(For the motion) - Sumiho Aye
In my opinion, Education is a holistic process of learning and development in an individual’s lifetime. While competitiveness, is the result of the basic survival instinct already inherent in an individual, or for that matter all living organisms which co-exist in the same environment. For this reason, I believe education as a system shouldn’t undermine the importance of “competition” as a valuable tool employed to enhance the learning process, undermining which might consequently hinder the natural progress and development of a student.
The need for a competitive education becomes all the more vital in preparing a student for the cut-throat competition that takes place in the real world, and in which “survival of the fittest” phenomenon applies in every aspect of an individual’s life. It starts early from sibling rivalry at home, to parents ensuring that the individual gets into the best school, again enrolling into the best college of choice, applying for scholarships, vying for the attention of the opposite sex, finding a suitable job, choosing the best prospective bride or groom, starting an enterprise and competing against other enterprises in the market etc.
For better or for worse, “competition” is not limited to our personal lives but also thrives in our collective social, political, economic environment and not to forget in the field of sports. For instance, we all saw and openly displayed our enthusiasm and support for our department i.e. ITB during the cricket tournament and our players also felt motivated to outscore other Departments. Therefore, if competition is considered a positive and integral element in our progressive society, the question that arises is why should it be perceived as anything less or a threat in our education system?
Competitive education system empowers a student to face challenges and not to shy away from them. It helps a student identify his/her strengths