The moment people hear that you have entered the senior secondary level as a student, you are likely to be asked, “Which stream have you opted for, Science or Commerce?” (As if a third option does not exist!) It is quite bizarre that although people claim to be modern, their mindsets have not changed completely. There has been a lot of talk about reforming education, but only those who have the experience of struggling to make a choice on the course of study and face these sundry questions from “well-wishers” can analyse the matter in depth.

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There is a perception that those who wish to study humanities are not good students. When I found myself comfortably seated in the humanities section of my school, I could see the inquisitive faces of my schoolmates peeping inside my classroom, wondering whether I was there by mistake. Some others, who were already there in my class, kept on asking me why I had opted for the same, as I could choose anything. Until then, I did not know that anything meant ‘anything besides humanities’. If someone opts for humanities by choice there are many who start looking for reasons behind the decision. The moment they hear the word ‘humanities’, a big question mark is immediately put before you and you will have to explain what caused you to ‘commit the mistake’. This process is repeated innumerable times.

It is generally assumed that a student who is academically bright would be interested in science and mathematics. Literature and social sciences are still under the category of subjects that are studied by students left with no other choice. This may be the reason why most parents want their children to be Einstein and not Shakespeare or Ghalib or Tagore. As a result, many students are forced to opt for subjects they are not comfortable with, and they end up getting stressed and depressed.

It is true that science and technology play a pivotal role in development and progress, but they should be pursued by those who are willing to do so. Although there are some people who encourage interested students to pursue humanities, the overall view of society has not changed much. This is the time when students lay the foundation of their careers. It would be catastrophic if they are misguided at this stage. In this age, one can do wonders in whatever field one chooses. All we need to do is treat all fields with respect.

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