Dr. Geeta Kochhar, Assistant Professor on "Social Devotion to Soul Erosion: China’s Degeneration in Academics"

Dr. Geeta Kochhar digs out Chinese educations system only to find out that  once known for its "Social Devotion”, Chinese education system now  not even respects basic social principles.  She argued that not all teaching, in China, is for dissemination of knowledge but for multiplying salary packages and all scholarly discussions are with relationships based on exchange of gifts and favours. She even wonders why female is given priority in admission over male students. 

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China has a history of revolutions, but the Chinese Communist Party launched the greatest revolution in modern times. A revolution that emancipated mind and thoughts; a revolution that boosted the spirit of social sacrifice; and a revolution that inculcated the notion of equity. For a long period after the establishment of the PRC, this spirit of service and devotion was consolidated with labels like “model workers”, “model cadres”, “model teacher” etc. Hence, even after the reform and opening up, one could easily find volunteers in the universities and community work gained special recognition in climbing the social ladder. However, gradually with the honorariums attached to education, the ground realities of teaching and learning have changed.

            While the government is pushing for compulsory education and voices raised for equal rights for education, education is becoming exclusive commodity. Today many from rural backgrounds, who pass the entrance examination for top-class Universities in China, do not get admission due to their inability to pay the high-end fees. The issue gains significance as one, passing a university exam is a daunting task; two, most universities have “additional point system” (Jiafen Zhidu) or “recommendation system” (Baosong Zhidu) for students; and three, there are no reserved seats for people from poor or backward areas. Consequently, many from the backward areas or smaller towns are unable to break the city walls. The drive for moving to city universities is underlined by the fact that recognized quality education is available only in select city universities with Beijing occupying the majority share.

"In a country where egalitarian notions run high, it is surprising that most of the university campuses are devoid of students with physical disability."

            In a country where egalitarian notions run high, it is surprising that most of the university campuses are devoid of students with physical disability. It could perhaps be lack of special infrastructure facilities or a social stigma; top-class universities of China openly practice social division. Where the world is highlighting different abilities of physically handicapped people, China is secluding this group. This social exclusion not even merits importance in the revised policies on extra point system for university admission.  

            The other issue that is becoming popular among the youth is a disparity of admission criteria for male and female and the subsequent privileges. It is shocking to know that a female has a natural advantage of getting admission in a university. The linkages and ties a female can create with the Professors of the university only talks of the deteriorating morale of a society. A situation where even after admission, career growth is linked to fulfilling illegitimate demands of the Professors, demoralizes and defames the objective of education. The situation calls for greater attention as the universities have no student redressal mechanism and no institutional framework to deal with female exploitation. Female students exploitation in universities is a very complex and delicate subject matter that requires strong desire and strict actions against the culprits.  

            

"Education is a right and an opportunity to have better quality of education is a necessity. This being the aim and objective of every responsible state, it is also imperative for the state to create such environment."

Education is a right and an opportunity to have better quality of education is a necessity. This being the aim and objective of every responsible state, it is also imperative for the state to create such environment.  Since time in memorial, China has had a culture of respecting those who guide the masses. Even during Mao’s time, ‘education campaigns’ of different nature were launched oft-and-on to educate the masses. Today, most educated class of people is a composite of creamy layer in the society and occupies top political positions. This being the case, education cannot be and should not be linked to material benefits. However, the ground realities speak volumes about the monetary linkages. All Conferences and Seminars impose stupendous fees even to students’ participation, all Professors seek ties with western universities as scholarships and fellowships boost their promotional chances, not all teaching is for dissemination of knowledge but for multiplying salary packages, and all scholarly discussions are with relationships based on exchange of gifts and favours. One wonders, in this race for money, what kind of social education is imparted to future generations. Are the educators involved in any social devotion or there is a march towards soul erosion? 

Chinese philosophies advocated ‘Chinese as the base and learning from the west’. It seems that the learning from the west has overshadowed the base. As the state calls for expanding the horizons of education in China and as it enjoys the privilege of higher literacy rate among the developing countries, it will be inevitable for the state to look for the higher standards of quality education imparted with an inclusive approach. More importantly, it will be imperative for the state to establish diverse posts of high standard educational institutions in multiple cities. Commercialization of education will only lead to cultivating a degenerated society, while building a civilized society will remain as an objective.  

(Dr. Geeta Kochhar is  Assistant Professor, Centre for Chinese and South East Asian Studies, School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies, JNU, New Delhi) 

Dr. Geeta Kochhar, Assistant Professor on "Women in Chinese Society- From male-domination to female domination"

Dr. Geeta Kochhar finds that Chinese women are in almost all fields  from riding buses, taxi, cars to selling commodities in the market and acting as a backbone to the manufacturing units . She says their  role has moved from a homemaker to a potential economic soldier that guards against all odds of the business rule with a unique style. Most foreigners find shopping in China as a pleasure due to the charms of those pretty girls who leave you flattered.

                

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When India is juggling to improve its image of a “rapist society”, China is setting an unprecedented example. It is apt to look at China that has transcended from an extremely male-dominated society to women in-all-fields society. Chinese society has made huge strides in the emancipation of women under the rule of the Communist Party of China. Yet, questions abound on the very nature of this emancipation. Many scholars view the present status of Chinese women as more deteriorated with objections over “commodification of women”. However, an undeniable fact is the present space and position created in the Chinese society, where most women enjoy a better life.

             "A country where a girl child’s foot was bounded (缠足 chanzu) to not let it grow; women now dominate China’s international business."

 On streets from riding buses, taxi, cars to selling commodities in the market and acting as a backbone to the manufacturing units, Chinese women are in almost all fields. Their role has moved from a homemaker to a potential economic soldier that guards against all odds of the business rule with a unique style. Most foreigners find shopping in China as a pleasure due to the charms of those pretty girls who leave you flattered. From hotel staff to airhostesses, business runs with the young girls trained for service at best on all costs.

            This new wave of ample opportunities for the young women in urban areas has also brought in a wave of rural women migration. Problems aside, rural women migrating to urban areas are also redefining the fashion and live-style in urban China. A hectic morning to evening schedule of work is not without being super-conscious about looks. Hence, a high tide in beauty salons and fashion accessories is on the rise.

            Another wave that has caught much attention among foreigners is the young girls’ night out parties. Probably, the one best all foreign women enjoy in China is the “Ladies night”. Almost all pubs and bars have one day in a week where drinks flow free for women. Exclusive parties for women are also arranged to make them feel special. Are the Chinese women still waiting for an International Women’s Day to celebrate?  Quite unlikely.

            The equation though has not changed on many fronts. Still women in China retire ahead of men, the number of women in top political and entrepreneurial posts is relatively low, social tags of preference of male over female remains, mid and older women have to sacrifice for the household responsibility and some cases of sexual exploitation exists.

            " Yet, the life in which one finds women dancing on streets to keep themselves fit is a culture unimaginable in China few decades ago. "

Yet, the life in which one finds women dancing on streets to keep themselves fit is a culture unimaginable in China few decades ago.
More foreign women walk on streets of major cities in China late at night without fear. In particular, apart from the fact that most westerners prefer Chinese women, Asians consider Chinese men as best serving husbands. True or not, is worth a long debate. However, among Asian countries, China surely provides a special place where women can walk freely and take control of their own lifestyle. A liberty not guaranteed in many Asian countries. In addition, the negotiation for choosing one’s life partner to re-balancing work at home front is probably best assured in China than most Asian countries. China may not be the best place in the world, but is definitely the best women desire for living, especially single women.

One may argue that women are increasingly viewed as objects of desire in China, but many Chinese women in the real business will counter argue. One girl told me, “we are here for we want higher living standard and not by compulsion of any sort”. I pause and rethink, “REALLY???” Yes, possibly the desires have run high beyond what women traditionally could dream. Today, Chinese women are bold, active and conscious about their rights. The rules set by the male-dominated society have been broken long back; instead, they are preaching the new rules of living. Living that sets no boundaries and creates a new substance of women now known across globe. China has in true sense become a place women passionately want to enjoy their living. Imagination of what they can do is a useless exercise, as the only limit to that enjoyment is the sky. 

(Dr. Geeta Kochhar is  Assistant Professor, Centre for Chinese and South East Asian Studies, School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies, JNU, New Delhi) 

Prof Kondapalli Discusses 'Three scenarios' how India and China could clash again

While a full-fledged war between the two nuclear and rising powers in Asia is highly unlikely due to the costs of war, yet a scenario of a quick land grab by China to humiliate India again cannot be rule out in future, says Prof. Srikanth Kondapalli.

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China Central TV (CCTV) interviews Prof. Srikanth Kondapalli on Shenzhou-9 Mission

Prof. Kondapalli said "Manual docking  is very difficult task because now the astronauts have to go into the space and then maneuver the hatches to be opened up. So this is a very difficult process. It is also very unpredictable outside in the space". He further said  the docking experience has been fabulous.

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Dr. Geeta Kochhar on" Techno Youth: Changing the face of Chinese Media"

Dr. Geeta Kochhar, Assistant Professor, Centre for Chinese and South East Asian Studies, Language, Literature and Culture Studies, JNU, New Delhi, analyses the effects of tech-savvy youth on Chinese Media.
Full Article:-
Media in general is regarded as a medium of disseminating information. However, its role gradually evolved to generating public opinion that helps governments to understand the issues and problems of its citizens better. In this sense, media has become a mediator between the state and the society. For many countries, media also became a tool for the governments to propagate their policies and ruling Party ideologies. The nature and importance of media grew with the very many roles over the years. Chinese media is no exception to this phenomenon, but the tectonic shifts in Chinese media are worth examining.
In the years of Mao, media was a very strong tool to disseminate the Party policies and programmes to gather mass support. In fact, even after Deng Xiaoping came to power, and reforms in almost all sectors were introduced, media reforms did not transform the nature of reporting; while internet did bring in the change of visible reporting. Today, Chinese media is very active in playing its fullest role, but not just because of spreading globalization and the impact of market forces. A bigger force that is directing and shaping the way media works in present day context is the ‘techno youth’. The term ‘techno youth’ here refers to the younger generation of population ranging anywhere in the age group of 15 to 30 who are skilled in using new communication technologies.
According to official statistics, there were roughly 485 million netizens at the end of June 2011. A major portion of this population is composed of the younger population. With the increased penetration of market forces, advance technology is easily available in China. In particular, large cities of China cater to link with the outside world more closely. These are also the hub of educational institutions and vibrant digital social interactions. Over the years, many Chinese companies have mushroomed to cash on the potential demand of internet users to provide space similar to western social networking sites or search engines. Besides, information/news sharing that abides by the social conditions of China is multiplying in numbers. However, this created a challenge for the established news media to either advance with the times or perish.
The challenge was not just for competing with the expanding information industry, but with the demand this new industry places on the established notions of dissemination of information. With the broader use of internet through computers, ipads, mobile phones etc., young generation wants to be constantly connected and informed. Besides, the demand is also of their active involvement in almost all issues. The resultant revamping of media is visible with People’s Daily, Xinhua News, China Daily, Global Times, etc. all entering the digital information industry. These media giants not only disseminate information through digital mediums, but also provide space for open discussion and debate through various forums. The emphasis has also shifted from just national and international political ideological issues to greater domestic social issues. Thus, one finds a larger debate on issues ranging from inflation in the economy to Chunyun problems (Spring festival rush) or housing problem.

While the internet has changed the way people get connected, it has also changed the way media is required to deliver. Visual mediums of course have come to the center stage, but a larger emphasis is on two-way interaction. The opinions and comments of the readers/viewers becomes an integral part of all discussions and debates. In fact, on critical issues of public interest, Chinese political leaders have also directly connected to the masses through media forums. In addition, the demand of the techno youth to have multitude of opinions has opened the doors or incorporating diverse views on various subjects. Internet has changed the way we work, but the Chinese techno youth have redefined the role Chinese media will have to play in the long future.

Prof. Kondapalli receives IDSA's K Subrahmanyam Award 2010

Dr. Srikanth Kondapalli, Professor at the Centre, received the IDSA's K. Subrahmanyam Award 2010 for his outstanding work on China especially on its armed forces.

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Dr. Alka Acharya on "Revisiting the China-India Border Dispute" at University of Westminster

Dr. Alka Acharya from CEAS attended an International Conference on "Revisiting the China-India Border Dispute" at University of Westminster from 2-3 June 2010. The conference was organized by the Department of Politics and International Relations (DPIR), University of Westminster, London.

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Dr. Alka Acharya Participated in the discussion on External Affairs Minister visit to China.

Dr. Alka Acharya discusses the significance of External Minister S.M. Krishna Visit to China, in the discussion on AIR Radio.

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Dr. Geeta Kochhar, An Assistant Professor in Chinese Language at SLL&CS, on "Spring Festival and Valentine-A Dilemma"

This year Chinese Spring festival coincides with Valentines day. Is this a good omen or a big dilemma for the ordinary Chinese, I wonder. Young Chinese guys and girls are so glued to their loved ones that socializing with friends and family is unpopular. Rather, what a waste of time. Many of the TV serials and programmes talk about the loneliness of the elders, because the younger lot has no time for them. Now for the generation X,Y, Z has new reasons to stay away from the family this spring festival--Its Valentine Day. So where are the family norms moving? What kind of new social culture is evolving in China? Its so much of a complexity to decipher.