Chapter 0: Introduction

As the scorching summer sun gave way to my short-lived vacation, little did I anticipate the avalanche of stress that awaited me upon returning to the suffocating corridors of my school in Kolkata. A confession I must make, as a 15-year-old boy who has embarked on countless adventures, discovered the realm of coding, and embraced the spirit of entrepreneurship, I find myself drowning in a sea of assignments, projects, and relentless exams.

Today, as the first day of school after the much-needed respite unfolded, four teachers bombarded me with demands for project reports. The weight of these obligations threatens to shatter my sanity. Tomorrow, a biology lab practical looms, encompassing half the vast expanse of the ICSE syllabus. Failure to submit it on time ensures its rejection, as bluntly stated by my teacher. And if that weren't enough, another project report, focusing on the intricacies of a second language, is due on Wednesday. Alas, time eluded me, and I could only complete a fraction of the required work.

Yet, the cruel twist in this tale goes beyond the overwhelming workload. Brace yourself, for this entire week has been designated an examination week. Yes, you heard it right—exams every single day. How can one bear the burden of such an absurd arrangement? My school, seemingly devoid of empathy or respite, fails to provide even a single field for recreation. Instead, they demand an unrelenting barrage of homework, assignments, practicals, and reports. Among them, this project report alone holds the power to sway my ICSE results, accounting for a significant 20 marks—an integral component of the Indian school education system.

Not only do the current exams add to the mounting pressure, but they will also mar my report card, etching their scarlet letters for all to see. A subpar performance or a failure to meet deadlines threatens to taint my final percentile in the ICSE, altering the trajectory of my academic journey by a few crucial points. While some may argue that marks hold little importance, I stand by my conviction as someone who values timeliness and diligence. Yet, I find myself buried beneath an avalanche of responsibilities, unable to discern where to begin and what to prioritize.

To add insult to injury, I recently discovered that my much-anticipated hackathon, a testament to my passion for coding and entrepreneurship, coincides with a day burdened by exams. The anguish I feel, unable to communicate this unfortunate clash with my team, is indescribable. The magnitude of the situation leaves me grasping for answers, forcing me to confront the harsh realities of traditional schooling in India.

The Futility of Traditional Projects

Picture this: a thirty-day holiday, a period meant for rejuvenation and personal growth. However, the education system had other plans in store for us. Within those thirty days, we were entrusted with an unreasonable burden of approximately twelve project reports and lab practicals. Imagine each report consisting of a minimum of fifteen handwritten pages, perfect in every stroke, as if a single imperfection could topple the entire structure. Splitting the meager timeframe, we were allotted a mere 2.5 days for each project. Now, let's analyze this seemingly manageable timeframe.

In those 2.5 days, we are entitled to sixteen hours of sleep—essential for maintaining our well-being and focus—eight hours dedicated to nourishing our bodies, and an additional eight hours allotted for other obligations. By simple arithmetic, we have already consumed a full day, leaving us with a mere 1.5 days to complete each project. But we must not forget the countless hours dedicated

to tuitions, co-curricular activities, and our own personal hobbies—a slice of solace and self-expression amidst the storm. In this equation, it becomes evident that the system expects us to accomplish the impossible—finish an entire project report in a mere day.

As I reflect upon this relentless cycle of stress, the truth becomes starkly apparent. The conventional Indian education system, with its rigid structure and overwhelming demands, threatens to suffocate young minds like mine. The focus on rote learning, regurgitation of information, and the incessant race for marks stifles creativity, curiosity, and genuine intellectual growth.

Today has been an arduous day, pushing me to the brink of surrender. The weight of expectations, the absence of understanding, and the sense of being overwhelmed have left me contemplating the future of my education. Perhaps, it is time to challenge the system, to expose its flaws and fight for a more enlightened approach. I cannot bear to attend school any longer under these stifling conditions. It is time to awaken the minds of children, to break free from the shackles of tradition, and forge a path toward a truly meaningful and empowering education.

This journal entry is merely the beginning of a journey—a journey that aims to unravel the dark secrets of the Indian education system, strike an arrow through the heart of traditional schooling, and ignite a revolution that will transform the lives of countless children. Together, let us embark on this quest for enlightenment and liberation, and create a future where genuine knowledge and holistic development are valued above all else.