Youthfolio

  Japan closes 2000

schools for want of kids

Japan hunts for kids, as schools close down for want of them. Contrary to India, where not only the rural young, even the urban youngsters in municipal schools, have no sufficient classroom facilities to study in, Japan is witnessing a reverse phenomenon which India can never hope of.

Over the past decade, more than 2,000 schools in Japan have been forced to close down. With decline in the birth rate and depopulation of rural areas and migration of urban families to smaller towns, many schools have either shut business or have amalgamated with other schools.

Schools are no longer bustling with activity—children carrying satchels and bottles, running here and there, pushing each other, and shouting at the top of their voices either inside their classrooms or outside in the playfields. However, not to be put down, municipal authorities in Japan have resorted to using the school premises as community centres or sports facilities. It is reported that in Kuzumaki-cho in Iwate Prefecture, for instance, the former Koyase Elementary School is being used to conduct classes for children in environmental study. There is another case where the Dokanyama Junior  High School in Tokyo is being used to accommodate a business house.

What is most interesting is that a 19th century school, due to its vintage structure and environs, is being used as an art centre. The classrooms have been converted into production rooms and local artistes are allowed to visit the studios to practise and participate in theatre, dance or musical productions. This Centre even organised the Kyoto Biennale 2003, an exhibition of contemporary art.    

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Japan expects the population decline to continue and the subsequent closure of schools to increase accordingly. However, the Japanese are not the ones to lose heart. They know how to rise up from ashes as happened after the bombardment of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The closing down of a school means opening up of a new venture, population or no population.

Happy, happy everywhere, where to buy it from

Psychologists say that India may be shining due to the ‘feel good factor’, but when it comes to happiness, there seems to be no sparkle as India ranks very low on the international happiness scale. The incomes are rising and material goods are easily available. Still, a recent international survey puts India's position at number 21 on the happiness scale. ”The gross national product is in no way an indicator of gross national happiness. In fact, what we find is that people with no economic pressures suffer more from depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders,” says Jitender Nagpal, consultant psychiatrist, Vidyasagar Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences. ”The desire for material goods has increased hand in hand with average income and is, in fact, a happiness suppressant,” says Dr J.P.S. Sawhney, a senior cardiologist with Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi. Competition too has increased, he says noting that “the mind is never relaxed, always insecure and in a state of depression... so where is the question of happiness?” An international values survey also agrees: “Average happiness has remained virtually the same in industrialised nations since World War II, although incomes have risen.” An analysis of the levels of happiness conducted in sixty-five countries by the World Values Survey recently showed that Nigeria, in spite of its poor economic condition, had the highest percentage of happy people. The US ranked 16th, Australia 20th, India 21st and Britain 24th. “Money can certainly buy happiness but its impact seems to drop once you can afford basic necessities...money just doesn’t buy as much happiness as it used to,” says Dr Sawhney. Another important factor contributing to it is a sense of insecurity which is present all the time. “We Indians keep thinking about future security all the time. This makes our present unhappy,” he says.                  By Arvinder Kaur

opportunities

Senior research associateship

IN an effort to put a halt to brain drain, which was a very common phenomenon in the early 20th century, it was decided to provide temporary placement to highly qualified Indian scientists, engineers, technologists and medical personnel returning from foreign countries, who were not holding any employment in India. Even those who have not been abroad but hold an outstanding academic record and are unemployed can apply too. Persons with high qualifications in social sciences or humanities with experience in a subject area relevant to science and technology can apply too, for placement under this scheme called Senior Research Associateship.

Though not a regular appointment, it is in the nature of a temporary placement to enable the candidate to do research training in India while looking for a regular position. Only bonafide Indian citizens can avail of the associateship which is for a period of three years only. The maximum age limit is 40 years on the date of receipt of application by CSIR.

The minimum educational qualifications for natural and social sciences include PhD followed by two years of research/teaching experience; academic percentage of 55 per cent in BSc and MSc with three publications or 60 per cent in BSc and MSc with two publications to credit.

In medical science, including dentistry and veterinary sciences, the applicant should be MD/MS/MDS/MVSc/MPharma followed by two years of residency in a hospital. Cumulative total of 55 per cent in the last degree examination along with two publications or 60 per cent with one publication are necessary prerequisites.

In engineering and technology, the essential requirements are 55 per cent marks in BE/BTech plus ME/MTech and two publications or 60 per cent in BE/BTech plus ME/MTech and one publication to credit.

For further information and details, contact: Deputy Secretary, CSIR Complex, Pusa, New Delhi-110012

Emeritus scientists

Superannuated outstanding scientists wishing to pursue research or write book/monograph, etc. in their respective fields of specialisations can seek financial assistance under the Emeritus Scientist Scheme launched by CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research). The scheme is applicable to those scientists who are acknowledged experts in their fields of specialisation and have been engaged in scientific research during the preceding five years of superannuation of upto sixty years of age. An important criterion for selection is the quality of publication of the scientist including those during the last five years prior to his retirement and other honours and rewards received by him. A specially constituted Standing Committee, which generally meets twice a year, considers the research proposals under the scheme and recommends the grant to be allowed. It consists of an honorarium of Rs 10,000 per month for the duration of his or her tenure. This also includes a suitable contingent grant per annum and technical assistance in the form of research fellows/associates.

The minimum qualifications for junior research fellowship is 55 per cent marks in MSc/BE/B.Tech. The selection for award of this fellowship is made on the basis of a competitive written test comprising a compulsory paper for testing mental ability and broad awareness of scientific knowledge at elementary level and two optional papers to be selected from amongst a. chemical science, b.earth, atmosphere, ocean and planetary science, c.life sciences, d.mathematical science and e.physical sciences.

The minimum qualifications for senior research fellowship is MSc, BE, B.Tech, B. Pharm and at least two years of post-MSc, BE, B.Tech, B.Pharm research experience as evidenced from published papers in standard refreed journals; ME, M.Tech in engineering/technology; and MBBS or BDS with one-year internship/M. Pharm or an equivalent.

The minimum qualifications for research associateship is a doctorate (PhD/MD/MS/MDS) or equivalent degree or three years of research, teaching and design and development experience after M. Pharm/ME/ M. Tech.

Contact or write to: Extramural Research Division, HRD Wing, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, K.S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi-16