A Package of Intelligence
Intelligence is a word found in every lexicon. However, its meaning is not one, but many. Since presently intelligence is hooked up with formal education, let me very briefly straighten the difference between modern and classical education, particularly in Indian subcontinent.
The objective is not to establish of any superiority of one over the other, but point out to some complementary features in the ultimate development of personality.
Modern education, through high schools, essentially drills facts and disconnected pieces of knowledge. Those not attending schools imbibe functional education through interaction with people in daily lives and travels; also, by listening to discourses of the saints in the temples, or sitting around the tea stalls, public libraries, watching TVs. The phrase three R’s is only 100 years old. Printed word being rarity, the question of reading and writing did not arise. Relevant arithmetic was picked up. People got more applied wisdom, on the top of ethical and moral values, totally absent in modern education.
These thoughts erupted like volcanic lava yesterday. I was at the Ruwi Bus Terminal located in the busiest area of Oman. Noticing fresh coconuts at an adjoining stall, I ordered one. While I was waiting to pick up the order, an Omani in white dishdasha and cap, pulling an empty chair, invited me to sit over. He was with two other Omanis, all in their 50’s. Taking off my sun hat as I sat down, he asked in chaste English, “How are you professor?” It naturally surprised me. His friends were just looking casually.
On my complimenting him for his human judgement, he went a step further and asked me about the subject. I said, since you correctly guessed my profession, so try guessing it too. Lo and behold, he confidently uttered mathematics and physics, in this order!” I waived my hat off for his intelligence! As I was sipping coconut water, he observed a few other traits while sipping his tea. It was a very nice chat. The man drives a cab.
He is one of the ethnic Omanis who, centuries ago, migrated from Africa, very dark as compared with native Arabs. He told me how his children eat, drink and play around all day, but they do not study at all. But he frankly added that is the way he was as kid, and never listening to his father’s advice on studying. Then I explained him how the Omanis are intelligent too, though they may not have even high school education. The Arabs are the best managers of human beings brought in as unskilled labor or highly educated professionals like accountants, doctors, professors and engineers, from all over the world.
In Oman, like in all Gulf countries, every business has to be in the name of an Omani. I have met a Hindu dentist from Bangalore happily working for an Omani for the last 26 years. He told me that had not seen the owner for the last ten years! Having spoken with Indian barbers, launderers, construction workers, all are happy to work for 12-14 hours a day for six days a week! The labor is provided good free food and clean accommodation. Full salaries are saved to support families in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines etc.
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