Globalization is often accused of invading not only the economies but also the culture. At times, we tend to forget that ‘the only constant in this world is – Change’ (Bhagwad Gita). Changes are not always palatable to many. That is why, these are so strongly resisted; especially if there is a perceived risk to the culture. Often there is a face-to-face situation between the traditions and modernity. Now, it is not easy for either to outweigh the other. Traditions carry the glimpses of our past lessons and modernity serves as a constant meliorating force in the existing knowledge. Culture encompasses many things apart from traditions, mainly, the value system, ethics, common virtues and rituals. Here, the values and virtues are very strong element of a culture as they differentiate the one from another. Any development at the cost of the cultural values, virtues and practices can be dodgy.
Higher education and success: A face-off
Many students, who go to college, are not clear with their thoughts about what they have to do in life. Many end up taking a different course to study, quite different from their actual interest. Many find themselves once again in dilemma about their career and life after they pass-out from college. Above all, it is not hard to find a boy with a Master’s in Literature working as a Pizza-Boy or even an illiterate girl making great designer dresses. This blog describes what relation does, success share with higher education.
Is it necessary to have a fat folder of degrees to succeed in life? This is an obvious question, which many students are faced with during the critical stages of their career. The answer to this question depends on how we define success. If success is the possession of all desired goods (and services), then it’s required to have huge money. If success is the realization of one’s dreams, then it’s required to work hard. If success is this, it’s needed to do that. But, to succeed in general what cannot be forgone is ‘some work’. We must do something to succeed – and we need to do it well. When we are bad at doing our work, it’s less likely to yield results as expected. All that we need to be efficient and effective at our work is sincerity, necessary skills, and the willingness to learn things which we don’t know. I haven’t heard of any certification of these qualities, for example, certifying that somebody is sincere and willing to learn! Definitely these qualities don’t come with a degree. A degree can certify that somebody has been trained for some work, however, it cannot guarantee that the holder possess the necessary skills. Ultimately, it comes down to the individual to learn and develop these skills, since these cannot be taught and learnt in any colleges. Let me give an example from mythology. Ananda, who was one of the disciples of Buddha, asked him at the time of his Nirvana, that who will guide the disciples after him? Buddha smiled and said “Aapt deepo bhavah” which translates in English as “Be your own lamp”. Buddha said this because he knew that values can be instilled in a student but cannot be installed.
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