Sutured Dreams

      It's human nature to be drawn into groups. And if you're in college, fitting in is a priority. Take a quick wander around any campus and you'll see people in groups, mostly based on serendipitous criteria like being in the same hostel, the same batch etc. It's convenient to get along with people you're likely to see most days, otherwise things can get awkward. With time, you can see how someone might prioritize being a part of the group ahead of moral values. This is how you get ragging. Nobody rags anyone without backup. There are basically two types of ragging. The so called harmless type where the junior is simply pranked or frightened. Many people approve of this since it has been around for ages. One cannot imagine college life without it. And then there is the serious type which can get you jailed.    When do the fun and games end and serious issues begin? Physical assault is obvious, psychological bullying is more subtle. The scary part ...

    Regardless of your views on the Sabarimala issue or the amount of cash spent on the "Vanitha Mathil", the inescapable reality is that in spite of the incredible progress Kerala made in terms of education, health and sex ratios, we still don't treat women with as much respect as they deserve. Kerala, though better than most states when it comes to women's rights, is not immune to the malaise that still affects much of the country. A recent ICRIER study has shown how the number of women with jobs has actually decreased in the country despite high literacy ( https://www.google.com/amp/s/ www.thehindu.com/news/ national/no-rise-in-working- women-despite-high-literacy- levels-icrier-study/ article25814467.ece/amp/ ). Some of the reasons cited for this peculiar finding is that girls are given a good education not because their parents think deserve a good job, but because they think it will increase the chances of them getting a good marriage. The fairer sex is...

      There is a notion amongst the general public that an MBBS degree pretty much guarantees a good income and a luxurious life. There is a certain lifestyle expected from a doctor. But the reality does not always match up with expectation. First of all, the cost of an MBBS degree is continuously increasing. In order to afford this, you either need to have very good financial support from your family, possibly sell some old family property or take an education loan. The last option means that you will effectively be working to make someone else money once you get your degree. Secondly, the early 20s is a difficult phase to go through. Responsibilities increase. From a relative carefree life as a student, you have to start worrying about being competent at your job and managing things at home. And if you're like me, a single child who lost one parent and saw the other become bedridden within the space of a year, then you are always trying to make ends meet. Sur...