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In a situation, where basic needs - food, clothing & housing face an existential crisis, how can we ensure that basic education is made affordable even in these situations?
In these difficult times, there's one thing that keeps us motivated - to see how the importance of certain spheres and aspects of life has been changing over time and for the good. Such is the story of Kuldip Kumar, a resident of a small village named Jwalamukhi in Himachal Pradesh.
While realizing the importance of education, this man ensured that his children weren't deprived of learning when the medium changed from classroom teaching to online learning. Citing the inability to afford a smartphone because of financial constraints, he took a big of selling his only source of income -his cow for Rs.6,000 in order to purchase a smartphone for his children who are in classes 2nd and 4th, so that they could continue pursuing education online.
It is learned that Kuldip, himself, was deprived of education and hence understands its worth and importance, following he was sure he didn't want his children to be left disadvantaged. After all, knowledge is power. An investment in knowledge surely pays the best interest.
Ever since the nation-wide lockdown was imposed following the hazardous threat of the Covid-19 virus, schools, colleges, and universities across the country adopted new ways of imparting education through the online teaching and learning mode and other digital resources. The parent and student community have continuously lauded the efforts of the educational institutions to keep the learning curve grow stronger in these times.
Now the question is, although online education is 'the thing' in these given circumstances, one cannot overlook the fact that there are a lot of expenses incurred which an average Indian/ rural population can barely afford. And to top it, the migrants, small-scale business owners, and the population hugely dependent on returns from agricultural activities who have been hit hard in their earning capacities due to the Coronavirus. While some may resort to having their children drop out of schools, but there others, like Kuldip, who do not wish for their children to suffer in their educational aspirations. They are rather open to adapting to the newer and innovative methods of education by the teachers and educational institutions and are still willing to invest in alternative education props like smartphones, laptops, etc, - something that India, as a country should provide for free of cost, maybe. We hope people take his step in a positive light and draw some inspiration to continue emphasizing the importance of education in a person's life.
Also Read: Here’s How IIT Madras Helping Underprivileged Students
India had barely managed to reach the epicenter of its population to encourage primary education to all but suddenly they are faced with the challenge of providing modern technologies to facilitate education for their children. In a situation, where basic needs - food, clothing & housing face an existential crisis, how can we ensure that basic education is made affordable even in these situations? What are your thoughts?
