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language barrier

Language: A Bridge or Barrier?

Language can often be a silent barrier on a student’s path to knowledge, shaping their journey in ways they may not even realize. It’s a well-known truth that each language holds a unique essence, an emotional depth that only those who speak it can truly feel. Think about it for a moment. If I ask you to reflect on the word “Education” you might immediately associate it with growth, opportunity, or empowerment. But if I ask you to translate it into Hindi— “Vidya / विद्या”—the feeling shifts ever so slightly, doesn’t it? The word still means the same, but the emotion behind it feels different. This subtle change in feeling is precisely what makes language such a powerful, yet sometimes limiting, tool in learning. Now consider this: In many countries, education is delivered in the native language. Americans are taught in English, Chinese students in Mandarin, Germans in German, and so on. These students have the privilege of learning complex subjects in a language that feels natural to them, one that resonates with their emotions and culture. But let’s move beyond these examples and focus on your own experience. Think back to a time when you were just learning English. Perhaps you would hear a sentence in English, translate it in your mind, and then try to speak it. Imagine if, during that time, someone asked you to explain photosynthesis. For those fluent in English, the task would seem straightforward. But for those still grappling with the language, the explanation might come out awkward or incomplete, perhaps sounding something like, “Photosynthesis a process plants makes their food with sunlight taking carbon dioxide and water.” The core idea is there, but the language gap makes it harder to convey clearly. Now imagine if that same student had been given the freedom to explain in their own native language. Wouldn’t their understanding shine through more vividly? Without the burden of translation, they would have the freedom to express their thoughts, ideas, and knowledge with clarity and confidence. This is the impact of language—a bridge when it aligns with our emotions, and a barrier when it doesn’t. When students are allowed to learn and express themselves in a language that speaks to their hearts, the results can be transformative. It’s not just about understanding concepts, but about feeling them deeply and communicating them fully. Imagine the possibilities when learning isn’t just about words, but about connecting with the true essence of knowledge. In my small academy at home, I’ve always believed in freeing students from the barriers of language—and the results have been nothing short of remarkable. This isn’t just a theory or a hopeful idea, it’s a truth that even Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, one of India’s most brilliant minds, emphasized.During a conversation with a student, the boy shared that he was the only one in his family studying in his mother tongue, Urdu, while everyone else, including his parents, had received an English-medium education. He asked Dr. Kalam if his parents were right in believing that studying in one’s mother tongue is most beneficial for a student’s career. Dr. Kalam’s response was simple yet profound. He shared that he, too, had studied in his mother tongue throughout primary and secondary school, adding, “After that, you can always learn other languages for your professional courses.” His words reflect a powerful truth—mastery of a subject comes more naturally when it’s taught in a language that resonates with your heart. Official link of the conversation: Click Here But it’s not just Dr. Kalam. Many of India’s greatest minds studied in their mother tongue and went on to contribute extraordinary research and innovations. Think of historical figures like Bāṇabhaṭṭa, Āryabhaṭa, Sushruta, Madhava, Srinivasa Ramanujan, Bhāskarāchārya, Maharshi Kanada, Agastya, Maharshi Bharadvaja, Charak acharya, Patanjali, Kapila, Chanakya, Varāhamihira, Nagarjuna, Pāṇini, Brahmagupta, and so many others. These scholars weren’t hindered by foreign languages; they thrived by learning and creating in the languages that came naturally to them. Now, look at the current scenario. How many groundbreaking research papers does India produce? What are our contributions to global knowledge in comparison to other nations? Yes, institutions like ISRO, DRDO, ICMR, AIIMS, IITs, etc. stand as shining examples of Indian excellence, but imagine how much more we could achieve if our education system truly empowered students to learn in their own languages, the way we used to in the past. We once led the world in science, mathematics, medicine, and philosophy when our scholars studied in the comfort of their mother tongues. Are we still on the same path today? Take a moment to reflect. The language we learn in is not just a medium; it’s the key to unlocking our potential. It’s time we rethink how we approach education and give our students the freedom to soar in the language they know best.

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Deceptive resoning

Deceptive Reasoning: A Barrier to Growth

Deceptive reasoning occurs when someone justifies ethically and morally wrong actions to protect their ego or social standing. Instead of acknowledging their mistakes, they create explanations that reinforce their own biases, hindering personal and social growth. Motivation for Deceptive Reasoning: People engage in deceptive reasoning for various reasons, including: Maintaining social reputation: They fear judgment and consequences if their wrongdoing is exposed. Satisfying their ego:  They rationalize their actions to avoid feelings of guilt or shame. Preserving beliefs: They cling to pre-existing notions even when confronted with contradictory evidence. Impact on Personality: Deceptive reasoning creates a false sense of righteousness, leading individuals to believe their actions are justified despite societal norms. This perpetuates harmful behaviors and hinders self-reflection, preventing them from learning from their mistakes.  As a result, they may isolate themselves from those who challenge their distorted worldview, leading to social and psychological consequences. Impact on Society: Deceptive reasoning can be contagious. When individuals witness others justifying unethical actions, they may be more likely to adopt similar rationalizations. This can erode ethical standards and create a culture of dishonesty and self-preservation. Moving Forward: Breaking free from deceptive reasoning requires self-awareness, critical thinking, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. By fostering open dialogue and promoting ethical decision-making, we can create environments that encourage personal growth and societal well-being.

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right vs wrong

Right Vs Wrong – How to differentiate?

In the ever-evolving journey of life, we often find ourselves grappling with the question of which path to follow. Should we heed the advice of others, or forge our own way? Enjoy this thought-provoking dialogue between Purusha and the nature herself (Prakriti), eliminating the fine line between Right and Wrong… Purusha: What is the right path to follow? Everyone seems to have their own idea of the “right” way, but how do I know which one is truly correct? Prakriti: Ah, the age-old question of morality. It’s a tricky one, isn’t it? Purusha: Exactly! I just want to find the correct way to live my life. Is there even such a thing as a ‘right’ path? Prakriti: That’s a great question. The truth is, the concepts of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ are not as straightforward as they might seem. They’re more like a matter of perspective. Purusha: What do you mean? Surely, there must be some universal standards we can follow? Prakriti: Not really. Good and bad are labels we assign to actions based on our own beliefs and experiences. But what one person sees as ‘right’ might be ‘wrong’ for someone else Purusha: Hmm, I see what you mean. But then how do I know which way to go? I don’t want to make the wrong choices in life. Prakriti: Hmm… Can you think of a word in Sanskrit which truly represents right or wrong? Purusha: “सु-” and “कु-“. These prefixes can mean to describe good and bad respectively. Prakriti: Good and Bad are the effects of those decisions taken on the basis of the obligatory rules and principles. These obligatory principles and rules are the right and the wrong. Purusha: I see, so perhaps the words “उचित्” and “अनुचित्” would be more appropriate? Prakriti: These words are meant only for the futuristic actions that are to be executed. These are suggestive words for your decisions. Purusha: O great mother, I’m still struggling to understand. What should I follow then? Which path do I choose? Prakriti: Let’s think about it this way: how do you make a decision? What’s the process behind choosing a particular path? Purusha: The decision is the cause of the action, and the possibilities we have to choose from are what make the decision. These possibilities arise from our desires, and our thoughts are the root of those desires. Prakriti: Exactly! And who is the one making the choice among these possibilities? Purusha: It’s me, of course. Prakriti: On what basis? Who guides your choice? Purusha: My mind and the intellect Prakriti: Ah, that’s the key. Right and Wrong are the basic principles and rules which serve as the foundation of your decision. There are some futuristic ideas also that you termed as उचित् and अनुचित्. However, good and bad are the terms which affects your actions but not your decisions. One may think this statement as wrong. But, you can verify it by analyzing and studying the cause of Deceptive Reasoning.  This is the only truth of your mind. Your mind and your intellect are the influencers of your choices. Your mind tends to fulfill the desires of your body, which is always seeking comfort and pleasure. Purusha: I see! So the key is to maintain a balance between my mind and my intellect, using my Viveka (विवेक) to guide my choices. Prakriti: Precisely! Mind has its own purpose. If you neglect, it will destroy your very own existence. Your mind will constantly push you towards what benefits your body, but your intellect is there to help you discern the right path. By finding that balance, you can navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and clarity. Your existence is not the cause of our the path of right or wrong. You existed before that and will exist after that. But our physical manifestation depends on the path of yours, your decisions (right or wrong).     In the ever-evolving journey of life, we often find ourselves grappling with the question of which path to follow. Should we heed the advice of others, or forge our own way? Enjoy this thought-provoking dialogue between Purusha and the nature herself (Prakriti), eliminating the fine line between Right and Wrong… Purusha: What is the right path to follow? Everyone seems to have their own idea of the “right” way, but how do I know which one is truly correct? Prakriti: Ah, the age-old question of morality. It’s a tricky one, isn’t it? Purusha: Exactly! I just want to find the correct way to live my life. Is there even such a thing as a ‘right’ path? Prakriti: That’s a great question. The truth is, the concepts of ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ are not as straightforward as they might seem. They’re more like a matter of perspective. Purusha: What do you mean? Surely, there must be some universal standards we can follow? Prakriti: Not really. Good and bad are labels we assign to actions based on our own beliefs and experiences. But what one person sees as ‘right’ might be ‘wrong’ for someone else Purusha: Hmm, I see what you mean. But then how do I know which way to go? I don’t want to make the wrong choices in life. Prakriti: Hmm… Can you think of a word in Sanskrit which truly represents right or wrong? Purusha: “सु-” and “कु-“. These prefixes can mean to describe good and bad respectively. Prakriti: Good and Bad are the effects of those decisions taken on the basis of the obligatory rules and principles. These obligatory principles and rules are the right and the wrong. Purusha: I see, so perhaps the words “उचित्” and “अनुचित्” would be more appropriate? Prakriti: These words are meant only for the futuristic actions that are to be executed. These are suggestive words for your decisions. Purusha: O great mother, I’m still struggling to understand. What should I follow then? Which path do I choose? Prakriti: Let’s think about it this way: how do you make a decision? What’s the process behind choosing a particular path? Purusha: The decision is the cause

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