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Correspondent

23 August 2024 at 4:29:04 pm

Trust Reset

As the recent protests over the NEET paper leak showed, India’s examination system has reached a point where incremental repairs are no longer enough. The appointment of a high-powered task force on examination reforms, headed by technology pioneer Nandan Nilekani, is therefore not merely an administrative response to the NEET-UG paper leak crisis but a concrete attempt to rebuild confidence in one of the country’s most important public institutions. Examinations are gateways to opportunity,...

Trust Reset

As the recent protests over the NEET paper leak showed, India’s examination system has reached a point where incremental repairs are no longer enough. The appointment of a high-powered task force on examination reforms, headed by technology pioneer Nandan Nilekani, is therefore not merely an administrative response to the NEET-UG paper leak crisis but a concrete attempt to rebuild confidence in one of the country’s most important public institutions. Examinations are gateways to opportunity, social mobility and professional ambition. For millions of students across the country, a competitive examination represents years of sacrifice by families and the possibility of a better future. When question papers leak repeatedly, evaluation systems fail or allegations of manipulation emerge, the resulting damage strikes at the idea of fairness itself. The crisis surrounding NEET-UG exposed uncomfortable vulnerabilities in the country’s examination infrastructure. The resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the subsequent appointment of Pralhad Joshi with additional charge of the ministry underlined the political seriousness of the issue. But political accountability alone cannot fix a structural problem. That is why the composition of the new task force is a move on the right direction. It brings together expertise from technology, space research, intelligence, education administration and logistics. Nilekani’s appointment is particularly significant. The former Infosys chief executive and architect of Aadhaar has experience in building large-scale digital public infrastructure involving hundreds of millions of citizens. The Aadhaar project itself was born out of a similar challenge: how to create a reliable identity system in a country where leakages and duplication weakened welfare delivery. India’s examination system now requires the same kind of thinking. The committee’s mandate to examine the entire examination lifecycle - from question paper creation and distribution to candidate verification, evaluation and results - is the right approach. The problem lies in multiple weak points where human intervention, poor security protocols and outdated processes can create opportunities for malpractice. Technology will inevitably be central to the solution. Artificial intelligence can help detect unusual patterns, blockchain-based verification can strengthen record security and better data systems can improve transparency. But a secure examination system requires independent oversight, professional management, clear accountability and swift punishment for wrongdoing. India’s National Testing Agency was created to bring efficiency and standardisation to public examinations. Its credibility must now be restored through reforms that are visible and trusted by students. The Nilekani task force has been given the difficult job of repairing that trust. The government has chosen a committee led by people with experience of managing complex national systems. It is a sensible first step. The real test will now be whether its recommendations translate into action.

Dhanteras: A Celebration of Wealth, Health, and Prosperity

True wealth lies in our health, our relationships, our peace of mind, our generosity, and the values that guide our lives.

As the gentle glow of countless diyas begins to light up homes and hearts, and the fragrance of marigolds fills the air, India readies itself to welcome Diwali-- the festival of light, love and new beginnings. But before the grand celebration of Diwali arrives, comes a day that holds immense spiritual and material significance -- Dhanteras, the day that marks the dawn of prosperity, purity and divine blessings.


Dhanteras, also known as Dhan Trayodashi, is a significant festival in Hindu culture, celebrated on the 13th day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. It is the first day of the five-day Diwali festival, symbolising the start of light overcoming darkness, wealth overcoming poverty and good fortune entering our lives. This day is dedicated to worshipping Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. This year it is celebrated on October 18th.


Significance of Dhanteras

Dhanteras is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil and the victory of light over darkness. It is believed that on this day, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan, carrying a pot of nectar and Ayurvedic medicines. The festival is also associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, who is revered for her blessings of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune.


Rituals and traditions

The rituals and traditions of Dhanteras are steeped in spiritual and cultural significance. Some of the common practices include:

  • Cleaning and decorating the home: Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with rangoli, diyas, and flowers to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari.

  • Buying new items: It is considered auspicious to buy new items, especially utensils, silver, or gold, on Dhanteras. This is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the family.

  • Worshipping Lord Dhanvantari: Devotees offer prayers and perform puja to seek Lord Dhanvantari's blessings for good health and well-being.

  • Lighting diyas: Diyas are lit to dispel darkness and bring light and prosperity into the home.


Another lesser-known ritual associated with Dhanteras is Yamadeepam – a symbolic offering to Lord Yama, the God of Death, for the protection of family members. A small lamp is placed outside the home facing south, with a prayer for longevity and peace.


Relevance in modern times

In today's fast-paced world, Dhanteras remains a significant festival that holds relevance for several reasons:

  • Celebrating tradition and culture: Dhanteras is an opportunity to connect with our cultural heritage and traditions. It is a time to reflect on the values and principles that have been passed down through generations.

  • Promoting family bonding: The festival brings families together, fostering a sense of unity and bonding. It is a time to strengthen relationships and create lasting memories.

  • Fostering a sense of gratitude: Dhanteras is a reminder to be grateful for the blessings we have received. It encourages us to appreciate the good things in life and express our gratitude to the divine.

  • Emphasising the importance of health and wellness: The worship of Lord Dhanvantari highlights the importance of health and wellness. It reminds us to take care of our physical and mental health and seek blessings for well-being.


While the markets may glitter with offers and discounts, the essence of Dhanteras calls us to pause and reflect -- to ask ourselves what true wealth means. It could be our health, our relationships, our peace of mind, the ability to give and share, and our values and principles that guide our lives. As we celebrate Dhanteras in the modern world, let us embrace the spirit of the festival and strive to cultivate a sense of gratitude, unity, and well-being.


In the modern context, Dhanteras encourages financial wisdom and mindful living. Buying gold or investing on this day is often seen as auspicious, but the deeper meaning lies in valuing what truly sustains us-- wisdom, compassion and well-being.


Dhanteras teaches us sustainability -- when we light diyas made of clay instead of electric lights, when we clean our surroundings as a symbol of inner purification and when we spend time with family instead of screens, we reconnect with timeless values that modern life often overlooks.


May the lamp of Dhanteras illuminate our paths with good health, joy and abundance. May our hearts shine brighter than gold and our homes overflow with love and laughter. As we step into Diwali, may every flame remind us that the greatest light of all-- is the one that glows within.


Happy Dhanteras to you!

 

(The writer is a tutor based in Thane. Views personal.)

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