By Mourya Viswanadha Published on Telangana Today, 29 July 2024
Break free from the constraints of Procrustean bed and zombie ant’s fate to celebrate the unique potential of every child.
Mourya Viswanadha
When I was in sixth grade, my science teacher was explaining the concept of gravitation. My mind, however, was elsewhere, immersed in the world of ‘The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.’ I was daydreaming about the Total Perspective Vortex, a torture device from the book that shows a person their utter insignificance in the vastness of the universe, often leading to a complete mental breakdown. Suddenly, my teacher called on me and asked, “What is gravitation?” Shocked, I quickly dropped a pen from my pocket and said, “This is gravitation.” Humiliated and furious, my teacher hit my hand with a scale and asked the same question to the student next to me. The student recited the textbook definition, and the teacher, impressed, declared, “This is what gravitation is.” That moment marked the beginning of my own Total Perspective Vortex in school.
My experience left me questioning the very nature of education. It highlighted the rigid expectations and lack of room for creativity within the system. This brings me to two powerful metaphors that encapsulate these challenges: the zombie ant and the Procrustean bed.
The Zombie Ant
In nature, there exists a parasitic fungus known as Ophiocordyceps, which infects ants, compelling them to leave their colonies and climb vegetation. The fungus then takes control of the ant’s central nervous system, turning it into a zombie-like creature. The ant, no longer acting on its own will, clamps onto a leaf, allowing the fungus to consume it and eventually release spores to infect other ants. The infected ant loses its unique traits and free will, becoming a mere vehicle for the parasite’s reproduction and survival.
The Procrustean Bed
In Greek mythology, Procrustes was a rogue smith and bandit who would invite travelers to spend the night in his iron bed. Procrustes claimed that the bed would fit anyone perfectly. However, this perfection was achieved through brutal means: if the guest was too short, he would stretch them to fit; if too tall, he would amputate the excess length. This tale has come to symbolize the enforcement of uniformity at the cost of individuality, often through cruel and rigid methods.
Just as Procrustes mutilated his guests to fit the bed, our education system forces children into predefined molds. They become like the zombie ant, moving through the motions dictated by the system.
Mourya Viswanadha
The Indian education system, despite its rich historical legacy and the potential of its young minds, often mirrors the plight of the zombie ant and the rigidity of the Procrustean bed. From a young age, children in India are funneled into a standardized system that prioritizes conformity over creativity, and uniformity over uniqueness.
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Mourya Viswanadha
Research Intern
Mourya is currently pursuing a master’s in information technology and management at the University of Texas, Dallas. He is a proficient writer eagerly anticipating the release of his novel. Beyond academics, he excels as a professional cricketer, showcasing his diverse talents. Moreover, Mourya serves as the Operations Coordinator for Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society.