I have an important update to share with you all. My admit card for the forthcoming academic exam is out. Therefore, you’ll see me here a little less. However, I’ll still be available on DM/ comments.

So, I am adjourning my weekly column, #AskATHC #ATHCOriginal, sine die — until further notice.

But before I sign off, here’s MY TAKE (23rd Nov, 2025) on some key issues:

a) Why are students facing so much pressure when it comes to studies?

b) Why is there so much confusion about English medium?

Do We Really Need English

English is a major global language. Learning it always helps. At the same time, it’s equally useful to learn and enjoy other languages.

In fields like journalism and mass communication, English becomes necessary because you never know when you may need to speak live with someone from another country who doesn’t know your language.

Additionally, strong English skills make it easier to find opportunities abroad if you ever plan to settle in the UK, Canada, the US, or Oceania.

c) Why do some politicians claim that studying in English medium or liking the English language is some sort of slavery, yet digitisation & e-governance are considered development? The irony is many of the software & hardware kits are sourced from abroad!

d) Why do scientists & other top government servants go abroad for higher studies? Yet the moment someone praises English or supports English medium education, they are accused of glorifying Macaulay or the slavery we endured for almost 400 years.

Politicians throwing around such innuendos is still understandable. Because the irony is that these leaders rarely stick to their own words. Their stand shifts faster than a chameleon’s colours depending on whether they’re in power or in the opposition.

Careers, Pressure, and the Choices Students Face

e) Furthermore, parents are constantly focusing on STEM, as if nothing else exists.

But is a student’s career really finished if they don’t choose that path? And why can’t parents look beyond STEM or IIT/JEE/NEET?

Parents toeing the same line that their neighbours’ sons or daughters are following, without any valid rationale, is unacceptable. Your neighbour’s child’s success or failure does not define your child’s future — it’s as simple as that.

There is a full world outside STEM. So what if your kid couldn’t crack NEET-UG or IIT JEE? There are plenty of other career options. In fact, many students choose those paths and do well in their lives.

It’s better to observe your kids and figure out what excites them. Often, the subjects they enjoy most hint at the direction their future can take.

And along the way, if you notice they can’t handle the academic pressure, let them breathe. Ask them to relax and move at their own pace instead. Don’t force them to chase marks. After all, life is not a cricket match where you have to hover over an academic scoreboard all the time.

When Safety Fails Students

Unfortunately, these days, students are bearing the brunt. Every morning when I turn on the news, I feel nothing but shock. Reports of students ending their lives, being involved in crime, or facing harassment from teachers appear far too often.

No parent sends their child to school to face humiliation or any kind of mistreatment. Likewise, no student deserves to lose their life because of academic pressure, mistreatment, or humiliation.

All students deserve a safe environment. Teachers may discipline, but not through physical force, mental harassment, or public humiliation — that is never justified.