A recent newspaper headline in TOI caught my attention ‘Patna students plot to hunt Dawood, go
broke and return’. It got my
attention because kids were involved and it also involved a ridiculous plan
which I admired about the young kids. The gist- 3 students inspired by films
and TV planned to make some quick money by apprehending Dawood. They ran away
from home as they were bored with studies. They reached all the way to Kolkatta
for their mission before they realized the futility and also because they ran
out of funds. But the plot was quite intelligent, they even tried to approach Bihar’s
ruling Janata Dal legislator for funding!
Their teacher on condition of anonymity said that these
three boys were least bothered about their studies. This is where I would like
to mention about creative intelligence and the weak teacher training that our
teachers are exposed to. World over schools are now talking about a new
intelligence CQ- Creative Intelligence. Steve Jobs, Mick Jagger and more have
all proved that success can be gained through creative thinking and innovative
ideas. These boys should not be written off, let’s look at what all these so
called ‘not bothered about studies’, boys were able to achieve by creative
thinking skills.
1.
They were quite aware about current affairs and
were aware that they should chase Dawood for maximum benefit. They were quite
sensible or else they would have chased a film star.
2.
Their plan was thought about for the benefit to
both, themselves and society- getting rid of a Don.
3.
They planned well to approach for ‘funding’ for
their idea.
4.
They travelled all the way to Kolkatta, showing
independence, self esteem and determination.
5.
They ran out of money and had the common sense
to head back home. They knew when to give up.
Yes, one cannot applaud them but one should not ridicule
them also. They need to be made to understand about right and wrong of their
plan. They had creative intelligence; they need to be groomed in creative
planning and thinking. Think about it, if groomed well by a good teacher or
adult these 3 boys can become a success story as innovative thinkers. But sadly
these children will be lost in the education system and will be labeled as
pranksters, bullies, run aways - a stigma that will only push them to the brink
and maybe end up on the other side of the social structure.
But just for a moment I would like to imagine the scenario
if they are helped to understand the right and wrong, the pros and cons of
their act, they would be groomed into independent decision makers, kids who are
confident of their ideas and who would now be more cautious about planning and
implementation.
Its time our teachers and parents understand potential in
children and learn to recognize, tap and nurture it at the right time, in the
right manner. Teacher training courses can help train teachers and teachers can
then be role models for parents. Think about the number of children who will
benefit, think of the pool of ‘genius’, ‘gifted and talented’ that we will be
able to nurture from the children presently in our schools and colleges.
If their teacher is unable to help these three boys, maybe
other teachers and parents can use this example to talk to kids and help them
understand that actions become good or bad with good or bad decisions. And
decision making is a skill that can be learned. It’s time we stopped bringing
up generations on silly grades, report cards and marks. Let us mark the destiny
of our kids by gifting them creative intelligence but first let us all
understand its importance. A wonderful book I would recommend- Creative Intelligence,
by Bruce Nussbaum.
