Essays

The primary duty of students is to pursue knowledge. As such a student is expected to pursue his aim of gaining knowledge with a single-minded devotion and a spirit of dedication.

However, even studies can be pursued if proper atmosphere for this exists. As such, all sections of society have a duty to maintain calm and congeniality in their homes and elsewhere to let these future leaders of the country do their job diligently.

The Indian students, by and large, did yeoman’s job during the freedom struggle. On the call given by our political leaders, they came out of their institutions and took a major part in the freedom struggle.

After Independence, now the students' role in India is limited to the pursuit of knowledge and taking active part in such national policies as census, pulse polio, T.B., malaria, AIDS, - Hepatitis-B and C eradication programmes, as also such programmes and campaigns as Adult Education, literacy, etc.

It is heartening to note that the Indian students have often shown great alertness and enthusiasm in promoting national programmes and policies. They have risen to occasion on such crucial times as the Gujarat earthquake, Orissa super cyclone, floods in different parts of the country, famines in certain areas, controlling of Communal riots and other problems.

It must, however, be remembered that students can do a lot more. They can go to slums and teach the slum-dwellers the value of cleanliness, family Welfare programmes, etc. Similarly, they can go to rural areas and tell the people to learn the Value of literacy rejecting drugs, alcohol, tobacco, etc. They can also tell them about the benefits of a small family.

It is deplorable that the innocuous students are sometimes misled by the crafty politicians and other vested interests, such that politics enters the portals of knowledge and learning and the real aim of education and studies is lost in the unnecessary turmoil.

It is also important that while at school and colleges, the students should also be given some training in certain arts, crafts and simple technologies; such that they develop a scientific bent of mind and shun superstitions and faith

 In fate.

They should be taught the dignity of labour such that they do not go after white collar jobs and have confidence is self-help and self-dependence.

There is no doubt that in the modern world of rising prices yawning unemployment and yawning disparities in incomes and all-pervading atmosphere of tension, stress and strain, angst, multiple dangers even to the existence of mankind on this planet and uncertainty, it is, indeed, very difficult, if not impossible, even forum sincere person, may be a student or anybody rise, to deliver the goods in right earnest.

The Gita teaches us that we should do our duty in all circumstances, irrespective of the visible consequences, as the fruit or result is in the hands of God.

It is the duty of a student to pursue his studies and do other national jobs with heart and soul and he should not desist from doing so in any kind of situation.

At any institution, a student must try to develop all round personality by taking part in extra-mural and co-curricular activities such as speech-making, painting competition, debates, declamation content histrionics, musical concerts, fancy dress show, dance or acting competition, poetical recitation, paper reading, quiz competition, seminars, workshops lectures, social and national campaigns etc.

He should not fight shy of doing his duty when he is asked to shoulder some responsibility such us organizing a camp, a seminar, a match, a function, etc. Such experiences can prove very useful to him later in life and as such, he can also prove an asset' to the nation.

A student must also take care of his health and character. About character it is rightly said — when wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, everything is lost.

If the student is healthy, he can study better and come off with flying colors at all examinations.  As such, he must take part in sports. He should go out for a daily morning walk and take light exercise every morning when the so called spirit of "fang shut" is at its best.

The students must vow —never to use violence, not to break or destroy public property, never  to take or give dowry, never to copy in the examinations and never to vote (as they become major) on caste, religious or regional grounds.

They should work for the nation and try to grow into physically, mentally and emotionally healthy. Adults such that they can take the reins of the country in the most suitable way as the time comes. They should even be ready to die for the country, if need be.