Educationist Mrs D Kharkongor speaks on Education & COVID-19 pandemic in Meghalaya
by Christopher Gatphoh
In a time such as the COVID-19 pandemic, adaptation is the new criteria for change as Charles Darwin postulated, 'Survival of the fittest'.
Though once thought undoable, the present situation, however, has forced everyone to make the best use of technology and carry on with their lives.
In the field of education, transformational technologies such as videoconferencing and social media have, to some extent, proved to be a boon, though, its feasibility is debatable.
TNT-The Northeast Today interacted with one such respected educationist, Mrs. Drimsibon Kharkongor, Principal of Dinet Manik Syiem School to know more about the current educational issues.
BACKGROUND
Born at Laitkor village in Shillong, Mrs. (Kong) Drimsibon Kharkongor completed her matriculation examination from St. Joseph's Girls High School in 1964, Pre-University, and Bachelor of Arts from St Mary's College in 1965 and 1968 respectively. Thereafter post-graduation from Dibrugarh University in 1975. A lady known for her humble personality, she climbed the ladder of success, holding different positions like being a member of Governing Body of Lady Keane College and the Executive Member of Guwahati University.
ACHIEVEMENTS
# Principal of Seng Khasi College, Shillong.
# Former Programme Officer of the NSS (National Service Scheme).
# Former Chairman of the North East Women Entrepreneur, Meghalaya.
# Awarded for the Literary Work on Socio-Cultural and Spiritual Tradition of Meghalaya.
In an exclusive interview with TNT- The Northeast Today, Mrs. Drimsibon Kharkongor spoke at length about her painstaking efforts to bridge the gap between the fortunate and the lesser ones.
TNT: Madam Principal, how did you decide upon your career path?
DK: To be honest, I was interested in the teaching field since childhood and I aimed to open a school.
TNT: What should one keep in his or her mind when opting for a career?
DK: Area of interest, available courses, eligibility, criteria, job demands.
TNT: Have you had your share of obstacles to overcome in life?
DK: Like everyone else, yes! My parents were not reluctant to send me for further studies but my brothers encouraged me which I did so while pursuing my studies at Dibrugarh. Be optimistic and have faith in the Almighty.
TNT: How would you define a school?
DK: A school is a second home for a child where he or she gets an all-round development and feels a sense of belonging, providing them with Life Skills so that they can face the challenges of life and learn to stand on their own feet.
TNT: The Times of India dated January 2, 2019, came up with a story on 'Three Northeast states record most primary school dropout rates'," where Meghalaya accounted for 17.69 percent. Do we need to alter the key aspects of our school systems?
DK: With the changing environment, the syllabus should cater to the interest of the child keeping in mind that learning should be joyful.
TNT: Morning students studying at Dinet are from a lower-income background. Do they face any pressure and if so, is there a mechanism in check for this. Elaborate, please.
DK: A school is a place where there is no discrimination on any grounds whatsoever. No doubt the morning students come from poorer sections of society, for some they support their school fees, books while working in people's houses and other jobs as well. With the financial problem taking a toll, the school in the past has utilized the method of time management as their classes begin at 6:30 am and terminates at 9 am. Teachers have to mentor and provide proper guidance along with their regular classes. In my eyes, both the morning and day section students are equally the same and talented.
TNT: How would you define an Ideal Principal?
DK: An ideal principal should have a good personality, who can run the school smoothly, a good communicator who supports the teaching and non-teaching staff and maintains a healthy relationship with the parents. Other aspects such are having a positive outlook on education and life. The role of a Principal becomes more important today as children get distracted easily and with some parents spending less time with their children, it is crucial to step forward and save these children from the negative consequences of the pressure of modern living.
TNT: COVID-19 pandemic has brought drastic changes to education. Is there a rural-urban divide? How do you mitigate this?
DK: It is appalling that the gap has widened to such an extent that the rural segments are cut off from the virtual world; for example, some students may not be able to buy a smartphone which is compatible for applications to run through, network connectivity and lack of knowledge in the means to achieve the objective. Yes, the rural-urban divide is witnessed in many parts of the country.
The task to fight this depends on the tools we have and currently, we are trying our level best along with many other schools that are following the same route. I try to contact the students and inspire them not to waste their time and if they face any problem they should call the teachers or Principal.
TNT: Life outside of professional work: Can you lay out some of the hobbies you pursue in your free time?
DK: All work and no play (makes Jack a dull boy). Over here I am a girl (jokingly). I try to calm my heels through writing (published an article on "U Tirot Sing", a Khasi Freedom Fighter), reading, meeting friends, family, and sharing ideas.
TNT: What do you plan after retirement?
DK: Continue to serve my society through education.
TNT: Finally, what advice would you offer young students starting their new academic sessions?
DK: Have no fear, put your faith in God. Be good at everything because learning never stops. Train yourselves to be productive citizens in life and be truthful.
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