The choice of a profession for their children is a question that requires the most careful consideration of all parents. A large number of Indian parents are relieved from the necessity of debating this difficult matter, as many children in this country have their career in life unalterably fixed by the laws of caste, which compel them to follow the industry practiced by their parents.
However, even in India, among the members of the educated class at any rate, sons do not necessarily adopt the same calling as their parents, and a choice between various professions is open to them.
This being the case, parents in India, have carefully to scan the developing powers and inclinations of their children in order to discover what work they are likely to do best when they grow up to manhood.
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In advanced countries of the west it often happens that boys whose brains have been excited by reading tales of adventure and battle, determine to emulate the heroes of their story-books and court the dangers of a sailor’s or soldier’s career.
Some few of them perhaps remain firm to their choice; but the majority, as they grow older, reconcile themselves to the prospect of a more prosaic life than they had dreamt of in the visions of their boyhood, and become Government servants, merchants, lawyers, doctors or clergymen.
A similar choice of professions is open to educated Indians, except that here the priesthood depends on birth rather than on choice.
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Of these professions, Government service is so varied, that its different branches afford employment for all kinds of talents. The young man who is fond of literature and has the patience necessary for the management of boys, can enter the Educational Department.
Another by showing in boyhood ingenuity in the construction of playthings and mechanical contrivances, may give evidences that he is likely to succeed in the Department of Public Works.
A third may be marked out by his skill in the management of figures as likely to do good service under the Accountant- General. The chief recommendation of Government service is the certainty it affords of a regular salary followed by a pension.
Government servants are seldom thrown out of employment except by their own misconduct, and in the few cases in which they lose their places by the retrenchment of a department, they get substantial compensation. But the salaries of Government appointments.
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Though they afford a more regular and certain income than other professions, are nevertheless not very large, and promotion in the various departments of Government service is usually slow.
Hence Government service is no longer attractive and other avenues are now open to the rising generation. The Five Year Plans have opened new vistas to young Indians and all the professions are inviting them with outstretched arms.
They can now choose to become what they wish to become, according to their talents and abilities. The opening of new colleges, universities and post-graduate institutions have made the choice of a profession far easier.
Today our young men can compete and succeed in the roles of a social scientist, a Nobel Prize Winner, a physicist, an atomic energy expert and the like. The opportunities afforded by the nation’s Five Year Plans are many and enticing.
Our young men should endeavour to rise to the occasion and Mother India is beckoning to them to greatness and fame.