Ishtayaq Rasool Magrey
Long time before engineering was adored as prestigious and a profession of hard workers, dedicated and committed, since it fetched high paid jobs and would satisfy one’s pockets to the maximum. Contemporary scenario so far is concerned; we have seen a lateral shift in the field. In a paradox, the system has failed to imbibe the degree holders at one end, at the other universities have given up at producing quality graduates.
In today’s globally competitive landscape, where engineering is the most preferred career for students to pursue but tragedy as well for many who do follow the crowd in hurry. Attending coaching classes for JEE or Advance entrance exams cost at least 1 lakh rupees for a course which is a significant amount for most middle-class families. But parents don’t think before investing such an amount because they desperately want their children to get into one of the top engineering colleges with taking risk along but may cause a serious instability in deciding future.
However it is not everyone’s cup of tea for going into IITs, NITs and GFTIs. Despite that, students are taking admissions in state, deemed and private universities to pursue their engineering rather understanding the fact of academics and professional engineering. B.Tech is somewhat more practically intensive than the BE which is more theoretical.
The Economic times reports as “94% of engineering graduates are not fit for hiring” who studies from academics such as colleges or universities, except IITs and other prestigious technology institutes as NITs, most engineering colleges are unable to cater education for engineering student that would get them suitable jobs. Now a large number of these colleges are being closed down.
Though the quantity of universities, colleges and engineer programmes are increasing in the country, still the lack of quality education, lack of skill education, corruption and shortage of faculty are the major issues in higher education.
Moreover I have noticed the increasing trend and zeal among us for engineering and medical career, despite knowing that we have pile of engineers around who seek for jobs and pursuers are the best examples.
I am referring to those who in haste pick a profession after passing class 12th exam, even not taking time to think what is fitting for them. It seems clearly, youth is in hurry to decide their career. Though parents merely want kids as engineers, for completing their own desires as custom, also stereotypes in minds, that an engineer’s life is only worth living. So they persist kids to pursue career in it.
While pursuing many realize their true ambition but as most of them cannot drop out mid-way (due to family pressure or social stigma or something else) they finish their degree and then pursue what they want to. The biggest example I can give here is of the character Farhan from the movie Three Idiots is perhaps the most valuable lesson one can get from watching this movie.
In fact youth may be taking a wrong choice, but engineering need not always be the right one. There are several others but a society doesn’t exactly welcome with open hands, the prospect of the men following up on arts courses for their college studies.
Another fact is not taking consideration before picking something else; most of engineers in hurry make a choice but after finished they like to go for civil service, politics, entrepreneurship, photography, writing etc.
Nowadays, where competition is stiffening and choices for making a career are diverse and expanding. This certainly is a high time to pursue a career in art, literature, science, sociology, politics, history, mass media and others which cater the diverse knowledge in different fields, good career opportunities and jobs as well.
It’s an irony that despite of so many opportunities in the field of mass communication & media, travel, art, politics etc. we are moved to only direction that just despairs.
It’s well said by Benjamin Franklin,
“Take time for all things: great haste makes great waste”
Author is pursuing B.A journalism degree from Kashmir University) ishtiyaqrasool32@gmail