Online classes cannot inspire young minds, says eminent scientist Prof. C N R Rao
Bengaluru: Eminent scientist Prof. C N R Rao on Monday spoke out against introducing online classes for children in view of the COVID-19-induced close-down of schools, underlining the importance of human interface for good communication and inspiring young minds.
He made no secret of his displeasure over easing of a slew of restrictions under new guidelines 'Unlock 1.0', indicating that these steps may have come too early.
"I have no doubt that the eventual solution will be a vaccine (for COVID-19).
I feel that (it) may be available early in 2021", Prof.
Rao, the Honorary President of the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, told PTI in an interview.
His main worry is about relaxing most of the restrictions in "such a hurry (after lockdowns 3 and 4)". "We have to rethink issues, take urgent steps to minimise the spread (of the coronavirus), the National Research Professor stressed.
Most of all, he is shocked by the indiscipline of even "educated people" in the fight against the COVID-19.
"We must realise that we are basically not disciplined. See people in Sweden.
They practice social distancing without anyone to force it", Prof Rao, who was awarded 'Bharat Ratna' in 2014, pointed out.
"We should have prepared better in handling the migrant problems. We need to show more human concern and empathy", Prof. Rao, who was Director of the Indian Institute of Science from 1984 to 1994, said referring to their exodus to home states in challenging times in the wake of the pandemic.
The Linus Pauling Research Professor said online classes for young children such as KG, first and second grade should be terminated.
"I am not an enthusiast about on-line teaching. We need human interface with students for good communication. That is how young minds can be inspired", said Prof.
Rao, who was Chairman of the Science Advisory Council to the Prime Minister from 1985-1989, and from 2004-2014.
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Congress leader Randeep Surjewala visits Neha’s house, assures justice to family
Hubballi (Karnataka), Apr 24: Congress general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala on Wednesday visited the house of slain student Neha Hiremath and assured justice to her family.
Neha (23), daughter of Congress corporator Niranjan Hiremath, was stabbed to death by her former classmate on the premises of her college in Dharwad on April 18, sparking widespread protests.
Surjewala, who was accompanied by Law Minister H K Patil and other leaders, visited Neha’s house here to express condolences and ensured her family that the accused will be punished at the earliest.
Taking to the social media platform ‘X’, he said, "Neha was Karnataka’s daughter, our daughter…. Visited Neha’s house in Hubballi today to express our condolences, share the unbearable grief with her father Niranjan Hiremath, her mother, brother and family members".
Assuring her father, the Congress leader posted: "Niranjan Hiremath that he is part of our family and we stand shoulder to shoulder with the family in this hour of grief. We assured the family that Karnataka Congress Government has handed over the case to the CID. CM and the Government have decided to hand over the matter for trial to a Special Court. Law Minister also informed that Government will ensure conclusion of trial within 90 to 120 days by asking for a day to day trial."
Surjewala also said that the state government and the Special Public Prosecutor will ask the court to award capital punishment of death by hanging for the murderer.
"It is our duty to ensure justice for Neha... so that no one can think of ever committing such a heinous crime again," he added.
The incident snowballed into a political slugfest between the ruling Congress and opposition BJP in Karnataka. While the ruling party has tried to project it as an "incident with a personal angle", the saffron party suspects "love jihad" and said that it points to the "deterioration of law and order" in the state.
ನೇಹಾ ಹಿರೇಮಠ್ ನಮ್ಮ ಮಗಳು ನಮ್ಮ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕದ ಮಗಳು
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) April 24, 2024
ಇಂದು ಹುಬ್ಬಳ್ಳಿಯಲ್ಲಿರುವ ನೇಹಾರವರ ಮನೆಗೆ ಭೇಟಿ ನೀಡಿ ಅವರ ತಂದೆ ಶ್ರೀ ನಿರಂಜನ ಹಿರೇಮಠ, ಅವರ ತಾಯಿ, ಸಹೋದರ ಹಾಗೂ ಕುಟುಂಬಸ್ಥರಿಗೆ ಸಾಂತ್ವಾನ ಹೇಳಿ ನೇಹಾರವರ ಸಾವಿಗೆ ನನ್ನ ಸಂತಾಪ ಸೂಚಿಸಿದೆ.
ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ನನ್ನೊಂದಿಗೆ ಕಾನೂನು ಸಚಿವರಾದ ಎಚ್.ಕೆ.ಪಾಟೀಲ್, ಜಿಲ್ಲಾ ಉಸ್ತುವಾರಿ… pic.twitter.com/Li2p2hVs52
