L Chinglem Konyak
Modern College, Kohima
The only way to perform well in any examination is by scoring maximum marks and the same was in my case. However, measuring and assessing the learning capacity and knowledge of the students with the marking-system may not be an adequate method. Unfortunately, this method has become an integral part of the Indian education system. This system compels students to employ diverse methods of scoring maximum marks, which tend to compromise the very sanctity of the purpose of education. Mugging or cramming is a common method where students memorize contents without understanding them. Good grades acquired through this method are of no use.
True Education must transcend this narrow objective. While scoring marks is important, the primary objective must be to learn, among others; however the former cannot be entirely sidelined as the current education system and public employment are based on this factor. Ignoring this totally would be too idealistic and therefore one must cope with the reality and be practical in approach.
I did my Higher Secondary in Science. However, my interest in the subject prompted me to change my course. My interest still deeply remains in the subject. Although NU bachelor-level courses are based on general theory and basic concepts, not requiring deep study, I always studied each topic along with related current affairs like the trends in political society, actual working of the State machinery and organs, application of laws, international relations, regional conflicts and wars, foreign policies, etc with case studies on such relevant topics. Of course, these studies were not on a scholarly level, and anyone can easily do so. This study method of out-of-syllabus references, which were irrelevant from the exam point of view, was necessitated by my desire to learn topics in detail with their application.
I conclude with a remark that education must not primarily be about scoring marks and securing ranks. The proclivity of my efforts in the Undergraduate Programme was never towards making it to the Merit List, although friends and teachers encouraged me constantly to vie for the same, and was secondarily in the back of my mind as well as I deemed I would personally be well off with the position for various practical reasons. Now that I have secured the position, I’m grateful for it.
Although acquiring true education may assume a holistic aspect, learning is always an immediate objective and one must strive to do so. And ‘Learning’ everything being taught is the way to acquiring ‘True Education’.
The writer is a graduate from Modern College, Kohima in B.A with Political Science Honours under Nagaland University. Chinglem topped the 2021 examination (Gold Medal) with the CGPA of 7.
