It is not a myth but a reality that India is smart enough to compete against the smartest of the nations across the globe. We have left our impression at the Shiv Shakti point in the moon! Thanks to the successful accomplishment of the Chandrayaan 3. Not just this but there’s many more milestones that ISRO will undertake to prove that India’s position in the space hub is a reality, as it targets the lunar and the deep space exploration. It is also important to acknowledge the political persona of our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Jee who has cheered the people with its impressive prowess in inspiring India and its people.
The present article is an attempt to present a new perspective on addressing the skill shortage of an overly populated India. Although we are now one of the most discussed in the media wrt our achievements, I came across a news video highlighting some of the key aspects of the quality of education, the institutions and the fate of the many poor people who failed to get access to the basic human rights of education and thus, missing out on the good quality of life. Nevertheless, Indians strongly feel betrayed by some of the colonialists that divided people on the basis of rich & poor, language and religion. Some of the traders even took more than it could provide. However, I have a question that nobody has answered till date. Why is it that the education was considered as a priviledge which was supposed to be enjoyed by a select few, while the rest were supposed to be limited to a particular skillset which could be either small or large scale plantations, farming, agriculture, manufacturing, artisans and so on. It seems that the world (India, UK, USA and so on) understand the gravity of skills & talent. However, education is a much debated topic as to the number of people who actually got access to it. For example, there’s no clarity whether or not the royal chefs were exposed to general studies. The good thing is that they chose to pursue their talent but they had their own list of workers too. Did the workers get access to the basic education or were they robotic to the demands just to make a living? By the way, this reminds me of a scene from a movie where a Maulana literally moves to UK for a living until he’s kicked out after the death of his beloved queen Victoria. Ironically, he was performing the duties of a normal worker in the kitchen before he moved onto other profiles. These occupations had no respect back then due to endless reasons like caste, color and creed and undoubtedly, because of the absence of a foreign education!
The point I am trying to make is thus, very clear. Skill shortage is not a modern day problem. It has existed over many generations. Addressing this issue would require a lot of emotional quotient. One must feel the sentiments of the people who missed out on basic amenities of life. What do we strive for, as a human? Roti, kapda aur makan! (Food, clothing & house). Imagine what happens to this body when we die? Depending on your religion, you might be either buried or cremated or just left to die, if you are caught by covid! I heard one of my friends telling me that what should be the solution to end this problem of skill shortage quickly. So I turned onto the different political news to listen to their opinion. I am not at all shocked to find that people are supporting the exhumation of the bodies in the graveyards. I came across contradicting views. Some say that there’s no more land left to accommodate the people who are homeless. Well, this is really heart wrenching. Some support the notion that graveyards should be cleared for availability of lands while a few are skeptical as they are certain that this would not solve the problem.
So I am trying to make a small effort to address the issues discussed above. Yes, the crux of the problem is skill shortage. Note that this skill that I am referring to is not related to education alone. I would like to extend my gratitude to all those people who are into the jobs of sweeping, cleaning utensils, cooking & driving, to name a few. The societal upbringing has not allowed them to attain the general education but they are still making a living. Certainly, this is not enough for a better quality life. Think of thousands of people who are jobless and homeless, both at the same time. Eventually, the Justin Trudeau’s Canada (2023) is a living day example that being educated is definitely not enough. Isn’t it weird that at the end of the day a poor man who’s earning a daily wage and is having a shelter is better off than the immigrants who are absolutely homeless. Look at USA. Some of the Americans are relocating elsewhere. So should India introduce multiple citizenship? This brings me into a position where I must mention that clearing graveyards could be the last line of defence. Think of a mother who would love to save her child till the last breath. Isn’t it? Think of those people who are jobless and have no skills to meet the labor market in India. It is important to note that this case of India is very different from the rest of the world. I strongly opine that people with very low levels of education might be temporarily adjusted to sweeping and cleaning jobs. This is nothing to feel ashamed about. Where are the entrepreneurs? This is the best time when you can make a difference to a million by helping them getting engaged in different hygiene/housekeeping/cooking roles. This is the quickest method to help the poor people of India emerge out of poverty. Some of the institutions where they could be recruited include Gurudwaras, Temples, Mosques, Dargahs, Churches and different religious forums all over India without any discrimination. This would enhance the spirit of brotherhood among people.
Well, I wouldn’t be able to use this idea anymore as I already mentioned this. This is because my education has taught me to share and care for everyone. This is my take on this issue. There could be better ideas but the best idea is the one that is based on the policy of peacekeeping. May be the entrepreneurs should start to act now. This too should be given equal importance as that of climate change and space exploration. I wish you all the best.
#JaiHind!
Salam & JaiShriRam!
Dhanyawaad & Namaste!
the vibes 