An Unreasonable Approach
Role of Education in choosing workable leadership
For those of us who do talk about a literate world and development thru
education but deep down believe that those superstitious , ignorant folks can
never make it big here is something from guys who might seem unreasonable
--who believe change is possible.
Video: http://gsevserv.harvard.edu/ramgen/iep/iep_nm_fr.rm
How many of us believe that it is possible to have an educated workforce in
Assam who choose their government not based on the symbol of hand (Congress) or
Lotus (BJP) or elephant (AGP) ---since they cannot read the names of the party
but recognize only symbols like preschool kids.
Or vote for whom their community leaders direct them to -- but by being
literate and able to read widely and judge for themselves what sort of
political party is good for them -and more importantly which local leader
should be voted out of office and which one voted in.
Is it possible to have a society in Assam where it would be necessary for the
politicians to enter in discussion and debates to convince the voters of their
worthiness . And not just give speeches and car rallies to show their muscle
strength -to browbeat voters into choosing them.
Of course , the question remains :
How useful is universal literacy in improving economic development of the
region?
Will universal literacy translate in Assam becoming the next Japan? Is there
any role of neighbors in economic progress of a region?
Location, Location, Location!!
Would it would make any difference if instead of Bhutan , Bangladesh and
Burma (Myaanmar) the NE region of India had the location of current
Switzerland? What if Assam were surrounded by France, Italy and Germany ? Most
likely the culture of progress and technological advancement and subsequent
trade would have rubbed off on Assam as well.
Isn't Mexico (and also Canada) progressing due to its proximity to super
power USA?
Linkages and Learning Strategies
How can Assam get closer to such world powers despite being halfway across
the globe from them?
Can we learn from Japan?
While reading Made in Japan famous autobiography of Akio Morita
founder of Sony group who was also the unofficial spokesman of Japan Inc. it
becomes clear that Japanese grew by their interactions through trade and
education with USA. Sony rose from the ashes of post WW-2 Japan. Akio moved to
USA while running his factory in Japan to expand trade there and imbibe new
technology and business practices. He said that he kept away from fellow
Japanese and mingled freely with the Americans since only Americans alone
could help him develop new skills. Fellow Japanese were like blind leading the
blind all in the same boat.
More info on Akio Morita: http://www.sony.com/SCA/press/morita_bio.shtml
Can we learn something from Japan? Is learning by doing possible?
What is possible?
Umesh
Umesh Sharma
5121 Lackawanna ST
College Park,
(Washington D.C. Metro Region)
MD 20740
1-202-215-4328 [Cell Phone]
Ed.M. - International Education Policy
Harvard Graduate School of Education,
Harvard University,
Class of 2005
weblog: http://jaipurschool.bihu.in/
website: www.gse.harvard.edu/iep
---------------------------------
What kind of emailer are you? Find out today - get a free analysis of your
email personality. Take the quiz at the Yahoo! Mail Championship._______________________________________________
assam mailing list
[email protected]
http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
