Bohag Bihu: A spring festival of Assam

Kopou 

Bohag Bihu, which ushers in the new year is the Spring -time bihu, generally falls in middle of the April . It is observed on the first day of the Hindu Solar calendar. Bohag bihu is associated with vernal. As the sun passes at this time from one zodiacal zone to another, which is known as Domahi (Assamese for "Two months") .  It is a festival of gaiety and celebration, that's why it is know as Rongali Bihu (Rongali= Gaiety & Celebration). This bihu continues for Seven days, all days are named distinctly according to the activity done in that particular day. Those are as follows:

1. Chot Bihu (Last day of Chot Month)
2. Goru Bihu (Cows and Bullocks are worshiped)
3. Manuh Bihu ( Respect is given to elders)
4. Kutum Bihu ( People goes to relatives house)
5. Senehi Bihu (The day for Beloved one)
6. Mela Bihu (Bihu Fare)
7. Chera Bihu ( Last day of Bihu, on this day Bihu thowa or Putting Bihu away took place)

Goru Bihu is a representation of agricultural background of Bihu. On the day of Garu Bihu the cattle are washed and pieced vegetables like Brinjals and Gourds are thrown at the cattle and says

Goru Bihu

 "Lao Kha Bengena Kha , 

Bosore Bosore Barhi Ja !

Maa Xoru, Baaper Xoru,

Toi Hobi Bor Bor Goru!"

(Blessing the cows to year by Year, and grow better than their parents)  

Cattle are strike with green springs (Like Dighlati & Makhiyati plants) which is meant to be magical for better progency. In the evening cattle are tighten with new rope made of Tora plants and a garland made of Tangloti leafe are fasten on the neck. A fire is burn near the cattle shed to kill the Fly and Mosquito, which disturbes the cattle. "Bor Pitha" a rice cake made of Rice powder and Gur (Jaggery) is given to the cattle.

Manuh Bihu is observed on the second day of Bohag Bihu. Huchari ( Assamese of  a group performance of Bihu Naam and Bihu Dance)  starts on this day, groups consist of different age groups goes to house to house and enjoy singing Bihu songs (Bihu Naam) and Dancing  ( Bihu Dance). On the day of Manuh bihu different games like Cowry shells (which are supposed to cause rain) and eggs fight (which symbolize reproduction). Respects to the elders in terms of Bihuwan (Present given out on occasion of  Bihu) are offered. Mainly in terms of cloths like Gamucha ( Assamese for Body Wiper, Ga=Body, Mucha= Wipe), Cheleng (Shoulder Cloths), Dhoti (Men's Wear) Hachoti (Betel nut carrier cloths), Riha (Women wear), Chador- Mekhela (Women's wear) etc. Sanskrit mantras are written on Nahar (Mesua Ferra) leaf and kept under the eaves of the roof - these are prayers to the god "Mahadev" seeking protection against storms, lightning , fire etc.

Huchori

Gosain Bihu is observed on the third day. This day is spent in congregational prayers at the community halls, Namghars.

Kutum Bihu  is observed on the fourth day. On this day people use to visit their relative's house to share the joy of Bihu.

Senehi Bihu is observed on the fifth day. The name of the day itself defines that this day is exclusively for the lover. Bohag Bihu is a symbol of love and reproduction. Youths use to meet their beloved one on this day and use to give Bihuwan.

Mela Bihu & Chera Bihu  are observed on sixth and seventh days. As Bihu is a seasonal and pre- cultivation  festival, so it has a end. Before ending the Bihu for next year people use to enjoy it together.

Gos Tolor Bihu

Bihu - Thowa (Assamese of Putting Bihu Away): Bihu symbolizes youth and love of the New Year. So it has to ended with respects. In upper reaches of Brahmaputra the Huchari singing goes beyond the allotted seven days. On the last day the singers go outside the village to a field and sing to their hearts content.  In the late afternoon in nine part of banana leafs they put betel nut and leaf putting the front of the betel leaf towards west. They cover the place with a new Gamucha and leave some coins on the banana leaf and go home with out looking back.

Bohag Bihu is celebrated by all people of Assam with few variances. For example in upper reaches of Brahmaputra, on the first day of Bihu people use to eat 101 varieties of herbs and vegitables. On the other hand in lower reaches of the Brahmaputra people eat seven varieties of pot herbs on the seventh day of Bohag Bihu.

KHASI TRIBES

Introduction:

Khasi tribe is mainly found in state of Assam ad the Khasi-Jayantiya hills in Meghalaya and in the states of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, West Bengal and Jammu & Kashmir. They calledby different name such as Khasi Rahris, Khuchia, Kassi, Khashi and Khasa. Khasi forms the large part of the population in the state of Meghalaya.

History of Khasi:

Khasis were earliest immigrant tribes who came from Myanmar and settled down in the plains of east Assam. Earlier the Khasis has their own kingdom until the British colonialism starts in North eastern India. The word Khasi is found in Shankardeva's "Bhagawat Puran" an Indo -Aryan Literature.

Khasi call themselves ' Ki Hynniew Trep', which means ' The Seven Huts' in Khasi language. Khasi is the Northern most Austroasiatic language. Khasi use Roman scripts. 

Originally Khasi people follow their tribal religion, called " ka Niam Khasi" or " Ka Niam Tre". Peter Wilhem Schmidt believed that the Khasi people are related to the Mon - Khmer people. 

According to Khasi mythology  "Blei" (God) had originally distributed the human beings to 16 heavenly families ( Khadhynriew Trep). Seven out of the 16  families were stuck on earth while the other 9 are stuck in heaven.

Khasi consist of the four Sub - tribes:

1. Khynriam
2. Pnar or Syntengs
3. Bhoi
4. War

Marriage:

Khasis of Meghalaya follow Matrilineal style of lineage where the follower is traced through the mother and not through the father. In khasi society the youngest daughter gets the whole property. If she dose not have any daughter the property goes back to her sister after her death after whom it is transferred to her daughter Marriage with in the same clan is not allowed.

Khasis are monogamous. Among Khasi marriage is acivil contract. The ceremony consists of a betrothal, the pouring of  a libation to the clan's first maternal ancestor, the taking of food from the same plate, and the taking of the bride to the house of the groom's mother, where a ring is placed on the bride's finger by her mother - in - law. 

Dress:

The traditional Khasi male dress is a "Jymphong", a longish sleevless coat without collar, fastened by thong in front. On ceremonial occassion they appear in a " Jymphong" and "Sarong" with an ornamental waist - band and they may also wear a turban.

The traditional Khasi female dress is called the "Jainsen" or "Dhara", both of which are several piece of cloths. The "Jainsen" consisit of two pieces of material fastened at each shoulder. The " Dhara" consists of a single piece of material fastened at each shoulder.

Festivals:

Shad Suk Mynsiem and Nongkhrem are the major festival celebrated among the Khasi.

• Shad Suk Mynsiem: A thanks giving dance called "Shad Suk Mynsiem" It reflects the 'Matrilineal' and 'Patrilineal' aspects of  Khasi society. The man with whips and sword circles the female dancers as a symbolic presentation of protector of the dignity of women. This festival is celbrated in the month of April and last for three days.
• Ka Pomblang Nongkrem:  This is a pomp and gaiety festival held annually in November at "Smit", the capital of  the "Khyrem Syiemship" near Shillong for thanks giving to the godess "Ka Blei Shynshar" for a rich harvest and prosperity of people. An important part of the festival is goat sacrifice made to deity of  Shillong Peak. 

Why Our Children are Not Learning: Learning Crisis

Couple of months back in January Annual Status of Education Report 2014 revealed that the children from rural India is not learning well. www.asercentre.org. After 68 years of independence such dismal picture of the primary education is really thought provoking. Even after five years of  Right to Free and Compulsory Education 2009 the problem is worsening year after year. What are the  causes  which are coming as obstacle in front of children learning.

• Following Syllabus : It may appear odd to many people that how a well structured syllabus can be a hindrance in children's learning.  Let me explain, our elementary education system is mostly centralized and the teachers are instructed to complete the syllabus with in a  stipulated time frame. If the children are not able grab the initial lesions then also the teacher is bound to go forward as they have to complete the syllabus on time. It creates a great problem for the slow learners. they could not catch the pace.  
• Rote Learning: Current education system is favorable for rote learning.  Our children are burning midnight oil to memories their lessons rather than understanding the content.  Most of the children who are bit slow in learning tries to mugged up all the things to get a good grade.
• No Retention Policy : This has been criticized by many, in different platform. I personally feel that the policy was designed to boost the confidence of children. But it has been wrongly interpreted at implementation level and now it is becoming a Frankenstein.
• Lake of teachers : Still a healthy number of school are running without meeting the Pupil Teacher Ratio(PTR). It is very hard to control a large class at elementary education as children needs personal attention at this level. The picture is more dismal when we see a school where  PTR is meeting, but a single teacher is controlling all five classes in Lower Primary School. It will be more clear with an example, suppose in a primary school total enrollment in five classes is 30, according to RTE this school is adhering to PTR, but just imagine how one person will control all the five classes simultaneously and deliver quality education to the children
• Job of Teacher as a Career : Teachers job at elementary school is not a lucrative career for the talented people. Yes there are some exception but I am talking about majority. In teachers job there is a very small room for promotion and personal development. But in other jobs people has choice and opportunity to grow. In primary teachers career if a person join as a assistant teacher he will either retire with the same position or he will become a Head Master. 

These are few hindrances in achieving quality education in India. we need to address these issue in first priority.

Indian Political Parties: How much serious about Primary Education

Education is the most powerful tool to strengthen a nation, though it does not reflect like GDP or Per- Capita Income. It is needed to strengthen the democracy, the economy. How education will strengthen the democracy or the economy?  Well educated people can participate in the democracy in a better way. Similarly, if we have a educated and skilled work force the economic growth will be stipulated.

For achieve it the basic requirement is the primary education. Primary education, which is a foundation stone to all kind of education, we need to address it properly. Now let us have a glace to the Political Parties Manifesto and how they are addressing the Primary education. Here I am comparing three parties manifesto INC, BJP and AAP. The only reason behind selecting these three parties is  availability of the manifestos.

	Indian National Congress
1	The Indian National Congress will strengthen the implementation of the Right to Education Act to ensure quality learning outcomes, adequate infrastructure and facilities in schools, regular teacher training and an optimal Pupil Teacher Ratio. We will also ensure quality in teacher training by making suitable investments and amendments to regulations, wherever required.
2	We will enhance focus and resources on the implementation of the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, to improve quality of secondary education. We will achieve near universal enrolment in secondary education.
3	The Indian National Congress will place a special emphasis on reducing the drop-out rate particularly in middle and secondary levels.
4	We will establish an independent regulatory mechanism to oversee State and private institutions to ensure standardisation and quality of education.
5	We will support regional and context specific curricula as well focus on developing life skills including leadership building.
6	We are committed to the cause of special education. We will strengthen facilities for children with special needs and disabilities. We will also award priority to developing infrastructure for differently- abled persons.

AAP
1.       State provision of Equitable access to high quality education for all children (beginning with Early Child Care) irrespective to their ability to pay. Strengthening of public education system through adequaet budgetary allocation and recruitment and capacity building of the teachers and administrators.
2.       Special provision for girls, first generation learners, students from poor families and socially disadvantaged communities so as to ensure total enrollment,check drop outs, high quality learning and nondiscrimination with in school and access to higher education facilities.
3.       Involvement of local community in the creation of a contexed-rooted curricullum and management of schools, accountability of school/teacher to a local body like gram sabha or Mohalla sabha.
4.       Context relevant curriculum that is grounded both in the ethos of democracy, Secularism, equity and justice as well as India's diverse cultures and way of life.
5.       Focus of education system on learning outcomes and not on inputs. Reform DIET, SCERT to focus on learning outcomes. Revamp teachers education system.
6.       Adequet number of teachers to appoint on a regular basis through a transperant selection process, to be compensate adequately, continuously trained and to make accountable.

BJP
1.       NDA's flagship program "Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan': Mechanism would be set up for its performance audit and to have real time information about its performance. Programme shall be strengthened and expanded with a goal to remove illiteracy.
2.       The content and process of school education shall be thoroughly reviewed to make it dynamic, stress free, attractive and responsive to the emerging national needs.
3.       Girls shall be provided all possible help to continue and complete school education.
4.       The digital divide shall not be allowed to create further division in the learning situations of children.
5.       On priority, a national modernization programme for madrasa's would be started.
6.       Special Pedagogy would be developed for differently- abled students.
7.       Mid-day meal scheme would be revitalized in terms of management and delivery.
8.       We will explore ways to reduce the daily burden of carrying books to school for children, which would also entail use of technology for education as a mission mode project.
9.       Establish a national E- Library to empower school teachers and students.

It seems that BJP is emphasizing in getting in to power but they still trying to repack the old wine in a new bottle. They are still banging on Mid day meal, SSA etc . BJP is talking about high tech library facility, but before that they need to address some issues like increasing PTR ratio etc.

 In that comparison INC being the vital player of UPA2 has given little emphasis on quality education and PTR ratio and proper implementation of RTE. It is known to all that RTE has been came into force but we need proper implementation of it at all level. It seems that INC is mostly concern about secondary education and higher education. They are proposing the create a independent regulatory to oversee the state and private education system which can ensure a quality education.

AAP is a new political party. But they are talking about SWARAJ and clean administration and a strong Lok Pal. To attain all these issue we need a aware and politically educate citizen, so let us see how they are addressing the issue of primary education.  The first point which is parting education is a main responsibility of the state is known to all of us but  how they will make a difference? AAP says that Special provision for girls, first generation learners, students from poor families and socially disadvantaged communities so as to ensure total enrollment, check drop outs, high quality learning and nondiscrimination with in school and access to higher education facilities. This point is much clear than other Parties Manifestos, but again it is not very easy! AAP is saying about involvement of local community to develop relevant text, is it possible in country like India where there is so much of varieties, and what about the required resource persons! APP is talking about shifting the focus of education system towards output rather than input, which is much clear and also desired at this point of time.

Pig Farming Opportunity In Assam

Assam is a major state in North East India, known for its scenic beauty, wide spread tea  gardens, cultural diversity and bio diversity. Assam is home to more than 34 million people. According to 2001 census report 557700 people are under poverty line and 545000 people live in rural area (Poverty statistics source: Government of India Planning Commission 2007, Poverty estimates 2004-2005.)

It has been noticed through the years that the meat prices are rising constantly. Different tribes of Assam keeps pig in their household. Pork is preferred food among different Assamese community and in its neighboring states, e.g. Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya etc. 

Pig farmers of Assam has an opportunity to increase their pig production and sell their product in local market and neighboring   states. Now a days the price of pork per kilogram is Rs. 180 in retail. An indigenous breed grow up to 45 kilogram with in 12 months period. That means Rs.8100 per Pig. A normal family can keep 2 to 3 pigs at home.

It has a wide market opportunity. It is seemed that there is a huge demand for pork. It is very easy to make dry pork locally. Those who has a fire place at home can prepare it easily. First of all they need to boil the meat and then keep them over the fire place to make it dry. Such smoked dry pork which is 1 kg at raw condition is sold @ Rs.240/kg in market. So it is a good earning opportunity.

ASER 2013 REPORT REVEALS, CHILDREN OF ASSAM ARE GOING TO SCHOOL BUT NOT LEARNING WELL

More than 50 percent rural children from Assam studying in Standar III and Standard V cannot read Standard I level text, according to Annual Status of Educationa Report(ASER) 2013, a nation wide study conducted by an NGO called Pratham Education Foundation.
The survey reveals that only 31.1 percent of children studying in Standar III can read a Std I level text or more. At all India level this percentage is slightly high with 40.1 percentage.
The study was conducred in 550 districts across the country, it covers a huge sample of 15,941villages and 3.27 lakh household and 5.69 lakh children. In Assam its sample size was 616 villages, 12526 households and 20154 children from 21 districts.
The annual household study is done by using simple tools and one to one evaluation. children are asked to do simple arithmetic and basic reading. It also sees whether school has adequete infrastructure or not to provide quality education.
After 3 years of RTE  and 14 years of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, the only achievement is high rate of enrollment. Dose RTE means right to schooling?
ASER is done in September, October and November month of a year, which are the last quarter of Assam's academic year. The study reveales that at the end of two academic year more than 50 percent of Standard II children cannot read simple words. In such situation how can we expect that those kid will achied their grade level competence in their higher classes which are more complecated.
Here a question arise, what are the reasonable learning goals for Standar I-II in coming years. What interventions are being planned for Standard I-II for building early foundations for learning.
At all India level, close to 78 percent of standard III children and 50 percent of stadard V children cannot read Standard II level text.
However the situation is worse in Assam, 87.9 percent of standard III children and 65.2 percent of standard V children cannot read standard II level text. Without  immidiate and urgent help these children cannot make progress in the education system. Grade level teaching of syllebus cannot be done effectively unless the basic skill of reading with understanding is in place.Inability to rad affects children's progress in all subjects.Immidiate plans to implement strong reading programs in primary school is needed.
ASER 2013 says that only 11.2 percent of standard V children can do divison. The inability to do division is just an indicator that points toserious problem in our ability to do teaching learning maths.
If this trend of elementary education contnues there will be a great danger for the state.

A Better Than The Best Educational Institute

In my profession I have to travel a lot across Assam and India. Its a very common view in Assam is that big Hoardings of different coaching centers positioning them or their service as a unbeatable one. They target from class 1.I have no problem with that, they are doing their business. My question is that why so much of  private coaching center are coming up. Dose it indicate the decline in the quality of government education system as well as private schools who demands a healthy amount for quality education from the guardians.

In ASER 2011 report it reflect that the magnitude of private tuition in rural Assam is constantly increasing. The trend shows a upward growth  for both government school students and private school going students.

Here a question arise, why these primary and upper primary level students need tuition. Dose it indicate a huge change in curriculum?  If yes, then how these private coaching institutes can cater those child's requirement? As they don't have proper training about the curriculum and the teaching methodology of the new one. 

Another question is about the capacity of the teachers! teachers may not be adequately qualified to teach those child. If they are not qualified then why they were appointed? 

Is there a gap in teachers training! If yes then why there is no provision for proper training? And if a private tutor can improve himself then why the teachers cannot.

Mostly it seems that those private tutorial classes caters only those child who are already performing quite well, not to those child who are weak in academics.

What ever may be the reason private coaching center are going to be a parallel education system. A child who reads in class 4 or class 5 getting to different instruction in coaching center and in school create a lots of confusion. In such situation dose these private coaching center help them to develop better knowledge. 

I leave all these questions for you to answer!