Prof. M.R.N. Murthy, former faculty at IISc, Bengaluru delves into pathetic situation at schools

Mysore/Mysuru: Prof. M.R.N. Murthy, former faculty of Molecular Biophysics at Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, said “Several girl students were forced to discontinue their studies, with their parents becoming apprehensive over lack of drinking water and toilet facilities at Government Primary Schools.”

He was addressing the students after handing over degree certificates during the ninth graduation day ceremony of Yuvaraja’s College at its Platinum Jubilee auditorium in city on Thursday.

The issues related to drinking water and toilets have been surfacing at Government Schools especially in Primary Schools at rural areas. The girl students feel embarrassed due to the absence of adequate toilet, creating an adverse situation, with the parents thinking twice before sending their wards to schools. Even the teachers opt for transfer to other schools with the quality education taking a beating, regretted Prof. Murthy.

Learning English has turned into another juggernaut for the students of rural areas, which has a cascading effect on their plans to achieve in several other fields. Apart from teaching Kannada as first language at Government Primary Schools, priority should be given to teach English in the later stages of education. The quality of education is dwindling due to a gap between teacher and student ratio, resulting in students failing in the exams.

In his call to graduates, Prof. Murthy said “Learning is a continuous process, which should not stop at any stage of life. Even after getting the job, learning should be continued to acquire more knowledge. However, it has been a tendency among most of the graduates and post graduates to look for job, leaving aside higher education, which is incorrect.”

While we have been speaking about sorry state of affairs at Government Schools, the situation at reputed institutions in Bengaluru is no different. Besides, those institutions charge hefty fees more than medical and engineering colleges. They even take students to foreign countries for a school trip, said Prof. Murthy.

The knowledge explosion is being witnessed in every other fields, with the field of Information Technology (IT) also growing exponentially. Hence, the rate of knowledge we saw at the opening two decades is surpassed by current generation. The teachers and professors should also hone their skills. If Universities fail to bring in reforms, the students may opt out of academics.

A total of 862 students received degrees and 40 students received Gold Medals and cash prizes on the occasion.

University of Mysore Vice-Chancellor Prof.N.K. Lokanath presided. Principal Prof.H.C. Devaraje Gowda, Controller of Examinations Prof. K. Ajay Kumar were present.

The field of Science is witnessing several inventions leaving many awestruck in the world. The inventions have become a daily affair and so the students should always be curious about Science. At the same time, they should root for acquiring knowledge deeply in their mind, as segued learning changes our vision. We should always keep alive the spirit of learning with a firm mindset.

—Prof. M.R.N. Murthy, Former faculty of Molecular Biophysics, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru