I read with interest Professor K Ranga Krishnan’s commentary “Learn for competence, not grades” (Jan 22). There must be a paradigm shift at the national level, as parents spend a lot for their children to score top grades.
The children are put under tremendous stress, as the emphasis is on grades, not competence or application. This is evident from the number of tuition centres and teachers here.
We are churning out top scorers who lack character and the ability to apply the knowledge acquired. This would be evident in a crisis, as they would not know what to do.
If one does not have good grades, though, many doors here are closed. The society does not give much room for the weaker to develop in life.
Good grades are what matter to most, so that they can secure a good job and even a life partner.
The Government must take the lead in educating the society and provide a platform for the less academically inclined to develop their talents.
The Government must also hire people who have the competency to apply knowledge acquired, rather than straight-A students who are good only at memorising for examinations.
One size does not fit all: Everyone has something to contribute and must be given opportunities to show his or her talent, instead of being discriminated against based on grades only.
SANJEEV GATHANI
*Article first appeared on TodayOnline Voices (27 Jan 2015)