FROM THE DESK OF THE DIRECTOR

director

Dr. Oommen David

Director

Social Responsibilities of Students Education, in general, enables people to better respond to the postmodern challenges of society, to accomplish tasks for the good of society and to be responsible global citizens. Social responsibility is a modern philosophy that states that all individuals and organizations are obligated to help the community at large. This is typically an active effort involving acting against a social issue or prevention of committing harmful acts to the environment.

The current crisis in education is less about declining test scores and more about the failure to provide the 'education for citizenship'. Making students become more socially responsible represents an essential objective for today's institutions. Creating social responsibility amongst students must become the purpose of the academic environment, as young people's formation also means to create a high level of awareness about involving these young members of society in solving social problems.

Student social responsibilities mainly focus on taking responsibility for one's own actions. It is a promise every student should make for the society while working for the social, cultural and, ecological causes. These responsibilities are ethically binding and propose that each person acts in such a way that minimizes the adverse effect to those immediately around them.

The primary duty of a student is to learn and acquire knowledge, improve their intellect and widen their mental capabilities. It is estimated that nearly 15 % of the total population of India consists of students. The students, therefore, constitute a great potential force capable of leading a nation to great heights of progress. School is the platform wherein students learn the good traits of life such as, discipline, obedience, dutifulness, diligence, respect to elders, honesty, patriotism ,etc. School provides numerous opportunities for the development of these qualities. It is the duty of every student to acquire these fine qualities of life which will enable him/ her to stand in good stead in the future.

Students must realize the importance of the relationship between themselves and the society. Every individual belongs to a society, and students are an important part of it. Students cannot live in complete isolation and every student is bound to have links with other people who together form a society.

Students can play an important role in improving and strengthening the society and can also act as the guardians of society. It is their duty to fight against all evils existing in society. They have a tremendous responsibility to see that injustice, inequality, oppression,exploitation, corruption, criminalization of politics, communalism, casteism, misuse of public money, etc., are done away with. Students have great strength to oppose these evils of society.

Firstly, a student should learn to shoulder responsibility - even if the consequences of his decisions go awry It is in accepting your faults that you are accepting a willingness to develop your character. Some of the things which students can do without disturbing their schedule are:

  • Cleanliness - Keeping the school building and the surrounding neighborhood clean, picking up the litter and putting it in the garbage bin can be a step as a socially responsible citizen.
  • Follow Rules - Be it traffic rules or School rules, follow them and encourage others to follow them as well.
  • Create Environmental awareness - Students can actively participate in tree plantation drives and create awareness for alternative sources of energy.
  • Preservation - Keeping a check on reducing energy and water consumption.
  • Being a Volunteer - The government or the NGOs launch various projects for different social causes. You could volunteer for causes such as spreading awareness about education and health and hygiene or spending time with people in old age homes. Take part in literacy campaigns.
  • Contribute - There would be many things that are no longer of any use to you like books or gadgets. You may also undertake a collection drive and then donate to the needy.
  • Condemn wrong - If you see anything unethical happening around, raise your voice against it. Don't be a mute spectator - be a hero.
  • Follow Ethics - Apply your ethical code to understand the difference between right and wrong. Being just to your morals is the prime social responsibility.
  • Empathy for the have-nots - Students can take initiatives to help the old and abandoned people on the streets and get them to a rescue shelter or homes that provide proper food, clothing, and medication for them.
  • Join NGO's - Students are youthful and energetic and can engage themselves in various forms for social work. Joining movements like the Rotaract Club can provide them with a ready platform to render their services.
  • Students do pay a vital role in society and have a strong bearing on how a society is shaped in the forthcoming generations. The society should give students the love and encouragement due to them. When students are treated with due respect and responsibility, they will also live up to be responsible and respect the society in return. When they are recognized, they will have the motivation to work for a better society even by facing hardships rather than giving up in between.