Miscellany

India's education system must move beyond treating education, skilling and employment as separate domains and instead build an integrated ecosystem that prepares learners for real-world opportunities, educationist Dr Narayana Bharath Gupta said at The Week Education Conclave 2026.

Addressing educators, policymakers and industry leaders, Gupta stressed that the traditional approach of viewing education as classroom learning, skilling as a separate training process, and employment as the final outcome is no longer suited to the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.

"We need to stop treating education, skilling and employment as separate words," Gupta said, arguing that students should experience a seamless journey from learning to employability. He noted that academic institutions must work more closely with industry to ensure that graduates possess the competencies required in modern workplaces.

Highlighting the growing impact of artificial intelligence, automation and digital transformation, Gupta said the future workforce will require a combination of technical expertise, adaptability and lifelong learning capabilities. Educational institutions, he added, must focus on developing problem-solving, critical thinking and practical skills alongside academic knowledge.

The discussion also touched upon the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which seeks to promote multidisciplinary learning, vocational education and stronger industry-academia collaboration. Gupta observed that the policy provides a framework for bridging the gap between education and employment, but successful implementation will require sustained collaboration among stakeholders.

Experts at the conclave noted that while India produces millions of graduates annually, concerns about employability persist across sectors. Industry leaders have repeatedly highlighted the need for curriculum reforms, internship opportunities and experiential learning models that align academic outcomes with labour market requirements.

Gupta emphasised that skilling should not be viewed as an alternative to higher education but as an integral component of the learning process. He called for institutions to embed industry-relevant skills into academic programmes from an early stage, enabling students to transition more effectively into careers.

The remarks come at a time when India is seeking to harness its demographic dividend by creating a workforce equipped to meet the demands of emerging industries and a technology-driven global economy.

The period immediately after Class 12 is often one of the most confusing phases in a student's life. The process of making career decisions can be daunting, from the entrance examinations to college applications, counselling sessions and endless advice from family. Meanwhile, students are expected to select a trajectory that will have a lasting impact on their careers for years to come.

This is also a difficult time for parents. Many people want their children to do well in their lives but find it difficult to meet their children's interests and aspirations with their own. With a rapidly evolving job market, it is no longer about picking the most popular career. Rather, it's about helping students discover a trajectory that aligns with their strengths, interests and aspirations.

Know your child before talking about career options.

The major error parents make is to think about career choices before they know the child. All students are different in terms of personality, learning style, interests, etc. A student who likes to solve mathematical problems can excel in data science or finance, while a student who likes to create and tell stories visually can excel in design, media, or animation.

Parents should first ask themselves, "What does my child really like to do?," and not "Which career earns the most money?". Talking about favourite subjects, hobbies, strengths and ambitions can often lead to a career direction that the student might not have thought of.

Students who are listened to, and understood, are more likely to make informed and confident choices about their future.

Discuss the new-age career opportunities

For a long time, careers like engineering, medicine and government service were the only ones discussed in Indian households. These still hold weight in society but today's students have an even broader choice of careers.

Every year new opportunities are emerging in fields like Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Security, Forensic Science, Biotechnology, Digital Marketing, Psychology, Game Design, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Journalism, Law, and Healthcare. The majority of these industries are growing quickly and provide a great opportunity for employment.

It is important for parents to explore these new career fields as well as traditional career fields. Knowing about current industries can assist families in making decisions based on opportunities instead of perception.

Emphasize Skills, Not Degrees

There has been a radical transformation in the job market. Employers are as interested today in the practical skills, communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and industry exposure as they are in academic qualifications.

Parents should think beyond the name of the degree when choosing a course or college and consider the skills that the course provides.  They should ask questions like: 

• Are internships part of the curriculum? 
• Does it offer hands-on learning? 
• Do students have industry projects? 
• Is employability and career readiness a focus of the institution?

While a degree can open doors, skills help students build successful careers, and this is exactly what parents must understand. 

Encourage Career Counselling and Aptitude Assessment

A lot of students have no idea what they're good at and what they are interested in. Under these circumstances, career counseling services can be of great assistance. Career assessments and aptitude tests give information about a student's skills, interests, personality characteristics and work styles.

These evaluations should not be considered definitive judgments but as aids to decision making. They can assist students, parents, and counsellors in narrowing down appropriate academic and career options, in conjunction with conversations between these groups.

When students seek professional advice, they may not make their decisions based on peer pressure or societal expectations.

Don't compare your child with others

One of the most frequent causes of stress for students when planning their careers is comparison. Parents tend to make comparisons between their children and cousins, classmates or neighbours who may be following popular career paths.

But success is not to be gained by following another person's path. All students are unique in their abilities, aspirations and learning styles. A job that is ideal for one student might not be ideal for another.

Supporting individuality enables students to gain confidence and make decisions which are in accordance with their personal aspirations and not those of others.

Help them Know the Facts about a Particular Career

Students often choose careers based on limited information. The profession may be a good choice on the surface, but the duties and tasks and the problems may be quite different.

Parents can assist by encouraging students to do research on industries, talk to professionals, participate in career webinars, and explore internships whenever possible. Knowing what each job entails, how much they pay, what they offer in terms of career progression, work-life balance, and educational requirements helps students make more informed decisions. One of the best ways to lessen uncertainty and create clarity is by being aware of careers.

Develop a Career Exploration Supportive Environment

Don't make career choices out of fear. When students feel pressured, they are more likely to make decisions that they will regret. Parents should provide a setting in which children can freely express their interests, concerns, and goals.

It's important to note that career planning is not a singular event, but rather a process. Today's successful professionals have jobs that weren't around 10 years ago. Flexibility, learning and adaptability are gaining equal footing with selecting the right degree.

When parents encourage children to explore without making decisions for them, they may help children to be more confident and resilient.

Thing to Note

One of the most crucial steps a student takes in his life after Class 12 is the selection of a career. But it shouldn't be a race or an opinion that's made solely based on trends, social pressure or salary expectations.

Parents have a critical role in assisting students to make this transition. They can be trusted guides during one of the most significant times in their child's life through careful listening and encouraging exploration, understanding emerging career opportunities and focusing on the individual strengths of their child.

Ultimately, the most popular career isn't always the best one. It is the one that enables a student to develop, excel and create a meaningful life in line with his/her interests, capabilities and dreams. 

At an age when most teenagers are worried about homework, friendships, and exams, 14-year-old Asmita Tamang is carrying a responsibility that would challenge many adults.

The ninth-grade student has captured hearts across social media after an emotional video revealed her daily reality. Her mother passed away, and Asmita is now juggling her studies with the responsibility of her 1.5 year old brother, who she often brings with her to school.

Asmita is seen in the viral video sitting in class, watching her younger brother, who is crawling, while the rest of the class is engaged in their lessons. When her teacher asks her about her situation, she has a hard time holding back her tears, the grief of losing her mother, and feeling the void eat her teenage years, as she tells her how her mother's death has affected her life.

Her father leaves early in the morning to work and there is no extended family to help her raise her younger brother, so she has taken on a lot of responsibility.

Her story has touched the hearts of millions because it's a problem that's becoming more prevalent but is rarely discussed: when tragedy strikes a family, it can also tear apart a child's education and thrust them into adulthood too early.

This is what is called "parentification," a situation in which a child assumes the role of a parent because of family dynamics. Resilience is good, but these responsibilities can affect a young person's emotional health, academic achievement and childhood experience.

For many children in similar circumstances, education is a daily struggle. Caregiving pressures, financial problems, loss of a loved one, and home responsibilities can all contribute to absenteeism, poor performance, and even school dropouts.

Asmita is determined to continue her education and make the best of her future, even in the face of these obstacles. Her perseverance has touched the lives of thousands online, with many calling her a "little mother" and admiring her strength and sacrifice.

However, her story is about more than individual resilience. It's a reminder that there are countless children around the world who are carrying a burden that is too heavy for them. Many students in the classroom are facing loss, caregiving and issues that are not always seen.

Asmita's story is inspiring and heart-wrenching. Her determination is commendable, but her story also poses an important question: How many children are giving up their childhood to keep their families together?

No child should have to choose between getting an education and caring for a loved one. But for Asmita Tamang, it's a daily reality… Perhaps the saddest part of her story is that a teenager has been forced to take on the role of a parent simply because there is no other option available. While society often celebrates resilience and sacrifice, no child should have to give up their childhood in order to keep a family together.

Asmita's story is not an isolated case. Across the country, countless children are quietly carrying burdens far beyond their years due to poverty, loss, financial hardship, or lack of support. Her heartfelt story is a powerful reminder that while we admire the strength of children like her, our greater responsibility is to ensure they never have to shoulder such responsibilities in the first place. A nation's progress should not only be measured by its achievements, but also by how well it protects the childhood, education, and future of its most vulnerable children. 

India's education system stands at a paradoxical crossroads. On one hand, Indian students continue to excel globally, securing admissions to leading universities, driving innovation in technology and research, and occupying influential positions across the world. On the other hand, millions of children within the country still struggle to access quality education, raising a critical question: Is the Indian education system truly serving its students?

The success of Indian learners is often attributed not solely to institutions but to the determination of students, the sacrifices of parents, the support of families, and the commitment of teachers who work tirelessly despite limited resources and recognition. These pillars have helped education remain one of the most effective pathways for social and economic mobility in the country.

However, significant challenges persist. Access to quality education remains uneven, particularly among economically disadvantaged communities. Government reports have repeatedly highlighted that millions of children either remain outside the education system or receive schooling that falls short of basic learning standards. Child labour, economic hardship and inadequate infrastructure continue to hinder educational outcomes in many regions.

Experts argue that the government's role extends beyond operating schools. It must ensure that every child has access to quality education while maintaining academic standards across both public and private institutions. Some policy analysts advocate for innovative funding mechanisms, including education vouchers, which would allow parents to choose schools best suited to their children's needs while promoting competition and accountability within the sector.

Another concern is learning quality. India's performance in international assessments has often lagged behind global benchmarks, raising questions about foundational literacy, numeracy and critical thinking skills. While elite institutions produce world-class graduates, many schools struggle to equip students with the competencies needed for a rapidly changing economy.

The issue is further reflected in the growing phenomenon of drain. Thousands of talented Indian students pursue higher education abroad and often build their careers overseas. Their success demonstrates the potential of Indian talent but also highlights concerns about whether domestic institutions provide sufficient opportunities for growth, research and innovation.

The future of Indian education will depend on addressing these structural challenges while preserving its strengths. Investment in teachers, improved learning outcomes, stronger accountability mechanisms and greater educational choice could help bridge existing gaps.

As India aspires to become a global knowledge economy, the central challenge is not whether its students have talent—they clearly do. The real question is whether the education system can evolve quickly enough to nurture that talent at home and ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed.

"My children didn't choose to be born. I chose to have children. They owe me nothing. I owe them everything."  This viral quote of Elon Musk has parents at the edge. Some are considering parenting from this new perspective, while others are defending the age-old culture or responsibility. 

The debate is not about whether children should care for their parents, but about the built-in expectation parents have from their children. And honestly, they are not to be blamed. 

Why is The Quote Viral?

From generations this parent-child relationship of responsibility has been fed to us which is why the majority of parents want their children to take care of them, listen to them, not be demanding, obey them, and take full responsibility of them once they are old. However, Elon Musk has said out loud the heartfelt sentiment of the new generation that children owe their parents nothing but parents surely do. 

The quote has been shared across social media platforms, parenting forums and psychology discussions, and has set the stage for a broader discussion about what parents actually owe their kids and whether or not kids should feel indebted to their parents for simply being raised.

Is Elon Musk Right?

The question isn’t whether the most influential entrepreneur in the world is right or wrong; the question is whether we have actually given it a serious thought. 

As parents, as society, we have always raised kids as a future asset who will earn, and take responsibility for running the family. Yes, there’s nothing free in this world but expecting the life we have given birth, to forcefully fulfill the duty of sacrificing for parents or be told that raising them costed N number of sacrifices, compromises and sleepless nights, this creates a sense of burden, and this is wrong. 

Children are not born by their choice. That's a choice made by parents. So it's only right that the parent should take responsibility, not the kid. It is this view that made the quote go viral for millions of people online.

A change to modern parenting

Parenting experts and psychologists have been talking more and more about emotional safety, unconditional support, healthy communication, and lessening the pressure on children.

Musk's statement echoes a trend in many aspects that is known as “conscious parenting” or “responsibility-based parenting”. This is the concept that questions whether love and care should come with expectations attached. 

Today, many younger parents are rejecting a parenting style that is primarily based on authority and control. They are increasingly putting emphasis on emotional awareness, mental health and personal development.

Why the Quote Feels So Personal to Many People

One reason the statement became widely shared is because it touches a sensitive reality many people experience but rarely discuss openly. Many adults grow up carrying invisible pressure to fulfil family expectations, to choose certain careers, to live specific lifestyles, or to be constantly grateful.

Musk's statement resonated with some readers who felt it was a way to distinguish love from duty. It implies that the raising of a child is not an investment that is meant to pay off, but a commitment that one has chosen. Because having children means creating a life; this is no joke. This emotional divide is what made the quote resonate so much on social media.

The Psychology Behind the Statement

The psychologists often point out that children gain better self-esteem when love does not depend on their achievements. If children feel loved only when they perform, when they obey or meet expectations, they can start to think of their value in terms of external validation.

Musk's quote seems to be in line with a new psychological notion that parenting should offer guidance, security, support,and opportunities, without making children feel they must “earn” love or repay their existence. This is not to say that children should not have responsibilities. Instead, it emphasises that parental care is not a debt.

Moreover, parents who only see their children as “budhape ka sahara” (stick of old age), those parents never deserve to have children in the first place. 

Why the Conversation Matters Today

The quote comes at a time when discussions on mental health, parenting pressure, generational expectations, and emotional wellbeing are becoming more and more prevalent.

Across different cultures, younger generations are questioning older beliefs about success, family obligations and personal identity. This makes the kind of statement by Musk more likely to be noticed because it is a reflection of the bigger social shifts that are already in progress.

What’s the Impact of this Quote?

The thing is, people may or may not agree with Elon Musk, but what he's asking is a hard question, and that's why it continues to be spread.

What do you think: Should children spend their lives repaying their parents for being born and raised? Or is parenting a responsibility that is freely taken up by those who choose to take it?

There might never be a single answer. But, the quote has done something unusual in today's fast-paced internet culture… It made people stop scrolling and think. Perhaps that's why a single sentence about parenting has become one of the most discussed conversations online. 

The NEET paper leak has the whole country questioning the education system. But for nearly 22 lakh NEET aspirants, the biggest concern today is not who leaked the paper, it's more about who will fix the whole thing and restore trust.

As protests over the NEET UG 2026 paper leak keep getting louder across India , the political fight has started to look more and more centered on one demand: the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The Congress party, led by Rahul Gandhi has accused the Centre of not protecting the integrity of India’s biggest medical entrance examination. Congress workers NSUI and Youth Congress members have been protesting in several cities, including Delhi, Jaipur, Hyderabad and parts of Tamil Nadu. The message is pretty clear, accountability and structural reforms in the exam system.

The mess began after NEET UG 2026, conducted on 3 May, was hit by allegations that “guess papers” with questions similar to the actual examination were passed around through WhatsApp groups and coaching networks. The test was later cancelled on 12 May, and a fresh examination is now scheduled for 21 June. Investigations by central agencies have also led to arrests and a bigger probe into the supposed leak network.

Rahul Gandhi has said the future of millions of students cannot be left dangling, vulnerable to these recurring examination controversies. He also asked why this kind of crisis popped up again, right after the NEET-related controversy of 2024.

These are valid political questions . But they are not the only questions that actually matter, at the end of it! 

Because beneath the slogans, rallies and calls for resignation there’s a deeper snag, like, would the stepping down of a single minister actually fix what students are going through? Will it fix the system? Will that help NEET Aspirants in any way?

For many families, this is not the time to play politics but rather focus on their child’s future, dreams, and hard work. Two years of grinding preparation, coaching fees and hostel expenses, plus the emotional toll , and a future that suddenly feels shoved back into uncertainty, are not something a resignation can fix. What is needed today is REFORM. 

A student preparing in Kota, or in Hyderabad, or Patna, is not likely to waste time on ministerial responsibility. The issue is far more immediate. If an exam can be cancelled after months of work , then how can anyone promise confidence in the next one? And that’s where the whole conversation gets messy and more layered.

Political accountability matters, of course. In a democracy, if serious failures happen inside a system, elected leaders are expected to face hard questions. But accountability and reform are not always the same pair of shoes.

Removing one person might calm public anger. Rebuilding trust however , asks for something far tougher, something that takes time and unwavering efforts. 

Students want the process explained: How did question papers allegedly move through the system? They are asking for firmer safeguards, more transparency, faster investigations and a real assurance that future examinations won’t end up with the same fate.

The Congress push for resignation may spark headlines and create political heat. But whether it produces anything meaningful , is a separate question altogether. Many in the comment sections are questioning if this is just a rally disguised as a protest. Some are also asking if congress is trying to gain Cockroach Janata Party supporters. 

The true test for India’s education system isn’t only about the June 21 re-examination. The real test is whether students can start believing again that merit, preparation and hard work are still enough.

Till that trust comes back , every announcement, every protest, every political line will get judged against one simple question that millions of students are still asking, again and again: What will actually change?