Schools, experts debate how strict is too strict

Kolkata: How strict is too strict, and where does discipline end and intimidation begin? The question has surfaced after the tragic death of a Class 12 student, prompting concerns among parents, students and alumni.

While some say excessive strictness can become suffocating, others argue that discipline remains essential to a child’s future.Diptangshu Mahata, the student of Narendrapur Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya, swallowed scalding hot tea and reportedly had to wait at least four hours before receiving basic medical treatment. A parent of a student at the residential school said: “I was surprised to learn that the boy was taken to the hospital only after his father arrived.

We choose this premium institution to enroll our children so they can receive a Gurukul-style upbringing.

Yet, despite knowing a student was in critical condition, he wasn’t sent to the hospital. After the incident, I am really scared.”Other parents, however, pointed to the school’s strong academic record and its consistent success in board examinations. This year, too, the institution performed exceptionally well, with 18 finding a place in the HS top-10 merit list, including the topper.

Former academicians and several former teachers of Ramakrishna Mission said there must be a clear line between discipline and extreme strictness. At the same time, many felt the incident was an isolated one and should not be seen as reflective of all schools run by Ramakrishna Mission. A former teacher from a Ramakrishna Mission school said: “I have seen a lot of statements against the discipline that RKM schools follow.

While we did punish students, we maintained a good bond. Parents choose RKM schools, specifically for discipline. This is a truly unfortunate incident, but blaming the entire institution because of it is not right.”Veteran academicians and principals of new-age schools, however, said educational institutions, particularly residential schools, must exercise greater care while dealing with students. Modern High School director Devi Kar said: “Nobody can measure the level of strictness because each individual will define strictness in their own way.

Obviously, corporal punishment is not allowed; it’s illegal. But in my opinion, it’s very important not to humiliate any child.

A teacher’s purpose in being strict is to correct a child, and that cannot be achieved through extreme strictness.”Rita Chatterjee, a former principal, stressed the need for sensitivity while dealing with children. “The tongue can be very sharp; it can hurt more than anything. We are living in an age where children are in a very precarious mental state.

Teachers need to be highly attentive to their behavioural changes and know how to deal with them.”The Heritage School principal Seema Sapru said discipline must be rooted in care and respect. “Discipline is meant to protect students, not to harm them. In our school, we expect children to ask questions respectfully because there should be mutual respect between teachers and students.”