The Selfish Act of Indian Parents Pushing Their Children for Higher Education
Indian parents often hold high expectations for their children's academic achievements. However, there can be a darker side to this ambition, where parents make significant sacrifices that may not always align with their children's interests. A personal anecdote from my own experience reflects this issue.
Forcing the CBSE Improvement Exam
In 2014, during my 12th standard CBSE examination, I achieved an aggregate score of 67. The incident that followed was, to say the least, not the most uplifting testament to my academic resilience. My father, a figure of great importance in my life, made a decision that left a lasting impact on our relationship.
He insinuated that I must take the 2015 CBSE improvement exam, rationalizing that if I couldn’t secure a better score, how could I admission myself into a prestigious college? This decision, made without my consent, was an infringement of my autonomy and decision-making. The situation might be less about my actual academic shortcomings and more about my father’s ambitions for me.
The pressure my father exerted was immense, yet, it was with a sense of irony that I ended up scoring 83 in the improvement exam. However, my father’s insatiable ambition was far from satisfied. Even my achievement in securing a seat at Shivaji University for Mechanical Engineering through my own efforts did not alleviate the pressure he imposed. He continued to push for admission into "IITs," a dream that seemed to overshadow all other academic milestones.
Impact on the Child
The effects of such actions can be profound. The child, myself in this case, is subjected to immense stress and anxiety. Every decision is no longer about personal aspirations, but rather meeting parental expectations. This can affect the child's mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being.
This experience is, by no means, unique to me. Many young Indians share similar stories, where parental ambitions overshadow their personal dreams and efforts. The question arises: at what cost do we achieve these academic milestones? Is it worth compromising the child's happiness and future?
Conclusion
While parents strive to provide the best for their children, it is crucial to consider the child’s perspective and respect their choices. Instilling a sense of independence and autonomy can lead to more positive outcomes. It is time to question the methods parents use to push their children and ensure that the process of education remains a nurturing and joyful one, rather than stress-inducing.