Innovation is a buzzword these days. Everywhere I go to attend any scientific meet or even in political messages which are aired to masses, this word echo on the air waves. But, I wonder that those on whose shoulders the weight of this word is put on, are they aware of the task being imposed upon them. They in fact remain largely oblivious of its meaning and significance. The youngs of this country are even today largely untrained and thus unskilled to undertake any such task which leads to innovation. Innovation requires a scientific orientation, teaching of basic concepts how natural principles operate and how that knowledge and techniques can be applied to create or construct something worthwhile to solve some of the problems humans are facing. Unfortunately, our teaching and pedagogy methods at schools are bereft any such mechanism that may motivate or open up the layers of inquisitiveness in the minds of our youngs. At present teachings are largely based on how one can garner maximum marks and be the topper in the class and school. Mugging up of the facts has been the way most students get trained, without asking questions why, what, when, and how.
Further, schools are largely devoid of basic laboratories and equipments where the ideas can be tested and constructs or models could be developed. I have seen in most of the places, if we leave some of the private schools/centres, in most of the government schools/colleges/universities, which should be the cradle of creation, they lack basic infrastructure and skilled trainers/teachers to undertake any creative task that may lead to innovation.
In government primary schools the focus is on mid-day meal and school staff remains engaged in catering task and to feed children than teaching. Students after graduating from these schools like even basic reading and writing skills, leave alone articulations and ideation skills. Our focus is clearly misplaced. Food should be provided by the family, and education and skill training by the schools! Are we doing that? So, from the school to the colleges the very minimum requirement to create an innovation- oriented environment is severely lacking. These places must be the hub of trainings for teeming youngs of this country, who we are told make major chunk of our populace at this moment. We are indeed westing this resource by not employing their energies into right direction, and this pains a lot.
A revolutionary plan needs to be created and it's implementation at every school needs to be executed with precision and focus. This should begin with immediately improving the school infrastructure and palcement of trained teachers and skilled school staff. In placing them qualification and training should be the only criteria/eligibility. Once we begin teaching and training at the initial ranks in our schools and colleges, we know that an environment for innovation has been created. In this manner if we channel the energy of creativity in our youngs early we can be sure that this energy will create something meaningful and something innovative. The universities and technical institutes would then start getting these skilled, energetic and productive human power and a revolution would churn in those places leading to flood of innovation.
Are we prepared for this movement. This cannot be done alone by the government or alone by the private investment, it will require participation of all the stakeholders, the whole citizenry, indeed.
We have had enough of talks, the question is 'Are we restless enough to embark on this path to revolutionise innovation in this country?'
(Image courtesy globiztec.com)
