The Hindu : National : Kalam for more creative syllabus

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Saturday, Jan 06, 2007
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Kalam for more creative syllabus

Priscilla Jebaraj

"Tap potential between ages 5 and 14"

CHIDAMBARAM: President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam called for more flexibility and creativity in the school education system at the inauguration of the Children's Science Congress here on Friday.

Narrating inspiring stories from the childhood days of scientists, Mr. Kalam said Albert Einstein was accepted into the Zurich Polytechnic Institute despite failing the entrance examination because the principal recognised the potential of the young genius in mathematics and physics. "The message we get from this experience is about having a flexible system of admission. Also an ability to spot the aptitude of the student in a particular subject and nourishing the talents," he added.

When Manonmani, a student from Chidambaram asked what changes were needed in syllabus for India to become developed by 2020, the President said the emphasis should be more on tapping the potential of primary school children between ages of 5 and 14. "For that, there is a need to promote more creativity in the syllabus. The CBSE has made a start in this regard."

For the 230 children at the Congress, it was an exciting experience to interact with the President. Class 7 student Amritha got a categorical answer to her query about whether Mr. Kalam considered himself a teacher or president. "I want to be a teacher. Teaching I like."

When Rhea Benjamin, a Class 9 student from Kerala, asked what could children do to advance the vision of 2020, he said: "Number one, you excel in your education as a student. Once you do that, you are helping the country."

The interaction was all too brief for most of the children. "I wanted to ask the President about ways to save energy, but I did not get the chance," regretted Shashant Anand, a Class 10 student from Bihar.

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