The Caste System's Influence in Indian Education

The challenge of the caste system extends into India's education system as well. This isn't merely about the varna system but rather the perceived hierarchy of educational qualifications. At the top, we have the upper caste, represented by engineering and medical degrees—highly coveted and respected. Next are the middle caste degrees, such as law and commerce, which are popular but lack the same level of esteem. Finally, the lower caste includes humanities, arts, and literature, often dismissed as less valuable. Even within engineering, computer science is viewed favorably for its job prospects, while core subjects are often seen as more challenging and less likely to lead to employment.

The Divergence Between Passion and Career in India

In India, passion and career often seem at odds. While people in other countries may prioritize their passions over their careers, in India, the prevailing belief is that one must sacrifice passion for a stable career. Many in India hold the view that pursuing a passion as a profession is a surefire path to failure or financial instability. Consequently, while we admire sportspersons, artists, and actors on screen, we hesitate to allow our children to follow in their footsteps, often justifying this hesitation by pointing to the perceived lack of education or poor academic performance of these figures.

In contrast, a talented boy in the U.S. might be encouraged to attend art school, while in India, he would likely be pushed toward science and engineering, ultimately working in an IT job and neglecting his true talents.

The narrative suggests that individuals are offered entirely different sets of choices based on their educational background, often leading to a disconnect between their skills and career paths. Although a growing number of individuals are leaving traditional jobs to pursue their passions, they remain a minority.

In India, the pinnacle of prestige is often the position of Prime Minister. No parent would express discontent if their child were to achieve this role. However, many simultaneously discourage involvement in politics, labeling it as corrupt or uneducated, even as they participate in elections that support such leaders.

The Engineering Classroom Dynamics

In an engineering classroom, one can observe a diverse array of talents and interests. You’ll encounter students who are confident that their grades will secure them positions in top companies, tech enthusiasts who prioritize projects and programming over lectures, dedicated but uninterested students, and those who were compelled into this path by external pressures. Additionally, there are those who appear disengaged, seemingly more interested in the social aspects of campus life than in their education. Among these groups are singers, writers, dancers, and athletes who feel misplaced in their current environment.

So, what leads to this situation? Students who excel academically often find themselves in engineering, as do those with programming skills, and even those who are gifted in the arts frequently end up here.

The Society's Obsession with Engineering

When inquiring about the draw of engineering, the most common response is that "this degree guarantees a job." However, this is a misconception; many engineering graduates lack the skills necessary for employment, often relying solely on theoretical knowledge.

Misconceptions Surrounding Non-B-Tech Courses

Several myths persist regarding courses outside of engineering:

• "You won't get a job; you're not employable." This is also true for B-Tech; job prospects depend more on the institution than the degree itself. Skills, not degrees, are what employers seek.
• "You won’t gain exposure in arts/science colleges." Numerous reputable institutions in India, such as TISS, JNU, and DU, offer excellent academic and extracurricular experiences.
• "Your degree holds no value." No degree is inherently inferior; each field has its own merits and cannot be directly compared.
• "A better degree equals a better job and happiness." Many individuals find themselves in unsatisfying roles despite lucrative salaries; happiness is not guaranteed by income level.

Exploring Alternatives to Engineering

It's crucial to reflect on the diversity of career paths available. Consider the earnings of various professions, such as YouTubers versus senior bank officials—while their incomes may be comparable, their job satisfaction and stress levels differ significantly. Return to your school and observe your teachers; very few will have backgrounds in engineering or medicine. Each career holds its own importance.

Debunking Job Myths

The notion of becoming an entrepreneur post-employment is often met with skepticism. Just consider your parents' reactions if you express a desire to freelance.

In India, the idea of working independently as a freelancer is often frowned upon; the societal expectation is to be affiliated with a company or firm to establish a profession. This leads to the common question, "Where do you work?" rather than "What is your profession?" Even remote work is still largely viewed as a myth in India.

Additionally, many still believe that computer science or software engineering is not "real" engineering, favoring traditional fields such as electrical, civil, and mechanical engineering under the assumption that they are more stable. Other fields, such as humanitarian engineering, engineering mathematics, or fire and safety engineering, are often disregarded.

This mentality persists, as many students in core branches ultimately pursue higher education or transition into IT roles.

Another prevalent myth concerns reservation in Indian education. Critics of reservation often blame it for the shortcomings of the education system. However, the reality is that even without reservation, improvements in education quality cannot be guaranteed. Thus, it is essential to avoid attributing admission issues solely to reservation policies.

Guidance for Students Navigating the Education System

• Avoid Comparisons: We tend to equate apples and oranges. Each degree offers a unique set of skills and knowledge. Studying MBBS and B.Com is fundamentally different, and these paths shouldn't be compared. Embrace your individuality and pursue what feels right for you.
• Education is not merely a job ticket: Many may disagree, but learning should be driven by the pursuit of knowledge, not just job acquisition. A degree does not automatically translate to employment. If you’re struggling to find a job, focus on enhancing your skills.
• Redefining Job Value: Don’t equate white-collar jobs with superiority. All professions hold value, and the highest salary doesn’t necessarily imply the best job. Seek roles that align with your interests rather than solely focusing on financial gain. The goal should be a fulfilling life rather than relentless earning.
• Avoid Blame: If you feel pressured by your parents to pursue a path that doesn’t interest you, take responsibility for your choices. Communicate openly with your parents about your aspirations and engage them in a dialogue about your future.
• Focus on Quality Education: It’s crucial for the government to ensure that quality education is accessible beyond institutions like IITs, AIIMS, and JNU. The private sector often exploits students, and we need more institutions that can provide essential skills for the future. Students in classes 10 and 12 often lack direction; proper guidance is necessary to help them identify their interests and abilities.

In conclusion, I want to commend all those who have successfully passed their 10th or 12th board exams this year. Choose your career path with care; don’t allow others to dictate your desires. Your career can either stem from your passion or ignite it—believe in yourself. Steer clear of myths and negative influences. Only pursue a course if you have a genuine interest in it, as some choices are irreversible.

Finally, to this generation, I urge you: when you have children, allow them to forge their own paths. Let them build their own futures based on their choices, rather than imposing your dreams onto them. To those who have faced setbacks, maintain your faith and keep striving; success will eventually come your way.