Just the other day, I was discussing exams and results and marks (:-/) with my classmates and I realized that so many students feel that they could've chosen something that interests them more as a career option. That is, if only they had got the green signal for it from an early age.

Let's face it, most parents in 'present day India' try and make their kids get into the habbit of studying. And by studying, I don't mean studying stuff they like. Parents think subjects like Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics should be at their kids' fingertips. From an early age, he/she is shown dreams of an IIT or an IIM. Sadly, we succumb to the dream shown to us by others. It's only after reaching late-teens do we realise, how we could've dreamt of something much better and more interesting. There are students who sincerely want to be good at academics and only academics. They love the challenge that the JEE or the CAT throw at them. But.. what about the large number of children who are maybe getting 99% in class 5th, but have a interest towards other areas which get supressed due the pressure that the education system puts on them? Why aren't things like sports and music encouraged in India for kids? Why does everyone have to be an enginner or a doctor or an M.B.A?

It's only because of these reasons that India doesn't win medals in Olympics. These are the reasons for the absence of Indian bands at Woodstock Music Festivals. These are the reasons for the lack of Oscar winners among Indians.

The solution is simple and it lies in the hands of the parents. Open up more areas for the kids at an early age. Don't let them pass away their formative years in solely mugging up formulae that they probably won't understand in a million lives. Don't force them to curb their natural likings. Who knows, you could be pushing away a future World Champion from your own house.