Chasing dreams

Chasing dreams

Sivakamai will be flying out to Germany, thanks to the elocution contest ‘Wings to fly’.

Many students dream of travelling abroad for their studies. Wings to Fly, an elocution competition conducted this year by the Rotary Club of Madras East (RCME) and the Goethe Institut, provides this opportunity to students from corporation schools by arranging an educational trip abroad. Sivakamai, a student of Saidapet Girls Higher Secondary School, and one of the eight students who won the competition, shares her experience and excitement.

Public speaking

As a child, I participated in everything from drawing competitions to singing competitions, but later realised that I have an edge in elocution. So I began to represent my school in Tamil Elocution Competitions. The encouragement from my headmistress Lyla ma’am and the support from my mother is the key behind the my success.

Passion to learn

Not everyone may like going to school, but it is something I am passionate about. I think learning is active and positive. To be successful, I work hard to achieve what I want.

On winning the competition for the second time

I thank the Rotary Club of Madras East for spotting my talent. Last year, I was among the eight students who got an opportunity to travel to Malaysia on an educational tour. This year again, I found myself in the finals.

The Rotary Club of Madras East and Goethe Institut, Chennai, trained us on ‘Story telling through the art of public speaking’ before the finals, which helped me a lot. I was elated when my name was announced as a winner.

I am eager to learn German as a foreign language (thanks to a scholarship from Goethe Insitut, Chennai / Max Mueller Bhavan). I am excited and looking forward to visiting Germany.

Plans for the future

The entire learning process during the two editions of ‘Wings to fly’ was an unforgettable experience. I focus on my communication skills, speaking with more clarity and eliminating waffle.

I liked the outlook of the people of Malaysia — their warmth and subtle gestures made us feel comfortable and welcome. I was impressed with the way they kept their city clean. Though I am yet to visit Germany, these trips have inspired me to become a part of the administration; my dream is to become the CM so that we can come up with similar ideas that would suit Chennai to make it self-sufficient.

Supraja Prasad ​

Thanks to : THE HINDU - 28.02.2017

CBSE schools in a fix over textbooks

CBSE schools in a fix over textbooks

Worried that NCERT books might be made mandatory for Classes I to VIII from this year itself

While a number of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) schools in the city use textbooks by various publishers for Classes I to VIII, a circular issued by the board, a few days ago, has put many of them in a dilemma.

The circular specifies that arrangements are being made for the availability of NCERT textbooks in schools across the country.

This has led to worries among schools that the board might bring in a rule for compulsory usage of these textbooks in the coming academic year.

The circular also specifies that schools can place orders online for NCERT books till February 22.

The CBSE, though, is yet to address the confusion among schools on whether this would be compulsory.

“While the circular does not specify whether the NCERT textbooks have to be used compulsorily from the coming academic year, it puts many of us in a tight spot as orders have already been placed for new textbooks in December for the 2017-18 academic year from the publishers,” said a principal of a city school.

Orders placed

The Chennai Sahodaya Schools Complex (CSSC) had, earlier, sent a representation to the board on the behalf of schools from across Tamil Nadu stating that while they were ready to follow the compulsory implementation of NCERT textbooks if implemented, they would like the rule to come into place from the 2018-19 academic year as most schools were done choosing textbooks for the year and had placed orders for the same.

“While it is mandatory for Classes XI to XII to use the NCERT textbooks, the board has allowed affiliated schools to use textbooks by other publishers for the rest of the classes and follow their curriculum based on the broad CBSE framework.

“The CBSE affiliation by-laws too specify that the schools are free to pick and use books by private publishers for middle school classes,” said Ajeeth Prasath Jain, Senior Principal of Bhavan’s Rajaji Vidyashram.

The State, however, is not entirely new to change of this magnitude. Matriculation, Anglo Indian and Oriental schools all adopted the ‘Samacheer Kalvi’ system a few years ago.

“If the CBSE clarifies and brings in a rule that NCERT books will have to be used across all schools, it will definitely narrow down the learning disparities among students from different States. Even though the textbooks used presently are based on CBSE curriculum, the content varies widely,” said K.R. Malathi, CEO, Auuro Educational Services. “If the rule is being brought in, the board should, however, give schools at least a year or two to make a complete shift to the NCERT textbooks,” she said.

S. Poorvaja 

 Thanks to : THE HINDU - 20.02.2017

Be your child’s first career guide

Be your child’s first career guide 

Parents have to present a palette of career options and let their children make the choice

“It’s up to my children what they want to do.”

Doesn’t this sound dull, on account of overuse.

You have probably heard it said many a time. At some point of your parenting journey, you probably said it yourself, haven’t you?

On the face of it, this position looks lofty. A non-interfering parent standing on the sidelines and watching the children stride down a career path they hewed out themselves.

But often, it’s a thin line that divides non-interference and irresponsibility.

Shoving career opinions down one’s children throats and guiding them to form opinions about career options are two things.

Parents have to play a guiding role, and not doing so is abdication of responsibility.

Careers make a life

Choosing a career path has implications for one’s entire life. An interplay between the professional and the personal cannot be avoided. Can waves be separated from the sea? To a considerable degree, our careers define where we live, how healthy we are and they also largely define the contours of our social life. It’s for this reason that when we meet someone for the first time, we are asked first up, what we do. Given this, shouldn’t parents keep themselves abreast of the latest and emerging career options and share these with their children, and how each of these choices will impact their lives.

“Parents should place a palette of career options before the children, but have to be open to their suggestions being rejected. When this happens, they have to accept their child’s choice, even if they are aware that it’s likely to lead down a cul-de-sac.

Why should we fear failure? Isn’t failure a part of life too? Some people change four to five careers before finding their true calling. Going through the struggle of making different careers work and then finding what suits them absolutely can provide rich learning,” says Kesang Menezes, certified parent educator, Parenting Matters.

Being purpose-driven

Parents want their children to find that dream profession, but a more sensible approach would be wanting and enabling them to find a larger purpose, which will define the course their careers would take. Career choices were fewer in the past. Professions came clearly etched, and could be easily differentiated from one another.

Not any more. A raft of new specialisations have entered the job market, and newer ones are muscling their way in every year. At the same time, what was new only yesterday is becoming redundant.

The lines between existing specialisations have blurred too. While this may appear to be a stumbling block, it is actually a liberating situation. It’s an invitation for youngsters, especially millennials, to place purpose ahead of profession.

If they find a worthy purpose to work for, they can find the skills and acquire the specialisations that are necessary to drive this purpose.

They are not focussed on specialisations, but on the purpose, and this will spare them the frustration of seeing some of their acquired skills becoming redundant and also provide them with the motivation to keep updating their skill sets. Parents have to help their children find that larger purpose.

People’s skills

It’s being increasingly recognised that some workplace problems may have their roots at home. These problems have to do with people’s skills — the lack of them, actually.

Though technology is redefining most functions in the corporate world, making it necessary for employees to acquire new skill sets many a time during the course of their careers, the emphasis on people’s skills has never been so pronounced.

The foundation for developing people’s skills for the workplace should be laid at home.

“Emotional intelligence and communication are critical for whatever one does in life. Parents have to provide an atmosphere at home that develops both. Polite speech and a respectful attitude that enables someone to listen to other viewpoints with an open mind, are best learnt at home,” says Kesang.

Prince Frederick

Thanks to : THE HINDU - FEBRUARY 03, 2017

Beat the Board exam blues

Beat the Board exam blues

Keep stress at bay. Here’s what you can do to stay calm and be prepared for the challenge.

What is your outlook towards the Board exams, barely a month away? Are you confident or unsure? Well-prepared or iffy? Exhausted or energetic? It is probably a bit of all these. At this stage, uncertainties about your level of preparation are as normal as those odd doubts in the tougher lessons. It is fine as long as you are not “terrified.”

There are various ways to quieten those butterflies fluttering in your stomach. Change the way you approach the Board exams, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann ki Baat on January 29. Why not think of exam months as a time of celebration? As pleasure, instead of pressure? Prepare with expectations of joy, he said, as you would a festival!

Prepare well: Stick to a timetable. Learn all the lessons and plan last-minute revision according to the exam dates. While studying, take notes of points for quick reference on the exam day. Make flow-charts of topics/sub-topics/points, draw mind-maps, list major information on charts and display them on the wall. Read them constantly.

Go through Q&As as many times as possible — this helps in matching questions to answers. If you have to memorize something, understand it thoroughly. Find out what every letter of the formula stands for.

Give enough time to each subject. Practice diagrams, tables and graphs. Solve previous years’ exam papers to understand question patterns. Write down formula/theorems/definitions on flash-cards. Read them as you move around. Do you know how much time you take to write an answer? Find out. Practice proof-reading for spelling and grammar.

Relax: Your preparation is thorough. Great. But sometimes, you could forget a word/phrase/formula as you write the answer. Once outside, it comes rushing back to you because you are free of exam tension. Stay relaxed, tension-free, and you’ll remember what you studied.

Attitude: Always ask — “Will I do better than what I did in the previous exam?” Your competition is with yourself, not others. This is healthy, and it helps you improve without feeling low or depressed. Do not have unreal expectations of yourself. Accept your weak areas and work on them. “Accepting shortcomings opens solutions; expectations put hurdles in the way.”

Avoid television, films, chatting, long phone-calls and online messaging unless absolutely necessary. These will tire your brain. Speak less, allow your brain to spend time with yourself and absorb what you learn.

Stay healthy: We can not say this often enough: Get enough sleep. Stop studying at a particular hour, lie down, allow your mind to relax and ease into sleep gradually. If you are studying all night, your bio-rhythm needs to change to adjust to the exam schedule — you don’t want to fall asleep over the answer-sheet. So, two weeks before exams start, shift to the normal sleeping hours at night and stay awake during the day.

Stay stress-free: This is easy to say, difficult to follow. But it needs to be done. After two-three hours of study, take a five-minute break. Get up, stretch, take a short walk, drink water (big de-stresser), rest your eyes and breathe deeply. Exchange jokes, laugh and talk about happy incidents in school. Energy comes from within — how did Federer pull off that incredible Australian Open victory?

Writing: Read the questions carefully. Have you understood them? Form answers in your mind before putting them on paper. If you are stuck for an answer, move on. After completing the answers you know, return to take a second look. Write without distraction, at an even pace, and try to finish five minutes before the bell. Proofread the answers, label the diagrams and underline the important points. Exam over!

The last lap: D-Day! Reach the exam hall early. It will give you time to check your admit card, supplies like pen, pencil and instrument-box. Talk to friends, listen to discussions. Once inside, settle down and arrange your things on the desk. Take deep breaths, stay calm and composed.

Geeta Padmanabhan 

Thnks to : THE HINDU,  FEBRUARY 05, 2017

Your future is in the present

Your future is in the present

Every situation is a learning experience in the journey of life.

This week’s sharing is inspired by a comic strip, which captures the way we think, with a powerful set of images. The strip shows a man digging huge pits around his house, beginning when the sun rises and toiling till the sun sets. The narrative goes on to show a neighbour across the fence asking the man if he has found his pot of gold. He replies in the negative and goes back into the house. We are told that the same story has been repeating itself for decades. The last strip is of the man sleeping, and under his bed, is an image of a chipped pot filled to the brim with gold coins! What better visual metaphor to show us how we might be missing the treasure right within our reach, while under the illusion that opportunities lie elsewhere.

All of us, in some manner, have been in or are currently in similar situations. Many years ago, I had the privilege of interacting with Sonia (name changed), a high school student who was going through a difficult period. Having had to move to a new school coupled with not getting the course of her choice, was making her rebel and challenge the authority of the school in many ways. She was so caught up in what she felt she had lost outside that it had blinded her from seeing all the potential in her current environment. With the help of her teachers and classmates, Sonia learnt to use the resources in school to complete her study with a grade that secured her a place in the course of her choice. She also found that wonderful network of friends who helped her through her journey.

One of the most inspiring stories of someone who found strength in his adversity is Nelson Mandela. For almost three decades, his life was spent in prison and many of those periods involved solitary confinement. What he found within those prison walls was the ability to tap into the rich reservoir of inner strength that gave him true strength, dignity and reliance to steer South Africa towards freedom from Apartheid. Instead of allowing himself to descend into bitterness and hate, Mandela used the confinement to find the treasures within him, a journey that would help him in his role as a peacemaker.

Challenging situation

The ability to see the gifts that are presented to us in any situation we are in, is definitely empowering. If you are currently in a job or course of study that you do not like, then use it as an opportunity to completely accept the situation. When we stop fighting against it, then we are able to see clearly the course of action we need to take. Else we will be always taking the next course of action feeling that everything will be better out there, and find ourselves repeating the same pattern. The situations that we are not comfortable with are a perfect opportunity for us to honestly look within ourselves and assess our own strengths and challenges.

The land of opportunity is wherever you are, at present. Every situation is a learning lesson in the curriculum of your life. The treasure you are searching for is perhaps closer than you can perceive! As a wise man once said, the grass is always greener on the other side, but watch out, it maybe fake!

Enjoy your journey!

If this story speaks to you, do share your thoughts at: lifeplus590@gmail.com

Anuradha Shyam, UPDATED: FEBRUARY 05, 2017 

Thanks to : THE HINDU

Ease your financial burden

Ease your financial burden

Worried about getting that education loan? Sudarshan Motwani, CEO of BookMyForex, explains how to go about it.

Sudarshan Motwani is the founder and CEO of BookMyForex, an online marketplace for foreign currency exchange. He has introduced several new products and delivery channel-innovations throughout his banking career of over 30 years. He holds a postgraduate diploma in finance and marketing from Delhi University. In this interview, he talks about the dos and don’ts involved in seeking an education loan.

What are the advantages of new age technology-backed currency exchange marketplaces?

Traditional foreign exchange providers such as banks and moneychangers typically add a hefty margin for exchanging currency that can range from 2.5% to 7% over the interbank rates, which is the base rate at which banks deal with each other. Awareness on using the right forex products and the right service providers can alleviate these charges almost entirely. Digitisation has paved way for forex marketplaces which make an excellent choice for all currency exchange requirements. The new age start-ups in this segment compare forex rates across hundreds of banks and forex companies in every city and find out the best rate in one’s area. They also provide additional options to freeze rates online or to book a rate alert.

What are the things students should know about overseas remittances?

Students should do a thorough check of the entire course fee structure. Studying the prospectus with extreme care is necessary to identify all the aspects covered in one’s overall fees. Careful evaluation and communication with the concerned authorities in case of any confusion helps avoid unwanted situations such as asking for emergency money. Furthermore, this helps to identify the various sources of scholarships available.

Students can make use of online forex marketplaces for transferring funds. It is essential to keep a close watch on the forex rates. Various online forex currency exchange platforms provide live forex rates in real-time and allow customers to freeze the rates for three working days and transact when the customer’s preferred rate is available (rates can be frozen only during working hours of the Indian market). Online forex marketplaces have significantly reduced the complexity associated with foreign currency transfer. Through them, customers can transfer money abroad in the fastest possible way with zero bank processing charges.

Be aware of policy changes. As per the recent Liberalised Remittance Scheme, the total amount of remittances in a financial year must not exceed US$2,50,000 for educational purposes. Parents who wish to send their children money need to produce only a proof of identity and proof of residence apart from a PAN card. In case the funds are being transferred directly to the university, they can be sent under the “education abroad” category that requires the student to submit a copy of education visa, passport and PAN card (an I-20 form is also needed for American universities). Payments for remittances must come from a savings bank account and can be transferred via NEFT/ RTGS or cheque (Cheque payments are subject to realisation).

What is the basic and correct procedure for a student loan? What are the things students should take care of?

Studying abroad can be expensive. Parents are advised to do serious financial planning and intensive research on the interest rates and repayment terms of education loans offered by various banks and lending companies. Another vital aspect to saving cost is to consider the forex rates being provided by various banks, financial institutes and new age marketplace models.

Keep the following in mind before applying for a student loan:

Compare interest rates. Banks in India offer student loans for studies abroad at different interest rates. However, there are different coverages under the loan that must also be considered, such as inclusion of tuition fees, travel expenses, cost of hostel, cost of books, and so on, which are a part of the loan clauses. The loan that overall suits your requirement must be pursued.

Check for banks in liaison with your future institution for concessions. Certain universities abroad are recognised by some of the leading lenders in the country and have a student loan liaison with them. Always check this aspect before taking up the loan. You may also want to consider the fact that the loan amount you apply for may not really match the actual amount you receive, owing to currency rate fluctuations. Therefore, for forex requirements, always choose a currency exchanger that hedges you from the market fluctuations by offering live rates.

Keep all documents ready. A loan is a complicated process and wherever money is involved, documentation will be involved. As you survey the banks for their loan process, also check the list of documents needed for applying for a student loan for overseas education.

You will need a co-signer. Any student loan for a value over R5 lakh will require a co-signer. This person is mostly a parent who will be a joint owner of the loan and will have to agree to pay the debt in case you are unable to pay back the loan on time. The co-signer will need to have a good credit record and will also need to submit certain documents for your loan to get through.

Check for repayment period clause. Most loans have a moratorium period after which you are needed to pay back the money through EMIs. Check this clause carefully as you need to arrange for the money to be paid back after the said duration and accordingly arrange for it, or pick up a part-time job.

What is the difference in loan requirement for students applying to study in India versus the students applying at universities abroad?

The main difference is the quantum of finance required. Banks can approve up to a maximum of R10 lakh to study in India and up to a maximum of R20 lakh to study abroad. The other factor that affects costs is the foreign exchange rate. Certain banks make it mandatory for all loan disbursements to be sent to the university abroad using the bank’s own forex department and therefore using the bank’s own rates, which are typically much higher than rates that can be received elsewhere. In such cases, even if the bank’s interest rate is not too high, the end customer ends up paying a higher premium on foreign currency exchange. The rest of the requirements are same. Even the documents required are similar.

Does the monetary standing of parents affect the student’s education loan?

Co-borrowers are of two types. First is primary, which is your parents, siblings and your spouse. Then there is secondary, which is your father-in-law, grandmother, and so on. If one of your parents is listed as a co-borrower on the education loan application, then yes. However, a relative such as your brother, spouse, or any other family member with a good income and who can support your education loan application can be your co-borrower. The bank would then consider such a co-borrower’s income in determining the loan eligibility. If the family member listed as a co-borrower resides abroad, their collateral asset has to be in India for them to be accepted as a co-borrower.

In case a student is unable to pay off the loan for a while, is there any facility by which he/she can pause the pay-off for few months?

Banks can extend or pause the pay-off on loans based on the capacity to repay or on the relationship a bank shares with the debtor. This usually happens when a student is unable to get a job after the completion of their degree, or due to situations that arise and need immediate monetary attention. These are exceptional circumstances and a student can work out a payment plan with the bank. Some banks allow loan deferment, but it is hard to convince them. For exceptional and genuine cases where the student is not getting a job due of macroeconomic conditions, lenders may consider extending the repayment period.

Usually education loans have tenures of five to seven years. However, as per the guidelines, the tenure can be extended up to 10 years for loans up to R7.5 lakh and 15 years for loans above it. Banks also give an extension if the student is unable to complete the course on time for reasons beyond his/her control. The maximum extension in such situations is two years.

Deeksha Teri, UPDATED: FEBRUARY 05, 2017 

Thanks to : THE HINDU

It’s not the end of the world

It’s not the end of the world

If your CAT results weren’t as expected, worry not. Better preparation will do it next time. And there are always other options.

There are over 25,000 candidates who were not able to score a “good grade” in the recent CAT exams. They were not able to obtain the minimum sectional percentile score in CAT 2016, despite scoring a decent overall percentile. According to the experts, the competition will only get tougher. However, the students who have not been able to get admission into IIMs should not lose hope because there always is another way and another day to achieve your dreams. Not getting into IIMs is not the end of the world.

Firstly, learn to accept what happened. It is important to accept your failure just the way you accept your victory. Failures are always painful but that does not mean that you should stop trying because you are too afraid to bear the pain. This surely was not the first attempt for many students, but do not ever make it your last attempt. “The first thing to do is feel all the emotions that you go through when things don’t come through. If you expected a great result but don't have one, experience the pain first and end up with the optimistic thought: I can pick up from where I left off,” says Shobhit Bhatnagar, co-founder and CEO, Gradeup.

Work on your weak areas

The next attempt is not very far away. So, students should analyse their weak areas and start working on those areas from this very morning. If you are not able to do well in one section as compared to the other sections, do not think that it is not your cup of tea. Practise harder for that section and you will be able to perform better. “Those who scored well in English section or quantitative section did not do it because they were born to calculate faster or to read complex languages. It is because of their history (which can be by accident or by choice or by a combination of both); they have worked hard on those aspects,” says Shobhit. So, one needs to figure out their weak areas and destroy the mind-block which is holding them back. Signing up for coaching classes would help you work on these areas. Value this time and work harder on these areas.

Talk to professionals

Another good option to consider before appearing for the CAT this time, would be talking to professionals. Talking to people who work in this industry is a very good option for the candidates who are looking for some experienced advice. Candidates should also try and talk to students in B-Schools to identify areas for improvement that will help you during your MBA too. This will also help the students decide if they really want to pursue MBA or not.

It is very important to move past the mindset that IIMs are the only good places for MBA education. IIMs do have a good reputation, which is very well earned. However, we need to remember that IIMs are not the only institutes in the world which give good education. There are select good B-schools, both in India and abroad, that emphasise world-class education. “The deciding criteria that aspiring students should rely upon to pick their choice of B-school includes consistent top rankings, global exposure, strong institute-industry interface, corporate events, and impeccable placement records,” says Sandeep Pachpande, chairman, Audyogik Shikshan Mandal.

While some choose to prepare an additional year for the CAT, many others opt out of the race. Those who fall in the latter category should not be disheartened as there are several options one can explore. One could look at career choices in banking and government.

“There has been a surge in the number of students applying for banking and government jobs as seen on our portal, which is for government and banking exams. Increasingly, graduates, including engineers, are opting for a career in government,” said Abhishek Patil, CEO, Oliveboard. While many people prefer government jobs due to the added advantage of job security, pension, fixed working hours, housing facility, health care, vacations, social security, and so on, banking sector provides an opportunity for a well-defined career progression.

Develop your personality

Most importantly, if you're not pursuing an MBA this year, put your time to good use. Developing your personality is a very important aspect of your life that will not only help you in personal interviews but will also be an advantage throughout your life. “Improve your communication skills, give your time to a cause you care about, learn a musical instrument if you have always planned to learn one, get fit and healthy, spend time with your family, and read as much as possible, as this is the most important habit that'll help you during your MBA, and also throughout life,” says Shobhit.

Deeksha Teri, UPDATED: FEBRUARY 04, 2017 

Thanks to : THE HINDU