Discipline, a prerequisite for education - Marikkar

Mohmed Zahran

Disciplining a student is a prerequisite for education. They should be exposed to sports and other activities with this in mind, said Zahira College Principal Trizviiy Marikkar addressing the 121st Annual Prize Giving of Zahira College.

The Prize Giving was held at the College Ghaffoor Hall recently. South Eastern University Chancellor Professor Achi Ishak was the chief guest while Sri Jayawardenapura University Applied Sciences Dean Professor Sudantha Liyanage was the guest of honour.

"Education is a serious business. At present, there is reluctance on the part of many students to engage in serious educational exercise and in pursuing higher education as there are a number of other alternatives to make both ends meet," the Principal said.

"Globally there are many challenges that we have got to face. Peaceful co-existence, religious harmony and inter-racial understanding are some of the important concepts that we should inculcate and develop in our children. Therefore, we should understand that education plays a great role in moulding the character of a student," Marikkar added.

The Principal said: "It is only through education that we can build a society where peace and harmony would exist eternally. Our duty is to ensure that this earth is a livable place."

"Countries that developed after us has gone ahead in the field of education. They have devised better systems of education where the enthusiastic student resource is not wasted and their talents are respected and tapped but unfortunately our students do not get the maximum benefit of their talents due to impractical theories adopted in the system of education in this country," Marikkar said.

G. C. E. O/L students too are faced with similar problems as large number of students fail in mathematics as per national survey.

As far as the nature of competition prevails in the examinations (from the Grade 5 to A/L) it leads to unnecessary tension among the parents and teachers, the Principal added.

"Teachers and parents should play a greater role in moulding students and making them useful citizens to the world," Marikkar said adding, teachers should understand that they are members of a noble profession. As such they are accountable for the upbringing of the children.