From
K.C. Panigrahy
Secretary, Sri Jagannath Mandir
Sabara Srikhetra, Koraput-764020

Sri Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, IAS Lr. No : 23/JM/10
Collector & District Magistrate -cum- Dt : 27/01/2010
Working President, Sri Jagannath Mandir,
Sabara Srikhetra, KORAPUT -764020

Sub : Central University of Orissa, Koraput.

Dear Sir,
I am told that while Hon'ble VC addressing the students and teachers on January 23, 2010 at the University Campus has stated that the Temple authorities are claiming rupees fifteen lakhs for the inaugural ceremoney on August 29, 2009 (which is far from truth) and thus she has moved the State Government for payment. It seems it is her panic reaction in an attempt to divert the attention of the agitating students and public, though she is well aware of the facts which are otherwise.

2. In the interest of Koraput region, I would like to note that the matter of proper governance of the new born Central University of Orissa deserves your serious attention as you are the District Magistrate of Koraput. Your immediate intervention, though the CUO may be a Central government organisation, is seems essential. In the mean time certain facts of grave lapses might have come to your notice. Till now there is no minimum facilities like a text book library at least. The most sufferers are the 'Mass Communication & Journalism' students who have till now are not exposed to any gadgets which they are supposed to handle frequently to have the confidence. I am told that the Hon'ble VC had sermoned to the student on 23-01-2010 saying that the students wil be taken to different studios of our country on study tours. It seems it is to white wash the whole problem. The study tour can not serve the purpose of handling of the gadgets by the students. After laboratory practice, the study tour will yield the result. Any sane person can visualise the realties. Procurement of text books for the library and having a communication studio is not of most difficult task. The authorities could have used the Gyan Mandir (e-library-cum-studio) of Sri Jagannath Mandir with little addition and alteration for the Mass Communication & Journalism students. as well as other facility students. The above arrangements will cost much less than the so-called study tours. It seems the Hon'ble VC has never applied her wisdom to solve the problem. This could have also been managed even staying at Kolkota. In fact, earlier she had written a letter to our president to allow to use the 'Gyan Mandir'. It seems, after the sucess of the inaugural ceremony when she got bha-bha from HRD Minister and our Chief Minister, she quietly forgot that a first batch of students are admitted at a new University.

3. I may also note that Sri Jagannath Mandir of Sabara Srikhetra is the pioneer to take the public load since 1995 for establishment of an university in Koraput region which is a backward scheduled Area. After much endeavour and untiring efforts for one and half decades the Government have been pleased to open a Central University at Koraput in 2009 by the grace of god. Fortunately since 1995 all the Hon'ble MPs and MLA's, of Koraput region (four districts) irrespective of their politial affilation, Co-operated activety in our endeavour which is rare in any other part of our country. As we are striveing since 1995, therefore voluntereed to cooperate with the 'Central University of Orissa' team from the day one in providing of temporary accomodation in the premises of our sister organisation (COATS) remodeling the campus as desigred by VC for opening an University and make all arrangements for the inaugural ceremoney, lest the project might be hijacked as a proposal was being hatched to have the university campus at Bhubaneswar. Hon'ble VC was also very much interested to stay at Bhubaneswar or in worst at the near by Dhenkanal or Anugul and she had submited such a proposal to the authorities. Against this background I now bring to your kind notice the main issues so that you may be able to appreciate the whole gamut of the problems.

4. On personal request by the Hon'ble VC and the advice of the Collector, we have taken up, the following works for the C.U.O to start functioning.

(I) Remodeling of the COATS campus to make it suitable for running a University.
(II) Arrangements for the inaugural ceremoney at 'Nisani Munda'.

5. Both are separate works and items. Hon'ble VC had personally requested to remodel the COATS campus, engageing sufficient extra workers to make the COATS campus as early as possible suitable for opening the University prior to the visit of the Central team headed by the Joint Secretary (HRD), Government of India. She had specifically told me in the presence of the Collector and other officers of CUO that the expenditure made for remodeling of the COATS campus and white washing/painting of the proposed hostel buildings will also be met from the CUO fund. Officers on Special Duty of the CUO has also given in writing that the expenditure will be re-embursed from the University fund. The District Administration had under taken the remodeling, white washing etc, tasks of the two Hostel Buildings and it seems the CUO has not yet taken care to re-emburs the cost involved to the District Administration also.

6. For the arrangements in a rainy season at the Nisani Munda (inaugural ceremoney venue) we could be able to complete at a cost of Rs. 4,03,152.00 (Rupees four lakhs three thousand one hundred fifty only) which includes construction of temporary road and drain from the main road to the venue stage which was quite essential. You are well aware of the hardship we faced to execute the work both day and night during heavy rains when you happened to be the Sub-Collector and you are an eye witness to it.

7. We place bellow the detail headwise expenditure made by the temple which we had already supplied alongwith xerox copies of the cash book, all the vouchers and the extracts of MB to the university authority. What else the CUO authorities need for settlement ? The tragic irony is that there is no bonafide officer either at Bhubaneswar or at Koraput and Hon'ble VC seems busy with the so-called CUO development projects. Unfortunately now the Hon'ble VC is stating blatant lie before the students and teaches meet on 23-01-2010. Is It the wisdom of a VC ?

Details of the expenditure made for theremodeling the proposed University Campus and the inaugural ceremony of the Central University of Orissa, Koraput by Sri Jagannath Mandir, Sabara Srikhetra, Koraput

Item No. I
1) Remodeling / Renovation works including roof repairing,

Replacing of old GCI sheet wherever necessary,
maxphalting the roof, Laying of Concrete roads,
Landscaping and fencing, painting & colour
working, decoration with Jhoti etc. 9,22,645.00

2) Electrification to the structures and premises 35,532.00
Total - I Rs : 9,58,177.00

Item No. II

3) Landscaping the inaugural meeting venue with
laying of temporary roods, drains etc and erection
of stage 1,47,540.00

4) Erection of Temporary pendal with 4000 capacity
sitting arrangements, decorating with cloth etc. 2,07,145.00

5) Erection of Flex Boards for the Hostels, venue,
campus etc. with the MS Angle frames. 26,971.00

6) Arrangements of Mike, Electrification, Generator etc.

at inaugural venue 10,300.00

7) Procurement of flowers etc. to decorate the meeting

stage and the plaque etc. 8,316.00

8) Postage and other expenses for the distribution

of the invitation letter and subsequently the

invitation cards to the dignitories of the undivided

Koraput plus 00other KBK area. 2,880.00

B.F Total - I Rs : 9,58,177.

Total -I I Rs :4,03,152.00
Total-II Rs : 4,03,152.00 Grand Total Rs : 13,61,329.00

(Rupees thirteen lakhs sixtyone thousand and three hundred twentynine only)

Please Note : Earlier the bill was submitted for Rs.13,56,235/- as an item was later paid.

8. The total is not fifteen lakhs but the expenditures for the inaugural ceremony is only 4,03,152/- In spite of our repeated requests and clarifications the claim has not been settled as yet.

9. Till the end of the inaugural ceremoney of the Central University, Sri Jagannath Mandir of Sabara Srikhetra arranged everything from A to Z including the distribution of invitation letter first and subsequently the invitation cards to all the dignitories of KBK region as well as of Orissa State.

10. You may be astonished to know that the VC is said to have spent rupees Rs.55,00,000/- (Rupees fiftyfive lakhs only) towards advertisements charges only for the inaugural ceremoney in the news papers mainly of Kolkata and Delhi editions awarding a contract to one M/S Alakananda Publications vide CUO file No.1024/CUO/09. There are many more such instance of exhorbetant expenditure incured.

11. I am not sure whether the above expenditure made by Hon'ble VC was in the interest of the Central University of Orissa, Koraput and public. Moreover, it seems the expenditures made by the Hon'ble VC are not as per the Government Order No.G.23011/22/2009 - IF.I, Government of India, Ministry of Human Resources Development of Higher Education read with the Government of India, Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure O.M. issued in F.No.66 (16)/PF-11/2009 dated 24th July 2009 and No.7 (I). E. Coord / 2009 dated 7th September, 2009 which inter alia stipulated urgent need for rationalization of expenditure and optimization of available resources in order to ensure adequate resources for meeting the development needs. (All the words are from the referred G.O.).

12. In spite of allotment of six quarters by the State Government, the Hon'ble VC is staying at Hotel Mayfair, Bhubaneswar paying Rs.6,000/- daily rent. Further on the plea of holding a seminar, all the students and teachers were shifted from 'Koraput' to 'Bhubaneswar' bearing entire expenditure of their TA, DA and lodging at Bhubaneswar out of the University fund seems to be the repitation of 'Dilli se Daulatabad' syndrome and may need immediate treatment. Another so-called two seminar/workshops of 'English language' and 'Tribal problem' are also seems to be dramas. The Hon'ble VC may have to clarify her actions when the questions arise. Now she is talking about study tour to studios of our Country. At what cost ? For whose benifit ? Certainly not of the students.

13. In the face of the categorical commitment of the OSD made in his letter No.CUO/1013/2009 dated 1.8.2009 addressed to the Collector and District Magistrate, Koraput (copy enclosed) that the actual expenditure for the inaugural ceremony would be reimbursed from the accounts of the central University of Orissa. Now the plea taken by the Hon'ble VC that she moved the State Government for payment is quite absured as there was no such request to us from the state Government to make such arrangements solely for the function of the university. It seems the Central University authorities are bent upon playing the game of hide and seek which has to be stopped. Of course, the CUO authorities cannot go back from their commitments which tentamounts to clear breach of trust.

14. Under the circumstances, I appeal to your goodself to take up the matter with the Hon'ble VC and ensure prompt reimbursement of the total expenditure of Rs. 13,61,329.00 incurred by the temple in good faith and in public interest to comply with the request made by the Hon'ble VC seeking our co-operation.

Yours faithfully,
K.C. Panigrahy
Secretary

Copy forwarded to the Hon'ble VC Prof. Surabhi Banerjee to her three addresses :(i) Main Office at Koraput, (ii) Camp Office at Bhubaneswar and (iii) The real office (Res.) at Kolkata, for her kind information. She is again requested to be kind enough to keep her words and settle the dues immediately. She may also kindly note that the Mandir is not a private contractor and it is an autonomous legal body where four collectors of Koraput region are its ex-officio office bearers and Superintendent of Police, Koraput is also the ex-officio Vice President. The CUO authorities shall not treat the letters, documents submitted by the Mandir authorities are from an irresponsible body or a person.

(b) Further, Hon'ble VC may kindly favour the Public of Koraput region in shifting her actual Headquarter from Kolkata to Koraput at her earliest convenience and may visit her camp office at Bhubaneswar and Delhi from Koraput. It is in the interest of the infant University and she may kindly consider to stay at Koraput at least for a period of fifteen days in a month.

(c) Further more, the Hon'ble VC may kindly consider to either appoint or bring on deputation a qualified and able Registrar and a suitable Finance Controller. The so-called two or three OSDs are not in the interest of the new-born University. Ofcourse, These OSDs can be controlled with a remote.

(d) She may also kindly consider to start a library at least with the text books and other sundry units relating to an university immediately as she is not yet able to appreciate, the plights of first batch students.

(e) She may also kindly consider either to appoint or bring on deputation senior professionals as faculty members instead of temporary juniors on whom Hon'ble VC's remote controlled Sword is always hanging, for which the juniors are not in a position to express their wisdom.

(f) Any sensible person will definitely appreciate that these demands of minimum essential arrangements are in the interest of the University and students. So-called sermons of the Hon'ble VC (as I am told) on January 23, 2010 to the students teacher meet at Koraput campus that "the VC is at liberty to stay at any place of the country and shall not be expected to sit at Koraput" seems not at all good for the health of the new born baby university. Perhaps due to student agitation earlier (Generally the studentss of M.A Classes do not dare to agitate) the Hon'ble VC has to state as above to boost her capacity.

(g) Hope, the above submissions before the Hon'ble VC will kindly be appreciated as she is an academician. As the Hon'ble VC had made the issue public first in the students, teachers meet, I am circulating this to the concerned public and authorise to clear the confusion created.

K.C. Panigrahy
Secretary

Please Note :
Hon’ble VC Prof. Surabhi Banerjee had again repeated the same before a Press Conference at Bhuabneswar on February 3, 2010

Facts are stubborn things

F Prof. Surabhi Banarjee, VC of the University of Gour Banga(WB) was appointed as the VC of Central University of Orissa, vide Notification No. F. 42-2/2009-Desk (u) Dated 28th February, New Delhi, 2009.

F Prof. Banarjee joined the Central University of Orissa on the `same day of notification i.e. on Feb 28, 2009 in submitting her joining report to the visitor ( President of India, New Delhi).

F As per the web site ot the University of Gour Banga (WB) : http:// www.ugb.ac.in/ vc / Prof. Banerjee was continuing as the VC of Goura Banga tile June 8, 2009. If is rather strange as to how is it possible for the same person to hold two posts from 28-02-2009 to 08-06-2009

F When Prof. Banarjee submitted her resignation to the chancellor (Governor of west Bengal) ?

F When the resignation was accepted ?

F Was she in duel charges of both the Universities on the basis of any such order?

F If not what is the inside story?

Courtesy:R.K.Laxman

CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF ORISSA, KORAPUT AT A GLANCE

1. The Govt. of India gave its approval for establishment of 12 new Universities Bill in 12 states and tacking over and conversion of 4 existing State Universities on Friday, October 03, 2008.

2. The said University bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha on 24th February, 2009 and became an Act. It was earlier introduced in the Lok Sabha on 17th February, 2009 and passed in the Lok Sabha on 19th February, 2009

3. Prof. Surabhi Banerjee the VC of the University of ‘Gaur Bang’ a west Bengal State University at Malda functioning in a High school was appointed as the first Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Orissa, Koraput vide Notification No. F. 42-2/2009 – Desk (U), Government of India, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Higher Education, Dated the 28th February, New Delhi, 2009.

4. Prof. Surabhi Banerjee assumed the charge of the VC of the Central University of Orissa in submitting her joining report to the ‘Visitor’, Central University of Orissa, Rastrapati Bhavan, New Delhi on the same day of notification where in she stated :

“ I here by demit the office of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Gour Bang having already submitted my resignation and join as First Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Orissa from today” (i.e 28th Feb. 2009). We are not aware of wether Prof. Banerjee submitted her joining report before the Visitor (President of India) after the resignation was accepted by the Chancellor (Governor of west Bengal).

5. The First VC of the Central University of Orissa Prof. Banerjee opened her office of the ‘Central University of Orissa’ at 28/6-B, Bepin Pal Road Extension, Po-Kalighat, Kolkota – 700 026.


6. Prof. Banerjee received a grant of rupees One Crore and Twenty five lakhs from the University Grants Commission on 17th March 2009. On 19th March 2009 She came to Bhubaneswar and opened an account in the State Bank of India, Head office Branch hearing A/C number 30715436599. Prof. Banerjee had opened a makeshift office at the Reception office of the integrated Test Range, DRDO office at Bhubaneswar.

7. Prof. Banerjee came to Orisa and met the Chief Secretary Mr. Ajit Tripathi along with other Secretaries and officers of the HE. Dept. on 19th March, 2009 at the State Secretariat and Hon’ble Chief Minister Sri Naveen Patnaik on 20th March, 2009. During discussion when Prof. Banerjee sought for guidance to recruit the temporary office staff, she was advised to appoint after the election is over. Further she was advised to appoint experienced officers who are well-versed with the educationed matters. She was advised about certain retired officials to who subsequently she appointed. They were Dr. Barada Kanta Mishra OES (Retd) and former Jt. Secretary to HE Dept. Govt of Orissa. Dr Mishra was also a member of the State Pollution Board. Besider Dr. Mishra, she appointed Sri Laxmidhar Pati, former Sr. Officer of the Finance Dept Govt of Orissa, Sri Brijaya kumar Parida OAS (Retd), former Jt. Secretary of Govt of Orissa as the Dy. Register, Bansidhar Parida former officer of the State Pollution of Board as Asst. Register. All the above officers left the University with in a short period for the reasons may be best known to Prof. Banerjee. Similarly Ajaya Kumar Mandhata, Kiran Panigrahy left the University.

8. Prof. Banerjee in her first ‘ Brief Perspective Plan’ submitted to the Government of India and the State Government had submitted :

“ In view of my meetings, interactions and search work, I may submit (that) Koraput may be developed as a Satellite Campus, even a constituent College may be setup there. There is adequate land available at village ARUGUL near the proposed site for IIT, which is only 25 Kms away from Bhubaneswar . This is an ideal location. There is also sufficient land in ‘Dhenkanal’ which is very well connected and suitable for Central University”.

9. When the above report was leaked, there was hue and cry among all sectors in Orissa and e.magazine Portal published in its April 27,2009 news that :

“ It is totally disappointing and painful to learn that recently appointed Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Surabhi Banerjee, of Central University of Orissa (CUO) is planning for a second campus in Bhubaneswar for her personal convenience rather than take caring interest of Orissa state. Keeping general election in mind, at the lost moment Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Union Government of India has hurijedly appointed Prof Surabhi Banerjee as the first Vice-Chancellor of the CUO and she is in no mood to move to Koraput due to lack of facilities like airport and modern health care units (Tathya .in, April 26,2009 and Samaja, April 29,2009).

10. The Pioneer in its 9th May, 2009 edition wrote :

“Succumbing to the tremendous pressure from the intelligentsia of the state, Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Orissa (CUO) Pro. Surabhi Banerjee has changed her stance. xxxxxxx . Clearly defensive, she said the campus would be opened at Koraput and classes would start in August xxxx”.

11. The Central University of Orissa, Koraput was inaugurated at Koraput on August 29,2009 by the Hon’ble Minister HRD Kapil Sibal in presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Orissa . On 18-09-2009 the Sr. OSD (Admin & Finance) wrote to Sri K.C. Panigrahy, Secretary, Sri Jagannath Mandir, Koraput that :

“xxx . Our University places on record its appreciation for the efforts made for making the inaugural event a grand success. We look forward to your continuous support in the interest of people of Orissa and also for the entire country. In order to reimburse you the expenses, as request please let us have the copies of all bill/ Vouchers / relevant documents to enable the Finance Department of the University for processing the payment in your favour at the earliest”

12. The Pioneer in the Bhubaneswar the edition of 9th February, 2010 reported that :

Xxxx . In response to the allegations against the temple management made by CUO VC Surabhi Banerjee at a press conference in Bhubaneswar on February 3, the management secretary rebuts through a press release : “we are not able to appreciate how and why a VC of her stature could stoop to so low and its speaks her credibility”.


13. While pondering over the issues of the Central University of Orissa, Koraput (The first University for Orissa) one may like to refer the following :

Universities are autonomous and the Vice-Chancellor is the leader of a higher education. As per the norm he/she should be an eminent academician, excellent administrator and also someone who has a high moral stature. As per the Constitution of the University, the Vice-Chancellor (VC) is considered ‘Principal Academic and Executive Officer of the University’. As head of the University he/she is expected to function as a ‘bridge’ between the executive and the academic wing of the University. It is to facilitate this expected role that Universities are always in search at persons with values, personality characteristics and integrity in addition to academic excellence and administrative experience. Finding the right person to fit into the position in important, not only in the interest of the University, but also in the interest of nation building, as thousands of students observe this leadership with high expectations as somebody who constitutes to their future.

14. The details of Hon’ble VC Prof. Surabhi Banerjee visit to Koraput.

(i) Hon’ble VC Prof. Surabhi Banerjee Joined the Central University of Orissa, Koraput on February 28, 2009.

(ii) Her first visit to Koraput was on May 22, 2009 at 1 PM and left Koraput on May 23 at 11.30 AM.

(iii) Her second visit was on June 14,2009 at about 1 pm along with a Central team headed by the Jt. Secretary to Govt. of India, HRD Dept. Mr. Sunil Kumar and left Koraput at about 4 Pm. The team had first reached NALCO guest house, took their lunch and visited proposed sites to finalise the permanent one and also visited the COATS Campus, Gyan Mandir to assess the suitability of the temporary Campus.

(iv) Prof. Banerjee’s thirst visit was on Auguest 25, 2009 at 1 pm and left Koraput on August 26 at 12 noon.

(v) Fourth Visit was the inaugural day i.e August 29 2009. She came with the guests and left Koraput along with the guests in the state plane.

(vi) She could be able to visit Koraput again on September 17, 2009 and left on 18th September. After the inaugural ceremony when she got the bha-bha for the Hon’ble Minister Kapil Sibal and Hon’ble Chief Minister Nabeen Patnaik, She quietly forgot that a first batch students are admitted to a new university, the University office was not yet organized properly, two hostels are opened and there was none except a lone young lady officer Ms. Kiran Panigrahy.

(vii) Sixth visit to Koraput was on October 15, at 2 PM along with some resource persons (friends ?) from Kolkata to conduct an ‘English’ work shop. Left koraput October 10 at 1 pm.

(viii) Seventh Visit to Koraput was on November 27, 2009 at 1 pm along with the Central Planning Commission Member Hon’ble Prof. N. Jadliab to attend a seminar on ‘Tribal Problem’. Left Koraput on November 29.

(ix) Last visit was on January 22, 2010 to control the agitating students. (Generally MA students do not dare to agitate. Unfortunately it happened due to obvious reasons).

Note : Prior to inaugural ceremony Hon’ble VC visited thrice and after it for four times totaling to about 15 days of her total ten use of about one year.

Compiled by K.C. Panigrahy
Director, Tribal Museum, Koraput (Orissa)

TIPS FOR PARENTS
Inculcating Reading Habits in Children

The practice of reading has been a characteristic of human life and society, since time immemorial. In fact it would be quite correct to say that reading is the basic and commonplace tool with which an individual can access to vast and unbounded knowledge.

It is universally known that some of the most eminent personalities of the world have been avid readers throughout their lives. Abraham Lincoln, Jane Austen, Bronte sisters, J.L. Nehru, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, Nirad. C. Chaudhuri are but a few names in this category. Undeniably, their quest for knowledge were instrumental in making them what they were.

In the present day circumstances, all across the globe, the habit of reading is gradually becoming a neglected art. It is being pushed into oblivion by the widespread and powerful invasion of the television and the internet. However the optimists and the millions of book lovers all over the globe, strongly believe that inspite of all odds, book-reading is here and to stay. It will demonstrate enough resilience and retain its position of importance.

Be that as it may, many of our might be avid readers themselves and will continue to be so. Herein arises the need to inculcate this habit in your children too, so that they can enrich their lives during the formative years and even afterwards.

Given below are some useful suggestions as to how to develop this habit in your children:

Train the kids to read as early as possible. Ideally you could begin around age three when they are beginning to master their alphabets. Reading could begin with matching the letters to the corresponding images, followed by spelling out of the words.

Initially, you need to provide books with lots of colourful images or illustrations, in order capture the child's fancy. The child will spend a good deal of time looking at the images and interpreting them according to his level of intelligence. In the next step he will begin focussing on the written matter, out of sheer curiosity. That will be the beginning of his reading.

Side by side, you could foster interest in reading, by regularly reading out to the child, each day. The ideal time would be bedtime, when the child his fed, washed and brushed and you are through with your chores for the day, whether at home or in the office. Reading out to the child will help to sooth his nerves, fire his imagination and finally lull him to sleep.

Encourage your child to read aloud, repeat what you have read, after you. This practice will help him to memorise sounds pronunciations and spellings better.

It would be helpful to procure a few books with simple sentences and rudimentary stories, ad then leave them strewn round your child's' room. Instinctively, your child will try to emulate you. Initially he may fumble, make errors in pronunciations and spellings. Don't chide him for that .Instead, correct him gently.

When the child has finished with a particular set of books, make sure you get new ones for him. This is a must for sustaining his interest in reading. For heaven's sake don't crib or cringe about how expensive books are, and so forth. You must realise it is a sound investment you are making for your child's future.

As your child grows older, and the years pass by, you need to ensure that he has a steady supply of books/reading material of his choice. You could even ask your relatives and friends to gift your child books on his birthday or during festivals. These books will become his permanent friends.

Without making it obvious, keep a close watch what kind of reading your child is indulging in. You must ensure that he is unable to lay his hands on pornography and other obscene literary works. Even if you happen to possess some of the world's best literature ( meant for adult readers only!!),lock them away carefully till your child becomes mature i.e. around 18 years of age. During adolescence, a child is utterly confused and experiences conflict about developing his ideology and values. Such kind of stuff may only help to distract him from his chosen path.

Above all you must contact your nearest library, which has a sizeable collection of books on diverse subjects for toddlers, children and teenagers. It would be worthwhile to become a member of such a library and enroll your child too. Doing so will ensure that your child gets a steady supply of books to read and a congenial atmosphere for uninterrupted reading for long hours.

Source : India Education.net

TCRC : Tribal Culture Research Centre
Koraput – 764020; Orissa State; India

TIPS FOR PARENTS
Teaching Children Good Manners

" The child shows the man, as morning shows the day", goes the famous adage. In other words, the early experiences and attitudes of human beings find reflection in their future lives. It is in the fitness of things therefore, that children should be taught about the best and most important things of life, at a very tender age, so that they may imbibe these vital aspects in a rightful manner.

Now what are things that children must be taught? First of all they must be taught civility and good manners. That is because man is a social animal, who cannot survive without interacting with others. It is for this interaction that a precise code of social conduct has been drawn up in all human societies. Indeed good manners are in a way a pen portrait of an individual. They reflect his/her family background, upbringing, ideals and table of values and so forth. Good manners make social interactions smooth sailing and a pleasurable experience.

Let us confine our discussions to only the urban middle classes in our country. To begin with, a child must learn how to greet people in the right way, wish them good morning/afternoon /evening, Namaste. Adaab, Sat Sri Akal, Ram Ram etc (as per his/her family's customs) or simply the universal Hello/Hi!. He/she must remember to shake hands with grown-ups as well as his peer group. He/she must know how to greet family members, family friends and intimate acquaintances with warm hugs and embraces, touching of feet and so forth.

Sounds like a laughing matter? But starting with teenage boys must be taught to offer their seats to ladies and senior citizens in buses, streetcars and local trains. Speaking from personal experience I have observed, boys in their late teens and even early 20's declining to vacate their seats in spite of requests. More often than not, the doting mothers or aunts take sides with them, declaring: Bachha Hai, / Beta Hai,/ Yeh beemar hai and so on.Is this the blessed land where elders and women are respected, venerated as godly beings? I often wonder. In this respect at least, the youth of the western world deserve a pat on the back for displaying impeccable manners. The young boys must also be taught to open doors for the fair sex (irrespective of their ages), arise as a lady enters the room, and sit only after she is seated.

Next comes table manners and etiquette. If he/she is familiar with the western environment, a child must know how to use napkins, forks knives and spoons, leave the table, pass the dishes around and so forth. However, if he/she dines in the desi style, (squatting on the floor) he/she can still observe good manners v.i.z. not piling food on the plate, not burping loudly , not licking his/her fingers and palm, not talking with the mouth full, not licking the plate, not using the water tumbler with the right hand and so forth.These hold good for table dining too.

Then there are other aspects of good manners, which relate to personal hygiene and cleanliness. For instance one must never pick his nose or ears, scratch his/her body parts in full public view. Girls and young women should always sit with their knees covered, when wearing short outfits. There are lots more According to prevalent Indian ethics, the youngsters must never sit with their feet dangling, pointing towards their elders. It is a sign of sheer disrespect.

Spitting on the roadsides, ejecting paan spittle out of bus windows are hardly examples of good manners. I have seen several of the so-called educated and well-placed adults indulge in such acts. Evidently they were not taught manners in their childhood. In addition to the above, the young children must be taught not to push or jostle but to wait for their turns instead.

Other instances of good manners include not pouncing on snacks and gooey goodies when they are offered to you, helping your hostess to lay the table, carrying dirty plates to the kitchen sink, (in case of small, private get togethers), leaving toilets clean after use, helping people around you to carry their luggage or shopping bags. In fact slightly grown up children can begin such practices quite easily instead of waiting for their youth to arrive.

Now how to go about teaching good manners to children? One must bear in mind that it is a continuous teaching learning process. The children will need to be constantly guided and supervised while they are picking up these manners. If and when they err, they must be chided gently, and not made to feel small. True, their actions might cause you some degree of embarrassment. But no flogging, thrashing or any other kind of physical violence please! They are out.

A word of caution. While teaching good manners to their off springs, the parents must make sure that they themselves have at least near perfect manners. For, you never know, growing children must just turn around and point out the flaws in the mannerisms of their parents or guardians. Therefore it is the parents who need to set their house in order first.

Source : India Education.net

TCRC : Tribal Culture Research Centre
Koraput – 764020; Orissa State; India

TIPS FOR PARENTS
Guiding Your Children To A Good Future

Consider this scenario. You are a middle aged executive fairly settled in your job and leading a comfortable family life. Your children have become teenagers and are on the verge of finishing high school. Now you and your spouse will encounter a crucial question: What sort of higher studies and subsequently a career will your children get into? Given the present day condition of cut throat competition and limited availability of seats in the most sought after fields, anxiety and worries are bound to grip the parents of would- be high- school graduates. The more children you have, the greater is your discomfiture.

Since the lives of parents are intricately interwoven with that of their offsprings, they are by far the best advisors for their children, provided of course that they are moderately educated. But unfortunately, due to social pressures and the raging spirit of rivalry, even highly educated and professionally successful parents come down very harshly on their children. By adopting unkind psychological methods like taunting, threatening and bullying, they compel their children to take up what they (the parents) want them (the children) to.

It follows as a natural corollary that doctors' children end up as doctors, scientists' children as scientists, businessmen's kids as businessmen and so forth. This is the general trend in India, at least. On their part, the children are reluctant to oppose their parents or break into revolt, to avoid domestic tensions and save face in public.

But this use of coercion by the parents and guardians often takes a heavy toll of the students' mental and emotional stability. Forced into a strange sphere against their wishes, they either fail to perform or perform miserably and in the process invite further sarcasm or ridicule from their parents, peers, acquaintances and so forth.

To get out of this uncomfortable situation, you as parents need to adopt a considerate and sympathetic attitude towards your wards. Some suggestions as to how to cope with the career problems of children are outlined below:

First and foremost you must realise that each child is an individual as distinct from the others. Each child has certain innate qualities, latent abilities and talents, which need to be honed and chiselled over the years in order to bring out the best in him or her. Therefore, even when you watch your child growing up along with your neighbour's children, sharing their ideas and tastes, you must bear in mind that his/her needs are still unique.

By the time a child is 7 - 8 years of age, his/her likes and dislikes, predilections and weaknesses begin to emerge clearly. It would be important to keep a track of these when the child enters teenage and is about to choose his /her future career. Just because Mr X's daughter is good in mathematics or Mrs Y's son is good in Physics, and your child is not, does not mean he/she is stupid or dull. Why, he/she may be good in music/ geography/ English/ needlework/ painting? It becomes your duty therefore, to help him mould a decent career out of the things he/she is good at.

Never chide or admonish your child in front of others. More particularly so when he/she has metamorphosed into an adolescent or teenager. Doing so will hurt his/her ego and shatter his/her self-confidence. He/she will end up doing far more badly in his forthcoming tests or examinations.

For God's sake do not compare your child with others. If XYZ scores cent percent marks in science or mathematics and your child score only fifty percent, flogging your child black and blue will not help at all? He /she is likely to be smarting under dual insults: the low success coupled with the physical pain, which will prove to be detrimental for his/her psyche.

The ideal thing to do would be to sit down with your child in a relaxed and cordial atmosphere and chalk out his/her future course of action. Let your kid tell you freely and frankly about his secret, heartfelt dreams and ambitions. Then together explore the possibilities of fulfilling that dream. Suppose your child is much above average in academics, and dreams of joining Oxford, Cambridge or MIT, it is your duty to garner detailed information from authentic sources v.i.z The British Council or the USEFI, regarding eligibility conditions, course content, scholarships and financial aids etc. It is imperative to take stock of your own resources to serve as a back-up, just in case your child manages to secure an admission but no financial aid. Above all, you must ensure that he performs exceedingly well in his school leaving exam. To this end, you must leave no stone unturned. The choice of subjects is an uphill task. Suppose your child is equally good in physics, zoology and chemistry, what should he/she choose? Medicine, Engineering or an M.Sc.? In case you are unable to decide, it is advisable to visit career counselling centres.There are plenty of them functioning these days and some professional ones too.

In addition, There are Education and Career Fairs being conducted by foreign embassies and organisations, in the Indian metros and large cities where the prospective students can gain first hand knowledge by interacting with the representatives of universities.After meeting the counsellors, the parents and children should consider the pros and cons, the future possibilities and only then take the final decision.

As parents, you must understand that being a doctor, software engineer, scientist, a chartered accountant or an MBAs is not the be-all-and-end- all of life. Not all individuals in the professions mentioned above are successful and affluent. Instead if your child is able to achieve success in less popular or lesser known spheres, wouldn't that afford you a greater degree of satisfaction and happiness? Ask yourself, is it worthwhile to run after a mirage instead of settling for something more tangible?

In all probability, your basic problem is your position in the society and your personal ego!! It is erroneous to believe that the degree of success or the failure of your child will tarnish your image and prestige in the society. You might have been a brilliant student yourself and are now a successful professional. But your child cannot be your carbon copy or a clone. He/she has his/her own limitations and weaknesses. And some plus points too!! Allow him/her to carve out a academic record for him/ herself and thereafter embark on a profession according to his/her abilities.

Your child has to think about himself/herself and pave his future. He/she is answerable to himself/herself and of course to the parents. The rest of the society be damned! Ask yourself, why must a young child be a sacrificial lamb at the altar of your ego? He has the right to live his own life just as you have lived your, so far.

Be a good parent. Inculcate a sense of adventure and a quest for the unknown in yourself as well as the child. Together you could explore the hitherto unknown career avenues some of which are currently developing. These careers need a number of personnel to tap their potentials and help them blossom fully. So why not take a plunge? Who knows a wonderful future might be awaiting your child? The only drawback could be lower remunerations. But as we all know materials considerations are always subservient to acquisition of knowledge and savoir-faire.

Unfortunately, the Indian society today is plagued by the Log Kya Kahenge (what will people say?) syndrome. It is high time this peculiar mindset of the Indians undergoes a sea change and the focus ought to shift to the family and the individual, instead of the society at large.

Source : India Education.net

TCRC : Tribal Culture Research Centre
Koraput – 764020; Orissa State; India

TIPS FOR PARENTS
Let's bridge the Generation Gap

Communicate

When your child enters his teens, he tries to become an individual in his own right, seeking to move out of the protective wings of his parents. Smoking, drinking, wearing skimpy clothes are just some of the things teenagers do, to be 'in' with the crowd. This is the time for you as parents to learn how to tackle them right. If you assume the role of a dictator which in more than one case is the rule, you can be sure to have a battleground in your own home. This is not the time to alienate your child. Instead, talk to him.

How do you do it ? Do not make yourself out to be the enemy and come down upon them for every transgression. Try and lay down some ground rules in the beginning. Make your child feel that you are on his side. Since it is very difficult to interpret the teen mind, just bear in mind that you too were a teenager once. Therefore, your self-righteousness at this stage will not win you any points with your children.

Parents generally tend to forget that their babies will grow up someday and when the time comes, they must let them go. Allow them to find their own way in the world. After all, you cannot protect your child forever. However, you must remember that you cannot allow your children to run wild without any supervision. It would be a very frightening experience for you as well as your child. Your child may never admit it, but he does need you to guide him and tell him what is right and wrong. You must therefore follow your instincts in deciding that some things are just not done.

Your Child Thinks you are her Enemy

When children enter the dreaded teen years, parents look back nostalgically on the days when their children had not learnt to speak and were the most adorable kids, obeying their parents at every step. Then one fine day puberty happens and children begin to act like their parents are their worst enemies.

Your Child is Ashamed of you

As friends take over every aspect of your child's life, you may feel like a pair of discarded old shoes. It is not unusual for teenagers to go through a phase when they feel 'ashamed' of their parents. They are actually scared that they may not live up to their friend's standards. It may hurt you terribly, but don't despair. This is just a temporary phase. Be cordial to your children's friends and maintain a distance.

Your Child wants his Freedom

Teenagers are always talking about their freedom. They feel that their parents are obstacles, not permitting them to stay out late, objecting to their wearing skimpy clothes etc etc. When 'Generation Gap' is the buzzword in your home, give in to some of his fancies but do remember where to draw the line.

What is discipline ?

Helping children to develop self-control is discipline. You set the limits and control undesirable behaviour. you also learn to encourage your children, guide them, help them to feel good about themselves and teach them to think for themselves.

Is spanking a good way to discipline ?

Absolutely not ! Discipline should help children to learn how to control their own behaviour. Spanking directly controls a child's behaviour. It does not teach a child self-control.

Spanking would teach children who is boss, wouldn't it ?

Spanking will teach a child to be afraid of the adult who is in charge. Seldom will it teach the child to respect the adult. Respect will work both ways - If you respect the child and let him have some control, he will respect you and listen to you.

How can I show my child what self-control is ?

Children will do what you do. They do not like to do what you tell them to do. Set good examples for them to follow if you want them to obey rules, solve their own problems and control their anger.

Suppose my child breaks the rules, what do I do ?

Just stay calm and do what is fair. Many a time your child will help you to decide what is fair when a rule is broken. Do something that is practical and makes sense. Most important however is to see that he learns from his mistakes, never having to repeat the same mistake again.

Teach Your Child To Be Polite

Be a good listener. When your child speaks, listen to her so that she knows that when you speak she ought to listen. Whenever she interrupts your conversation, instead of being aggressive, tell her very politely that she has to wait for you to finish. You can lay your hand gently on her arm to convey your message. Be firm but use a kind tone. Remember that she is a child and does not have too much of patience. Therefore, don't let her lose her patience lest all your efforts will go waste.

If you know that you are going to have an important conversation with someone, do give advance warning to your child. Let her know that you will be busy for some time and she shouldn't interrupt. To keep her occupied, you can give her a book or jigsaw puzzle. This way her attention will remain diverted from you.

If you want your child to learn good manners, you must learn to exhibit them yourself. If you have to break in on a conversation, do remember to say 'Excuse me....'. Remember also to praise your child if she allows you to carry on with your work or conversations without interrupting you.

Help your child to overcome the fear of failure

A child who feels inadequate wants to be left alone. He believes that if he takes no risks, he faces no failure. There is a second category of children who won't try because they fear second place. They are extremely pressurized by their own 'perfectionist' goals to be achieved and extremely concerned about what others think of them.

As a parent you can -

• Give him the courage to be imperfect.
  
• Base your comments on the effort being made and not on the result.
  
• Encourage your child to TRY.
  
• Remind him that everyone makes mistakes and that nobody is perfect.
  
• Don't rush him into any activity.
  
• Don't compare him with other children.
  
• Don't be critical - be supportive
  

Source : India Education.net

TCRC : Tribal Culture Research Centre
Koraput – 764020; Orissa State; India