Teachers of Terror!!!!..........

"Stupidity is relatively harmless, but intelligent stupidity is highly dangerous"- says Tolle. That is what, is noted in this act of mindless and heartless terrorism.

The youth who have been used for this mindless act are highly brilliant who are capable of putting their skills, hard work, commitment and perseverance for constructive use of "Self actualization", but why are they wasting their energies to bow down to soulless teachers of terror & indoctrination??? ONLY IF THEY COULD REALISE .......... AND WALK TOWARDS THEIR LIBERATION!!!

Teachers ought to lead their pupils towards the path of love and humanity, but here they are embittering the souls of their children with fanatic negativity of terrorism, misusing their weakness and poverty. IF and IF ONLY they had cared for their pupils they wouldn't have sent them to the thresholds of death with toys of terror- to a no man's land : never to return. Woe to the teachers who have lead them towards self annihilation and negativity instead of self realisation!!!

Haven't the larger issues of life like Global warming, Climate crises, Tsunami, Cyclones, Declining of potable water, Environmental Pollutions, Food crises and other natural and man made calamities sufficient enough to have set the wheels of "EXTINCTION of MANKIND"??? Haven't the people of destruction realised it? Are they also giving a helping hand to accelerate this???!!!!??? Agreed.....they kill innocent people in the name of 'jihad' to fulfil their perception of 'fidayen'- for how long will they kill!!! Till all the 'kill' becomes extinct??? After that what??? Will they direct the gun toting hands towards themselves which would've been addicted to bloodshed by then? When will they wake up to see the bigger picture? have a bigger meaning of life? and work towards a greater cause in the upliftment of mankind?

Its a sad plight for those who trusted their teachers of terror. If they don't realise this today, will they ever!!!. It is an ernest appeal to those teachers to liberate their pupils to help them to become the messiahs of love than demons of terror............

TTs Vs TTs ……Their impact on lives.

The moment someone asks me about my Teachers, immediately two names sparkles out into existence. The first, Dr Nalini Rao, Reader, Dept., of Education, BU., who was my teacher during my postgraduate years, who impressed on me regarding the importance of professional growth, refinement and Upgradation- i.e, my Professional Self. Second, My Guide and Mentor Dr.Yeshodhara, professor, Dept., of Studies in Education, UoM, who has left a lasting impression on me regarding my Humane Self. This article I dedicate to these two………..

Now, what is this TTs I am talking about? The first TTs means Transactional Teachers, the ones we come across in all junctions of our life, who give us literacy and are short lived in our memories and the second TTs are Transformational Teachers who greatly impress on us and transform us into what we intend move towards……..A very rare breed.

Similar thoughts have been put forward by with Dr. Robert Sternberg and he talks about four of his teachers who greatly impressed him and talks about their impact on his life in his article ‘The Teachers we never forget”. When I read this thought provoking article I really realised why my heart swells up with a warm feeling when I even think of these teachers. And that is the impact of a Transformational teacher.

The terms transformational and transactional are drawn from the literature on leadership (see, e.g., Bass 1998) but, when applied to mentorship, they have a somewhat different meaning. The mentor is professionally and personally supportive, a source of advice, a sounding board when a student needs one, and a helper in times of distress.

A transformational mentor is all of these things, plus something more: He or she inspires one, reveals new ways of understanding professional and personal matters, and motivates one to transcend who one is to become a different kind of professional and, perhaps, person. He or she literally transforms one's mental world, and sometimes one's physical world as well.

Dr. Sterberg opines- Transformational mentors are the teachers and role models we never forget. They help their students to:
Become the best they can be by recognizing and capitalizing on their strengths, and recognizing and compensating for or correcting their weaknesses. Create their own niche of professional and personal accomplishment, rather than simply following in the footsteps of their mentors. Discern the importance not just of solving problems, but also of realizing just what the important problems are, whether in one's professional or personal life.

Thus, the transformational mentors not only transform their world but also impact on their pupils’ world and also transform it.

Today in this conflicting and disturbing time what we need is a Transformational teacher and not just a Transactional teacher. So please teachers wake up and realise towards becoming transformational teachers………

Terrible Twos!!!!

All two-year-olds like to explore, examine, test, and try to figure out what is happening in the world around them. Day by day, you can watch your child make connections and discover relationships. He will start to demonstrate new abilities—to communicate, to perform, and to exert his independence—all on his own. It is unfortunate that this age is typically referred to as the "terrible twos". The reality of being two means standing up for oneself as an individual in no uncertain terms, and is an entirely normal part of development. True, it can be frustrating at times, but try not to let your child’s temporary phase of defiance and tantrums overshadow his new achievements and abilities.

MILESTONES
By the age of two, children’s different personalities and skills definitely shine through. The following milestones are meant to give you an idea of the average age that children master various milestones, but be aware that most children will not be completely average. They often excel in certain areas while paying little attention to others at any given time.

Between the ages of 2 and 3 years, you’re likely to see your child:

Talk in sentences: While the typical two-year-old has a vocabulary of 30-50 words and can put two words together, another year of language development usually brings the ability to make three-word sentences and communicate more effectively. Not only do children start to use pronouns such as I, me, you, and we, but they also start to use them to express emotions (in ways other than through tantrums!). And by the time a child is 3 years old, grown-ups should be able to understand at least 75 percent of what he says.

Start to understand rules: The average two-and-a-half-year-old knows when she has broken rules and can even admonish herself by saying, “No, no,” or “Bad girl” (though many will still be tempted to continue the behavior!). She may become upset when things aren’t as they should be, for example, when clothing is put on wrong. And by the time a child reaches three years, she will be able to evaluate events as good or bad.

Run, jump, and climb: These gross motor skills really improve over the year as a two- year-old’s strength and coordination markedly increase. Most 2 1/2-year-olds can jump off the ground with both feet, and by the time children reach their third birthday, they can typically ride a tricycle and balance for several seconds on one foot. Draw and color. While it’s uncommon for 3-year-olds to pay attention to coloring in the lines, the period between 2 and 3 is when scribbling generally becomes more deliberate, and children typically learn to draw (and recognize) circles. By age 3, many will be able to identify some colors.

Name and categorize: Two-year-olds commonly learn the names of five or more body parts, and are able to recite their own names by the time they reach their third birthday. Sorting objects according to category and understanding descriptive categories like “big” and “little” or “soft” and “hard” are also typical accomplishments at this age.

Dress himself: While two-year-olds are usually able to undress themselves, andd even help with the task of getting dressed, a year of practice usually results in a three-year-old’s ability to dress himself (with the exception of more complex tasks such as buttoning).

Show an interest in toilet training: This varies greatly from children just under two years of age to well past the third birthday. While trying to force a child to toilet train before he is ready is all but guaranteed to be a losing battle, many two-year-olds start to show interest, and a majority do achieve this milestone at or before 3 years of age. Be sure a potty seat is accessible, that your toddler gets to observe you and others in the family going to the bathroom, and that you teach your child the words he’ll need to know in order to describe his own bodily functions. Most of all, consider this a learning experience, not a battle, and don’t hesitate to discuss any issues that may arise with your child’s doctor

Growth: While your child's growth rate will almost certainly be slower than it was in the first year or two of life, you're likely to notice more than a few physical changes--from the loss of remaining baby fat to longer limbs and a leaner, taller appearance.
Colds and illnesses. Toddlers who spend a significant amount of time around other children--especially in day care--tend to be exposed to and catch more colds and intestinalo viral illnesses, than children who are cared for at home. All toddlers, however, are fairly likely to spend a good part of the year, especially during the winter, sniffling, coughing, and fighting ear infections.

Doctor visits: Pediatricians generally schedule well-child checkups once a year around the second and third birthdays. During these visits, pediatricians commonly weigh and measure, as well as check for age-appropriate developmental milestones--use of sentences, the ability to climb stairs, and the early interest in scribbling, for example.

Teeth: It is definitely time to schedule a visit with a dentist who is experienced in seeing children, if you haven't already. Between 2 and 3, your child's primary teeth will most likely finish coming in, and home dental care becomes even more important as you help your child establish good lifelong habits. Remember that this is the age of independence and let your child brush his own teeth before going over them yourself.

Safety: Not only should you make sure that dangerous household objects and products are kept safely out of reach, preferably in a locked cabinet, but you should also start teaching your child about safety. Instead of just stating the rules, make a point of discussing them why car seats and seatbelts are so important, why playing with scissors is not allowed, or why medicines should only be taken if your parents give them to you. Insist that your child wear a bike helmet from the day she starts riding anything with wheels.

Eating: Parents of two-year-olds frequently complain that they can't get their children to eat. The fact is, however, toddlers generally manage to take in enough calories and nutrients to grow and gain weight at a normal rate, and often want to be in control of what they eat, not to mention the actual process of feeding themselves!
You should remember that the goal is not to force-feed your child, but to help him develop healthy eating habits while keeping power struggles to a minimum.

Sleeping:The routine following the evening meal is particularly important; as it winds your child down to what you hope will be cooperative behavior at bedtime. Traditional activities include bathing, reading books, singing, or listening to music. Toddlers often share an unwillingness to lie down and close their eyes--probably because life is just too exciting and they don't want to miss a minute. They also dislike the separation from you. Bedtime struggles may be impossible to avoid with some two-year-olds, so don't feel like a failure if your child fusses, just continue to be consistent in your approach.
While an occasional two-year-old will insist he no longer needs naps, the vast majority continue to take (and benefit from) them until they are 3 or even 4 years old. Between 2 and 3 years of age, children sleep an average of 13 hours in any given 24-hour day, with naps often shortening to an hour or so.

Playing: Two-year-olds dedicate most of their waking hours to play of one kind or another. Through some kinds of games--such as puzzles and shape sorters--they refine their developing motor skills. Through others--games of pretend with dolls and other children--they sort out emotional conflicts and make sense of their place in the world. Playing, like talking, is something children do without being prompted. It also does not require a pile of elaborate and expensive toys.
Most toddlers engage in what is known as parallel play. They stay close together and imitate each other, but their actual interactions are limited. Even if there seems to be little give-and-take in these sessions, they are valuable because they lay the groundwork for later, more cooperative play.
If your child is not regularly exposed to other children in a playgroup or day care setting, now is a good time to build his circle of friends. As you do so, aim to keep organized playtime short (an hour or so for younger toddlers; two hours for older ones) and be prepared for more than a little pushing, shoving, and grabbing of toys. These struggles are not necessarily hostile; toddlers have a limited range of social behavior, but they usually manage to work things out without much interference from parents--and learn valuable skills in the process.

Hope the discussion gives a complete overview of bringing up the terrible twos!!!

Unborn Thoughts..........

Raksha and Akanksha were lying in a special ward. Both had gone through a threatened abortion. They were continuously monitored in the last 24 hours and now were out of crises, their unborns were safe and they would see the daylight six months thence.

The mothers were almost unconscious about the world around them, but the two little ones had started conversing to each other. Raksha Jr started communicating with Akanksha Jr and said,
" Hi Pal, How are you feeling now after all that we went through yesterday since sunset? It was a struggle wasn't it?"
"I am feeling better....but I really don't understand why I survived the jump mama had from the bike!"
"What?!? Why did your mother jump?......"
"She was furious with Daddy over an issue so she was extremely depressed she wanted to end me and herself, How I wish that I had gone!!! I really don't know why I survived, it has been the same story I have been listening to this past three months. They really don't want me in their lives."
"Don't feel bad my friend...There must have been a reason behind your survival, Hope things would get better for you."
"No, I don't think it would ever......I always feel my mother's thoughts of killing me and herself, I am engulfed with that negativity.....I almost want to kill myself. Now tell me how are you feeling and how did you and your mother come to be here?"
"MY Mom slipped over a step while getting down the stairs. She has been miserable for me since then, she is inducing life energy into me. I am feeling like fighting to live for my mother's sake, She induced life energy into me by just willing me to be there and desiring for me continuously. When I think of her I want to be born as her child over a thousand lives. Already I have started to feel the love she has for me in abundance. She has sung to me, speaks to me continuously,is joyous about me being in her life and wants me to be part of her every millisecond. I just want to live for her sake atleast. So, along with her struggle I put all my energies to be her child and willed for it through out the night. I just want to endorse I WANT TO LIVE. I have the greatest of the mothers one could desire for."

Next day when the Chief Doctor came on rounds at 10 o'clock , Akanksha had lost her child against all the efforts put by the duty doctors. But Raksha Jr had survived against all odds........

This is what Faith, Desire, Willpower AND Positive thinking CAN DO .................. TRANSFORMING LIFE.

Solitude

Solitude is the most beautiful presence in ones life. It helps an individual to look into oneself, relate to oneself, introspect the fallicies and outgrow the fallicies. It helps oneself to be most productive by helping one to differentiate between reality and unreality. Solitude when accompanied with silence is the most invigorating experience towards self actualization. It leads the self out of the illusionary world- man's own making. Releases him from the illusionary pain and makes him to understand that it is the making of the mind....a mental construct. Doing away with the mental construct is doing away with the pain. Nonacceptance of the illusionary aspects itself will provide freedom from the bindings and helps one to be in a blissful state of mind. Once the bindings are done away, freedom brings in the eternal joy...true peace and happiness.

Thus is the games of the worldliness, which solitude alone can help to distinguish.

Motivation....

It was just a brief holiday job after my preuniversity.....It all started playfully, accepting to teach nursery classes in a nearby school for time pass just to help somebody whom I knew. I was not even aware about what is teaching? what has to be taught to that age group? How to handle them? How to interact with them?....probably this is what one can identify as one's calling , destiny and fate. One does it without knowing why it is being done or thinking about the rationale behind it. Not even in my dreams had I dreamt of becoming a teacher but today cannot keep myself away from it.

My first day at school was as good as me attending the first day of schooling in life, I did not know how to handle the little angels, each one howling as it was the beginning of the academic year. They were also experiencing the intial blues. It was a dicey situation to me as well and then the Vice principal came to my help and slowly taught me the naunces of handling them. Thus started this wonderful journey....

But little did I know that I was supposed to teach them only four alphabets a month n lo by the the end of the month my angels had all learnt A-Z. I was in a predacament when the VP came to know about it. I was also amused on the other hand, one whole years job was over in a month!!!, what would the next teacher do for an year?!? All this had happened as quick as a wink and the children had become so close to me and even I had started missing them on sundays and other holidays...I couldn't understand how all this could happen in just less than a month. I had even learnt to sing, play and dance with them. There came a point of time the same children who were howling to come to school just a month ago were feeling miserable at the end of the gong, they wouldn't want to go home......!!!! Especially, this little boy, Rohit, who was initially very shy and withdrawn started interacting with me so warmly. My heart swells with happiness to recall the incident which motivated me towards this profession- oneday little Rohit sang all his rhymes well and I just had said "V.Good" and even before I realised he ran to me, held me and had pressed his lips on my cheek and my eyes filled up even without my knowledge- a great priceless gift of innocence ...what had I done to receive this little gift!!! My motivation behind my career choice-probably my destiny was decided right then. All good things need to end and so had my short stint as a nursery teacher, the children who had howled to come to school were now howling at my departure. Even parents towed in to request the management and me, from quitting the job. I hadn't understood what had really happened, just in short as a month for even the parents to ask this!!!!.....

I was too young and immature to understand the reason behind that miracle then.....it took me too many years, too many interactions, introspections and reflections to understand the reason behind it.

Personality?!?

I have heard people speaking about a 'great' personality, 'charismatic personality', 'creative personality' 'weak personality'e.t.c , looking at the emphasis on this term personality , I started contemplating what actually is personality, especially in the context of education as it provides a platform to 'develop allround personality' of an individual as it is one of its basic aims.

In the process I observed that etymologically 'persona' means a 'mask'. Now started my further enquiry- what is being masked? is it the real self? is that what we call as personality?what actually do we mean by personality? so on and so forth.

Then started the analysis regarding what does personality consist of? As I pondered and pondered I realised personality is not a single dimension, it includes other dimensions..its like a package of different blend of colours...now, what are these? Thus started the identification- intellectual, physical, social, spiritual,emotional and moral dimensions. Now the dimensions being so varied and exhaustive, how on earth can just schooling bring on an 'allround personality development'? Don't you think that it would be humanely impossible to bear the burden of developing an entity in all the dimensions of personality just through the formal education/academics, provided within the four walls of the school! Shouldn't we as teachers, parents, peers, interactors of this thinking and learning society and community, and citizens of generation ahead, contemplate that we should provide education beyond academics, at all times and all places, using varied methods, strategies, content, technology and techinques which would provide and educate today's youngsters for life?for their all round personality development?

In the process of this contemplations I am still struggling to find out whether our today's education is masking our real dimensions of ones personality? Looking transparently into the process of education itself, one has to agree, to an extent the objectives of intellectual , physical and social development is met but aren't we neglecting on spiritual,emotional and moral development? Here many moral education specialists can raise their voice and say that they have value education, moral education and one of the aims and objectives of teaching soical sciences and languages are also to inculcate values, but can we really inculcate values just by talking about it ? Then why is there an emotional and moral drain in our youth? Shouldn't we wake up to realise there is something amiss in our education system, processes, transactions and interactions as fellow human beings; and bring in corrective measures before it is too late? Reading about the achivements of today's youth any body can agree they are far superior than the older generation regarding their development in the intellectual, physical and social domains but what about the other two? what is that we were exposed to and they lack? It is a question we have to seriously contemplate before the major harm is done and give us a chance to repent again, as we are repenting over the enviornmental experiments and its hazards and impact.......So it is a request to all those who read this to seriously contemplate regarding this issue and take a step each, towards undoing the damage.......before its complete and irreparable-an human being losing all his dignity of being just humane and losing the meaning of one's core existence.

Gateways and goals......

In The Second Half of Life: Opening the Eight Gates of Wisdom, Angeles quips "We are born with a great dream for our lives," she notes. "In the second half of life, after your roots have gone deeply into the world, it is time to resurrect this dream. For now the blossom of your 'wild and precious life' is ready to bring forth the fruit of your unique and special creative gifts. By reclaiming your life dream - by refusing to stay down - you 'lift your heart up to heaven' and make all things possible." ........this reflection made me to introspect what was my dream and how far has it been carried over???, only then did I realise the futility of surviving so long without any meaning in a very very small and selfish world. Then the decision was made to step out into the wide wide world, to see the tears, to feel the pain, to be part of ones confusion and grow out of self induced cocoon. Once the first step was taken the world invited me to envisage it in all its hue and true colors; towards its endless horizon and left me contemplating my yesteryears blindness to the eternal truth- dreams without essence are like entities without souls.

Life???!!!???

Life.....ebbs n flows

to where one knows

what it would hold

in its holders behold...