Book Review - The Thoughts of an Unknown Indian by T Ramaswamy CMC
Book Review
by
T Ramaswamy CMC
 |
Value
Based Management Consultant
Thanu Ramaswamy (b.1934) holds an Honours Degree in Economics from the
Kerala University and MBA from the IIM Ahmadabad. He is a Certified Management
Consultant. His publications include “Leadership, Poverty and Social Security”
and “Managerial Approach to Happiness” apart from over 550 articles on various
topics relating to economics, management, humour, life style, health and
spirituality. He has presented papers at national conventions and Asia Pacific
Conference of Management Consultants and was a speaker at the 1st
World Parliament on Spirituality. He writes books on value based management
with spiritual orientation.
Thoughts
of an Unknown Indian
By Dr. Keshab Chandra Mandal
Humanity witnesses rarely
individuals with high intellectual acumen with great concern for the people and
country in which they live and love. Dr. Keshab Chandra Mandal is one such
individuals who has a great sense of humanism which is the undercurrent
prevailing in all the fourteen articles on different subjects he lectured
during four years- 2010 to 2014.These have been published in book form by the
Scholar’s Press, Germany.
Dr.
Mandal includes in his garland of talks a variety of serious problems facing
our country. Most of them relate to women in various stages of their lives.
Their problems are discussed in detail with quantitative data, their causes and
solutions. The major areas covered are considered in this review. Gender
discrimination, violence against women, globalization and the impact on women
has been dealt with at great length with penetrating analysis and comparative
studies. Women face oppression, lack powers in decision making in local bodies,
and have little financial provision for meeting expenses pertaining to their
official duties. These problems have been classified under political, economic
and social factors.
Educational
problems have been segregated under primary, secondary and college education.
Under the first category the major problems discussed are lack of objectives,
loss of direction, poor quality, condition of rural education, non availability
of text books, poor infrastructure, poor governance in academic matters, absenteeism,
involvement of teachers in political activities, dislike of government schools
by rich parents, ineffective evaluation system, lack of training, wrong policy
of ‘no detention’, poor teacher-student ratio, student malpractices, neglect of
English and the impact of local disturbances on studies are discussed. The
detailed mention of attitudes of teachers, discrimination against backward
students, lack of transparency in financial dealings, lax supervision and
inspection, absence of moral education, private tuition by teachers at the cost
of school teaching, lack of professional degrees etc. find place in the book.
Detailed analysis of the educational system in West Bengal discussing the
problems and their impact with solutions has been a special feature of this
book.
What
appears to have been highlighted is the importance given to saving the girl
child pointing out the problems and the serious drawbacks in the existing set
up. A laudable feature presented is the reference to Rabindranath Tagore, his views
on education and how he contributed to set up institutions for excellence in
the field of women’s education.
Dr.
Mandal has treated the subject of women empowerment comprehensive.
Globalization and its adverse impact on education and cultural values in our
society, and the present crisis in students’ life are discussed. Inadequacy of
government policies and measures implemented so far, are mentioned in detail.
To ensure completeness of the handling of the subject recommendations have been
made to enhance women empowerment, rights of women, effectiveness in media, reservation,
constitutional protection, Clear education objectives, improved infrastructure,
character development, spoken English, regular evaluation, interest free loans
for computer purchase, prevention of nefarious activities, teaching hours, refresher
courses, reconstitution of managing committees, complaint box, skill training, suggestions
for tribal education, disabled children, higher education, autonomy, private
universities, weaker sections, training institutions, seminars, libraries, uniform
syllabus, exam results, anti- ragging committees, value education, peace
education, quality research, eliminating political interference, UGC fund
allocation, interactive method, ban on private tuition, command over English
and Hindi, fund raising, scholarship, fees structure, mandatory accreditation,
committee for selection of vice chancellors, abolition of college unions, dress
code, college elections etc. For saving the girl child the author has given
recommendations in the areas of gender
justice, status of women, female feticide, legal provisions and Government schemes.
What
appeals most as future course of action is the thrust given by the author in
raising the dignity of the women to the divine status as mentioned in our
scriptures, reviving Gandhian economics and values, imparting spiritual
strength to all aspects of education? The concluding lecture discusses the
conduct and impact of the 2014 General Elections in India and the malpractices
adopted.
Finally
the best part of the recommendations is the line of future action by reference
to the essence of the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita to be followed as a
spring board of action to ensure peace and happiness to all.
This
book is a very useful document for the academician, research students and all
sections of people who are concerned with the healthy development of women and
the country.
T
Ramaswamy
Trivandrum
Aug.3,
2014
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