Which are good schools in Bangalore?

After changing 4 schools (and taking various experiences) for my son, I think I am qualified to talk on this topic.


Usually this is a common question being asked by parents who wants to move here (from abroad or other Indian states) or whose kids are ready to go for regular schools or even by parents who are not satisfied with their current schools and searching for better (?) option.

Before answering this question I would like to focus to main motive behind this question. Which is, whether my child will adjust in this school and more importantly will he be comfortable there? To get genuine answer we need to look at our child, for what qualities he currently has and how is his overall intelligence/behavior doing day-to-day activities. In other words; finding his true potential. If you think he is quite above average then you can think of admitting in high profile schools. Sadly, in B’lr good school definition is just restricted to schools which give importance (actually, only importance) to studies and do some artificial attempts to impress the parents that they don’t have the traditional ‘only books’ approach while dealing with their children.

We are also partially responsible for schools taking this approach, as we ask questions such as, what is the 10th passing percentage of this school? How many students have gone to reputed colleges after passing 10th? No wonder, school take every precaution to make sure their percentage is very good. The open secret is they ask parents whose children are not performing good (read as: at their standard) to take admission elsewhere. In other words sweetly instruct to seek other school for your kids.

Sometimes I think that there is too much importance given to the schools in which our pupils study. I think selecting a good school is as difficult as finding a bride or groom. And as in latter case we zero down on compatible factor, same way for schools also it should be finalized on what best suits to our child. As in marriage, we have to give some time till he adjusts in his new school. Whatever school you choose, there will be some advantages and disadvantages; you will hardly land up in a school where everything is plus and no negative points to mention. Do listen to the good and bad experiences shared by parents, but give them due importance, it may happen that your experience will be totally different. It mainly depends upon situation, student and teachers mood at that time.

Don’t ever fall prey to advertisements like, unleash a leader in your child. This is completely stupid; every child cannot be a leader (in conventional way). Nature doesn’t create too many leaders, otherwise there will be very difficult situation, where everyone is a leader and no one wants to be a follower (something like BJP party), total chaos.

Make sure that he looks forward and enjoys going to school. The process of learning should be enjoyed by him rather than just theory. Notice his favorite subjects and disliked ones and encourage more in his favorite subjects. Please remember one thing, your child does not exist to follow your dreams, don’t push him too hard. if you want to prove (or make) some point, do it on your own capacity and capability, please don’t push your child to achieve that. In other words, if you want to walk with high neck (सर ऊँचा) in society then do something on your own, make efforts on your own. Don’t treat your children as trophies; they have their own personality and identity, respect it.

If you find your child is facing it difficult to cope up in school, either in academics or learning along with the class (behavioral). Take some measures like there are many tool available online to find child’s learning styles or the multiple intelligence profiles etc. which may be good to understand the child. It is also possible through assessment to understand which grade level a child should go and which school may be good for him. For this you will have to take professional help.

So next time when you visit your family friend, relative or neighbor, try to ask the boy/girl about their hobby, interests or favorite activity rather than asking about school and favorite subjects and marks. At least we can be part of this small change.

-Shashank

India – Australia Cricket Series 2011-12

Well, lot has been written and said about current India-Australia Cricket Series. I thought of adding my bit and completing the picture (?).

To start with media began their campaign saying ‘AgneePath – Thunder Down Under’ and now before start of last test match we hear ‘Playing from Pride’. What a contrast, it is like a person going to a party with his three piece suit and during the party events later trying to hold on his only swimming trunk Or an individual is raped repeatedly for 3 times trying to save his ass on the forth occasion.

Though one thing confuses me is some of the commentator’s statements, like:

1. (after batsman hits a boundary or six )”He knew exactly where the fielder is “. They don’t repeat the line when same batsman gives a catch straight to the fielder.

2. “India should prepare (fast) bowler friendly wickets.” Now even after so many years playing international cricket, this line disturbs me most. OR it is like saying to a fish (in the water) to learn flying (like bird) or vice versa.

On the other side our players in the press conference or during interview usually mentions; if he is a bowler (and taken few wickets) will say, “We bowled in right areas and got the wickets”. If he is a batsman (who has scored few runs) will say, ”I have been practicing lot before this series”. Or if he is a bowler and made few runs then will say, “recently I have been practicing (or improving) on my batting skills”. Or “Sachin is helping me in fine tuning my batting skills”.

Accepting and understanding the term, “nothing succeeds like success”, I wonder where those right areas went when Australian batsmen were batting, did they make it disappear? And whether the preparing for the series only done by Home team? Since this time our senior players failed to perform, so everyone started shouting, replace them – retire them. If we had taken new faces and they had failed then the same people would have shouted, stick to seniors – balance the juniors and seniors in team.

We have been playing cricket on their ground for quite some year. In fact this is 4th tour for Sachin Tendulkar himself, but except few matches we have always performed poor. This time the performance was worse as none of the batsmen were in form and could not make 100 (except for Kohli). This overall poor performance in batting side cost us a lot which followed by some poor show in bowling by Ishant Sharma and we were not able to give a decent fight back to Australia.

Lets hope (what else we have) that Indian team and Selectors will learn a good lesson and start thinking of filling future vaccum which will be made after senior trio's retirement.

Good luck India for comming 20/20 game and ODI Series!!

-Shashank

Redefining The Lokpal

Like most of the concerned citizen I have also been watching Parliament session to pass Lokpal bill. After hearing most of the members, got confused with some of the terms.

1. Strong and effective (Lokpal):- Strong is no longer strong and effective is very in-effective.

2. Lokpal Bill:- as per most of the political parties it’s an illusion or myth

3. Sense of the House: - Senseless people in the House or Non-sense of the House created by same people.

4. Debate:- is no longer restricted to dialogue rather it’s Tu-Tu-Mein-Mein and clashing of ego’s and settling old grievances

5. Parliament members are more concerned about what goes in to the record rather than striking cord with common man’s day-to-day problems and worries.

There is also doubt in my mind, with the high level hindi language most of the members are using to deliver their speech, which was even difficult to understand for person like me, how well could Madam Sonia grasp it? The Yuvaraj of Congress - Mr. Rahul also not in action during that debate. I just wonder when India will have the leader who will lead from the front and not hide behind the ‘think tank’ or ‘core committee’. I fail to understand even after most of the country watched the debate and contribution of Rahul in it; still consider Rahul as future Prime Minister and Sonia as next to Bharat-Mata?

Most highlight point was Honorable Prime Ministers speech; it was really a ‘farewell’ speech. With same monotonous tone and backed with zero enthusiasm. The less said about it is better.

Talking about other parties, the worry is when will we have a strong opposition party? Currently we are in a situation in which neither ruling party is willing to drive us nor is opposition positive in approach to guide us.

Anna’s agitation in Mumbai also raised few questions; where was the Famous Mumbai Spirit? Is it kept on hold for 31st Dec? But even in Delhi it received with similar response, so either the timing was wrong or the agitation lost majority peoples sentiments.

My friend has said after seeing Anna’s pale face during his August 288 days Fast, he will think multiple times before voting for ruling party. Let us keep that in our mind as well. Before we vote for any party, please do remember their real faces and actual motive which we saw during Parliament session. It’s time to show them that though the laws are not passed on streets, they still need to deserve our votes during elections time.

-Shashank

Angry Indians

Angry Indians

After recent assault on Mr.Sharad Pawar, the most common reaction was; 'motive was correct but not the measure'. With media taking the assaulters interview and obviously no one will miss this opportunity to explain their deeds. And as usual political parties still being ignorant of real burning issues blame each other for it. I was wondering why we Indians are frequently forced to take these types of extreme measures. Never the less whether will these acts solve the real issues?

The more serious aspect is how to make sure our politicians are accountable to the work they are doing. With this thought i started thinking how to ensure that these politicians get the real message (without being violent). There are few points which i can think of:

Boycott the rallies, award functions any other ceremony for that matter where these politicians are given the center chair. Now a days we are becoming so insensitive that we call our politician to grace the occasion and these people in turn give us gyan. I remember one (corrupt) leader being invited for some teachers function, was kept on talking how to be a good teacher and lead a noble life. And as a teacher what you should avoid etc. And to my surprise all the people gathered there were listening quietly, no one raised the question (even after the function) that with what right the gentleman can say these type of words, when he himself is neck down in the mud. I can understand that most of the politicians have no moralities left in them, but what about the general public? Why they are encouraging such behavior?

If possible show them black flags and shut anti-slogans when they are in public domain. I agree that these people are tuff nut to crack, but at least it might have influence on 2-3 out of 10.

Making a group of like-minded people, with this we will have more power and more fear in eyes of our rulers.

One thing for sure, never allow region, caste politics in it. What I mean is, please don’t support the corrupt politician even if he belongs to your region, caste, locality etc. This way these leaders will get a strong message.

Do we also need a revolution like our Muslim brotherhood?

Where is Team Anna? This is a perfect time to strike. Stage is already being set. They only have to deliver.

These politicians should think multiple times before attending a function. They should actually fear the common man’s sentiments and the long term impact it has.

Somehow i think the attacker must be a huge Sunny Deol fan, as his actions and words were on Sunny's filmy tune. With this i remember one dialogue of his movie Ghayal (scene: cop slaps one college student in front of our hero), with slight modification we can say that; 'Ek din yeh-HI anger, kranti ka sailab ban-ke is desh ke saa-RE ganDa-Gi Ba-hA le ja-ye ga'.

-Shashank

Yaari, Dosti etc.

Since childhood I have been blessed with so many friends from different levels of society. During those days we do not need to remind with ‘Har ek friend zar-rU-rI ho-ta hai’. It was assumed and widely known and accepted thing. Unlike my son and his friends we didn’t have much options of playing. It was a simple choice; indoor or outdoor. And decision was finalized within 2-3 options. Today I watch my son and his friends argue over indoor activities from board games to watching tv or outdoor games, whether cricket, football etc.

God has been kind, as those around me were stronger, taller or sharper than me. So unknowingly I tried to improve myself, first to compete with them; but eventually it took out the best in me.

There were various activities we had done together from meeting in a common place at common time for more than decade to trips and activities which usually young guys do at that age. There used to be arguments, hot discussions even fights and hot words exchanged, but somehow things used to mellow down at the end.

One thought (‘message’ is too heavy word) I would like to share. Whether you accept it or not; but at this age it is very difficult (not impossible, of course) to find new friends. Whether you like it or not, there is very bold line between friends and colleagues. The former remains with us but latter is totally dependent on our and their tenure in the company. Professional friendship has many limitations and it cannot go beyond certain point (with some exceptions). There cannot be heart-to-heart talk. You usually don’t share your private and personal life and secret with them. In fact they don’t know the real ‘you’. They may be in your ‘Friends’ list in Facebook, but dimension is always superficial.

So it becomes very important to stick to your old buddies who has not only seen your various moods and colors but many times tolerated it as well. Now we may be focused in our family, the priorities might have changed there might be some added work pressure and tension. As they say: there might have lot of water passed by. In this scenario we might have missed to keep track of each other, even might have missed to call/meet each other when we should have been. Let's try not to repeat it and also to bridge the gap. Though I think it has happened unintentionally and the friendship that has tested through time should not be diluted. At our age we should be more mature and should not allow misunderstanding to stand on its feet. Why there should be a misunderstanding when we perfectly know that deep down in our hearts we always wish wellbeing of each other. Lets Forgive and Forget. Because as my master says: 'To err is human and to forgive is also a human' (to reach the divine this is one way).

I would like to conclude with a song, which I would like to share:

दिये जलते है फुल खिलते है

बडी मुश्कील से मगर दुनिया में दोस्त मिलते है !

-Shashank

Living Ideal Life in Practical (material) World

Every day we are reading or hearing the news about the top ministers and top bureaucrats even top businessman charged with corruption, fraud, mis-managing or manipulating their position.

A thought came to my mind is it possible in today’s world to have a clean record in spite of being in some top position. I have to admit that my knowledge is very limited in this field and all I can rely is my creativity and imagination (that too is not very extensive). As we move up in our career or life there arises situations where we have to make some compromises. Also it depends on priorities in our life. It may or may not have some influence in our up-bringing and family background; usually called as values.

I am trying to put myself in their shoes. Whether I would have acted in similar way or shown some maturity dealing with the temptation. It is like saying; I have been faithful to wife, as I did not have any chance (or opportunity) to do adultery. The temptation has to be great; otherwise not so many people will fall for it. Even after knowing perfectly that, everything is at stake.

Here I am trying to figure out, why some people commits mistakes after mistakes that later it becomes their sins. How much hunger they have for money, power and prestige? Or blame it on the system? Are they not afraid of getting caught? May be everyone is in same dirt; difference being some are in knee deep where as others are in neck deep. Then who is bothered to care for stains on others cloths as everyone is more concerned of to cover their own.

It is also interesting to study the mentality of their near and dear ones. Whether they have some respect for such person or they too are engrossed in their own booby world and conveniently ignoring the source of the luxury they are enjoying. It’s hard to believe the tainted person shares a bond and attachment with the family; and vice a versa. It might be easy come easy gone. I mean; for them relationship might also be like easy money they get. So far the funding goes, everyone is at peace, but the moment something goes wrong, all hell break loose.

To conclude, how far is it going to take us and when is it going to stop? With records of corruption and fraud breaking every month there seems no end in near future.

- Shashank

Down South

Down South:

After living in Bangalore for more than 8 years. Below are things which I observed and experienced. There is no right or wrong here, if you don’t agree; let’s agree to disagree.

1. Rates of Tea and coffee are same. And no one complains. Might be due to very little dominance of tea drinking community

2. Pronunciation of ‘H’ (eich) is ‘Hech’; including english teachers; due to mother tongue influence (I guess)

3. After looking at regional politician’s posters you may think that it came straight from Police Wanted list. But, frankly everywhere the situation is same in our county

4. Auto drivers are as rude as anywhere in the county. Irrespective whether they are communicating with locals or non-locals, absolutely no discrimination from their side

5. You will find posters of auto drivers next to rickshaw stand along with local MLA and auto drivers watching their snap with pride.

6. Traffic in this metro is as chaotic as any other metro city. But before you make think traffic in your city is bad and undisciplined, please make your judgment after experiencing Bangalore traffic. It is said that a common excuse to coming late is heavy traffic and it goes very well. I have seen vehicle coming from wrong direction in fly-over. Lane cutting is hobby over here. Driving the vehicle from wrong direction gives instant orgasm to drivers.

7. House owners are a totally different community over here. With slight provocation an angry man gets into fight, similarly they need any small reason to increase the rent. Some actual examples being; approach road to their house is being tar-ed or re-tar-ed, new mall comes near to their house etc.

8. Everything above AP is north. So if you are from Maharashtra or Delhi or W.Bengal, all are referred as north Indians.

9. To write about film industry you can write a big book. I will limit myself to some:

Actors here have some flimsy name in front of their name; like Golden Star, Stylist Star and Challenging star. It is said that these names have been given to them by their fans. People here think that only few (read as one and only Rajnikant) can be called as Superstar, so rest of stars has to take with these crazy names. As if, if you don’t have anything before Star, you are not considered as star. Funny no!

Talking about stars you have to be careful not to hurt anyone’s emotional sentiments. As the topic is very sensitive and often results in verbal fights.

It is strange to see educated and foreign return techies still loves and adores their favorite actors and follow their stupid style. Answer may be lies in Conditioning. 

Actors (except few like Kamal Haasan) here are more concerned about their hair style, costume and dance steps rather than going into skin of the character.

If you cannot dance, sorry you don’t have place in this industry. If you can’t act, well…….

Most of the heroines here are from north and they enjoy their stint here.

If you wonder how Rajnikant’s and other famous star’s movie becomes a blockbuster and runs for several weeks. The reason is people watch the movies more than once. In fact one time watching a movie is not considered as true watching. So fans watch it more than 4-5 times (I am modest here).

It is believed that during screening of Rajni’s movie, fans pause the film in cinema when his name in the titles come and even performs aarti.

Getting the movie ticket (of Rajni’s movie) in initial days of release is talk of the town and moment to cherish and celebrate.

-Shashank