KOCHI: A few years back, if a 12th-pass student opted for a traditional degree course (the regular BA or BSc) many eye-brows would be raised over the choice because it meant ‘no solid career’. The ‘norm’, then, had it that nothing other than professional courses would ensure you a safe career and easy money. Cut to the present, things seem to have changed, or at least say the figures. The prestige associated with professional courses are on the wane and many are finding ample career opportunities in other streams too.
According to the All-India Survey on Higher Education 2011-12 (Provisional) brought out by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, at undergraduate level alone, the highest number (34%) of students are enrolled in the arts followed by engineering & technology (19%), commerce (14.5%) and science (12%).
Migration a Trend
Things may seem brighter for the arts group, but there is a darker side to the trend as well. The lack of “facilities and lackadaisical attitude of those in Kerala” are forcing students to migrate to other states in droves.
If earlier, this was mainly for engineering and medical courses, today those who leave the state in search of reputed colleges that offer traditional courses is also on the rise.
“There is a huge number of Malayali students who pursue traditional programmes in cities like Delhi, Chennai, and Bangalore. The interest shown towards these courses can be attributed to the fact that most of them have come to adorn a professional hue. For, instance, disciplines like english literature and journalism have undergone a sea change with technological developments in the field of media. There are also a number of students who get placed in IT companies though they pursue traditional courses. It is also necessary to note that social and cultural factors play a key role in the career choices made by Malayalis,” says Dr Rajan Varghese, former Pro-Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University.
In Search of Good Courses
Those who pursue higher studies in traditional programmes outside Kerala say there a number of factors that prompted them to do so.
“The main reason is the lackadaisical attitude maintained by the pursuers of these disciplines. There are only a handful of students who take up traditional courses with seriousness here. The general attitude of the public to those who undertake higher studies in traditional programmes is not encouraging. But, the interest shown to these courses by those outside Kerala is amazing. The students that we encounter there are highly competent. They take a great interest in the subject as well as extra-curricular activities. Hence, we too are inspired to excel in what we do,” says Suryapriya who did her Bachelors in English Literature at Symbiosis International, Pune.
Very ‘Professional’ System
One reason why many students move to other states in search of better educational facilities is the professional approach these institutions provide, a far cry from the ones here.
Along with academics, a holistic development of students is also ensured by taking up extra-curricular activities. Hence students are constantly encouraged to engage in social work, NGO activities or other such effective programmes. The presence of high-quality syllabus also helps.
The factors that work against the colleges in Kerala also include delay in publishing of exam results. “Frequent strikes and hartals disrupt the smooth conduct of classes and timely completion of portions. But, the atmosphere outside is entirely different; classes and exams are not disrupted and results are published on time,” shares Amal Mathew of Christ University, Bangalore.
The chance that one gets to learn a new language is also an advantage. There is also the thought of moving beyond one’s comfort zones and learning to adjust in various circumstances. According to Athira, who completed her masters in Economics from Madras Christian College, Chennai, the confluence of various cultures that one comes across outside Kerala, helps one attain a broader perspective on life. “A big world awaits us out there. As we interact with people who belong to diverse cultures, we learn to adjust and personally we develop as matured individuals. Another merit is that we become responsible enough to manage things on our own”.
More Freedom
The fact that one can enjoy more freedom and not be restricted by the shackles imposed by the society is yet another factor luring students. Thayyiba, a student at Hyderabad Central University, says: “In Hyderabad, the restrictions and curfew imposed on women in our state are not there. One can walk the streets even after 6 pm and still feel secure.”
Knowledge-Hub Plans
Efforts are underway according to the Economic Review 2015 of the State Planning Board to develop Kerala into a globally-oriented knowledge hub. According to ‘Perspective Planning 2030’ envisaged by the Board, “there are plans to involve foreign universities through off-campus centres, in addition to using the assistance of local autonomous colleges and other deemed universities.. The plan also recognizes the fact that while such objectives are being contemplated, the consistent fall in the quality of higher education in the state continues to be a major concern though education experts every year send out warning signals.