Shriniwasa Bagarka Junior College is the only aided independent college in Maharashtra, which is neither attached to a school nor a college. Founded in memory of veteran social worker and educationist Shri Shrinivasa Bagarka, the Junior College is managed by Shri Rajasthani Seva Sangh, a registered Public Trust, in Andheri East, Mumbai. As part of an outreach programme, THE TEENAGER TODAY met with Dr Vanashri Valecha, the Education Director of the College, to learn about the pioneering Institution. Excerpts from the brief chat with her.

Good morning, Madam. Please tell us something about the early years of your College.
Shrinivasa Bagarka Junior College and its parent organization Shri Rajasthani Seva Sangh was established in the early sixties to make higher education easily available and accessible to those who are deprived of it, and to provide an object-oriented molecular education with emphasis on practical knowledge.

Tell us more about the vision and mission of the college.
Gone are the days when being good at one thing was enough. So, to address this trend in education, we have introduced over a hundred skill development courses, making them available on the campus. To enhance the students’ language skills, we have special language sessions in English and Sanskrit. There are also special classes on banking transactions, creative writing, kitchen gardening and many more. A 12-hour compulsory workshop, Mission Udaan, helps our students to set goals, and make a roadmap to achieve these goals.

Does the college insist on attendance of the students, which is often taken for granted in colleges, these days?
Very much. Attendance is of paramount importance to us. We have an automated tracking system, where parents can get the report of every lecture on their smart phones.

Is there an efficient parent-teacher association in the college?
Yes. Moreover, parents are invited to the college during the first week of the college opening to discuss about the students’ goals, and get the lowdown about what a student can expect from the college.

What makes your college different from other colleges in the State?
We don’t concentrate only on educational growth, but give equal importance to ensure that our students become all-rounders to meet the demands of today’s competitive business standards. With this mind, we provide additional practical knowledge in all subjects, even more than what the students choose. This makes Shrinivasa Bagarka College different from others!

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It’s that time of the year again; kids are scuttling around with their college applications, hoping to make it into their dream college. All of us look forward to college; I know I did. It’s that phase of life where we have a reasonable amount of freedom and aren’t at the constant beck and call of our parents. We might be on a loose leash, but we’re still at liberty to lead life on our own terms. It’s exciting because you’ll have so many new experiences and make amazing memories. At the same time, you’ll do stupid things but when you look back, you’re going to have a good laugh.

I went to college totally oblivious as to what to expect, because all people say is that you’re finally doing a course you like and college life is going to be so much fun. (Ha ha ha! How I wish it was just that!) After finishing my first year of college, I did learn that there is so much more to it than what you might think. So, let’s get to the nitty-gritty of how college really is, as I share with you five things I learned about college, so that you are prepared for what’s to come. Or if you’re already in college or a graduate, I hope you can relate.

1. College is not a piece of cake.

As much as you think that you’re studying a course you like, college is definitely not easy. Some of you might be getting your first C’s and D’s here; I did too. But don’t fret, because it’s completely normal. The course content might be complex, professors are ALWAYS stingy with grades, and you’ve got so much to balance in college that bad grades shouldn’t come as a surprise. Although, what’s important is that you learn to pick yourself up. You can’t have bad grades forever. Talk to your professors to see where you should improve, take some time out to study and improve in what you’re lacking. It’s great to have fun, but there will be days when you’re going to despise those textbooks and long sleepless nights. All you should know is that it is part and parcel of the plan, and your efforts will definitely pay off in the end.

2. Take up internships and volunteer, get out of your comfort zone!

You’re at a stage in life where you’re most productive, so why not channel some of that productivity into something worthwhile? As you gear up for life ahead, doing internships will definitely give you a heads up as to what to expect as you progress career-wise. And I’m not just saying this as an excuse to keep yourself occupied. Doing internships helps build your portfolio; a number of companies consider this during placements, so if you want them to pick you, prove to them why you’re worth it. Nobody forces anything on you in college; it’s up to you to shape how you grow. Volunteer and do your bit for society. It’s time to get out of your little cocoon of comfort and explore what’s out there. Not only does engaging in activities like this keep you occupied, but you get to meet new people, learn new things, and grow holistically. So don’t be shy to embrace what’s out there!

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Success in high school doesn’t always result in success in college. College may be just another learning environment in your view, but there are considerable differences. Here’s how to succeed in college in four simple words: Have good, consistent habits. Sounds pretty simple, right? Maybe a little too simple? After all, what defines “good”? Many people achieve college success by paying attention to what works for other students. Yet, that’s not always a guaranteed method. Some students do well in spite of their bad habits, which can make it hard to sort out what will actually work for you. Thankfully, plenty of time-tested advice exists to help you out.

Whether you’re starting college right after high school or pursuing a degree, these tips will help you.

1. Attend class regularly.

You may not have studied in high school, but you will need to in college. Being a successful student only happens by being present. Missing classes can mean missing out on important information and good opportunities for improving your understanding of the material being taught. Your class attendance also has a big impact on the impression you leave on your professors. Even in large classes, they notice. They will be much more willing to give you support when you need it if you demonstrate your commitment by showing up consistently. Also, professors emphasize the most important information in class. You also might catch a break on your grade if your attendance has been excellent. Ensure that you’re participating, too. Asking one intelligent question per day will ensure that you’re making a good impression on the professor.

2. Make friends and get involved.

You have a new life now with new people. Get involved in campus life so you feel at home. A few activities and friends will make you feel more at home. Increased comfort will make it easier to concentrate on your studies.

3. Ask for help before you’re in trouble.

All professors and teaching assistants have office hours. Make good use of them. Larger universities also have tutoring available, often for free. The sooner you ask for help, the less help you’ll need. You’ll also minimize your stress.

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Come September, and most of us tend to think of our teachers (those of today, or those of yesteryears, depending on which age group we belong to) who play a vital role in shaping us into well-developed human beings. Teachers’ Day, which the country celebrates on September 5 every year, provides students, parents and teachers themselves, with a unique opportunity to understand and appreciate the role teachers play in nation building.

Our country has always held teachers in very high esteem, almost considering them as reflections of the divine. The epic Mahabharata has many classic examples. Acharya (the royal teacher) was always considered an integral part of the royal household, his opinion was always sought before the king and his ministers took any important decision, and his word often prevailed over others. No one ordinarily questioned his moral authority.

Rabindranath Tagore is considered as one of the most versatile Indian writers. Yet, Tagore was affectionately called Gurudev by his disciples, and sure Tagore liked it that way. Even today, in many circles he is referred to as Gurudev, and not so much as a writer.

It is said that Dr Radhakrishnan, one of the most erudite Presidents our country has ever had, preferred to be known as a teacher than as the President of India. No wonder, India celebrates his birthday as Teachers’ Day!

Perhaps, we do not have today teachers of the calibre of Rabindranath Tagore or Dr Radhakrishnan. In spite of this, I have no hesitation to say that teaching is still the noblest of all professions that I can think of today. In fact, I would not dare to call ‘teaching’ a profession, as I would not refer to ‘parenting’ as a profession. For me, teaching is, and will continue to be, the very extension of the mission of parenting!

A couple of years ago, I was asked to give an orientation programme for the teachers of a nearby school. As it was one of the first experiences (talking to teachers) for me, I had to do a lot of homework to do justice to the task. In the course of the preparation, I came across many real stories and anecdotes, two of which have specially touched me. I want to share them with you here, as they pertain to the teacher-student relationship.

I have no hesitation to say that teaching is still the noblest of all professions that I can think of today. In fact, I would not dare to call ‘teaching’ a profession, as I would not refer to ‘parenting’ as a profession. For me, teaching is, and will continue to be, the very extension of the mission of parenting!

It was the last day of the year for the first graders; and the teacher gave her class a special assignment — she knew her little ones were fond of drawing and so she asked them to draw a picture of something for which they were especially grateful. In no time everyone completed their assignment — one subtler than the other. One drew a picture of a tree, someone else a cow, and still another, a tap from which water was flowing, etc. But the teacher and the entire class were quite puzzled by little Edward’s drawing. He had simply drawn a hand.

Different children tried to give their interpretations to Edward’s sketch. It must be God’s hand that blesses us every day, one said. Another said that it was a farmer’s hand that provides us food. Someone else said it must be that of the traffic policeman who daily helps us cross the road. Finally, it was Edward’s turn to explain his drawing. He was always a quiet boy, and as usual he quietly got up, looked at the teacher intently and confessed: “Teacher, it is your hand; over the past one year, you have given me much more than anyone else. I’m thankful to you.”

Without any hesitation, I think I can say it is my own story, too, and with young Edward and hundreds of thousands of people all over the country, I would love to say: “Teacher/Teachers, it is your hand; you have given me, possibly with the exception of my mother, much more than anyone else in the world. I am at a loss for words to thank you!”

I am reminded of another anecdote from the life of the great sculptor Michelangelo. Michelangelo was once visiting a building site, when he came across a very odd-shaped, rough-edged block of marble.

“What are you doing with this piece of marble?” Michelangelo asked the builder.

“Nothing,” the builder said. “It is useless!”

“It’s not useless,” the great sculptor replied. “Please send it to my studio. There’s an angel imprisoned in this block of marble that I must set free!”

What Michelangelo said is very true of every committed teacher whose mission and challenge in life is to free the beautiful angel imprisoned in every student who comes to him/her.

I remember once asking a group of teachers as to what they consider teaching to be — a profession or a mission. This is what they told me, or at least the gist of what they told me: “Teaching is a mission or a commitment, first of all. Moulding the mind of a child is a noble mission. We deal with human beings, and no two individuals are the same. We have to handle each of our students with the utmost care. Fragile, handle with care is the norm here, as well. A teacher should be able to discipline his/her student with love and understanding, always helping the student to discover the hidden qualities and talents within, and to develop them.”

Beautiful words befitting millions of our teachers, all over the country, who are engaged in the noble mission of setting free the imprisoned angel in every student of theirs. Keep it up, dear teachers; the nation is proud of you! Three cheers to you!

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President Barack Obama had this to say about the advice he gave to his daughter: “One piece of advice that I’ve given her is not to stress too much about having to get into one particular college, just because it’s not some name-brand, famous, fancy school doesn’t mean that you’re not going to get a great education there.”

Why do students pick certain colleges? We’ve heard every reason imaginable! For example, we know of students who apply to a certain college in Mumbai because there are a lot of film shoots and they hope to bump into an actor or two.  Other students like the canteen facilities!

Depending on your personal priorities, these may or may not be good reasons to pick a college. And it’s important to remember that what makes one school a student’s dream college may make it a nightmare choice for you. Nevertheless, there are some common steps that we believe all students need to take that will help them in choosing the right college.

The choice of university determines your path to the right job, right career, right environment, even the right partner, which is why you need to spend time weighing possibilities and seeing where you fit best.

When does the planning begin?

Imagine what career you see yourself pursuing and then work backwards. Higher secondary school or Std VIII is the ideal time. Which subject will help you get there and what college to study it in are the next steps.

The next step is to do research and shortlist a few institutes that will help you launch yourself in a career that is suited to both your passion and aptitude. Once you have done that you can identify what you need to do to qualify.

So what else do you need to check while choosing your college?

Check out the faculty and if possible meet with them. Talk to the Head of the department which you plan to study with and see if they can connect you with other professors who can tell you more about the programme. With the internet it is not as difficult or daunting as it used to be in the past.

Consult and discuss your options with friends and family. It is a great idea to connect with professionals from the field you wish to enter. Try to get advice from those who do not have a bias and are able to give you advice objectively.

Remember to take the advice of college career counsellors with a grain of salt. The admissions office is their sales office as they are employed by the college.

Take note but don’t assume that they will give you the answers. Remember, you are just getting started. Asking the people you know for recommendations is a good way to generate a preliminary list of schools. As you research these schools, you’ll begin to discover what is important to you. It may turn out that these initial recommendations were spot on or totally off.

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