Admissions...

Note: This was written in context of the pre-primary admissions drama that caught media attention in 2010, esp. in Delhi. Publishing it now just as online backup of some of my writeups...

I stay in Delhi and have a kid, grown enough to attend a school now. Genuinely, I want the best of the education to be provided to him. Would I stand against the interviews? Perhaps not. Is it just because I care for my child and want the surest way out? I am justified in it. When I, as a parent, ask my child to sit and study for IIT from his school days, my motive still is to provide my child a quality life and secure future. After all, out of the billions, how many Sachin Tendulkars and Shreya Ghoshals would be produced? Its definitely not a sure way to let my child go.

But can my child really become next Sachin Tendulkar? I don't think so, perhaps because I don't understand what is required to be one. I never was. I don't understand how good does my child sing on the school stage to allow her take up singing as her career. But yes, I had appeared for IIT JEE in my school days and hence I know that if my child clears that exam, he is going to have a great life. There are opportunities available today, which weren't in my time. I might be a proud parent if my child goes on television talent shows and wins, but fear criticize if he loses. Am I just pressurizing him for me?

But please, as a parent I am justified in pressurizing my child. After all, I care for his future. And please be patient, my child will rise above all. No child likes studying. They like extra-curricular activities. Its normal. And my child is no exception. But I have neither the guts nor the vision to change that 'extra' curriculum to a career opportunity. I visited our VP's home the other day. Know what, his daughter, who is still in 6th standard, says she wants to be a fashion designer. Ha ha ha. Bade log badi baatein. My child will also be a designer, but perhaps designing PWD roads or maruti cars. You should be practical. 

All that is perhaps my fear or my weakness. The truth is I am afraid of allowing my child take up a new road, never traversed by me. I don't know the challenges he will face. I don't know whether he will reach his destination. But I don't want him to abandon the road in between and wither off. And the first step I take here is ensuring an admission to a renouned school. I cannot stand alone against the system. I cannot help it out because my child would lose a year. But today, there is media, there are other resources who are bringing my problems to you. No one knows how much did my father do for my admission. Its not new, but now we are aware of it. Let's work together and straighten the process. I don't mind pressure at IIT and IIM level. They are meant to be. But allow my child to play and sing till he understands the need for pressure.