Vidyaarthi: Arth (Purpose) In Vidya (Knowledge)

By all means, choose a field of study that interests you. You have all the right to do this. There is also ample time and space for extracurricular activities.

But at the same time, consider these words and their meanings:

Student: One committed to studies.

Disciple: One willing to be disciplined.

Vidyaarthi: This is the sanskrit word for student. It is made of two parts: Vidya (Knowledge) + Arth (Meaning / Purpose). One who finds his meaning or purpose in Knowledge.

Just look at the above words! And take a look at our educational institutions!

It's a joke! What's going on in the name of education in our schools and colleges is a joke :)!

There are actually folks out there actively pushing the idea that while professors are obligated to be in their classes on time, students can come if they feel like it and need not come if they don't feel like it :)!

The sheer idiocy of the argument :) ! The sheer idiocy :) ! It's mind numbing :) !

And parents are not to be left far behind! So many teachers and professors have stories to tell today of parents coming and objecting to even basic classroom discipline and penal actions taken for dishonesty.

And the effect is there for everyone to see in society. The sheer lack of discipline in society, the sheer lack of civic sense and responsibility, the sheer lack of honesty and integrity.

People enter society around the age of 21-22 after imbibing values imparted to them at home and in schools and colleges. And these are the places where things need to change if we are to see a better society in the future.

Note: The above does not argue against the presence of extra curricular activities on school and college campuses. There's a time and place for everything, and as long as one keeps the balance and avoids frittering away time meaninglessly, its all good.