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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Right to vote under threat, must be made fundamental right: Cong's Jairam Ramesh
New Delhi (PTI): Congress leader Jairam Ramesh alleged on Thursday that the right to vote is under threat and the time has come when it should be made a fundamental right for citizens.
Speaking with reporters, Ramesh lashed out at Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, saying the Election Commission (EC) has never been as compromised as it has been under him.
"The rot started under his predecessor. This man is a player and not a neutral observer," the Congress leader said, slamming Kumar.
Kumar is completely compromised and has become a player in elections, he alleged.
"Home Minister Amit Shah had talked about three Ds -- detect, delete and deport. So we want to know how many non-Indian citizens have been detected, how many have been deleted and how many have been deported," Ramesh said, adding that the right to vote is now under threat.
On opposition parties submitting a fresh notice in the Rajya Sabha, seeking to move a motion for the CEC's removal, the Congress leader said they will continue to make efforts for Kumar's removal as he is "compromised".
Ramesh also batted for the right to vote to be recognised as a fundamental right.
"I believe that the time has come that the right to vote should be made a fundamental right. It is a statutory right, it is not a fundamental right. Fundamental rights are justiciable," he said.
The former Union minister said this was discussed in the Constituent Assembly, but it was eventually decided that it should be made part of the Constitution.
B R Ambedkar and Jagjivan Ram had warned that in the future, governments might try to disenfranchise voters, he added.
"Once and for all, include the right to vote as a fundamental right for Indian citizens," Ramesh asserted.
