Why not the IIT model in other areas also?
RAJ VARADARAJAN
I AM from the 1966 graduating class of IIT Madras, and I hope our society will improve on the successful IIT, IIM model, and prove that we are not really bent on proving the Indian crab syndrome true.
The premier institutes were not even heard of during my admission time and we debated whether one should join this new unheard of Institute of Technology where only a B.Tech degree was offered, or join the prestigious Guindy Engineering College with its well known BE degree. After graduation it took me six months to get my first job as a maintenance engineer in a small village called Vadalur near Neyveli.
Selection process
After 5 years I joined the brain drain to the U.S. and returned to India 15 years later. India did not have the resources or opportunities for us in those days. Thanks to the enlightened leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru who established these institutes, a few of us at least had an opportunity to serve India. I believe it is the selection process that has resulted in the outstanding success of many of these IITians and IIMers, and not necessarily the teaching.
Most of us come from middle class families who value education. Those who write this Joint Entrance Examination usually do so because family elders tell them to, not necessarily because they want to be engineers. At the age of 15 or 16 all we knew was that we wanted to be rich and happy. A few who did not enjoy engineering left the course half way and made a mark in other careers. Damodharan of SEBI is a shining example of this.
However others who were not as lucky switched careers much later. So you see several IITians as IAS and IPS officers, doctors, politicians, religious gurus, etc. In fact, I have already seen several bright engineers take to agriculture. A young engineer following scientific farming in a 6-acre plot in Padappai for the last few years has proved that Rs. 42,000/acre/year is possible.
Another engineer is following the Japanese organic farming method in a 15-acre plot and is growing all the food needed for his home without pesticides. Any excess he markets directly to likeminded individuals in Chennai.
If you want the success of the brand IIT and IIM model replicated, the need of the hour is to set up these schools of excellence in all areas of human endeavour, and not necessarily only engineering or medicine. Then ensure only the best from all over the world join here without any other criteria.
Let the whole of India become a Nalanda of yore. Identify smart kids from every nook and corner so that this top 2 per cent of the population is encouraged to explore all fields of human endeavour, be it environment, agriculture, sports, arts, engineering, medicine, law or what have you. Fifty years from now I am sure the world will enjoy the contributions of these capable and highly-trained men and women.
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