Can NEP-2020 identify next Srinivasa Ramanujan, with an Argument that he Failed or Absented in Non-Math Subjects, in spite born Genius? Can we create a Provision at least for few genius minds outside regular accredited degrees?

Dear Friends and Students

Today is National Mathematics Day 2020. It is observed on the occasion of Mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan on his 133rd birthday!

All we know is Ramanujan is a genius mathematician. But he did not care much for sophistication, similar to Beethoven of Music! He loved mathematics so much but did not focus much on other subjects. July 28, 2014, there was an article titled “Did Srinivasa Ramanujan fail in math?” There are so many arguments but one of them is about his Intermediate marks sheet in 1907. Those days it was called the First Examination in Arts. His register number was 1198- the sum is 1 again. He got 38/200 in English, 34/100 in Sanskrit, 85/150 in Mathematics, 0 in Physiology and History (believed he did not attend the exam).

As per the system, he did not pass if this marks sheet is right. In my view, the current examination system is to identify the best average, provide them a path to progress, and eliminate the below average. It is not sufficient to identify the Genius. It is unfortunate that we don’t have a system to provide a degree for Genius! Do we have it? Am I missing anything?

Average parent like me is unable to dare beyond the examination system for our children, provide a non-accredited path, and prove that they can survive. The current education system promotes Horizontal Learning and less Vertical Learning. We need to have a system that gives provision for both horizontal learning or vertical learning based on the user’s choice.

Can we award a Ph.D. without a degree (not honorary) based on the outcomes? Not at this stage. We should pass some Horizontal Learning Degree to reach there. Even in 2020, still in many jobs, Master of Science (MS) by Research or Master of Science through Work Integrated Learning Program (BITS M. S) is not considered to be equivalent to traditional M.Tech!!! But, You can obtain a US/Canada Visa as they consider it a premium degree and accepted by World Education Services!! What an anomaly!

Generally, Vertical minds don't have an ambition in life, but a thirst for discovery, inventions, and new theories. If we don’t recognize them, they are silently ignored. The same theory is born somewhere else in the world. Then we realize at that time. We need faculty from horizontal minds and vertical minds regardless of their Degrees. The education system needs to adopt this culture. A grassroots Innovator can be a good demonstrator than a great Ph.D. Is it not?

Don't judge a book by its cover. Hope you understand! Recognize people beyond degrees and give them an elevation path! Can National Education Policy 2020 promise and promote this culture? Time to answer.

Hoping for change with NEP 2020

Your well-wisher

Ravi Saripalle

Join Inspire to Innovate Storytelling Movement (i2itm.blogspot.com) 

 Source Inspiration: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/did-srinivasa-ramanujan-fail-in-math/article6254934.ece