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Correspondent

23 August 2024 at 4:29:04 pm

Regulated Neglect

The Goa nightclub tragedy where 25 people were burnt alive was the predictable outcome of ignored safety norms, lax inspections, compromised access and a governance system that reacts only after bodies are counted. In a tourism capital that markets excess as lifestyle, death has now joined the itinerary. The Goa tragedy joins a long roll-call of preventable Indian catastrophes, ranging from bridge collapses and train derailments to hospital fires and flooded coaching centres. While the...

Regulated Neglect

The Goa nightclub tragedy where 25 people were burnt alive was the predictable outcome of ignored safety norms, lax inspections, compromised access and a governance system that reacts only after bodies are counted. In a tourism capital that markets excess as lifestyle, death has now joined the itinerary. The Goa tragedy joins a long roll-call of preventable Indian catastrophes, ranging from bridge collapses and train derailments to hospital fires and flooded coaching centres. While the political class has expressed grief and condolences, the public debate, too, has followed a depressing script following the fire. There has been talk of missing fire extinguishers, faulty wiring, overcrowding, blocked exits and poor management. Yet, this technocratic post-mortem carefully avoids the central fact that this was not an accident, but a governance failure. What failed was enforcement of regulations and behind that failure sits a culture that treats safety as a nuisance and compliance as ‘optional.’ The club’s remote backwater location, reachable only by a narrow approach road, forced fire engines to halt nearly 400 metres away. Precious minutes were lost manoeuvring hoses and personnel through terrain never designed for emergency response. A nightclub built for crowds, profits and spectacle was regrettably never built for escape. Goa, the country’s premier tourism state, has long marketed itself as India’s answer to Ibiza with its beaches, drinks, neon lights and permissiveness. But beneath the postcard image lies a darker ledger of crime in beach shacks, money laundering through casinos, drug deaths, taxi mafias and now mass death in a nightclub. Each scandal is treated as an aberration. This is what happens when a public economy built on tourism is left to the private logic of greed and the political logic of indifference. Tourism in Goa does not need more marketing campaigns or nightlife festivals. It needs rules that bite. and zoning laws that matter. It needs safety audits that are real and evacuation protocols rehearsed as drills rather than imagined in hindsight. It needs a government willing to antagonise powerful interests rather than mourn their victims later. The families of the dead will receive compensation. Some officials may even face temporary suspension. A few low-level arrests will signal resolve. But the deeper ecosystem of the unholy alliance of lax regulators, bribable inspectors, political patrons and profit-hungry businesses will remain intact. That is the real firetrap. It is this ecosystem that neutralises outrage, absorbs scandal and ensures that accountability evaporates before it reaches the powerful. In Goa, as in the rest of India, tragedy has become procedural. Immediately after the incident comes the horror, then the condolences and then compensation followed by an inquiry whose conclusions will politely indict ‘systems’ rather than names. But tourism will rebound, crowds will return, and the music will resume. Only the lesson will be lost. And when the next inferno breaks out the state will once again act surprised by a disaster it spent years painstakingly preparing.

Bridging the Divide: Empowering Rural India through Education

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India’s vast diversity presents a formidable challenge in delivering quality education to its rural populations. While urban centers are increasingly equipped with technology, innovative teaching methodologies, and skill development initiatives, rural education often grapples with outdated systems and a lack of resources. To truly harness its demographic potential, India must empower rural children with modern skills—particularly those essential for success in the 21st century.


Rural students face numerous obstacles, including limited access to quality education, outdated curricula, teacher shortages, and insufficient infrastructure. These factors create a significant disadvantage, especially in an era where academic knowledge alone is insufficient. Education today must cultivate skills that prepare students for the complex challenges of the real world.


Transforming rural education requires a multifaceted approach tailored to the unique needs of these communities. Establishing digital classrooms, enhancing school facilities, and providing access to educational technology are crucial steps. Such initiatives foster critical thinking, digital literacy, and life skills, creating a comprehensive learning experience that aligns with contemporary demands.


The term “21st-century skills” encompasses a wide array of abilities that are crucial for success in today’s personal, academic, and professional environments. In a rapidly changing world, students must be equipped to analyze situations and develop creative solutions. Programs that encourage questioning and independent thought are vital for preparing rural children for real-world challenges. The modern workplace increasingly values collaboration. Educational models that promote teamwork help rural children cultivate the interpersonal skills necessary for their future careers.


As technology transforms every sector, access to digital resources becomes imperative. Digital literacy not only broadens access to information but also enhances employability in an increasingly tech-driven job market. The ability to articulate ideas clearly is essential across all fields. Interactive learning experiences can significantly improve communication skills, helping students express themselves confidently. Rural areas often boast a rich tradition of local knowledge and innovation. Encouraging creative thinking across various domains can help children address community-specific challenges with innovative solutions.


Beyond academic knowledge, rural students require a broader set of life skills. Financial literacy, for instance, is crucial in areas where many families lack budgeting and saving skills. Introducing concepts of personal finance empowers students to make informed economic decisions. Rural economies are frequently rooted in agriculture and small businesses. By fostering entrepreneurial thinking through practical projects, students can learn essential skills in business planning, resource management, and innovation—skills that pave the way for self-sufficiency. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is another critical component of a well-rounded education. Building self-awareness, empathy, and resilience equips students to navigate life’s challenges and positively contribute to their communities. Additionally, environmental awareness is vital for students who are closely connected to their natural surroundings. Education on sustainability and conservation not only prepares them for future challenges but also helps preserve local ecosystems.


While the Indian government has launched initiatives such as Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and e-learning platforms to uplift rural education, NGOs play an indispensable role in bridging gaps. They provide localized solutions, build partnerships and offer specialized resources that cater specifically to the needs of rural India.


This is where outfits like our own ThinkSharp Foundation are playing a vital role. Amid the COVID-19 lockdown, our pressing concern was how to keep rural children engaged in their education. Fearing that an extended gap in learning would lead many to lose interest in school, we quickly pivoted to provide essential learning opportunities by mobilizing volunteers who raised a considerable sum to enable us to purchase tablets and smartphones for the students at the Zilla Parishad school in Pune’s Ghore Budruk village.


Transforming rural education necessitates a departure from traditional rote learning toward a skills-based, holistic educational approach. By integrating 21st-century skills, life skills, and technological resources, these initiatives create a future where rural children have equal opportunities to thrive.


As these changes take root, the impact on rural communities could be profound. An educated youth armed with modern skills is not merely a potential employee; they can become innovators and entrepreneurs who drive local economies. According to a 2021 report by the National Sample Survey Office, around 65% of India’s population resides in rural areas, yet only about 34% of rural children complete secondary education. This stark statistic highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions.


Rural students can contribute to national narratives of progress, bridging the urban-rural divide. The challenge of improving rural education is substantial, yet the potential for transformation is equally immense. With dedicated efforts and the right support, education can serve as the key to unlocking countless opportunities for rural youth, significantly contributing to India’s growth story. The time has come for India to invest decisively in its rural education system, ensuring that no child, regardless of their geographic location, is left behind in the pursuit of a better tomorrow.


(The author is a social entrepreneur and Founder of ThinkSharp Foundation, an NGO working to bridge the rural-urban divide)

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