It would be interesting to know the exact research (book or link or document) that has come up with this Doon School theory.

The point that my post strove to make is that great citizens and leaders emerged from both the elite and not-so-elite schools. It is a strong misreading of the structure of our polity, economy and society that any one group of people wields complete power and authority.

There are ‘old boys’/alumni networks active of all elite schools and even other institutions but to fuse their presence into this “total power and authority argument” would be incorrect.

I could not agree with you more about the commercialization of extra-curricular activities even outside the school complex. Thats where I suppose lot of thinking and action have to go into a holistic scheme of education. Pursuing this goal has to be a relentless effort.

For the moment however, more than worry about the extra-curricular activities, I think we need worry about the basic infrastructure for primary and high schools in all our rural areas and the presence of committed teachers there.

As you say, the cream is everywhere. But it all depends on how we define “cream”. Research suggests that India ia actually governed and led by the “Doon school group”. Would you agree they are the cream? Why? Because they hold and wield power and authority?

And the extra-curricular/hobby scene has changed disastrously today…with hobbies being planned and forced activities as well. With the CBSE placing greater emphasis on such activities for an all-round growth, commercial hobby centres are now mushrooming.

It takes great courage on the part of parents to not expect their children to belong to some intangible”cream”, but to enjoy the presnt while also learning.

Indeed you are right, exposure like Outreach makes todays children better children. I think the balance is achieved when we dont create an insular attitude among our children while at the same time ensuring that a credible and lasting value system is built among/within them. The right kind of mentors go a long way for children stimulating their thinking.

Great Post and very relevant for the times . My 2 cents is that one way to teach our kids some good values is to encourage them to do some social work. I take my 2 kids with me (Aged 6 and 3) while going for Outreach work and I feel that I have been able to make them realize the importance of sharing and value of the blessings they have. Initially my elder kid was uncomfortable sitting on the uneven flooring,,,But now she is used to it and has good friends there also.

Veena

Its pitiable, that one could not understand the difference b/w aping an alien culture, and inheriting our own..