This internal project, under the guidance of Professor Grisha Coleman from Northeastern University (Boston), is an independent endeavour.
Introduction
In India, education is seen as a way for people to have better lives, gain power, and move up in society. But the truth is, not everyone gets the same chance at a good education. Even though more kids are going to school now, there are still big differences in who gets to learn and who doesn’t. These differences are because of things like how much money families have, whether they’re boys or girls, their social status, religion, where they live, and more. It’s not just about getting into a school building — it’s about all the complicated reasons why some kids have a harder time learning than others. This introduction will look at why these differences happen, how they show up, and why it’s so important to make sure every child gets a fair shot at a good education in India.
Process
I have always been someone who loves exploring different genres when it comes to research. So I started by looking at different mediums where this issue has been highlighted i.e. Disparity in Education in India. I divided it into different categories.
Art and Photography
- “Children of the Soil” by Arko Datto captures the plight of India’s indigenous tribes, revealing their resilience amid environmental degradation and societal neglect, through poignant visual storytelling.
- “In Search of Better Days” by Gauri Gill delves into the lives of marginalized communities in rural India, offering a poignant exploration of their struggles and resilience through intimate photography and storytelling.
Movies
- “Hindi Medium” is a film that humorously navigates the struggles of an affluent couple trying to secure their child’s admission into a prestigious school, shedding light on societal disparities in India’s education system.
- “Hichki” shines a light on the rural perspective as a determined teacher battles societal prejudices and empowers underprivileged students to overcome their obstacles, highlighting the transformative power of education in rural communities.
- “The White Tiger” exposes the dark underbelly of India’s class divide through the eyes of a cunning driver-turned-entrepreneur, offering a gripping portrayal of ambition, corruption, and societal injustice.
- “Super 30” narrates the true story of mathematician Anand Kumar, who coaches underprivileged students for the prestigious IIT entrance exam, showcasing resilience and hope amidst societal challenges and educational inequalities.
- “Nil Battey Sannata” portrays a mother’s relentless pursuit to educate her daughter against societal odds, offering a heartwarming tale of determination and the transformative power of education.
- “Stanley Ka Dabba” follows a spirited schoolboy who faces discrimination due to his inability to bring a lunchbox to school, weaving a touching narrative of friendship, resilience, and the importance of standing up against injustice.
Social Media Campaigns
- #RiseForGood by Reliance Foundation epitomizes their commitment to creating positive social impact through innovative initiatives, empowering communities, and fostering sustainable development across various sectors.
- #EducationForAll by Teach For India embodies their mission to provide quality education to every child, irrespective of socio-economic background, by engaging passionate individuals as catalysts for change in classrooms and communities.
Television Series
- The Hindi series “Class,” inspired by “Elite,” delves into the lives of students at an exclusive school, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and societal divisions amidst a backdrop of privilege and ambition. With compelling drama and intricate character dynamics, it offers a riveting portrayal of youth navigating complex relationships and personal struggles.
- “Satyamev Jayate,” hosted by Aamir Khan, sheds light on pressing social issues in India, sparking nationwide conversations and advocating for positive change through compelling storytelling and impactful discussions. With its thought-provoking episodes, the show aims to inspire viewers to confront societal challenges and work towards a more just and equitable society.
Literature and Books
- “Untouchable” by Mulk Raj Anand exposes the dehumanizing caste system in India through the story of Bakha, an “untouchable” who faces discrimination and oppression, shedding light on social injustices and the resilience of the human spirit. With poignant prose, it challenges readers to confront the harsh realities of discrimination and inequality in society.
- “Half Girlfriend” by Chetan Bhagat follows the journey of Madhav and Riya, exploring the complexities of modern relationships and the pursuit of love amidst cultural differences and societal expectations. With its blend of romance and social commentary, it offers a relatable portrayal of the challenges faced by young adults in India.
- “The Lowland” by Jhumpa Lahiri intricately weaves the lives of two brothers, Subhash and Udayan, across continents and generations, exploring themes of identity, family, and the consequences of political upheaval. Through lyrical prose and rich character development, Lahiri crafts a poignant narrative that resonates with themes of loss, redemption, and the enduring bonds of kinship.
Identifying the Wicked Problem
My wicked problem started by watching a Bollywood movie called “Hindi Medium” which showcases a big flaw in the Indian education system. I started by decoding the movie and watching other movies which had similar storylines. After decoding these movies, there were three problems which I found were very prominent and huge — Identity crisis, Language barrier and Maintaining social status. All three topics were very vast and I tried reading different research papers addressing these issues. I started questioning about what are the root causes of these problems. Why and how do people distinguish between rich and poor in India?
Factors
- In India, school uniforms are mandatory because of various reasons (as per the news articles and the law). I read different articles which highlight the fact that these school uniforms make everyone feel equal because all students wear the same clothes, regardless of their family’s money situation and it stops students from feeling pressured to wear expensive clothes and keep up with fashion trends, making school a more relaxed place. While the reasons given for school uniforms are good, let’s talk about what’s happening. Have you noticed how different schools have different uniform designs? Government schools usually have simple uniforms, while fancy uniforms are common in elite schools. It’s been found that even if a poor student attends an elite school, they might still get bullied because of their family’s financial situation.
2. In the TV show “Class,” there was a scene where a Muslim girl wore pants and a hijab instead of the school skirt uniform. She faced bullying from her classmates who wanted her to dress differently. In rural areas, some girls don’t wear uniforms either because they feel embarrassed or because cultural beliefs forbid it.
3. All of these movies highlighted the idea of the right to education — The Right to Education Act in India guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14, aiming to ensure equal access to quality education and eradicate illiteracy. It mandates the provision of infrastructure, trained teachers, and inclusive policies to promote holistic development and educational equity. There are many loopholes in this system where there are certain groups of people taking advantage of this law which was made for good.
4. In school, kids start to notice differences, and bullying often happens because of how they look or what they have. Uniforms try to stop this by making everyone look the same, but it’s not perfect. The problem is, these uniforms are often based on Western styles, not Indian ones.
Current Initiatives
A famous Indian Fashion Designer Sabhyasachi Mukharjee collaborated with the Rajkumari Ratnavati School located in Rajasthan (Western part of India) to design school uniforms which are cultural and stylish.
Problem Identified
- Physical appearance of students
- Lack of cultural empathy
- Language Barrier
- Western culture-inspired education
- Lack of self-esteem and confidence
- Bullying in school
- Not treated equally
Solution
I’ve noticed that fashion schools in India often teach Western styles, but students add Indian elements to their designs. Some non-profit organizations help local artisans preserve traditional crafts.
So, I came up with an idea for a campaign where a non-profit and fashion students work together to create school uniforms that blend Western and Indian styles. These uniforms would be the same for all schools, government or private, and each state’s unique textile would add a touch of local culture. This way, instead of each school having its own uniform, we promote unity by having similar uniforms for each state.
What
A campaign which aims to challenge the idea of expensive school uniforms and branded accessories as markers of social status by promoting inclusivity, diversity and cultural celebration in school attire. This campaign involves designing student-led uniforms (the students who are from design/fashion schools) that celebrate regional textiles and cultural heritage. Also, this might be a very simple yet impactful idea where we use different social media platforms showcasing successful individuals from diverse backgrounds in simple and “normal” attire.
When
This campaign can be launched at the beginning of the academic year with the introduction of the new uniform, whereas the awareness, workshops and community events can be scheduled throughout the school year to maintain momentum and engagement. The student design competition could have a specific application and submission window.
Where
The activity workshops will take place in schools, and universities, both in urban and rural areas across India. These workshops will help in the collaboration between the design school students and the local craftsmen. It could also take place in community engagement events like fashion shows, exhibitions etc hosted in the local community centers or public spaces.
For Whom
Students from different socioeconomic backgrounds will participate in workshops. Teachers and school administrators will facilitate the activities with the schools, providing guidance and resources to students. Local Artisans and Designers will collaborate to incorporate regional textiles and cultural elements into uniform designs. Different organisations will partner with government and schools to host events, provide resources and promote the campaign within local communities.
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*To have a look at my designs, please visit my design portfolio. It showcases my body of work and highlights my skills and abilities as a designer — https://yutis-portfolio-cba333.webflow.io/
