Stop and ponder
The conflict in West Asia highlights the urgent need for global diplomacy over destructive warfare. While a ceasefire brings temporary relief, the damage, both human and geopolitical, is deep. World leaders must prioritise dialogue, not destruction, and avoid using nuclear threats. The United Nations and powerful nations should take stronger and neutral steps to prevent future escalations.
Arpita Uplana,
Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Junior colleges
I am writing to express my views on the urgent need for the reintroduction of junior colleges (classes 11 and 12) in Chennai as part of Tamil Nadu’s educational reforms. With increasing pressure on students to excel in competitive exams such as the JEE and NEET, the current higher secondary school system fails to offer the specialised focus necessary for students to thrive in their respective fields.
In States such as Maharashtra and Telangana, the junior college system has proven successful in allowing students to specialise early in their chosen stream, be it science, commerce or arts. By providing this specialisation, students in junior colleges can delve deeper into their subjects, build a strong foundation for entrance examinations, and reduce the stress of juggling multiple subjects. The current model in Tamil Nadu, which integrates both general schooling and higher secondary education in a single system, limits students’ ability to focus on subjects most relevant to their future academic careers.
The benefits of reintroducing junior colleges are numerous: First, focused education: Students will be able to specialise early, preparing them for competitive examinations and higher education.
Second, better preparation for competitive examinations: Junior colleges have curricula tailored to support students in preparing for entrance examinations such as JEE, NEET, and State-level exams.
Third, reduced academic pressure: specialising in a stream would allow students to dedicate more time to their interests and career goals, rather than spreading their focus across all subjects.
Fourth, improved holistic development: Junior colleges offer more than just academics; they often provide extracurricular activities that contribute to a well-rounded education.
The Tamil Nadu government already has a strong educational foundation and a robust schooling system. However, to compete at the national and international levels, it is essential to empower students with the right tools for success. Reintroducing junior colleges would not only help students specialise in their chosen fields but also foster critical thinking and practical application of knowledge.
While the transition to a junior college system may require adjustments in the curriculum and infrastructure, it is a necessary step towards improving the quality of education in Tamil Nadu. Pilot programmes can be introduced in select regions to gauge effectiveness before expanding Statewide.
I urge the Tamil Nadu Education Department to seriously consider this proposal, as it will create a more structured and effective system of education, better preparing our students for the challenges of higher education and their future careers.
Vivek M. Jain,
Chennai
Published – June 25, 2025 12:24 am IST