Question

During a village visit, you are informed about exceptional and precocious mathematical skills of a school girl. Her parents are orthodox and want her to discontinue her studies and attend to household work. What will be the correct response from you in this situation?

• A. Refuse to interfere in what seems to be a family matter.
• B. Refer the matter to village Panchayat for suitable action.
• C. Ascertain the opinion of local school headmaster on the question.
• D. Persuade her parents to seek guidance from experienced mathematicians on how best to further her educational career.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Persuade her parents to seek guidance from experienced mathematicians on how best to further her educational career.

This is not a strictly family matter. There are two broader issues underlying in this context. One is that of education of the girl child, Had this kid been a male child, same parents might have been very enthusiastic about his education! The second issue is about optimal human development. If an Indian kid has got exceptional talent in some specific way is it not our duty to support the kid or create circumstances so that the kid realizes its true potential in future.
Village panchayat, unless it is a very advanced rural area, is unlikely to have a perception about such an issue. They may not attach any significance to this matter.
Local school headmaster with limited skills will not be able to assess the gift of the girl. This is the second best answer.
Talking to the parent sand asking them to take advice of a mathematician is a good idea. A mathematician will be a good judge of the specific ability of the girl and the kind of further education she may need. Rural people still trust higher officers. Who knows after interaction with the officer, the parents may even change their reservation to support further education of the kid. Hence, (d) is the answer choice.