Evolution of Love 2

School Awards

‘Bad’ awards glorify corrupt teachers and educational institutions as achievers, while those who really deserve accolades are belittled
“Dear _____,
Our organisation ____ is an NGO of repute...You will be pleased to know that our organisation honours some successful Indian personalities with the most prestigious ‘_______’ award every year. The past recipients include… (a list of big names). We are pleased to inform you that your name is under consideration for the award. We are proud of your meritorious services and achievements as an educationist. Kindly fill in the form attached and send it along with your curriculum vitae…”
How will teachers react when they receive a message similar to this? Some may be excited and apply for such awards without knowing a hidden agenda behind the message. Almost every month I receive emails of this sort. How have I reacted? I have never been excited but rather irritated when I receive such emails. I either send the emails to the spam folder or become inquisitive and try to know more about the award-giving organisation or group. Why? The intention of the senders is commercialisation and not service, that is, to sell awards to the award-hungry. It is a scam that has been going on for many years. Having known the potential of the market for the award-selling business and having witnessed the hunger of those award maniacs in the field of education, a growing number of organisations/groups are sending emails to teachers and educational institutions now and then to lure them. Some academics and educational institutions fall prey to the influence of the award-sellers and many consider this as an opportunity to adorn their CVs and shell out a huge amount of money to “buy” their awards.
An award is a prize or recognition given to someone in honour of an achievement. It implies that awards should be earned and not bought. Awards are not to be sold. Awards are to be given to those who really deserve them. Any organisation or group that organises an award-giving ceremony for commercial purposes promotes malpractices and corruption. They vitiate the quality of education.