The article ‘Red Flagging: An Unfortunate Social Trend’ by Vijay Phanshikar published in The Hitavada Cityline on May 24 under the column ‘Loud Thinking’ highlights an important aspect of the changing outlook of modern parents. During the 1970s and 1980s, most parents did not have the financial means to think about sending their children abroad for higher education. Families often had five to eight children, and providing quality education in expensive schools and colleges was a major challenge. Yet, many of those children grew up to become responsible citizens, highly educated professionals, and leaders in their respective fields. Numerous scientists, politicians, doctors, and engineers studied in India, built successful careers here, and earned international recognition from reputed institutions worldwide. Today, most families have only one or two children.

 

With higher incomes and greater ambitions, many parents begin dreaming from the birth of their child of admitting them to elite international schools and eventually, sending them abroad for undergraduate studies. They often believe that quality education is available only overseas. However, this perception is not entirely correct. India has several world-class institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), and many outstanding Government and private universities. A motivated student can build an excellent career while studying in India. Pursuing undergraduate education in India offers quality learning at a much lower cost. It also allows young students to remain close to their families, understand Indian culture, and develop emotional maturity before moving abroad for higher studies.

 

Therefore, I believe a balanced approach is preferable: complete undergraduate studies in India and pursue a Master’s degree or PhD abroad. This provides a strong academic foundation at a reasonable cost, while offering international exposure later. Moreover, many foreign universities provide scholarships for postgraduate and doctoral studies, whereas undergraduate education abroad often requires parents to take large loans or mortgage assets. I speak from personal experience. Both my sons completed their undergraduate education in Nagpur. My elder son later pursued higher studies abroad with a full scholarship and is today an internationally acclaimed cancer scientist. My younger son was deputed overseas by an Indian company. While I am proud of their achievements, the loneliness parents experience when children settle abroad and visit only once or twice a year is difficult to bear.