Linking the present with past for better future

Last weekend, we had gone to see Burney Falls in eastern Shasta County, Northern California. It was a marvelous scene where the water was gushing down in two main streams from a height of 129 feet in valley which carried the ice cold water. The falling water was creating a inverted shower of water droplets rising up through valley.

 President Teddy Roosevelt once called it the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’.

I sat there looking at the falling water and listening to constant roaring sound.  As my mind was lingering with fresh memories of my association with Walchand College and problems in linking past and present students, it seemed to me that the falls is nothing nut educational institute showing  the connection between past, present and future. The water at top if we consider as past students with high potential  as regards knowledge and experience but remaining static, the falling water as present students full with active energy and the downstream water representing their uncertain future stumbling across many obstacles in the way.

 ]Oh! The comparison is not correct. In case of falls, the top water is the source of energy for falling water, This energy is sufficient for the water to create a steady stream of downflow. However, an educational institute is only interested in harnessing the energy of falling water. It doesn’t explore the assets of  past students or does not create a channel for smooth flow in future career.

The solution to this situation was also provided by the falls. If the present students are made aware of the potential  energy source of past students, they can get guidance, support and avenues for deciding their future career. Thus linking present with past can ensure bright future in case of educational institute.

Since assuming joint secretary post of Association of Past Students, I was trying to find effective method to activate the association. I realize now that this can be done only by through present students as they are direct beneficiaries’ of strong and responsive association of past students and after graduation, they will be joining the same community.

What is true about Walchand College, is applicable to any college or school. Past students is the wealth  and new power created by institute and is a great contribution to society.  Of course to cash this treasure, the educational institutes should keep updated record of their past students, should help them till they get properly settled in their career and take special efforts to create ever lasting bonds between present and past students.   

Our visit to Burbey Falls gave me new outlook and created an upsurge of enthusiasm  in working for fulfilling aspirations of Walchand College students through strengthening APS.