours we forgo our moral right to prevent them from using the same. Recently a State Govt. has banned teachers carrying mobile phones during training sessions as many were found busy using social media during such training sessions. This is not the case with teachers alone. We often come across instances of officials spending much time over mobiles on casual talk while we wait in front of them for few minutes of works.

The worst scenario is people using mobile phones while driving. What discipline will our children who sit besides us in the car learn if we practice this dangerous habit? Has anyone ever heard about the traffic police charge sheeting people for this offence? When a person is penalized for not wearing helmet which is meant for the safety of his own life, an act that may endanger the life of others is simply overlooked by the law enforcing agencies.

The situation is not different at homes. Many of us are active members in various Facebook and WhatsApp groups and the game starts in the early morning itself. We may not exchange a smile with the family members at home but would be so prompt in posting good morning and good night messages in the social media. I have come across many parents depriving their own children of quality time and at the same time getting busy in the social media with their concerns and care for the society. Even some parents get irritated when children interrupt them while they are occupied with important (?) interactions in the social media. If we parents behave in this manner, what will our children learn from us?

I accept that parents do have friends and feelings and I am not against them using the social media at home. At this age of smart phones it is not at all possible for anyone to be away from them. All we need to do is to have distinct time schedule for every activity. In that way we can easily come out of the addictive habits of mobile use. Initially our friends may feel bad for the delayed responses but in course of time they will understand us and would also change themselves. Thus we can balance between friends and family and could also make our children follow systematic life style.  

Finally, let me say few words of caution to employers and officers. Today most of the working people find it difficult to balance between work and family. An employer/officer has every right to get the maximum work from his employees. But he must remember an important fact that he is boss to his employees and subordinates and not to their family members. Employees should be trained to complete their office works during the working hours and carrying office works to home should be discouraged. Calling employees over phone beyond the office hours should be avoided unless there is some emergency. After all every one work for the well being of their family and do deserve a peaceful and joyful family life after the office hours.

Let Children Select Their Course Of Study

Results of the HSLC & HSSLC exams have been declared and many parents and children are busy discussing about their future course of action. Few of them might be having clear ambitions and many may prefer to go along the flow. There are many avenues available for our children to pursue for a bright future and I wish to highlight few areas of study here so that parents and children can explore more choices depending on their own interest.

I wish to caution the parents about an important factor at this moment. Parents and Teachers should identify the interests and likes of the children and then guide them to select the best course for them. But imposing choices made by parents on children against their wishes would make them run blind folded in the race of life without realizing the purpose of running and may end counterproductive.

Following are few important areas of study and you may take the help of teachers, career counselors and Google to know more about the scope of different courses as well as information regarding the institutions offering them.      

1.      Medicine – Competing against the best.

Courses Available: M. B. B.S / B.D.S / B.A.M.S / B.H.M.S / B.V.Sc

2.      Paramedical Courses – Helping Hands.

Courses Available: B.Sc. (Perfusion Technology, Op. Theatre Technology,  Anesthesia Technology, Respiratory Care Technology, Cardiac Care  Technology, Renal Dialysis Technology, Radiotherapy, Speech & Language Therapy), B.P.T, B. Pharm , D. Pharm,

3.      Agriculture – New Opportunities.

Courses Available: B.Sc.( Agriculture , Horticulture, Forestry, Agribusiness Management ,Sericulture, Food Technology)

4.      Engineering – Multiple Options.

Courses Available: B.E, B.Tech.( Civil ,Mechanical, Electrical & Electronics Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Electronics & Communication, Aerospace Engineering, Automobile Engineering, Mining Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Telecom Engineering, Textile Engineering, Power / Energy Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, Polymer Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Optical Engineering, Biotechnology Engineering, Bio- Medical Engineering, Bio- Molecular Engineering, Robotics Engineering & Artificial Intelligence , Nanotechnology, Superconductivity , Geo- technical Engineering).

5.      Energy & Environment- Skill Diversity.

Courses Available: B.Sc. (Env. Sc, Forestry, Geology), B.Tech(Env. Engineering, Mining)

6.      Corporate and Financial – A Calculated Choice.

Courses Available: B. Com, Charted Accountancy (CA), Cost Accountancy, Company Secretaryship

7.      Education – Nation Building.

Courses Available: Pre- School / Nursery Teacher Training, Primary School Teacher Training, B.Ed( After Graduation)

8.      Media – Dramatic Success.

Courses Available: Journalism – BJMC, Advertising & Public Relations – PGDAPR, PGCAPR, M.A(After Graduation).

Film & Television – Film & Television Institute of India and Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute offer varieties of Certificate, Diploma & PG Diploma courses. 

9.      Tourism and Hospitality – Go the Distance.

Courses Available: BTA, BTS, BTM, BBA(TM), PGDTM, Dip in Hotel Op., Dip. in Airport Op., Dip in Air Cargo Op., Dip in Spa Therapies & Management, B.Sc in Hospitality Administration.

10.  Civil Transportation – On the Move.

Courses Available: Commercial Pilot, Cabin Crew, Aviation- Ground Staff, Merchant Navy.

11.  Law – In Pursuit of Justice.

Courses Available: LLB – 5 Year Integrated Course for +2 Passed students, LLB – 3 Year Course for Graduates.

12.   Conventional Degree Courses .B.A / B.Sc.

In the present situation, the conventional degree courses stand as one of the best options for many talented students. Varieties of courses are available in the fields of Arts, Science, Commerce, Humanity, etc and there is good demand for research scholars in all the subjects.

You might be aware that the minimum qualification required for appearing the coveted All India Civil Services Exams (IAS, IPS, IFS, IFoS) and many other Central and State Civil Services is Graduation and candidates possessing Post Gradation could win the glorious posts if they study their courses with in-depth understanding and determination. Please remember one thing in mind; every field of study offers good scope for those who excel in whatever they study.

Proud Moments Of A Govt. School Teacher

Whenever names of Govt. schools appear in news papers people begin to read it with a prejudiced mindset that it might be related to some disappointments. There is no denial that the states of affairs in Govt. schools are not so encouraging and there are lots of things to be done to go in phase with the developed states of our country. In spite of the shortcomings existing in the system, few Govt. schools have been contributing their best to the society and they should be encouraged to continue their efforts for the betterment of the society. One such Govt. school that comes under the above category is Govt. Higher Secondary School, Dimapur which is one among the oldest pioneer schools in Nagaland.

I was privileged to serve at GHSS, Dimapur as P. G. Teacher (Physics) nearly for 16 years and I had witnessed many students from the underprivileged sections of the society rising to higher positions in life utilizing the limited facilities available in the school. Many of my students from GHSS, Dimapur are now occupying higher positions in the Govt. sector as well as in the highly competitive private sector both in India and in the developed countries such as USA.

A teacher’s real moments of pride comes when he sees his students becoming successful citizens and words could not easily describe the happiness he gets while hearing news of their progress in life. Few days back I had such a pride moment in my life. Lieutenant Bikram Sigh, one of my former students from Govt. Hr Sec School, Dimapur (2005-2007) happily informed me that he has successfully completed his officers training at the National Defense Academy and got Commissioned in the Indian Army. I was so excited to see his photo in Officers Uniform and felt as if my own son has achieved the glory. My memories went back to the year 2005 and recalled the days of his school days. He was a member of the team that secured the State First Position in the Physics Quiz and I accompanied them to represent Nagaland at the Eastern India Physics Quiz held at Kolkata in the year 2005.     

Born to poor parents, Lieutenant Bikram Singh has proved that limitations could never stand as obstacles to success if one has strong determination. He has risen to today’s position through his hard work with the support of parents, teachers and friends. After completing his graduation, he had worked in the private sector for some time but never gave up his ambition of becoming an officer in the Indian Army. I pray to the almighty to bless him to climb more heights in his career and bring glorifying successes to his motherland!

Let me take this opportunity to congratulate Smt R Amongla Jamir the then Principal of GHSS, Dimapur, and all my former colleagues who contributed their best to the well being of hundreds of students every year through their dedicated services. Let us continue our service to the society and prepare our children to face the challenges of life and overcome the obstacles through sincerity and hard work.

The Women I Admire

On this International Women’s Day, I first salute all those women who make a livelihood by selling fruits, vegetables, fish etc at the streets and those rushing to their offices, schools, hospitals etc after completing the normal duties of a house wife at home. Millions and millions of children in our country continue their studies and reach respectable positions in life because of the silent sacrifices made by the above category of women whose role are seldom recognized by the society. So, my first respects goes to them.

Today, the role of women in our society has changed a lot comparative to the olden days. Many women officers have been imprinting their talents in the history of our country as administrators in various elite services and now we witness induction of women officers in combat roles in the male dominated Armed Forces. Recently a women IPS Officer, Smt. Archana Ramasundaram made history when she assumed charge as the Director General of SSB, a paramilitary force.

Women should never give up their identities irrespective of the position they occupy in life.  Few women of our country have shown the world that women could contribute their best to the society without giving up their identities and without taking shelter under the VVIP status of their husbands. You might be aware that Smt. Elizabeth , wife of Former Defense Minister of India Shri A K Antony and Smt. Panchali Sarkar, wife of Chief Minister of Tripura had worked as Bank Officer and a School Teacher respectively till their retirements. A recent example in this category is Smt. Amrutha, wife of present CM of Maharashtra Shri  Devendra Fadnavis who continue her service as Associate Vice- President at the Axis Bank. Let me take this opportunity to request all the talented women who got confined behind their VVIP and VIP husbands to take the leading role towards the development of women and act as role models to the young generation.

Let us not forget that our women folk are not walking over rose petals in their journey, whether it is professional or personal.  Instances of sexual assault against women have been increasing and our law enforcing agencies and society could not ensure security to our women and children.  Above all, the Indian society always blames the women victims for the offences committed against them. So, women should learn to protect themselves from the evils existing in the society and should assertion their rights without waiting for others to grant them freedom.

On this auspicious day, I wish all my sisters a Happy Women’s Day and at the same time request all men to regard each and every woman as their own family member and ensure a safe world for them to live happily and peacefully.