The Spell of Money!

  •   Sat, Sep 15 2012
  •   By Giselle Maryanne Fernandes, Mumbai

September 16, 2012

In an era where humanity seems to have sold its conscience to the lust of money, the ancient adage holds true; the love of money is the root of all evil. Yet, at the brink of global economy, where the world at large seems a hop away from reaching the economic zenith with due credit to technological advancement, we ironically find money as a barrier to the overall development of an average citizen.

This maybe exemplified in the life of Maria. A precocious child at the volatile age of eighteen, born and nurtured in the middle class family has succumbed and gradually overcome the ubiquitous peer-pressure of the adolescent world. This girl dreamed of achieving great heights through her hard work. A girl who was able to manifest the most vivid thoughts onto a parchment, applied to a prestigious institution within the state earlier this year. Lamentably, she was forced to turn down the invitation that the college had to offer with reluctant humility.

The reason? Along with the fabulously ornamented application form that was dropped into the mail box also came a booklet that explicitly explained the paramount importance of handing over a ‘capitation fee’. An understanding an overly mature girl, aware of the financial difficulty at home, she took a decision that shattered all childhood dreams and split ambitions towards which she arduously worked for the past ten years of her life.

We as a society have reached a state where we have the audacity to hold our peace in the midst of the cruel and unjust system. An education system that encourages the admission of merit students and non merit candidates on the basis of their bank balance? An education system that shuns the formation of a budding Einstein or Newton? How long are we going to appease our children with unprecedented hope? The only option the younger generations are left with is to settle for the mediocre, and in doing so we are directly responsible for its consequences.

Statistics prove that close to 15% of youth mortality is in suicide instigated by similar circumstances. Thus, we reach a stage where money had led to the end of a career, end of a source of family income, end of self-esteem and ambition and even end to the lives of our sons and daughters, dooming them to a fate they least deserved. For as the good old bard of Avon Shakespeare utters, “What a piece of work is a man! Men’s evil manners live in brass; their virtues we write in water. Bell, book and candle shall not drive me back, when gold and silver becks me to come on”.

 

Giselle Fernandes Archives:

By Giselle Maryanne Fernandes, Mumbai
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Comment on this article

  • BENEDICT FERNANDES, MAJILA MANGALORE

    Fri, Sep 28 2012

    Unless we eradicate the word 'selfishness' from the face of this earth, we have no scope for survival. Recent predictions of UNO that 100 million will perish by 2030 solely because of global warming are all things to come. Friends wait for another 75 years there would be no trace of this ugly creature ever created by God 'MAN'. Justice will be done and the evil doers who have countless money will be burned out in their own money. We cannot repair this selfish world and whatever it offers for the next 75 years we have to suffer. All religions, institutions, Governments, UNO all have failed. Reason everything is guided by GREED. Anyway nothing to worry. The end is very near. Let God save the humans!!

  • A.S.Mathew, U.S.A.

    Fri, Sep 28 2012

    Money is an excellent servant but a terrible master. In this world, we can't do anything without money, it can create greater happiness by wiping the tears of the most helpless people on the other hand, when the man or women-made money turns like an idol of worship and total secutiry, we will be faced with serious setbacks and disappointments in life. Jesus said " love of money is the root cause of all evils". It is very sad to say that many people can't get education due to the lack of money, and even many Christian educational institutions have been turned as money making
    machines. Most probably, this world-wide depression may teach everybody an unforgettable lesson about wealth like an unstable security.

  • Ajay, USA/India

    Wed, Sep 19 2012

    You took words from my mouth..

    This capitation based education where merit is decided based on what you can pay is a mockery of education.

    How many of us would go to a Doctor if that doctor was to put up a board outside that said if he was educated on Merit or through Capitation.

    We want the best minds to do these jobs not the one who could not make it on merit but snuck his way in by paying.

    Mangalore following Manipal is the epicenter of this disease in India, with capitation colleges galore..

  • Kurt Waschnig, Oldenburg Germany

    Mon, Sep 17 2012

    Dear Giselle, you have written an interesting story and you are able to describe an important part of India´s society.
    I am an avid reader of Daijiworld and I am used to read Daijiworld on a daily basis.

    I like India a lot and have been very often to this wonderful country.

    I live in Germany, one of the richest countries all over the world.

    Up to now every Government of Germany has done a lot for Germans to get a qualified education free of charge.

    Education is the key for success in life and every country needs educated and skilled people.

    There is a prosperous middle- and upper class in India. Middle class families send their children to English medium schools and if possible later to any university.

    But now coming to the problem , you describe in an excellent way.

    You describe what Maria was facing, a young talented young woman, 18 years old.

    You say”Along with the fabulously ornamented application form that was ped into the mail box also came a booklet that explicitly explained the paramount importance of handing over a ‘capitation fee’ “

    Getting a qualified education in India is very expensive and is getting more expensive year by year.


    Maria had to bury her dreams, she had worked many years to achieve them. This is very sad to say, but Maria´s life is shattered.

    On the other hand there are hundred of million illiterate Indians who live in misery and poverty without any chance to improve their standard of living, without knowing English.

    Dear Giselle, let us think of the Father of The Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. He had a vision, He wanted an India with opportunities for all Indians.

    A lot must happen that Gandhi´s vision will come true. Every Indian child, must go to school for at least 10 years. That should be compulsory.
    Attending school must be free of charge and English must be offered and children must be taught in English.
    Children who are talented , should have the chance to study even free of charge and they should receive scholarships.

    Education is the key for a better life and for a shining India.

    An India where all Indians are literate, able to build a future for them and their children.

    Let us dream Giselle that this day will come and thank you for your story.


    Best regards


    Kurt Waschnig Oldenburg Germany


    e-mail: oldenburg1952@yahoo.de


  • Cherry, Mangalore

    Sun, Sep 16 2012

    Hi Giselle,
    It is so true that our present education system have too many loop-holes but I am sure this will soon change.

  • Edward Joe, Mangalore

    Sun, Sep 16 2012

    Dear Giselle- I can relate this incident of Maria to my life too. Very upsetting.
    I hope this will stop soon and our educational system will change.

  • jacintha, Mangalore

    Sun, Sep 16 2012

    Dear Giselle- a good article.
    A Good insight on the present education system. I only hope that the Meritorious students are not deprived of what they deserve best.
    Kind regards/Jacintha

  • Maria, mangalore

    Sun, Sep 16 2012

    Giselle,
    Very true! Your article touched a soft chord.I enjoyed reading your poem too.


  • E F George, Mangalore

    Sun, Sep 16 2012

    The Mangalore Educational society which was well known for giving large no. of talented professionals, who have been respected all over the World for their achievements and contributions to the Society is slowly losing its sheen. We need Meritorious students to be able to fulfill their dreams. I just wish our premiere Institutes will address these issues.

  • Cherylyn,

    Sun, Sep 16 2012

    The Prohibition of Unfair Practices in Technical Educational Institutions, Medical Institutions and Universities Bill, 2010 recognizes capitation fee as a cognizable offence.However,mostly it is not reported and still continues to plague society with the "killing of merit".

  • Sharath, Mumbai

    Sun, Sep 16 2012

    Its sad that institutes have lost its true purpose.If capitation fee continues in this society would you really know the bridges built or the medicine you take out of students who have become professional out of non merit seats are really safe?

  • Carolyn , Mumbai

    Sun, Sep 16 2012

    Giselle,

    All of us are aware of this happening in our society, however it takes courage to stand up against it even at the expense of shattering of ones dreams.

    Keep writing.

  • Joe Britto, Nakre/Bangalore

    Sun, Sep 16 2012

    Money is honey my dear Sunny
    Rich Mans's joke is ALWAYS funny !


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