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- Knowledge or Skills: What is beneficial in today’s world?
Knowledge and skills are two distinct terms that are associated with learning. They are interconnected elements contributing to an individual’s performance and to society's performance. Learning is an acquisition of information, knowledge and skills through study and experiences. In simple words, it means to retain the knowledge that we have gained. Learning and development are priorities. In the words of Maya Watson , “ Learning is a gift ,” and all of us must cherish it. Learning is an ongoing process, that continues throughout life and isn’t confined to a classroom. “ Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere. " - A Chinese proverb. According to this proverb, learning is the only treasure that we have. If we have the yearning to learn new things, we will always succeed. Maya Angelou , a renowned poet, says, “ Do the best you can until you know better, then when you know better, do better. ” Therefore, we must be a student throughout life, for, the learning process never ends. Moreover, life is a dedicated teacher, it keeps teaching lessons, every single day. So, it counts. “Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.” - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe We must do things in order to achieve our goals. It’s a long-term goal when we move from knowledge to skills. Let us move forward and take a grasp of knowledge and skills. The Essence of Knowledge-Based Learning Knowledge is the study of theories and facts. We can study the concepts and theories through different books and learn different approaches of the theories. We can either read, watch, or listen to gain knowledge. “ Knowledge is power. " - Francis Becon However, knowledge is not a power exactly. It’s a potential power and it becomes power only when it is organized into definite plans of actions and all of it are directed to a definite goal. Knowledge relies on the tendency of the learner, that is, how effectively they absorb or learn the concepts taught to them. It is required to develop a deep understanding of the subjects to build a strong foundation for the future. Knowledge empowers individuals so that they can understand the complexities of their field and they can stay ahead of the crowd. Improvising oneself can open doors to new opportunities. For example, if you’re perfect at sketching, learning the art of painting won’t harm. You might get a chance to train people in painting, or you might get newer opportunities on both the skills of sketching or painting. When we have relevant knowledge, we can adapt to the changes easily and we can navigate through challenges effectively. Knowledge based learning encourages critical thinking and help developing analytical skills. Opportunity to apply the knowledge and hands-on activities blend perfectly with knowledge based learning. When we talk about knowledge, there are two basic types of knowledge: General and Specialized knowledge. General knowledge is anything that we read about. Until the knowledge is organized, and we have a plan to put it into use, we cannot make money. Specialized knowledge is one of the most cheapest form of service. When we have a plan to use our knowledge into skills, when we know that where our needs will be fulfilled, that is specialized knowledge. A person is called educated when they know how to use their knowledge in plans of actions and is able to make money. It’s a strange fact that humans value only those things that have pace. For example, if knowledge is not doing any good for them, they will discard it, but that is not the case, really. We must know how to make money from the knowledge that we possess. That will transform money into a real power. Everything that has benefits, has some drawbacks too. Knowledge based learning has the following drawbacks: Memorising the theories or facts can be boring. Knowledge-based learning might neglect the importance of practical application of the learnings. Once knowledge becomes the superpower, we can monetize it by organizing it intelligently and direct it through practical plans of actions. Elevate Your Expertise: Skill-Based Mastery Skills are the abilities to apply the knowledge to real-world situations. We can develop skills with constant practice. Skill is the second name for practical knowledge. As knowledge is all things factual, that we must know. We will need to apply our knowledge to attain perfection in the tasks that we perform. Skills need to be updated with time. The people will need to update their skills so that, they can meet with the demands in the market. There are several options that they could opt for, like, online courses, workshops, bootcamps, and could refine their skills. These workshops are affordable and cost-effective and it can keep us one step ahead of time. Skill-based learning is also known as competency-based learning. It is an approach that emphasizes the development of practical skills that can be immediately applied in a work setting. Sometimes, the knowledge might not help us to secure our dream jobs, but skills can. When hiring is based on skills, it allows people to demonstrate their skills and capabilities to bag the job and grow in their chosen fields. Sometimes, the passion clicks late, and in such conditions, developing skills are the final resort and can help a person get their dream job. However, we could study about the specific things later, but learning about how to do the skill is important. When people possess more than one skills, they become versatile and can work with the flow, putting hands on two things and getting work done. Basically, there are two types of skills: Hard skills : attained through learning and job experience. Soft skills : they are the personal characteristics that inform about how the person works and how to interact with peers. Skill-based learning provides the opportunity to practice their skills and strategies on real-world scenarios. It is measured by the ability to execute the knowledge effectively and efficiently. Skills are cost-effective and one can enter the job market more efficiently, if they have the desired skills. As it has its beautiful benefits, skills have some drawbacks too: Skills are a challenge if we don’t have proper knowledge. Skills gaps are a big disadvantage, as the market demand keeps changing. Knowledge can be neglected and it’s not good in the long run. Knowledge Meets Skills: Achieving the Ideal Balance To succeed in life, we need to process both knowledge and skills. In the professional world, we will be judged on the basis of the knowledge and skills that we possess. Moreover, we will also be judged on the basis of how well we carry both. Knowledge is all about “knowing” while skills are all about “doing”. If we know a lot but can't use it, we're not really using our superpower of learning. Acquiring knowledge is important but refining the skills through practice is equally important. We can use online courses, workshops to advance our skills and make a place in the job market. Along with skills, technical knowledge is also important. When we have good technical skills, they can help us save time as we will be able to solve small issues by ourselves. Once we fit into the shell, we can use the knowledge and skills in sync and get work done. We must also establish SMART goals. These are Smart , Measurable , Attainable , Relevant and Time-bound . When we put our goals through this SMART meter, we will understand the depth of our goals. Once our goals pass through the SMART meter, it can help us acquire new knowledge and skills within a specified time. Final Reflections: The Value of Knowledge and Skills In the current scenario, if we have knowledge but don’t have the required skills, we will be disqualified for the job. When we have both knowledge and skills, we can face any challenge that comes our way and we can easily apply the knowledge in practical scenarios. With both knowledge and skills, moving in sync, we will attain success in no time. Knowledge serves as the theoretical foundation on which the skills are based. When we have ample knowledge about a specific topic, we can easily learn the skills to monetize our knowledge. We won’t be able to succeed if we give importance to any one of the two. Lack of knowledge won’t put our skills to good use, at the same time, we can’t attain success with just knowledge, we will need to have the skills to get the work done. In general, we must keep learning and refining our skills. However, I disagree with the given topic; I can’t chose any one from skills and knowledge, for, they both are important in current scenario. One can’t exist without the other. As they say, both knowledge and skills are complement to each other. Taking both dimensions into consideration, we will acquire some good experience that will help us grow in your life. Both the concepts have their own importance and both the dimensions are important for the development of individuals and society. Therefore, we must keep skills and knowledge at hand, so that it paves a way for the bright future ahead.
- Book Review: Kausalya - Queen of Hearts by Vibha Sangita Krishnakumar
" Kausalya - The Queen of Hearts " portrays a narrative never read. As an individual, I feel that there were many attributes to the character of Devi Kausalya, which are less known. Who knew that the dusky beauty was unloved by her own mother? This book provides so many shades of the mighty Queen. She's not as soft as is portrayed in the epic, Ramayana, but she's a warrior too. I never knew this side of her story. The narrative is compelling; it showcases all the emotions swirling around in her heart and mind. Her meeting with King Nemi(Dashratha) was sweet. I am glad her father stood by her side, and made her capable of fighting against the demon king, Ravana. Wow! This book has brought many lesser-known facts to life. For Eg: Ravana wanted to kill Kausalya, this is something not everyone might know! The characters are well-developed. The narrative reimagines Kausalya as a deeply complex figure—both resilient and introspective—bringing new life to a character who is typically overshadowed by other legendary figures. Here, Kausalya is not only a mother and a queen but also a woman of remarkable depth, enduring both the privileges and sacrifices of royalty. A standout feature of the book is its exploration of divine and supernatural influences shaping Kausalya's destiny. The Goddess’s blessing and the various powerful forces at play weave a mythical tapestry that underscores Kausalya's significance beyond traditional tales. She is rightly called the "Warrior Queen" Kausalya—Queen of Hearts is a compelling portrayal of a woman who rises above societal expectations and personal losses to forge her own legacy. A must read for those who love Mythology!
- Book Review: Till Fate Do Us Part by Smita Das Jain
They say " Life is a maze", it truly is. Smita's Till Fate Do Us Part is one such story that defines this statement. In life, we are born with some relationships while we choose some relationships in our lives. Some relationship threads tie us to reality while some of them take us into the realm of imagination. Now, that's an interesting pointer, isn't it? Till Fate Do Us Part revolves around three characters - Dr Gaurang, Vedika and Rohan. Vedika is a doting mother, I liked how she tried to balance between her job and her daughter's illness. Her equation with her husband is quite bitter, had both Rohan and Vedika put in some efforts, their marriage might have rekindled. However, it's love at first sight for Dr. Gaurang. Sometimes, the strings struck at the right place with the strangers, and such relationships are the most cordial and beautiful ones. Samiksha is like the cherry on the cake, However, I felt bad for her medical condition, but it seems like, Dr Gaurang found a reason to live in her mother. Their interactions were sweet and I liked how concerned was Dr Gaurang, not only for Samiksha but for Vedika too. This is a wholesome story, with well developed characters. Kudos to the author for bringing in such a wonderful story!!
- Book Review: Bhima's Ladle by Supriya Bansal
As I saw the book, the first word that came into my mind is a COMIC BOOK! After many years, I lived the feeling of reading a comic book. Initially, I thought it to be some ancient mythological story, but it turned out other way round. It was an interesting story to read. Thirteen-year-old Aru turned into a masterchef - that transition was smooth. I liked how he wanted to help his father but couldn't, because he had his wrestling match. However, the twist came when that mysterious man gave him that wooden ladle, saying it was mighty Bhima's ladle. That hooked me, who was he? I loved how Aru tried to cook food, assuming that Bhima's ladle was magical and it helped him finish the order on time. Well, his father said it right " Aru had watched him cook" and this is the reason he was able to cook such a big meal and deliver on time. I was stunned when Hari also showed them the wooden ladle that his nephew gave him. However, I thought that the old man who gave the ladle to Aru was lord Bhima, himself. Maybe, he knew that Aru needed it, and he came for help. --- that's my thought! A well-crafted story, that too, in comic format, made it easy to read. I enjoyed reading it! Kudos to the author for this book!
- Book Review: The Devil's Autopsy by Vignesh Sivasankar
"The storytelling keeps one on the edge" that's true in the case of this book. The Devil's Autopsy is a collection of five stories, each one is equally thrilling. Truly, each story shows how the devil works. Each story is wholesome and has that secret hidden. The first story "Decapitated" had me on the edge, and as I got goosebumps as soon as I realised that Biru killed his wife, surely, the devil overpowered his senses. I was really thrilled as he tried to revive creatures after beheading them. The second one, "Confessions of a Psycho-killer", had a shocking transition of Surya to a psycho-killer. Woah! It again came as a surprise. "The Coffin Maker" had me on edges and I was thinking how could a person port a person into another world, it was one a heck of a story. "Twelve Branches of a Banyan Tree" seemed similar to the Burari case, but I am glad Vikas saved his family on time. Truly, the devil can play with your mind, and get you close to death. "A Disturbing Death" shocked me as Amina died mysteriously in the end. Woah, how could someone plan all of it, or was it supernatural? All the five stories were interesting. They have an audacity to keep the reader on the edge. Well defined characters is a plus-point. All of it is written in the form of diary entries, all along with dates and time makes it easier to understand the sequences. Kudos to the author for writing such thrilling stories. Keep writing!
- Book Review: The Algebra of COMPASSION - Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam Unveiled by Ankur Vashishtha
As per the title of the book, unveiling the world as a family is a surreal thought. Kudos to the author for writing this book, this is what we actually need. VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBAKAM - this is what the world should be about, but all we have is a divided and messy world. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam follows the values of equality, sanatan dharma, that is, remembering the God and also the progress that we make as a society. It's like walking in a troop, taking care of everyone around and also making sure that no one is harmed in the process. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam was originaly envisioned by the heavenly gods, the tri-Lords, and they took care of the world with the emotions of that of a parent and child. The world was their child, and they showed equal love to them. The casteism, communism and everything in the middle is created by the human beings. The Gods didn't differentiate between their children. However, coming up to the storyline, it's clearly explained with the fables from the mythology and the stories of the families included. The first family has four kids, and all of them showcase different ideologies, but, they fail to imbibe the culture of Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam. Another family, that explains the caste system, is also a good example. Of course, we need different people for different tasks, but that is not the cue to make one superior and to degrade the others. All of them when combined in a true sense, form the ideal society -- VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBAKAM. This book is a reminder that instead of judging others, we must reflect upon our ways of life, on the way, we are building this life. This is all what Algebra of COMPASSION is about. When all of us will work together in harmony, in the right direction, we will surely achieve what we crave for, or say, what the heavenly Gods built-- VASUDHAIVA KUTUMBKAM. I would like to thank the author for taking a step in this direction. A must read!
- Book Review: Cupid@Corporate by Meenakshi M Singh
Love is unpredictable, as mentioned by the author. It can either make you or break you. I truly believe it. The title is intriguing, relaying the thought of love striking in a corporate office. Every chapter starts with a one-line quote, and I am in awe. The thought is completely reflected in each chapter. It keeps the readers intrigued. The protagonist, Suhaani, seems relatable to me. The chapter where her inner struggles are mentioned is one of my favorites. Yes, every one of us feels neglected at some point in time. Life is not a bed of roses; it comes with thorns as well. Suhaani is a perfect example of this. The pressure of getting married is real. Well, it happens in every home, I guess. However, I felt more connected to Suhaani after this episode. Suhaani's struggle, her attempt to pursue a job while suppressing marriage pressure, is inspiring. Yes, her parents are forcing her to get married, but at the same time, they are her solace too. Upon changing her job, her life seemed to change. She made a few friends, and then came the other protagonist, Sidharth. He's a serious guy, more interested in work rather than gossip. Suhaani finds herself captivated by his behavior. And so, life changed for her. Cupid struck her when she least expected it. After a lot of contemplation, they shared their hearts and, eventually, their lives. The characters are intriguing and well-developed. Their true attributes shine through the story. This is a beautiful read. Kudos to the author!
- Echoes of the Deep
Echoes of the Deep Diving deep into the ocean of creativity; finding solace and peace I find it hard to retain the composure and palace I stare deep into darkness, fighting my concerns Trying to find positivity in existence Crying out my essence Holding on Life. Assuring myself of a beautiful dawn, I decided to wait along It is hard to walk on a bed of thorns Getting closer to the destination also got deeper regrets Staring deep into nothingness, I find My soul, heart-breaking shiver Taming self soul.
- Book Review: Pilgrims of Reflection by Adrija Chatterjee
A collection of seven short stories, and each one has its impact on the readers. Each story navigates through the individual evolution of the protagonists of all the stories. The first story, Sacred Space, revolves around the lives of the mother and daughter, who are finding the ultimate goal of their lives. They do embrace evolution beautifully. Mariam and Ali have their journeys entangled together as they work in the same cafe and Ali drops Mariam to her home. They lead simple lives as they battle the shortcomings in life. On the other hand, Oli is fighting a disease and it seems like she's like a piece of baggage on her guardians. Locked up in a home without knowledge of the outer world and away from her family has broken Oli. Overall, the different stories in the book seem like a reflection of the lives we have lived or the struggles that we have passed through, and even struggling in the current time. It seems like we must pause and reflect on the passage of time, to see how we have evolved. This book is an example of the same. Kudos to the author for bringing the reality in the stories. A beautiful read. You can buy the book from here: https://amzn.in/d/bluOoSB
- Book Review: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Harper Lee has presented her observations about herself, her family and the surroundings around her during the 1960s. It seems that the main protagonist, Scout, is the little version of the author. A Pulitzer Prize winner, To Kill a Mockingbird, involves racial injustice in society, and the destruction of innocence too. Scout, or, Jean Louise Finch, narrates the story from her point of view. She begins with her relationship with her brother Jem, and father, Atticus. Her curious childlike activities have given a charm to the book. Society has also misunderstood, Boo Radley, and they consider that he's the one causing harm to people around the block. Well, he's a mystery, but in the end, he's the one to save Jem from being caught by the public and his dad. The story took a deep turn when Atticus took up a case, that was against the norms of the society. He opts to save Tom Robinson, who's termed as Nigger by the society. Atticus is blamed that he's doing wrong by fighting the case for Tom Robinson, but it doesn't waver his decision. His way of handling his children is an example. However, in one instance, he asks Jem to change his ways, but in the next moment, he tell his son, to be the soul that he is. Quoting some of my favourite dialogues from the book: "You might hear some ugly talk about me, but do one thing, "hold your head high, pull your fists down" "We're fighting for our friends. The race or colour doesn't matter." "No matter how bitter things get, they are still our friends, and this is still our home." This is something that every parent must teach to their children. You have to find the good in the bad. Atticus just does so throughout the story. "Mockingbirds make music for us to enjoy. They sing their hearts to us. That is why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." We must keep doing what we feel is right. People will always say one thing or the other about our work, instead of minding their own business. Taking a cue from Atticus, we must do what we feel is right, because in the end only what we do matters, and people remember our acts, not our faces.