Interview

1. What inspired you to work in the field of education, democracy, or mental health?

After going through a lot of struggle and suffering for more than a decade, I have finally been able to manage my mental illness to a large extent. So now, I feel the need to help others who are still struggling to cope. I’m doing my bit by volunteering at a Day care center where I teach the participants breathing techniques and conduct short guided meditations to help them in their battle with mental illness.

2. Why do you think quality education is important for building a strong democracy?

Without quality education students will not be equipped and ready for the job market. This creates unemployment and frustration among the youth, giving an excuse for opposition parties to destabilize a democratically elected Government. Students exposed to quality education will make better and responsible citizens. This will ensure a strong democracy.

3. How can schools help improve students’ mental health?

Firstly the constant pressure of completing assessments and preparation for exams from day one should be minimized. Teachers must be sensitized to deal with students keeping this in mind. Secondly more number of trained counselors should be employed to deal with all issues that students face, including relationship issues.

4. What are the biggest challenges students face today in education?

The single biggest challenge is access to quality educational institutions. Only a minor percentage of students get admitted into premier institutes after qualifying in entrance exams. The remaining students are left in the lurch. So, if more number of Universities and colleges that can impart skilled knowledge to students are created then it is likely students will have less pressure on them.

5. How can teachers encourage critical thinking and responsible citizenship?

For this to happen, teachers themselves need to be trained in critical thinking. They need to be role models to the students by being responsible citizens, to make the students responsible citizens when they grow up.

6. What role do parents play in supporting children’s mental well-being and education?

Parents have a crucial role in this. They can’t preach to their children what they themselves don’t practice. Parents need to spend quality time with their children everyday, playing the role of both friend and guide. By regularly interacting with their children parents can ensure their child’s mental well-being. To support them in their education, parents have to stop comparing them with other children. They must also stop thrusting unreasonable expectations and demands upon their children.

7. How can young people contribute to strengthening democracy?

Young people need to be well-educated in their chosen field. Then they must have the drive to do something for the society and country, and not simply satisfy selfish goals. Those amongst them who are interested in politics should be encouraged to actively participate in it. Young minds can strengthen and also reform the existing system in the country through their innovative ideas, thereby strengthening democracy. Young people should also rise above ideologies and focus on overall development of the nation.

8. What changes would you like to see in the education system over the next five years?

• More number of quality Universities and colleges with trained faculty is the need of the hour.
• The present system of entrance exams needs to be phased out.
• Use of technology must be rapidly enhanced for imparting quality education to students, even to the underprivileged students who cannot afford high fee structures and to students in remote areas.
• Online and distance education should have same credibility and value as regular classroom education.
• A mandatory subject dealing with ethics along with life skills and real-world problem solving skills should be included in the syllabus.

9. How can communities reduce the stigma around mental health?

Awareness and education programs need to be conducted in schools, colleges and workplaces. Print, Television and Social media can be utilised to effectively come up with creative ways of educating general public about the various mental disorders. Currently majority of people refer to mental illness as “depression” and/or insanity. This needs to change. If mentally ill patients are treated with compassion and understanding by the rest of the community then the stigma around mental health will be overcome to a large extent and the individuals can start leading normal lives.

10. What message would you like to share with students, parents, and educators?

Life has much more to offer than just assignments and Exams. Education is a journey to be enjoyed that doesn’t end with college or University. If students, parents and educators work in harmony with each other as a unit then the young minds of today can be turned into brilliant minds of tomorrow.