PIB Summary- 6th September, 2022 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

V. O. Chidambaram Pillai

Why in News?
The Prime Minister has remembered freedom fighter V. O. Chidambaram Pillai on his Jayanti.

About Chidambaram Pillai

• Chidambaram Pillai was born on 5 September 1872 to Olaganathan Pillai and Paramyee 
• Ammai in Ottapidaram, District Tirunelveli in modern Tamil Nadu.
• He was popularly known by his initials, V O.C. also known as Kappalottiya Tamizhanor “The Tamil Helmsman”,
• He was an Indian freedom fighter and leader of the Indian National Congress.

Role in the Indian Freedom Struggle

• VOC entered politics in 1905 following the partition of Bengal.
• Towards the end of 1905, VOC visited Madras and was drawn closer to the Swadeshi Movement initiated by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai.
• VOC was drawn towards Ramakrishna Mission and came into contact with Subramania Bharati and the Mandayam family.
• In response to the British India Steam Navigation Company’s trade monopoly, Chidambaram started an Indian-owned shipping company.
• Even prior to Gandhiji’s Champaran Satyagraha, VOC took up the cause of the working class in Tamil Nadu, and thus he is a forerunner to Gandhiji in this respect.
• A turning point in V.O.C’s life came with the Tuticorin Coral Mills strike in 1908.
  • The workers at the British-owned mill were unfairly treated.
  • 59% of the workers were aged 14 – 16. They had to work from 5:00 am to 7:00 pm. In February 1908, they decided to go on a strike demanding better pay and a reduction in the number of working hours.
  • V.O.C took up the workers’ cause and gave many fiery speeches which drew the people’s attention to the plight of the workers. The cause gained widespread sympathy and support.
• In 1920, Chidambaram withdrew from the Indian National Congress, citing ideological differences with Mahatma Gandhi.
• He focused his efforts on establishing labor unions in Madras and writing.
• He rejoined the Congress party in 1927 and presided over the third political conference held at Salem.
• By 1935, he had written commentary on the first book of the Tirukkural (Book of Virtue) and was published under a different title.

PM SHRI Schools

Why in News?
On the occasion of National Teachers’ Day, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced a new initiative – PM SHRI Schools (PM ScHools for Rising India).

About PM SHRI Schools

• This will be a new centrally sponsored scheme for upgradation and development of more than 14,500 Schools across the country by strengthening the selected existing schools from amongst schools managed by Central Government/ State/ UT Government/ local bodies.
• PM SHRI Schools will showcase all components of the National Education Policy 2020 and act as exemplar schools and also offer mentorship to other schools in their vicinity.

Features

• Pedagogy adopted in these schools will be more experiential, holistic, integrated, play/toy-based (particularly, in the foundational years) inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, learner-centred, discussion-based, flexible and enjoyable.
• Focus will be on achieving proficiency in learning outcomes of every child in every grade.
• Assessment at all levels will be based on conceptual understanding and application of knowledge to real life situations and will be competency-based.
• These schools will be equipped with modern infrastructure including labs, smart classrooms, libraries, sports equipment, art room etc. which is inclusive and accessible.
• These schools shall also be developed as green schools with water conservation, waste recycling, energy-efficient infrastructure and integration of organic lifestyle in curriculum.

Aim

• The aim of these schools will not only be qualitative teaching, learning and cognitive development, but also creating holistic and well-rounded individuals equipped with key 21st century skills.
• They will provide leadership in their respective regions in providing high-quality education in an equitable, inclusive and joyful school environment that takes care of the diverse background, multilingual needs, and different academic abilities of children and makes them active participants in their own learning process as per the vision of NEP 2020.