Bhaswor Ojha/Republica
L to R: Shishir Acharya, Anish Bhandari, Dolma Tamang, Smita Mishra, Bhawana Ayer and Sagar Sharma Naral
Why Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science (BLAS)?
Anish: It’s a different and unique subject which isn’t very common like Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) or Bachelor in Business Studies (BBS).
Smita: Because you can enter any field you want, after a degree in BLAS.
Bhawana: Plus, it gives us an opportunity to study many different subjects. It touches all the different fields.
Sagar: When I took a look at the initial curriculum description, there were subjects related to music and arts, which I found interesting. So I decided to study this course.
Dolma: BLAS is not a common subject. It’s also a combination of various subjects from sociology to management to political science. Hence, I found it helpful.
Shishir: Because of the variety, the subject has no limits. It covers everything.
Was it hard to convince your family to study this subject?
Smita: I didn’t have any difficulty in convincing my parents. They were happy that I was studying BLAS.
Anish: At first, it was a bit difficult to convince them because they wanted me to study commerce or science. But later, after understanding the nature of the course, they are now convinced.
Sagar: Not really, my parents are very supportive.
What do you think are the advantages or disadvantages of studying under Purbanchal University (PU)?
Smita: The good thing about PU is that it’s offering a course that isn’t available at any other university in Nepal. However, we have to face a lot of irregularity in the case of exams. The management is not very good. This is the main disadvantage.
Bhawana: The PU grading system, in comparison to that of Tribhuvan University (TU), puts us students at a slight disadvantage. For example, our internal assessment is only of 20 marks while the rest depends upon the final exams whereas for TU students, the internal assessment itself is worth 40 marks.
Anish: PU isn’t that popular and most people aren’t familiar with the board. Hence, we’ve to do some explaining.
Sagar: The main disadvantage is that because the exams are so uncertain, it’s hard for us students to prepare for it.
What are your favorite subjects in the current curriculum that you’re studying? If you could change one thing about the curriculum, what would it be?
Shishir: I’m interested in mass communication and journalism and I wish to make a career out of it later on. The course we’re studying is vast. However, it lacks diversity of pure science subjects as well as other subjects such as health and sex education that would be apt for our generation.
Dolma: I like economics as it’s been a subject of my interest for a long time. I feel that the BLAS stream is a bit neglected and isolated. We’re not encouraged to take part in activities.
Bhawana: My favorite subjects are the UN and Human Rights system and conflict management. Rather than a change in the current curriculum, I feel that there should be more access to enough reference materials for us students.
Smita: I would add music and sports-related subjects into the curriculum. When it comes to favorite subjects in the current curriculum, I like studying UN and Human Rights system and Dynamics of Nepalese History.
Anish: I think that physical education should also be included in the curriculum. My favorite subjects up till now are natural resources management and conflict management.
Sagar: I think the current curriculum doesn’t really focus on the overall personality development of students. The subjects should challenge students. Apart from that educational, field trips should also be given emphasis, instead of just textbook learning. I’ve always liked literature, so English literature has been my favorite subject.
On the whole, what’s your perspective of the existing education system in Nepal?
Dolma: The curriculum isn’t practical. Also, we have a very rigid education system which doesn’t allow students to freely choose the stream for their further education if they haven’t scored the marks needed in that stream.
Anish: The trend of education leans mostly towards BBA and BBS. Importance should also be placed on other educational options. Also, sports should also be given a priority.
Sagar: Colleges are mushrooming in Kathmandu. There isn’t standard education. The motive seems to be making money rather than providing quality education.
What can be done to bring the best out of students?
Anish: Students should be allowed to study the subject of their choice.
Dolma: Like Anish said, there shouldn’t be restrictions for students to study what they want. Parents also shouldn’t pressurize their children regarding this matter.
Smita: Teachers should have both qualifications and experience so they can bring the best out of the students. If teachers are very strict, students won’t feel like attending their classes.
Shishir: A three-hour examination shouldn’t be used to judge the intellect and capabilities of students. Exams generally don’t motivate students.
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