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Principal ends life due to physical harassement
PTI
Posted On Friday, January 28, 2011 at 09:19:05 AM
The principal of a private college committed suicide allegedly after the director of the institution physically harassed her.
The incident occurred on Wednesday after Principal of St Xavier College Sabina Khatoon, 37 set herself ablaze in the Shahganj area here, police said. In her suicide note, Khatoon alleged physical harassment by the college director Randhir Kumar, who is now absconding.
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article§name=News%20-%20City§id=2&contentid=20110215201102150609478521e314c80
Teenage maid jumps to death from 8th floor
Mumbai Mirror Bureau
Posted On Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 06:09:47 AM
A 19-year-old housemaid allegedly committed suicide by jumping off from the eighth floor of the building in Sumer Society, Andheri (W) where she was employed. The police have not found any suicide note from the house where she worked.
According to the Versova police, the incident took place around 6 pm on Monday.
The victim Pragati Surve started working as a fulltime maid in the house of Devang Gandhi.
On Monday, Surve, a resident of Santa Cruz slums reportedly told the said that she was going out for some work and would return shortly. But instead she went towards the balcony of the eight floor flat and jumped off.
Police said that the watchman of the building heard a loud thud and saw Surve lying in a pool of blood. The Versova police have registered a case of accidental death and are investigating the matter.
A senior police official said that they are clueless about the motive behind the suicide but are recording the statements of the employer and the victim’s family
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article§name=News%20-%20Nation§id=3&contentid=2011022220110222032311682c8b6e975
Lesbian couple found dead in Bengal village; cops say it’s suicide
Jayatri Nag
Posted On Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 03:23:11 AM
Two girls, believed to a lesbian couple, killed themselves by consuming pesticide in a village in West Bengal’s East Midnapore district on Sunday night.
Though the police have recovered a suicide note in which the girls have cited social pressure as the reason behind the step a CPM leader has said that there is suspicion that they were murdered.
The bodies of Swapna Mondol (23) and Sujata Mondol (19), who were cousins, were found in a paddy field in Sonachura village, Nandigram, on Monday. The two entered into a relationship more than two years ago.
A CPM leader alleges the two women were murdered
When villagers came to know about this, they held two kangaroo courts, which ordered the girls to stay away from each other.
Swapna and Sujata’s families also tried their best to separate them. Swapna’s father, Achintya Mondal, gave a written assurance that the two would not meet or maintain any contact. Sujata’s father married her off to a construction engineer.
“Sujata, however, stayed in touch with Swapna. Recently, she came to Nandigram after her husband left for a tour. After dinner yesterday (Sunday), the two girls went to a field and consumed poison,” said Haldia SDPO Salil Ganguly.
A suicide note has been recovered from them. “The note says they chose death because they could not be united owing to social pressure,” he said.
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Student hangs self at home
0 Comments | DNA : Daily News & Analysis; Mumbai, Mar 02, 2011 | by Athalye, Sudhanshu
A class 10 student committed suicide by hanging self in their flat in Jay Vijay Nagar in Mira Road, police said. The deceased has been identified as Zainab Aslam Shaikh (15).
She was a student of Don Bosco school. Police said, she was under depression.
Sangita Kulshreshtha, neighbour of Zainab, said, she was very brilliant in studies and always scored more than 90 percent marks in her exams. Only a day before Zainab told her that, she scored more than 90 percent in prelims and wanted to score over 95 percent in the Board exams.
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http://www.hindustantimes.com/tabloid-news/mumbai/Student-hangs-self-in-Mira-Road-flat/Article1-668421.aspx
Student hangs self in Mira Road flat
HT Correspondent,Hindustan Times
Email Author
Mumbai, March 02, 2011
First Published: 01:45 IST(2/3/2011)
Last Updated: 01:47 IST(2/3/2011)
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A 14-year-old SSC student of a Mira Road school committed suicide by hanging in her residence at Jai Vijay Nagar in Mira Road. The police said Zainab Shaikh’s mother went to wake her up on Tuesday morning. But when she did not get any response after knocking several times
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on the door of her room, she alerted the neighbours. They broke open the door to find her body hanging.
Shaikh, a SSC student of Don Bosco School in Mira Road, was to appear for her Urdu paper, which was the first exam paper, on Tuesday.
Shaikh was rushed to a hospital where she was declared dead on admission.
The police was informed about the incident and they have registered a case of accidental death, as they do not suspect any foul play. Shaikh has not left behind any suicide note.
“Based on the statement given by Shaikh’s mother, we have figured that she was under tremendous pressure due to the examination. She had also told her mother that she was not prepared for the Urdu paper. This could be reason behind the suicide,” said Anil Gopal, police sub-inspector.
Aasra Suicide Prevention.This blog is about getting people to talk about their innermost feelings and emotions in times of distress and despair.All discussions are about the issue of suicide, mental health and it's effect on society. Aasra Helpline for the depressed and suicidal. 91-22-27546669(24x7)
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Seek counsellors advice during board exams, Times of india, Mujmbai Mirror, Indrani Basu
http://mumbaimirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article§name=CITY%20-%20Briefs§id=35&contentid=2011030820110308112858928e9f3e519
TNM CLASSROOM
Seek counsellor's advice during board examinations
Indrani Basu
Posted On Tuesday, March 08, 2011 at 11:28:59 AM
'Exam-Panic' is back. Covering relevant portions of the syllabus, completing them in time, revising papers are enough reasons to stress students. They get panicky and make silly mistakes which results in omission of marks. As board exams are on, the city counselors are busy helping students to give their best and erase examination tension.
While talking to the prominent counselors about exam pressures, they trace the pressure back to the parents which make a child more scared. The director of Aasra, a leading counseling unit from the city, Johnson Thomas suggested some tips for parents to handle the children during the ongoing board examination.
"Exams are only a small part of life. Do not make it bigger than your child's life. Know your kids and their capabilities well. Do not expect them to do better than their capabilities. Be pragmatic, practical and stay calm and composed. Do not keep harping on studying all the time.
Your kids have a breaking point too. Allow them to take small breaks in between studies. Allow your kids to be open to you. Let them talk to you of their anxieties and fears. Reassure them and show them how to overcome them. If you find yourself incapable then seek the help of a helpline or counsellor.
Do not shout, scold or reprimand your kids or compare their performance in exams or studies with those who do better than them. Treat your child as a unique individual and respect him/her for that individuality. Be creative in assigning punishments." His advice on diet during these stressful days is simple combo of healthy and nutritious, and light meals. "They should have lots of fruits and vegetables.
Avoid giving them beverages loaded with caffeine and fatty foods. Small meals after every three hours helps keep their energy levels up and the brain remain active and receptive. A glass of cold milk is good to keep the mind awake."
While speaking on how to cope with the examination pressure, he advises to students, "Make important points for reference during revision and last-minute studying. Plan your study activity well in advance. Stick to the timetable you've set for yourself. Don't expect too much from yourself.
The pressure will only make your exam performance worse. Study as much as you can within the timeframe you have left. If you manage to study At least 60% of the portion well, it will help you get at least 40 % marks.
Make sure you take enough time for breaks.
Study two hours at a stretch and then take a 10 min break. Go for a walk, take a breath of fresh air, play some game, relax, listen to music, do anything you like doing-anything that will help decrease the tension and pressure on yourself."
He adds, "Study in a sitting position or walk around and never lie down and study as it will make you feel sleepy. Reading aloud also helps retention. Do not keep a clutter of books by your side while studying. Keep only the books you need around you and a notebook to make important points.
Remember that panicking will only make you forget more. If you are anxious, speak to a friend, relative, teacher, parents, helpline, counsellor or anyone you feel you can trust- someone who will understand your situation and not make you more anxious."
His advice for the final hours is quietude. "Avoid talking to people who make you feel worse or friends who make you anxious. Avoid discussing the paper once it's done with. While writing the paper read all the questions first and then write the answers that come easily to you before trying the tougher ones.
" To make one de-stress he said , "Scream, shout, laugh aloud, hit, throw a cricket ball, kick a football, punch a pillow, do on the spot running, take a long shower, do yoga, reiki, exercise, pray, listen to spiritual talks, devotional music, classical music- it will help destress you. Do deep breathing exercises. If your distress appears to be increasing and is unmanageable then call a helpline or seek out a suitable counsellor."
Hengi Naik, is a social counselor, working on child, adolescent and family mental health issues in Navi Mumbai. Apart from counseling, she offers specialized psychological and psycho educational evaluation. She has been running her remedial and counseling center at Seawood since 1997 along with a team of clinical psychologists and remedial teachers.
Her tips to students sitting for exams are, "the child should take breaks for 10 minutes after studying for an hour or so to refresh his mind. He should watch his breathing time to time and relax his shoulders. Moreover, he should not compare himself with anyone.
He should not pay heed to rumours of papers being leaked and being available with someone. He should only concentrate on giving his best, but take the help of best friend when feeling nervous and fearful." Her advice to parents goes: like this: "encourage the child to take breaks for 10 minutes after more than one hour of study, offer him to eat regular Indian food as well as fruits and nuts.
Encourage him or her to get at least six hours of good sleep every day. Take him to visit the exam centre a day prior to the exam to be sure about the correct venue. Most important, it is to assure the child that no matter what, you love him or her unconditionally."
Helpline
Maharashtra State Board Helpline :
2789-3756 (8am to 9pm)
Aasra :
2754-6669/2754-6667 (24x7), Hemangi Naik: 9820095235
Centralised Toll-Free CBSE Helpline : 1800 11 7002
Sources: The Times of Navi Mumbai
TNM CLASSROOM
Seek counsellor's advice during board examinations
Indrani Basu
Posted On Tuesday, March 08, 2011 at 11:28:59 AM
'Exam-Panic' is back. Covering relevant portions of the syllabus, completing them in time, revising papers are enough reasons to stress students. They get panicky and make silly mistakes which results in omission of marks. As board exams are on, the city counselors are busy helping students to give their best and erase examination tension.
While talking to the prominent counselors about exam pressures, they trace the pressure back to the parents which make a child more scared. The director of Aasra, a leading counseling unit from the city, Johnson Thomas suggested some tips for parents to handle the children during the ongoing board examination.
"Exams are only a small part of life. Do not make it bigger than your child's life. Know your kids and their capabilities well. Do not expect them to do better than their capabilities. Be pragmatic, practical and stay calm and composed. Do not keep harping on studying all the time.
Your kids have a breaking point too. Allow them to take small breaks in between studies. Allow your kids to be open to you. Let them talk to you of their anxieties and fears. Reassure them and show them how to overcome them. If you find yourself incapable then seek the help of a helpline or counsellor.
Do not shout, scold or reprimand your kids or compare their performance in exams or studies with those who do better than them. Treat your child as a unique individual and respect him/her for that individuality. Be creative in assigning punishments." His advice on diet during these stressful days is simple combo of healthy and nutritious, and light meals. "They should have lots of fruits and vegetables.
Avoid giving them beverages loaded with caffeine and fatty foods. Small meals after every three hours helps keep their energy levels up and the brain remain active and receptive. A glass of cold milk is good to keep the mind awake."
While speaking on how to cope with the examination pressure, he advises to students, "Make important points for reference during revision and last-minute studying. Plan your study activity well in advance. Stick to the timetable you've set for yourself. Don't expect too much from yourself.
The pressure will only make your exam performance worse. Study as much as you can within the timeframe you have left. If you manage to study At least 60% of the portion well, it will help you get at least 40 % marks.
Make sure you take enough time for breaks.
Study two hours at a stretch and then take a 10 min break. Go for a walk, take a breath of fresh air, play some game, relax, listen to music, do anything you like doing-anything that will help decrease the tension and pressure on yourself."
He adds, "Study in a sitting position or walk around and never lie down and study as it will make you feel sleepy. Reading aloud also helps retention. Do not keep a clutter of books by your side while studying. Keep only the books you need around you and a notebook to make important points.
Remember that panicking will only make you forget more. If you are anxious, speak to a friend, relative, teacher, parents, helpline, counsellor or anyone you feel you can trust- someone who will understand your situation and not make you more anxious."
His advice for the final hours is quietude. "Avoid talking to people who make you feel worse or friends who make you anxious. Avoid discussing the paper once it's done with. While writing the paper read all the questions first and then write the answers that come easily to you before trying the tougher ones.
" To make one de-stress he said , "Scream, shout, laugh aloud, hit, throw a cricket ball, kick a football, punch a pillow, do on the spot running, take a long shower, do yoga, reiki, exercise, pray, listen to spiritual talks, devotional music, classical music- it will help destress you. Do deep breathing exercises. If your distress appears to be increasing and is unmanageable then call a helpline or seek out a suitable counsellor."
Hengi Naik, is a social counselor, working on child, adolescent and family mental health issues in Navi Mumbai. Apart from counseling, she offers specialized psychological and psycho educational evaluation. She has been running her remedial and counseling center at Seawood since 1997 along with a team of clinical psychologists and remedial teachers.
Her tips to students sitting for exams are, "the child should take breaks for 10 minutes after studying for an hour or so to refresh his mind. He should watch his breathing time to time and relax his shoulders. Moreover, he should not compare himself with anyone.
He should not pay heed to rumours of papers being leaked and being available with someone. He should only concentrate on giving his best, but take the help of best friend when feeling nervous and fearful." Her advice to parents goes: like this: "encourage the child to take breaks for 10 minutes after more than one hour of study, offer him to eat regular Indian food as well as fruits and nuts.
Encourage him or her to get at least six hours of good sleep every day. Take him to visit the exam centre a day prior to the exam to be sure about the correct venue. Most important, it is to assure the child that no matter what, you love him or her unconditionally."
Helpline
Maharashtra State Board Helpline :
2789-3756 (8am to 9pm)
Aasra :
2754-6669/2754-6667 (24x7), Hemangi Naik: 9820095235
Centralised Toll-Free CBSE Helpline : 1800 11 7002
Sources: The Times of Navi Mumbai
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Tips for parents to handle students giving crucial exams
Tips for parents
Exams are only a small part of life. Do not make it bigger than it is.
Know your kids and their capabilities well. Do not expect them to do better than their capabilities.
Be pragmatic, practical and stay calm and composed.
Do not keep harping on studying all the time. Your kids have a break point too. Allow them to take small breaks in between studies.
Allow your kids to be open to you. let them talk to you of their anxieties and fears. reassure them and show them how to overcome them. If you find yourself incapable then seek the help of a helpline or counsellor.Do not shout, scold or reprimand your kids or compare their performance in exams or studies with those who do better than them. Treat your child as a unique individuaL and respect him/her for that individuality.Reason with them.Be creative in assigning punishments.
Make sure your kids have healthy nutritious and light meals- lots of fruits and vegetables. Avoid giving them beverages loaded with caffeine and fatty foods. small meals every three hours helps keep their energy levels up and the brain remains active and receptive.
A glass of cold milk is good to keep the mind awake.
Be a good communicator/listener
Beware of symptoms of stress and depression:-
loss of interest in regular day to day activities
Feelings of guilt or low self-esteem
disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, irregular eating patterns
Prolonged feeling of fatigue, listlessness
Lack of concentration, poor memory, negative thinking
Thoughts of ending their life/suicide/running away from it all.
Exams are only a small part of life. Do not make it bigger than it is.
Know your kids and their capabilities well. Do not expect them to do better than their capabilities.
Be pragmatic, practical and stay calm and composed.
Do not keep harping on studying all the time. Your kids have a break point too. Allow them to take small breaks in between studies.
Allow your kids to be open to you. let them talk to you of their anxieties and fears. reassure them and show them how to overcome them. If you find yourself incapable then seek the help of a helpline or counsellor.Do not shout, scold or reprimand your kids or compare their performance in exams or studies with those who do better than them. Treat your child as a unique individuaL and respect him/her for that individuality.Reason with them.Be creative in assigning punishments.
Make sure your kids have healthy nutritious and light meals- lots of fruits and vegetables. Avoid giving them beverages loaded with caffeine and fatty foods. small meals every three hours helps keep their energy levels up and the brain remains active and receptive.
A glass of cold milk is good to keep the mind awake.
Be a good communicator/listener
Beware of symptoms of stress and depression:-
loss of interest in regular day to day activities
Feelings of guilt or low self-esteem
disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, irregular eating patterns
Prolonged feeling of fatigue, listlessness
Lack of concentration, poor memory, negative thinking
Thoughts of ending their life/suicide/running away from it all.
Tips for students to deal with exam pressure- Johnson Thomas, Aasra
Tips for students to deal with exam pressure
Dont succumb to exam pressure.learn to deal with it
Finish the portions/studies well in advance(1 month before exams) so that you have enough time for revision1 (at least 1 month). Make important points for reference during revision and last minute studying.Plan your study activity well in advance. stick to the timetable you've set for yourself.
If that was not possible then be practical about your expectations. Dont expect too much from yourself. The pressure will only make your exam performance worse. Study as much as you can within the time frame you have left. If you manage to study At least 60% of the portion well, it will help you get at least 40 % marks.
While studying at the last minute make sure you take enough time for breaks. study two hours at a stretch and then take a 10 min break. Go for a walk, take a breath of freah air, play some game, relax, listen to music , do anything you like doing- anything that will help decrease the tension and pressure on yourself.
Study for at least 8-10 hours a day and sleep for at least 8-10 hours so that your body and mind get the required rest and recuperation.
While studying make sure you eat small meals at regular intervals( every 3 hours) so that your body and mind get enough fuel to burn while studying. Avoid heavy meals as they will make you sleepy.Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoid fatty food and caffeine based beverages.
Before you start studying every day draw out a plan of action for the day and try and adhere to it. A mind map would also be helpful. Also know your timetable/exam schedule well so that you get to know how much time you have on hand to prepare for the papers.Set chapter wise/subject wise targets. Alternate between easy and difficult topics/subjects
Study in a sitting position or walk around and study-don't lie down and study as it will make you sleepy. Reading out aloud also helps retention. Do not keep a clutter of books by your side while studying. keep only the books you need around you and a notebook to make important points.
During exams try to be as relaxed as possible. Remember that panicking will only make you forget more. if you are anxious, speak to a friend, relative, teacher, parents, helpline, counsellor or anyone you feel you can trust- someone who will understand your situation and not make you more anxious.
Avoid talking to people who make you feel worse or friends who make you anxious because they have done better/studied more harder or generally whom you perceive as better than you in exam performance..
Avoid discussing the paper once it's done with. There is nothing you can change so quit worrying about it.
While writing the paper read all the questions first and then write the answers that come easily to you before trying the tougher ones.
while studying if you have difficulty tackling a specific problem or topic/subject seek thew help of a teacher to resolve it rather than fellow students-unless it is someone you trust implicitly and is far more studious than you.
Keep away from all addictions.
Stay positive- use positive affirmations to keep your hopes and grade up.Before sleeping write out your plan for the next day and read it aloud to yourself at least 7 times. make a positive affirmation that you will adhere to the plan and do your best to see it's completion and to the best of your abilities.Do the same in the morning before you wake up.
Scream, shout, laugh aloud, hit/ throw a cricket ball, kick a football, punch a pillow, do on the spot running, take a long shower, do yoga, reiki, exercise, pray, listen to spiritual talks,devotional music, classical music- it will help destress you.
Do deep breathing exercises. Take 3-4 deep breaths. Each consecutive inhalation and exhalation must be longer than the previous one.
If your distress appears to be increasing and is unmanageable then call a helpline or seek out a suitable counsellor.
Remember that exams do not make or break your life. Only you and your will or lack of it, can do that. Exams are only a small minor test. If you dont do well, there's always another chance, another exam to give and another alternative to study. Opportunities abound and everyone has a fair chance at finding his/her most suitable profession .
Dont succumb to exam pressure.learn to deal with it
Finish the portions/studies well in advance(1 month before exams) so that you have enough time for revision1 (at least 1 month). Make important points for reference during revision and last minute studying.Plan your study activity well in advance. stick to the timetable you've set for yourself.
If that was not possible then be practical about your expectations. Dont expect too much from yourself. The pressure will only make your exam performance worse. Study as much as you can within the time frame you have left. If you manage to study At least 60% of the portion well, it will help you get at least 40 % marks.
While studying at the last minute make sure you take enough time for breaks. study two hours at a stretch and then take a 10 min break. Go for a walk, take a breath of freah air, play some game, relax, listen to music , do anything you like doing- anything that will help decrease the tension and pressure on yourself.
Study for at least 8-10 hours a day and sleep for at least 8-10 hours so that your body and mind get the required rest and recuperation.
While studying make sure you eat small meals at regular intervals( every 3 hours) so that your body and mind get enough fuel to burn while studying. Avoid heavy meals as they will make you sleepy.Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoid fatty food and caffeine based beverages.
Before you start studying every day draw out a plan of action for the day and try and adhere to it. A mind map would also be helpful. Also know your timetable/exam schedule well so that you get to know how much time you have on hand to prepare for the papers.Set chapter wise/subject wise targets. Alternate between easy and difficult topics/subjects
Study in a sitting position or walk around and study-don't lie down and study as it will make you sleepy. Reading out aloud also helps retention. Do not keep a clutter of books by your side while studying. keep only the books you need around you and a notebook to make important points.
During exams try to be as relaxed as possible. Remember that panicking will only make you forget more. if you are anxious, speak to a friend, relative, teacher, parents, helpline, counsellor or anyone you feel you can trust- someone who will understand your situation and not make you more anxious.
Avoid talking to people who make you feel worse or friends who make you anxious because they have done better/studied more harder or generally whom you perceive as better than you in exam performance..
Avoid discussing the paper once it's done with. There is nothing you can change so quit worrying about it.
While writing the paper read all the questions first and then write the answers that come easily to you before trying the tougher ones.
while studying if you have difficulty tackling a specific problem or topic/subject seek thew help of a teacher to resolve it rather than fellow students-unless it is someone you trust implicitly and is far more studious than you.
Keep away from all addictions.
Stay positive- use positive affirmations to keep your hopes and grade up.Before sleeping write out your plan for the next day and read it aloud to yourself at least 7 times. make a positive affirmation that you will adhere to the plan and do your best to see it's completion and to the best of your abilities.Do the same in the morning before you wake up.
Scream, shout, laugh aloud, hit/ throw a cricket ball, kick a football, punch a pillow, do on the spot running, take a long shower, do yoga, reiki, exercise, pray, listen to spiritual talks,devotional music, classical music- it will help destress you.
Do deep breathing exercises. Take 3-4 deep breaths. Each consecutive inhalation and exhalation must be longer than the previous one.
If your distress appears to be increasing and is unmanageable then call a helpline or seek out a suitable counsellor.
Remember that exams do not make or break your life. Only you and your will or lack of it, can do that. Exams are only a small minor test. If you dont do well, there's always another chance, another exam to give and another alternative to study. Opportunities abound and everyone has a fair chance at finding his/her most suitable profession .
Doctors say yes to no exam policy, Times of India page 7
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Docs-give-nod-to-no-exam-policy/articleshow/7612276.cms
MUMBAI: Mental health professionals have given the CBSE board a thumbs up as its child-friendly examination policies have resulted in a drastic drop in stress levels. The CBSE has given students the choice of opting out of the Class X board exam and appearing for a school-based exam instead, a decision that saw an over 50% dip in the number of distress calls on the CBSE helpline since last year.
"Children get stressed during examinations, parents even more so. With no board exams, the stress on parents reduces and hence overall anxiety levels at home go down. Children have always appeared for examinations and will continue to do so in future, but without the pressure to perform they will be better equipped to deal with the situation,'' said psychiatrist Dr Anjali Chhabria. She points out the extreme steps students have often resorted to at exam time, from absconding to trying to end their lives. She adds there have been instances when she has admitted parents to hospital as they were stressed about their children's examinations.
"Demystifying board exams is a must. The entire burden disappears and the absence of pressure enhances a child's emotional well-being. The drop in the number of calls on the CBSE helpline is a wake-up call for other boards,'' says Dr Harish Shetty, president of the Counsellor's Association of India. He, too, feels that the CBSE's decision to make the Class X exam optional will ease the pain that families go through around exam time.
Dr Maya B Kirpalani, consultant psychologist and family therapist, feels the CBSE board's move will especially benefit students who are emotionally frail and not strong enough to cope with a board exam. "The board's new policy will bring solace to students, who can now give the board exam at their own school, a familiar setting that will make exams less stressful,'' she said. She rued the fact that students have become a prisoner of their marks with society laying undue emphasis on marks alone.
MUMBAI: Mental health professionals have given the CBSE board a thumbs up as its child-friendly examination policies have resulted in a drastic drop in stress levels. The CBSE has given students the choice of opting out of the Class X board exam and appearing for a school-based exam instead, a decision that saw an over 50% dip in the number of distress calls on the CBSE helpline since last year.
"Children get stressed during examinations, parents even more so. With no board exams, the stress on parents reduces and hence overall anxiety levels at home go down. Children have always appeared for examinations and will continue to do so in future, but without the pressure to perform they will be better equipped to deal with the situation,'' said psychiatrist Dr Anjali Chhabria. She points out the extreme steps students have often resorted to at exam time, from absconding to trying to end their lives. She adds there have been instances when she has admitted parents to hospital as they were stressed about their children's examinations.
"Demystifying board exams is a must. The entire burden disappears and the absence of pressure enhances a child's emotional well-being. The drop in the number of calls on the CBSE helpline is a wake-up call for other boards,'' says Dr Harish Shetty, president of the Counsellor's Association of India. He, too, feels that the CBSE's decision to make the Class X exam optional will ease the pain that families go through around exam time.
Dr Maya B Kirpalani, consultant psychologist and family therapist, feels the CBSE board's move will especially benefit students who are emotionally frail and not strong enough to cope with a board exam. "The board's new policy will bring solace to students, who can now give the board exam at their own school, a familiar setting that will make exams less stressful,'' she said. She rued the fact that students have become a prisoner of their marks with society laying undue emphasis on marks alone.
Drop in Panic calls to CBSE helpline, Anahita Mukherjee
Drop in panic calls to CBSE helpline
Anahita Mukherji /, TNN, Mar 2, 2011, 08.57pm IST
A call for Help:
AASRA- 27546669/27546667 (24x7)
CBSE helpline 1800 17 7002
Maharashtra state board helpline: 27893756 (8 am to 9 pm)
MUMBAI: Here's proof that the CBSE board's decision to make the Class X board examination optional this year has drastically reduced stress levels around exam time. The number of calls on the CBSE board helpline has dropped drastically. A year ago, the board helpline received 14,000 calls between February 1 and 28, this year it has dropped to 6,000 in the same period.
"The data is definitely encouraging,'' says Vineet Joshi, chairperson of the CBSE board, pointing to both the drop in the number of calls on the helpline, as well as the fact that 69% of CBSE students who had the choice of opting out of the board exams, did so. "Students are a lot happier during the exam season this year. Our system of continuous and comprehensive evaluation, where students are assessed all-year round and not just on the basis of a three-hour exam, has definitely reduced stress levels. The exam is no longer a 'do-or-die' scenario,'' says Joshi.
He also feels that with the assessment spread out across the year, students who don't do too well as the board exam won't feel it's the end of the world.
Incidentally, most calls on the helpline this year were over administrative matters, with only a small number suffering from examination stress. Of the 6,000 students who called on the helpline last month, only around 1,600 were stress-related. Contrast this with last year, where stress-related calls on the helpline were nearly five times higher. In February 2010, 7,333 students called the helpline over mental health issues.
The numbers show a very positive story. This is precisely the objective of the making board exams optional, and to a large extent it seems to have been met,'' says Avnita Bir, principal of RN Podar School
A drop in the number of panic-stricken phone calls on the CBSE helpline has translated into less stress at school. Many principals say the environment at school during exam time this year is a sea-change from previous years.
"Only 18 of 169 students at our school are appearing for the board exam. The anxiety levels are a lot lower and children are in a better frame of mind,'' said Cherian George, principal of the Kendriya Vidyalaya at IIT Powai.
Parents of those who have opted out of the board exam say their children are preparing for the Class X exam in a stress-free environment. Mitali Chatterjee, the mother of a Class X student at RN Podar School, says while studies are going on as usual there's no tension at home.
At Rajhans Vidyalaya, Andheri, the atmosphere is vey relaxed and this goes for both those who have opted out of the board exam as well as those who will be giving their boards. This has a lot to do with the fact that 60% of the assessment for Class X has been done all year round at school, and the exam will be worth only 40% of the total score for Class X. Those who do not appear for the board exam, will sit for the Class X exam at school, and get their papers assessed by school teachers. Papers for both sets of students have been set by the board.
Anahita Mukherji /, TNN, Mar 2, 2011, 08.57pm IST
A call for Help:
AASRA- 27546669/27546667 (24x7)
CBSE helpline 1800 17 7002
Maharashtra state board helpline: 27893756 (8 am to 9 pm)
MUMBAI: Here's proof that the CBSE board's decision to make the Class X board examination optional this year has drastically reduced stress levels around exam time. The number of calls on the CBSE board helpline has dropped drastically. A year ago, the board helpline received 14,000 calls between February 1 and 28, this year it has dropped to 6,000 in the same period.
"The data is definitely encouraging,'' says Vineet Joshi, chairperson of the CBSE board, pointing to both the drop in the number of calls on the helpline, as well as the fact that 69% of CBSE students who had the choice of opting out of the board exams, did so. "Students are a lot happier during the exam season this year. Our system of continuous and comprehensive evaluation, where students are assessed all-year round and not just on the basis of a three-hour exam, has definitely reduced stress levels. The exam is no longer a 'do-or-die' scenario,'' says Joshi.
He also feels that with the assessment spread out across the year, students who don't do too well as the board exam won't feel it's the end of the world.
Incidentally, most calls on the helpline this year were over administrative matters, with only a small number suffering from examination stress. Of the 6,000 students who called on the helpline last month, only around 1,600 were stress-related. Contrast this with last year, where stress-related calls on the helpline were nearly five times higher. In February 2010, 7,333 students called the helpline over mental health issues.
The numbers show a very positive story. This is precisely the objective of the making board exams optional, and to a large extent it seems to have been met,'' says Avnita Bir, principal of RN Podar School
A drop in the number of panic-stricken phone calls on the CBSE helpline has translated into less stress at school. Many principals say the environment at school during exam time this year is a sea-change from previous years.
"Only 18 of 169 students at our school are appearing for the board exam. The anxiety levels are a lot lower and children are in a better frame of mind,'' said Cherian George, principal of the Kendriya Vidyalaya at IIT Powai.
Parents of those who have opted out of the board exam say their children are preparing for the Class X exam in a stress-free environment. Mitali Chatterjee, the mother of a Class X student at RN Podar School, says while studies are going on as usual there's no tension at home.
At Rajhans Vidyalaya, Andheri, the atmosphere is vey relaxed and this goes for both those who have opted out of the board exam as well as those who will be giving their boards. This has a lot to do with the fact that 60% of the assessment for Class X has been done all year round at school, and the exam will be worth only 40% of the total score for Class X. Those who do not appear for the board exam, will sit for the Class X exam at school, and get their papers assessed by school teachers. Papers for both sets of students have been set by the board.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
school violence video winner of breakthrough award
Dear AASRA,
The judges have spoken!
We're pleased to announce that the winner for the I AM THIS LAND contest on diversity is Role Call!
Role Call was created by a team of students and alumni from Flushing International High School (FIHS) in Queens, New York under the supervision of FIHS Media Arts Teacher, Dillon Paul. The MTV-style video - of a student in class daydreaming about gender, cultural expression, and racial stereotypes - won the judges over.
Click to watch I AM THIS LAND contest winner! "Role Call"
The Breakthrough media team met with winners and we were quite taken with their story. Watch our interview with the high school team HERE. "The video was created in response to several incidents of violence in our school, and our desire to use media to promote respect and tolerance in our school and beyond," said teacher Dillon Paul. "Our students come from approximately 40 different countries and speak 20 different languages. Like most high schools, however, cultural differences, sexual and gender identity can be sources of discomfort and fear, leading to bigotry, bullying and violence."
Paul worked with current students and two alumni, Jean Franco Vergaray and Osbani Garcia, to introduce the Gay Straight Alliance, that promotes respect and equality for LGBTQ youth, at the school. Said Franco, "That we could portray one person being all these different personalities, all these different identities, was just a way to say, diversity is okay. People shouldn't be labeled."
We're also pleased to announce the first runner up: What Are You? created by Genevieve Lin of Seattle, Washington.
Second runners-up (of equal ranking) are: I'm Coming Out and American Girl, by Eliyas Qureshi of Jersey City, New Jersey; American Dream by Suhir Ponncchamy of Belle Mead, New Jersey and Listen by Luke McKay of Fenton, Michigan. Please check out the site to watch all the amazing entries.
Thank you for using your creativity to build a society that respects human rights and values of dignity, equality and justice!
The Breakthrough Team
Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter View our videos on YouTube
Breakthrough is a global human rights organization that uses the power of media, pop culture, and community mobilization to inspire people to take bold action for dignity, equality, and justice.
The judges have spoken!
We're pleased to announce that the winner for the I AM THIS LAND contest on diversity is Role Call!
Role Call was created by a team of students and alumni from Flushing International High School (FIHS) in Queens, New York under the supervision of FIHS Media Arts Teacher, Dillon Paul. The MTV-style video - of a student in class daydreaming about gender, cultural expression, and racial stereotypes - won the judges over.
Click to watch I AM THIS LAND contest winner! "Role Call"
The Breakthrough media team met with winners and we were quite taken with their story. Watch our interview with the high school team HERE. "The video was created in response to several incidents of violence in our school, and our desire to use media to promote respect and tolerance in our school and beyond," said teacher Dillon Paul. "Our students come from approximately 40 different countries and speak 20 different languages. Like most high schools, however, cultural differences, sexual and gender identity can be sources of discomfort and fear, leading to bigotry, bullying and violence."
Paul worked with current students and two alumni, Jean Franco Vergaray and Osbani Garcia, to introduce the Gay Straight Alliance, that promotes respect and equality for LGBTQ youth, at the school. Said Franco, "That we could portray one person being all these different personalities, all these different identities, was just a way to say, diversity is okay. People shouldn't be labeled."
We're also pleased to announce the first runner up: What Are You? created by Genevieve Lin of Seattle, Washington.
Second runners-up (of equal ranking) are: I'm Coming Out and American Girl, by Eliyas Qureshi of Jersey City, New Jersey; American Dream by Suhir Ponncchamy of Belle Mead, New Jersey and Listen by Luke McKay of Fenton, Michigan. Please check out the site to watch all the amazing entries.
Thank you for using your creativity to build a society that respects human rights and values of dignity, equality and justice!
The Breakthrough Team
Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter View our videos on YouTube
Breakthrough is a global human rights organization that uses the power of media, pop culture, and community mobilization to inspire people to take bold action for dignity, equality, and justice.
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