Unemployment in India – A Social Conundrum

                   Down the centuries and in every civilization, there has been this hot potato topic of unemployment. Some have been able to deal with it better than others. In India, it is something we are still figuring out how best to deal with. And while we do our figuring out, there are social repercussions that force us to take brave steps and do so in a hurry.

                   Unemployment is a situation where a capable, willing workforce doesn’t get work. There are basically three types of unemployment. Frictional unemployment which is those looking for their first job. This can be abated by spreading information on various job openings. Then there is seasonal unemployment which is specific to certain industries. This can be dealt with be encouraging these people to take up alternative employment in the off season. Finally there is Structural unemployment caused due to a change in structure of the economy, change in patterns of consumers and increasing technology. It is the most vicious. Yet it can be approached by providing retraining opportunities.

                   In India, another stumbling block is overpopulation. 66% of the Indian population is under 35. This is the largest population of youth in the world. Added snag in the process of providing employment is the lack of a varied skill set even though the education levels have increased. There are also other forms to unemployment which include Disguised unemployment, where many workers are employed for a small job and all appear to be employed. Under employment where a worker is not given work to his capacity and wages too are not in accordance to his capacity. In India, unemployment records are maintained by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

                   The effects of unemployment are varied. It causes hardship and frustration especially among the young people. It increases the burden on the family. The worst ramifications are the increase in crime related activities by youth to survive and earn a living. Another sad outcome is that the intelligent youth migrate to foreign countries for better opportunities.

                   The government set up a committee headed by M. Bhagavati to suggest measures and based on this study set up the following schemes to deal with unemployment. The Rural Works programme, Agro-service centers, Crash programme for rural employment, National Rural employment programme and Food for work programme. These schemes are not progressing well owing to the rampant corruption, preparation of bogus musters, paying less than stipulated wages, bureaucracy in administration and lack of effective representation of poor in the implementation of the schemes.

                   When we look at the quandary of unemployment and reflect on it, we can say that there is no simple solution but we could alter our outlook to life. We need to be focused more on skills and putting our theory in to practice. We need to see the dignity of work and eliminate the evil of unemployment. While we might not be able to provide easy solutions to such a complex solution, we could refurbish our educational setups to provide better skill training with more advanced techniques.

                   We also need to look at our openness to do different kinds of work. Quite often due to our inherent thought pattern of the caste system, we are reluctant to do certain types of work which we feel is not ‘ours’ or we are hesitant to change our occupation.

                    Let us toil together to eradicate this social evil. As a country, as the  young generation of India, we can do achieve any good that we agree to work towards. So, let’s strive to provide the best milieu for gainful employment and just wages.

Integral Characteristics of Salesian Spirituality

                   Reflecting of our Salesian Spirituality, I have tried to highlight here some of the characteristics which I feel are essential. I have grouped them into the three themes we have been reflecting: Mystics of the Spirit, Prophets of Fraternity and Servants of the Young.

Introduction

          When we begin to think of the Salesian Spirituality left us by Don Bosco, we must look at the two people who were crucial in the creation of this beautiful spirituality. They are St. Francis de Sales, the saint of gentleness whom Don Bosco took as a model and Mamma Margaret who instilled in the young Johnny Bosco much of his understanding of God, his style of prayer and most importantly the love of God and nieghbour.

Mystics of the Spirit

          At the core of the Salesian Spirituality is Union with God. The Salesian sees life as prayer. There is no dichotomy between life and prayer. Every decision is keyed on the question ‘What would Jesus do.’ There is always an invocation, a word of thanksgiving, a silent petition on the lips of the Salesian. This overflows into a deep Trust in Divine Providence. This is something that was a part and parcel of Don Bosco’s life. He began building basilicas while he was still in debt. The Salesian too relies on the Lord to provide for his work.  ‘Everything is the work of the Madonna.’ Don Bosco was known to say. The Salesian also looks at Our Blessed Mother as mother, teacher and guide. Life and prayer are characterized by a Filial devotion to MHOC. ‘Da mihi animas caetera tolle’ this was Don Bosco’s motto. The Zeal for Souls is at the root of the untiring work of the Salesian for the youth at risk. Don Bosco held up The Sacraments as the means to salvation and a sure path to obtain the grace to overcome sin. The Short Visits to the Blessed Sacrament is another practice of piety which Don Bosco offered his Salesians and young as a means to obtain many graces. For his Salesians, Don Bosco stressed a Devotion to the Church and the Vicar of Christ.

Prophets of Fraternity

          The Salesians of Don Bosco live out this Spirituality in a community and in the context of a larger community – the Salesian Family. Living together they follow the rule or the Constitutions of the Society of St. Francis de Sales. One of the important tenets of this community life is Family Spirit, where each individual is accepted and loved as a member of a family. It is this that makes each one welcoming, open, understanding and loving towards the other. Another characteristic is Optimism and Joy. This means that no matter what the difficulties and hardships faced with, the Salesian learns to look at the positive side of life and keep going this stems from a trust in the Lord and that he will see to the fulfillment of his works. It was said of Don Bosco that the more burdens and tensions he had the more cheerful and smiling he would appear. He also stressed on the fact that sanctity is about being cheerful. This characteristic of joy is the most appealing in the Salesian Spirituality. This is augmented by a spirit of Flexibility and Creativity in all our works. Flexibility is essential for the smooth functioning of the mission as well as of community. It is in our flexibility that we are able to understand the other and make love the other. The Salesian ministry oozes creativity. If not for this creativity, the young would not be so enraptured by the Salesian Spirit.

Servants

          As Christ called all to a servant leadership, the Salesian too is at the service of the young to whom he is sent. He follows Christ by forming in himself the Heart of the Good Shepherd. This fills him with the zeal to reach out to the lost, the last and the least. Each young person is unique and worth every effort we can make to reach out and enhance their life. This is expressed in the practical aspect of Salesian Presence. This refers to a presence that is animating and encouraging. The Salesian is always with the young as a friend and father, guide and teacher. A unique legacy that Don Bosco left us is the Salesian Preventive System. This comprises three crucial parts: Reason, Religion and Loving Kindness. Reason is the first pillar of the Preventive system. It implies that the Salesian should not be one who just makes rules but who explains to the young the why behind every rule. Being reasonable means being able to understand the young in their own situation. Religion is the second pillar which implies that the Salesian who is centered on Christ is able to give the young such an experience of his love. The Salesian must also strive to help the young understand God’s will for their life. The third pillar is Loving Kindness. The Salesian infused with the love of God reflects this love to the young. Don Bosco said, “That you are young is enough for me to love you.” Our mission is centered on the young and we are called to love them as they are and to challenge them to be the best they can be. Another wonderful tool that Don Bosco employed with his young was the Word in the ear. It is a method of correction that is personal and very effective. The young person knows that you want the best for them. They may not like to be corrected publicly so this means of correction is very effective.

Conclusion

          One can never say it all but I hope I have done justice to the main concepts of the Salesian Spirituality. In conclusion I need to mention that for the Salesian, Spirituality is about life lived as  a Contemplative in action. It is an Experience of Christ that forms in us the zeal to live life always in awareness of the Lord’s will for us.

DON BOSCO WITH THE YOUNG FOR THE YOUNG

In the little hamlet of Becchi

Was born little Johnny

A bright, young, fun loving boy

Sought only good to employ

His companions round him gather

Fun, games and lots of chatter

With acrobatics and tricks he held sway

A prayer and sermon besides the play

At the age of  nine a dream he had

To be a priest, a man of God

Then struggle and toil and the long road

Prayer and discernment

and the fruits really showed

As a young priest in Turin the streets he trod

The pain and abandonment of

the young he absorbed

For the wages and rights of his boys he fought

Their tender broken  hearts quickly he caught

Among his youth he felt at home

For them he provided love and a home

His work, study, prayer and life with the young

New leaders and collaborators from among them sprung

200 years since that day in Becchi

 His work continues to grow quickly

That for you is Don Bosco WITH the young FOR the young.

A beautiful Day

I open my eyes to see the first rays of the sun creep into my darkened room and as it reflects of the gleaming floor, I remember its Monday today! A new day, a new week, a new lease of life. The me that slept yesterday is gone forever and a new me sees a beautiful day ahead with many dreams to pursue and many wishes to be fulfilled. As I savour the first moments of the day and listen to the birds chirping gloriously, I know it's "A Beautiful Day"

“NOTHING WILL EVER BE THE SAME”

An opportunity came knocking, we struck our lucky fortune, with wide arms to embrace us “The Promised Land”. It was a month ago when we saw new faces and met new people. A group of youngsters energetic and enthusiastic came alive for the ‘Greater Glory of God’ and for the nourishment of the people of God, to relive the Exodus experience of 3500 B.C., of the chosen people by Yahweh himself.

Working towards this common goal, the community of Divyadaan along with some chosen lay people began the journey of a month to the Promised Land, right from day one to the auspicious day. Describing for you here some of the moments of the making of “The Promised Land”. Very often, when we speak about the making of something, we always get glimpses of scenes, but here it proffers  another angle. Many lives touched by each other, dependent on each other and on God, could bring about a ‘simply amazing’ performance. We the main cast speaking about our journey on this road say, ‘Wonderful’ day and night, pushing ourselves beyond the limits and thinking out of the box made us discover the hidden talents in each other. This was a family that worked together, bringing up each member when s/he had fallen, raising each other from level to the pinnacle of our abilities, by building a strong relationship that was the driving force which made us bear any discouragement, depression, remarks and comments of people.

“Nothing will ever be the same”

Who could say that these simple people, that these young lives would emerge victorious at the end. The impact that one made on another, formed a strong bonding among us that no force can break. Physically separated by distance but always united by chains of love and fraternal bonding.

“Nothing will ever be the same”

Moving away from each other after a month brought tears to our eyes. The joy of being successful fills the emptiness left behind.

“Nothing will ever be the same”

None of us is as strong as all of us. Life comes back on track, but the memories we carry, the moments we remember will always be cherished, a new experience, a new world. Life without friends is like a garden without flowers. At the times when we feel down and alone, let’s remember the time we said ‘I can rise’ with all of you, ‘I can’ with all of you, ‘I will’ with all of you. Let’s bring each other to the Promised Land. We will surely miss each other, another beautiful chapter added to our lives, a chapter filled with words of life changing experiences. Each one out there on the stage was a product of many hands, minds, experiences and mostly many hearts put together. We will always remember, we may be separated by distance but united by love, strength and courage.

“Nothing will ever be the same”

Whoever knew we would meet, whoever knew we would gel well, whoever knew that we would rise, grateful that “Nothing will ever be the same.”

History will remember the promised land and history is created by us. Let us be united and guide each other, at moments when we fall, let us rise together and give glory to God because “Nothing will ever be the same.”

Whatever I was on stage was due to the main cast that held my hands and made me see the hidden superstar within me, that touched my heart so much and made me weep.

“A simple group became a family

  Simple lives became the driving force

  All made one together we stand

  To show God’s great love.”

“Nothing will ever be the same”

Our play might have been a ripple in eternity,  a flash inside our minds, yet it only takes a moment to change the future…

“Nothing will ever be the same”

Thank You, God Bless You All!!!

Mainstream Schools: Pros and Cons

A Mainstream School is any school that principally meets the needs of pupils who do not have special educational needs, an ordinary school and any school which is not a special school. A mainstream school is always defined in contrast to a special school or a school for children with special needs.

Mainstreaming, in the context of education, is the practice of educating students with special needs in regular classes during specific time periods based on their skills. This means regular education classes are combined with special education classes. Schools that practice mainstreaming believe that students with special needs who cannot function (at all) in a regular classroom to a certain extent "belong" to the special education environment.

Access to a ‘resource room’ or a ‘self-contained classroom’ is very valuable to a student with a disability. These students have the opportunity to work one-on-one with special education teachers, addressing any need for remediation during the school day. A plan is drawn up for each pupil highlighting the current position and the areas that require special attention through remediation. Researchers, educators and parents advocate the importance of these classrooms despite political environments favoring their elimination.

Proponents of the philosophy of educational inclusion assert that educating children with disabilities alongside their non-disabled peers fosters understanding and tolerance, better preparing students of all abilities to function in the world beyond school. Yet every coin has its flip side. The children with special needs may face social stigma as a result of being mainstreamed, though it may also help them develop socially.

Pros:

1. Benefits to students with disabilities:

It facilitates access to the general curriculum. It brings about a higher academic achievement. Access to a resource room increases students’ academic skills. It promotes a higher self - esteem. It leads to confidence and a display of raised self – efficacy. Students feel equal and do not want to be treated differently. It helps in the development of social skills. They learn social skills through observation. They develop a better understanding of the world around them. Helps them become part of the regular community. It makes them more likely to engage in social relations and to communicate with others.

2. Benefits to non – disabled students:

It creates an atmosphere of understanding and tolerance that better prepares students of all abilities to function in the world beyond school. It increases self-concept, tolerance, self-worth, and a better understanding of other people. It prepares them to deal with disability in their own lives. Contact theory asserts that frequent, meaningful, and pleasant interactions between people with differences tend to produce changes in attitude.

Cons:

1. Disadvantages to non – disabled students’ academic education

A mainstreamed student may require much more attention from the teacher than non-disabled students in a general class. Time and attention may be taken away from the rest of the class. What has to be taken into consideration are the disabilities in question and the resources available for support.

2. Disadvantages to the academic education of students with disabilities

General education teachers do not have the training and skills to accommodate special needs students in a general education classroom setting. Professional training and supportive services can usually address these concerns. Unaware/ unprepared teachers are also more resistant to having these students in class which can lead to regression of the students with disabilities and decreased classroom productivity.

Social Issues: Those who are mainstreamed for only certain classes or certain times may feel conspicuous or socially rejected by their classmates. They may become targets for bullying. They may feel embarrassed by the additional services they receive. Some students with disabilities may feel more comfortable in an environment where most students are working at the same level or with the same supports.

Conclusion:

The student’s needs are the driving force behind selecting a mainstream school or any other style of education. Mainstreaming does not involve putting a child full-time in a special school. (Separation) Mainstreaming does not involve placing a child full-time in a regular classroom. (Inclusion) Mainstreaming does not involve teaching the child outside of school. (Exclusion)

Yet mainstream schools need to do much more to be able to support disabled and special needs students.  Whether that means more awareness among teachers and students or more money being allocated on budgets, not in every case, but in many the school system does let disabled students down, and this is unacceptable.

After having looked at so many aspects of mainstream schools, it is evident that though they give the young a wonderful opportunity, they must keep the needs of the young at the centre and reinvent themselves to be relevant in the education of both students with and without disabilities. 

“Multum in parvo…”(Much in little)

“Minima Maxima Sunt…”

 Learning this archaic language of Latin will leave you wondering about the ‘why’. It seems like quite a waste of time. Yet in the end it’s not all that bad.

‘Omnia causa fiunt’ – Everything happens for a reason. Latin is a beautiful language, the sound is sonorous and it’s the root of so many other languages. So, ‘Nil desperandum’ – Never despair. Even when there’s something you don’t really fancy doing, just go ahead and do it. After all, ‘Per aspera ad astra’ – it’s through difficulties to the stars!!! Now, in this short course of Latin, which was not so bothersome, come to think of it, I finally agree with the phrase: “Minima Maxima Sunt” – The smallest things are the most important.

So don’t leave out the little things in life. A simple smile, a cheerful ‘Good Morning’, a concerned ‘How do you do?’ or a spirited ‘Let’s have some fun’. Just ‘Carpe Diem’ – Seize the day and Have a blast!!!

JOURNEYING TO THE PROMISE LAND

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” We, the fathers, brothers and lay collaborators, here at Divyadaan began our journey to the Promised Land towards the end of the month of June. Right now as the curtain comes down for the last time on the Promised Land I am left with mixed emotions.

The journey has truly been amazing. The final show was ‘simply amazing’ in the words of our director Fr. Wyman Gonsalves sdb. But I cherish more the entire process of coming together to put up this musical. It has been an intense experience, a wonderful opportunity for me to take the stage after nine years and dance after ten long years. I enjoyed the special moments back stage with a very special cast. Each one of us had very unique experiences and when I requested, all of them took the trouble to pen down their experiences. So I would like place on record my thanks to Mrs. Verna, Mrs. Smitha, Ms. Rochelle, Ms. Shezney, Ms. Ritu, Sr.Valerie, Cls. Bosco, Christopher, Felix,  Telston, Volney, Jarnel and Arun. Each of them wrote such a lot that compiling it all became a quite a task. I will just mention briefly some adjectives that qualify our indescribable experiences and some of our learnings and sharings.             

 One of the common sentiments was that of gratitude for this wonderful opportunities. For the man who coordinated the entire show the assistant-director Cl. Bosco Carvalho sdb, it was an experience of being Moses, of surrendering to God and seeing the might hand of God, bring this play to fruition. For Moses (Cl. Felix A) it was a real experience of journeying to freedom from the chains of slavery to bias and misconceptions with the help of cast and community. For Aaron (Cl. Volney) it was an experience of God’s blessings, a chance to grow in confidence and an experience of Don Bosco’s words “Days fly for the cheerful”.

For Jochebed (Mrs. Smitha) It was a great experience of being encouraged, gaining confidence, making new friends and sharing life with the brothers who are caring and full of life. For Zipporah (Ms. Shezney), it was a journey from trepidation and hesitation to confidence, an experience of the light happy and joyful automosphere at Divyadaan, the positive vibes & the spark in the eyes of the brothers each doing the best in whatever role they had. For Mariam (Ms. Rochelle), it was an awesome experience of overcoming stage fear, learning to persevere, an experience of a  positive change in life. For Joshua (Cl. Arun), it was a learning  experience of hardwork, team work and bonding, an experience of weakness and sacrifice for freedom, an experience of God’s love and help  and encouragement of cast and community. For Nathan (Cl. Jarnel), it was a journey from bias to joy and satisfaction, an experience of fun composing music for the narrators song with Cl. Swithin, an adventure, an experience of team work, overcoming fear  and memory failure, above all, an experience of freedom. For Ramses (Cl. Telston), it was an experience of how God uses the weak to shame the wise, an experience of encouragement and support from the community. For Nefertari (Ms. Ritu), it was an experience of self discovery, team work, coordination and learning. For Pharoh (Cl. Christopher N), it was an experience of God’s Grace  to be able to act despite sickness, a journey from being afraid of being the villain to seeing a negative role as essential to God’s plan for his chosen people. For the Queen of Egypt (Mrs. Verna), it was an exciting experience of choreographing a belly dance for the first time, of interacting with brothers and fathers, of experiencing the wonderful atmosphere at Divyadaan especially on her birthday, of finding time to make short visits to the chapel and above all, an experience of peace, like a mental holiday.

“The promise land was what it was called.

  It made people from all walks of life get involved.

  ‘God is great’ was, is and ever will be our song,

  He who was playing music in our hearts like a sweet sounding gong.”

I guess much can be written about the play but it was a marvelous opportunity to give a message:“our God is a God of love who never forgets his people”. Though we may be like the Israelites selfish, trying to be self sufficient, grumbling despite of all the blessing and being unfaithful, GOD LOVES US!!!

“Theater is like a picnic on a bus.The seat you get is not important. Being a part of the whole experience and enjoying the journey is important.” Ultimately, it is not what we did in life that matters, but the bonds and connections you made that make life priceless. We may forget the songs of the play but the not the people, because

“There’s a miracle call friendship that dwells within the heart

  And we do not know how it happens or when it gets its start.

  But the happiness it brings you always gives you a special lift

  And you realize friendship is God’s most precious gift”.

Let us continue our journey to the promised land by the witness of our lives may each of us be another Moses leading those around us to the promised land. 

To laugh WITH but not AT

"But they laughed at Him." (Mark 5:40)
What do you do when people laugh at you? Are you hurt, angry, depressed, discouraged? Do you give up or try harder?
Well, many times people laugh because they do not understand, they are disconcerted by what you are doing, they are jealous, or they laugh just because others are laughing.
If you are convinced of what you are doing do NOT be perturbed, just keep going. Sometimes, its not about the support or supporters but about what you believe in.
Be the first to laugh at yourself, because as L. M. Montgomery rightly says, "Life is worth living as long as there's a laugh in it."
Laugh out loud!!!

You May Call It ADVICE

“As an advisor advises I advise you not to advise”

Do you like being told what to do? That takes away your freedom and creativity. Have you ever experienced being told what to do? It is something like this. Young Frank opened a new shop (Frank Fish) to sell his fish. On the first day, his best friend Alan came to buy some fish and suggested to John that he put up a board announcing his wonderful produce. Frank was all excited and put up a board: ‘Fresh Fish Sold Here’. During the course of the week, other customers gave their expert opinion. John who was eager to please them all tried to follow everyone’s two pence. On one day he removed the word ‘here’ as no one would sell their wares in the next shop! On another day he removed the word ‘sold’ as no one provides anything without charge! On yet another day he removed the word ‘fresh’ as no one sold stale fish! And finally the word ‘fish’ as the fish could be smelt from down the road! So each one gave very logical advice, but put together it was totally impractical.

Well, I do not intend to push you to point where you do not listen to anyone but to a point where you listen to everyone and then decide for yourself. Do not be quick to give advice unless you are sure its sound… And just in case you think this is too much advice already, relax I’m not advising you just sharing some thoughts!!!

LIFE – A JOURNEY

The journey of life is replete with ups and downs… Life is like a river that flows on and on. At times fast, slow, deep or swirling. But the water flows. Stagnant water symbolized death. Life without any growth means death.

Life is hard, never easy. Though there are moments of joy and celebration, there are also moments of sadness and mourning. What makes life difficult is that nothing comes on a platter, nothing comes free. The only path to success is hard work and honesty. Every other bridge is bound to collapse.

Life is complicated. Life is all about our relationships. The way we relate with others makes us who we are. Relationships are complicated because each individual is unique, each personality is different. Yet it is an integral part of human life.

Life is beautiful. When we step back and take a look at life, the mosaic that appears is beautiful. This is the mosaic of different people who have affected our life and have made a difference, people who mean a lot to us and have greatly influenced who we are.

Life is connected. Everything in life is a part of a chain. Nothing can be discarded or discredited. The choices we make affect who we are, who we will become. The experiences we have mould our views, our convictions and our personality.

Life is a journey that begins at our conception and ends at the grave. Then begins the next life… Till then let’s cherish and enjoy this life… Cheers to Life!!!