Special Expo by Special Children

Veda Ramaswamy, Belapur,
April 29, 2010 - DNA Navi Mumbai

Articles displayed were made of recycled paper and other waste matter

The Education and Training Centre for Children with Different Abilities (ETC) Institute based in Airoli had organised a two-day art exhibition on April 27 and 28 at NMMC Headquarters in Belapur. The exhibition drew a lot of attention from visitors as students put their best foot forward to bring out beautiful artefacts.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Municipal Commissioner Vijay Nahata in the presence of Varsha Bhagat, the director of the institute on Tuesday. A wide range of attractive and useful items like showpieces, paper and pen holders, Ganesh idols, envelopes, torans, flower vases, wall hangings, paper roses, bouquets made of artificial flowers, beaded curtains, ornaments, glass and Warli paintings were on display during the exhibition. These items were made by the students themselves.

The ETC Institute has been working diligently towards the welfare of special children and has won the trust of parents and children in a short span of time. The exhibition based on the theme of ‘best out of waste’ comprised articles made of recycled paper and many other waste articles. The main objective of the exhibition was to showcase the ability of special children, who are otherwise sidelined by the society. Bhagat said, “Through this exhibition, we wish to show the world that these children are no less talented. This initiative will help make them independent and develop their social mind set.” The children are taught art, craft and painting by the creative team of ETC comprising eight teachers. Vaishali Patil, one of the teachers said, “Teaching special children is a challenge, which we love to face. We are doing our best to brighten up their future.” The items on display were reasonably priced. No wonder, the exhibition received a positive response from visitors. The exhibition is held every six months.

Pursue the Career that Interests You

Veda Ramaswamy, Vashi

May 5, 2010 - DNA Navi Mumbai

It is vacation time for most of the school-going children, but for students of 10th and 12th standards, the time has arrived to take a vital decision. One of the most difficult questions every youngster has to face in life is which career to opt for? The answer simply lies in what you want to pursue all your life. One can achieve success in work only if he enjoys it. In the past, a child never really had the freedom of choice and had to adhere to his parent’s preference. With the change in time, have the circumstances changed too? Earlier, there were limited career options but now there is an upsurge of alternatives in every field, be it science, commerce or arts. Of late, there has been a swell in the number of career counselling centres as well, who guide your child to the right path. In such a scenario, who should have the final say?

Some students consider parents’ views to be a key factor in decision making. Nerul resident Ananya Dey, who is currently preparing for her CET exam said, “Parents will always think for the benefit of their child. They are much more experienced than us and know what is better for us.” But majority children are of the opinion that they must be given the right to select a profession of their interest. 

Supporting this view, Ayushi Raj, a standard 10 student said, “An individual knows where his interest lies and what his capabilities are. My parents wanted me to pursue engineering but I aspire to become a doctor. I want to do what I believe in and I have my parents’ full support.” 

There is said to be parental pressure on children to conform to career choices as they wish their child to fulfill their dreams. But in today’s scenario, parents have become more liberal and thoughtful of their child’s wish. Anita Hingnekar wanted her daughter to opt for science stream but her (daughter’s) desire was to pursue commerce and she stood by her decision. Anita said, “It’s not us but the children who have to study the subject. So we must be considerate and support them.”

In times of uncertainty, parents also let children consult career counsellors to get a professional take on which field to opt for. Salma Prabhu, a leading counsellor suggests, “Along with personal interests, it is important to get a scientifically proven result that helps highlight the qualities of a child and assists in choosing a suitable career.” Shivangi Thakur, a 12th standard student from Nerul who has had counselling experience said, “Because of the innumerable options available, I was confused in the beginning as to which vocation should I go for. Consulting counsellors surely helped me get a clear idea but it didn’t influence my decision wholly.”

Time is fast changing. Conventional jobs like medical, engineering and civil services are taking a backseat while unconventional jobs like advertising, designing or journalism are becoming more lucrative. Parents should guide their wards but should never try to impose their choices upon them. Career counselling centres prove beneficial to a great extent but nothing can substitute for personal interests and passions, said a school teacher not wishing to be named.