Posted:
Thank you Induji. 😊
Savdhaan India February 4, 2013
A cruel vicious schoolteacher mercilessly beats a child on his hand and arm with a scale. Mohnish Bahl grimly points out that any form of physical beating with a ruler, cane, stick or by slapping, kicking, or any form of physical abuse is termed as, "corporal punishment". This is forbidden by law. The Human Rights Commission and National Commission of Protection of Child Rights have declared "corporal punishment" a crime and a punishable offence. But here is the tragic tale of 11-year-old Neha Rana whose world is plunged into darkness for no rhyme or reason.
The bright Neha is the apple of her parents' eye, with dreams of becoming an engineer. Neha's father, Omkar, works in another city, so Meena is a virtual "single-parent" while the "visiting" father manages to spend superficial time with the family and he dotes on Neha. Over the dinner table Neha tells her mother of he class-friend Sumit whom the class teacher beat with a scale because he did not know one answer! His arm was badly hurt. Meena and Sumit's mother discuss Sumit's deteriorating results with the school principal. Mrs Trivedi, the class teacher, comes across as the moralistic draconian disciplinarian; at that point Meena says forthrightly, if you will physically beat a child for a small matter how will the child study? Children will lose interest and be reluctant to attend school if they are instilled with fear. Was Meena's frank complaint a mistake? While the principal later cautions Mrs Trivedi over repeated complaints from parents and warns that she should not get physical with the children, she fails to take strong enough action. That was a very grievous abnegation of her responsibility, which led to horrible consequences. Had the principal done her job, this tale would not have unfolded as such.
Because of the principal's weakness it turns out that by her justified forthrightness, Meena actually puts Mrs Trivedi on the offensive. For this "complaint", for Meena's audacity of questioning the methods of teaching and treatment of the children, as Mohnish points out, the teacher's vengeance is directed at Neha who is now on the receiving end of the most brutal mental torture. Neha loses her confidence on being singularly targeted and being told she is not a "good girl". Consequently the joy of school and studies vanishes and she resorts to lying and makes any excuse to avoid school. Meena guesses that something is amiss; she cajoles Neha and finally gets the entire truth. Meena accosts Mrs Trivedi and the principal. But again instead of getting a sympathetic and earnest response from the principal, she is summarily dismissed and in fact is told to remove her child from the school if she is so dissatisfied. Meena is shocked. And she warns the principal that not only would she refuse to remove her child she would complain to the police against the school establishment. Sadly and ironically, instead of supporting her in this matter, Omkar berates Meena and chides her for her stand. He arbitrarily "advises" his wife to focus on being a good mother!
Mohnish Bahl's strong rejoinder here is highly commendable. A good mother? What is the interpretation of the term? Is just loving your children and caring for their needs enough for a woman to qualify as a good mother? Or being determined enough to ensure a bright future for her children; doing whatever is essential for the proper mental and psychological development and growth of her children; having the courage to stand by her children when it is needed and guiding the children to know the difference between right and wrong… wouldn't all these and more be the attributes of good motherhood? Meena is doing just this and yet the teacher, the principal, and even her husband blame her and hold her responsible for Neha's traumas in school ! Omkar goes to the extend of apologizing to the principal for his wife's hot-headed behaviour! He thus undermines Meena's stand, and simultaneously gives a shot in the arm to Mrs Trivedi's inhuman attitude.
And then the catastrophic blow comes when the irate teacher viciously flings a piece of chalk at Neha; it pierces her eye. The teacher still does not relent and continues to taunt the girl. Eventually, when Neha is administered first aid in the school, the school doctor emotionally "blackmails" Neha and warns her against telling the truth to her parents. Even the principal hides the truth and gives false assurances to Meena who is summoned to take Neha home to rest. This was absolutely unfair and unjust Mohnish Bahl's strongly asserts. The doctor had twisted the child's emotions to her own purpose. Schools, where children are taught the values of life, in that very institute, the principal herself violates all values. That night Neha suffers tremendous physical agony and it is obvious her condition is very serious. Her eye needs to be operated, and she is likely to lose her sight. Mohnish again emphasizes and highlights the horror of the situation. The teacher's action had been glossed over; the parents continue to be unaware of the truth as their hapless 11-year-old and they with her, suffer so immensely.
The truth comes out as Sumit's mother visits in the hospital. Neha and Omkar are aghast. The evil connivance of the teacher, doctor, and principal is unbelievable. Meena raves and rants at them, and threatens police action…. Neha, meanwhile has lost her eyesight. With an unsympathetic and callous police officer, a repentant husband who has to go back to work, Meena is left alone to deal with all the problems. The second surgery is also unsuccessful. Yes Omkar had to leave, says Mohnish, after all money has to be earned. For a middle class family like theirs, there is never any surplus money. Then two surgeries, hospital and household expenses create a huge crunch. But Meena is determined as Mohnish empathetically points out, to save her child and also ensure justice. She sells all her jewellery to raise funds.
Time passes and Mohnish describes the pathetically critical situation the family is facing: Omkar is weighed under by loans; after five failed surgeries and seven lakhs expenses, Meena has nothing left even for the family's 'daily bread'. Yet she continues to fight for Neha's right to justice.
After several lawyers turn her down, finally one lawyer not only takes up the case but also volunteers her free services. She serves a legal notice to the school trustees; demands an unconditional apology to Neha and her parents; and compensation for medical expenses. The principal finally speaks up… she admits that she had been covering up to maintain the school's reputation but the fact is that Mrs Trivedi is responsible for Neha's condition. She appeals for the school to compensate the family. As expected, the trustees turn down the principal and threaten to dismiss her if she does not continue to "protect" the school's image! Justice is again crushed by the malevolent hand of greed.
After seven surgeries, the family is literally on the streets financially. The legal case is dismissed for want to evidence because Sumit's mother has to withdraw her support, succumbing to the threat of her son being removed from school. Neha has lost one eye and is about to lose the second to a spreading infection, till the greater shock reverberates; due to a blood clot, she now has a tumour in the second eye; she has cancer; now her life is threatened. Meena again resolves to save her daughter and get justice. With the help of the media, Meena brings the story of Neha to each home… and the Chief minister responds. Then the ball starts rolling; the school is taken to task; Mrs Trivedi is taken into custody; and the court decrees a 15 lakh compensation payable by the school. They pay 5 lakhs. Neha undergoes the eighth surgery. Just as a glimmer of hope seems to be emerging, Neha takes a turn for the worse and is headed for an emergency surgery. The school has refused the balance compensation, and Meena's world is falling apart, says Mohnish gravely, as Neha is precariously perched between life and death. But this case has drawn global attention via TV, news and Internet. The public, and even parents of the school's children now come forward in support. The principal rises to the occasion, takes a stand against the trustees and resigns. Recognizing the prudent alternative the trustees relent and pay Meena the balance compensation.
Neha's next surgery is successful in so far as removing her tumour and saving her life. But she has lost sight in both eyes. Despite that, there was no darkness in her mind asserts Mohnish, praising her determination to study as she attends school for the visually handicapped. Mohnish describes Neha as that ray of hope that pierces the darkness to forge ahead towards the light. It is time, he endorses, that we open our eyes and become aware to prevent this kind of persecution on children. And for that we need to provide a secure environment. Whenever, in the name of so-called discipline, or in the effort to "correct" a child, if anyone physically assaults a child this gives the misguided message that physical abuse is justified. This is unacceptable, he very determinedly points out to both teachers and parents -- stop before you raise your hand; remember Neha's tragic story and learn a lesson. Let us turn this tide as we fight back for a safer and more secure India, certainly for our children. Thank you Mohnish Bahl for this very strong narrative bringing the appalling tragic story, which is lit up by the determination and courage of young Neha, whom we unitedly salute.
A cruel vicious schoolteacher mercilessly beats a child on his hand and arm with a scale. Mohnish Bahl grimly points out that any form of physical beating with a ruler, cane, stick or by slapping, kicking, or any form of physical abuse is termed as, "corporal punishment". This is forbidden by law. The Human Rights Commission and National Commission of Protection of Child Rights have declared "corporal punishment" a crime and a punishable offence. But here is the tragic tale of 11-year-old Neha Rana whose world is plunged into darkness for no rhyme or reason.
The bright Neha is the apple of her parents' eye, with dreams of becoming an engineer. Neha's father, Omkar, works in another city, so Meena is a virtual "single-parent" while the "visiting" father manages to spend superficial time with the family and he dotes on Neha. Over the dinner table Neha tells her mother of he class-friend Sumit whom the class teacher beat with a scale because he did not know one answer! His arm was badly hurt. Meena and Sumit's mother discuss Sumit's deteriorating results with the school principal. Mrs Trivedi, the class teacher, comes across as the moralistic draconian disciplinarian; at that point Meena says forthrightly, if you will physically beat a child for a small matter how will the child study? Children will lose interest and be reluctant to attend school if they are instilled with fear. Was Meena's frank complaint a mistake? While the principal later cautions Mrs Trivedi over repeated complaints from parents and warns that she should not get physical with the children, she fails to take strong enough action. That was a very grievous abnegation of her responsibility, which led to horrible consequences. Had the principal done her job, this tale would not have unfolded as such.
Because of the principal's weakness it turns out that by her justified forthrightness, Meena actually puts Mrs Trivedi on the offensive. For this "complaint", for Meena's audacity of questioning the methods of teaching and treatment of the children, as Mohnish points out, the teacher's vengeance is directed at Neha who is now on the receiving end of the most brutal mental torture. Neha loses her confidence on being singularly targeted and being told she is not a "good girl". Consequently the joy of school and studies vanishes and she resorts to lying and makes any excuse to avoid school. Meena guesses that something is amiss; she cajoles Neha and finally gets the entire truth. Meena accosts Mrs Trivedi and the principal. But again instead of getting a sympathetic and earnest response from the principal, she is summarily dismissed and in fact is told to remove her child from the school if she is so dissatisfied. Meena is shocked. And she warns the principal that not only would she refuse to remove her child she would complain to the police against the school establishment. Sadly and ironically, instead of supporting her in this matter, Omkar berates Meena and chides her for her stand. He arbitrarily "advises" his wife to focus on being a good mother!
Mohnish Bahl's strong rejoinder here is highly commendable. A good mother? What is the interpretation of the term? Is just loving your children and caring for their needs enough for a woman to qualify as a good mother? Or being determined enough to ensure a bright future for her children; doing whatever is essential for the proper mental and psychological development and growth of her children; having the courage to stand by her children when it is needed and guiding the children to know the difference between right and wrong… wouldn't all these and more be the attributes of good motherhood? Meena is doing just this and yet the teacher, the principal, and even her husband blame her and hold her responsible for Neha's traumas in school ! Omkar goes to the extend of apologizing to the principal for his wife's hot-headed behaviour! He thus undermines Meena's stand, and simultaneously gives a shot in the arm to Mrs Trivedi's inhuman attitude.
And then the catastrophic blow comes when the irate teacher viciously flings a piece of chalk at Neha; it pierces her eye. The teacher still does not relent and continues to taunt the girl. Eventually, when Neha is administered first aid in the school, the school doctor emotionally "blackmails" Neha and warns her against telling the truth to her parents. Even the principal hides the truth and gives false assurances to Meena who is summoned to take Neha home to rest. This was absolutely unfair and unjust Mohnish Bahl's strongly asserts. The doctor had twisted the child's emotions to her own purpose. Schools, where children are taught the values of life, in that very institute, the principal herself violates all values. That night Neha suffers tremendous physical agony and it is obvious her condition is very serious. Her eye needs to be operated, and she is likely to lose her sight. Mohnish again emphasizes and highlights the horror of the situation. The teacher's action had been glossed over; the parents continue to be unaware of the truth as their hapless 11-year-old and they with her, suffer so immensely.
The truth comes out as Sumit's mother visits in the hospital. Neha and Omkar are aghast. The evil connivance of the teacher, doctor, and principal is unbelievable. Meena raves and rants at them, and threatens police action…. Neha, meanwhile has lost her eyesight. With an unsympathetic and callous police officer, a repentant husband who has to go back to work, Meena is left alone to deal with all the problems. The second surgery is also unsuccessful. Yes Omkar had to leave, says Mohnish, after all money has to be earned. For a middle class family like theirs, there is never any surplus money. Then two surgeries, hospital and household expenses create a huge crunch. But Meena is determined as Mohnish empathetically points out, to save her child and also ensure justice. She sells all her jewellery to raise funds.
Time passes and Mohnish describes the pathetically critical situation the family is facing: Omkar is weighed under by loans; after five failed surgeries and seven lakhs expenses, Meena has nothing left even for the family's 'daily bread'. Yet she continues to fight for Neha's right to justice.
After several lawyers turn her down, finally one lawyer not only takes up the case but also volunteers her free services. She serves a legal notice to the school trustees; demands an unconditional apology to Neha and her parents; and compensation for medical expenses. The principal finally speaks up… she admits that she had been covering up to maintain the school's reputation but the fact is that Mrs Trivedi is responsible for Neha's condition. She appeals for the school to compensate the family. As expected, the trustees turn down the principal and threaten to dismiss her if she does not continue to "protect" the school's image! Justice is again crushed by the malevolent hand of greed.
After seven surgeries, the family is literally on the streets financially. The legal case is dismissed for want to evidence because Sumit's mother has to withdraw her support, succumbing to the threat of her son being removed from school. Neha has lost one eye and is about to lose the second to a spreading infection, till the greater shock reverberates; due to a blood clot, she now has a tumour in the second eye; she has cancer; now her life is threatened. Meena again resolves to save her daughter and get justice. With the help of the media, Meena brings the story of Neha to each home… and the Chief minister responds. Then the ball starts rolling; the school is taken to task; Mrs Trivedi is taken into custody; and the court decrees a 15 lakh compensation payable by the school. They pay 5 lakhs. Neha undergoes the eighth surgery. Just as a glimmer of hope seems to be emerging, Neha takes a turn for the worse and is headed for an emergency surgery. The school has refused the balance compensation, and Meena's world is falling apart, says Mohnish gravely, as Neha is precariously perched between life and death. But this case has drawn global attention via TV, news and Internet. The public, and even parents of the school's children now come forward in support. The principal rises to the occasion, takes a stand against the trustees and resigns. Recognizing the prudent alternative the trustees relent and pay Meena the balance compensation.
Neha's next surgery is successful in so far as removing her tumour and saving her life. But she has lost sight in both eyes. Despite that, there was no darkness in her mind asserts Mohnish, praising her determination to study as she attends school for the visually handicapped. Mohnish describes Neha as that ray of hope that pierces the darkness to forge ahead towards the light. It is time, he endorses, that we open our eyes and become aware to prevent this kind of persecution on children. And for that we need to provide a secure environment. Whenever, in the name of so-called discipline, or in the effort to "correct" a child, if anyone physically assaults a child this gives the misguided message that physical abuse is justified. This is unacceptable, he very determinedly points out to both teachers and parents -- stop before you raise your hand; remember Neha's tragic story and learn a lesson. Let us turn this tide as we fight back for a safer and more secure India, certainly for our children. Thank you Mohnish Bahl for this very strong narrative bringing the appalling tragic story, which is lit up by the determination and courage of young Neha, whom we unitedly salute.
comment:
p_commentcount