Choose profession wisely, do not chase money: Education Director tells students
Panaji: Director of Education Shailesh Zingde said that it is crucial for students to choose their professions wisely based on their personal interests rather than chasing money. He also urged students to actively make use of the career guidance and counselling services available in schools.
He was speaking as the chief guest at a ceremony held on Sunday at Swarnam Hall, Corlim, to felicitate meritorious SSC and HSSC students of the Cumbarjua constituency who secured 80% and above in the examinations for the academic year 2025–2026.
The event, which aims to recognise and celebrate the hard work, dedication, and academic excellence of students who have brought pride to their families, schools, and the constituency, was organised by the Chairman of the Goa Rehabilitation Board and Cumbarjua MLA, Rajesh Faldessai. A total of 60 students were felicitated at the function, with the MLA presenting Rs 5,000 to each student. Faldessai has been organising this initiative for the past eight years.
The ceremony was also attended by Old Goa Sarpanch Medha Parvatkar, Sao Matias Sarpanch Marina Vaz, St Estevam Sarpanch Smita Sawant, Cumbarjua Sarpanch Vinda Joshi, Goltim Navelim Sarpanch Mario Pinto, Corlim Panch Baptista Pereira, Cumbarjua BJP President Yogesh Pilgaonkar, and Cumbarjua Mandal Prabhari Gorakh Mandrekar, alongside parents and students.
Congratulating the MLA on sustaining this initiative for eight years, Zingde said, “This motivates them, and those who are behind are also motivated. It is also a good thing that the MLA has thought of felicitating those who have scored 70 to 79 marks. This felicitation is not only of students; the parents are also included, and even the siblings and the grandparents. So all these efforts are being felicitated.”
Addressing the students, Zingde noted that there are numerous career opportunities available today. “Sometimes a student may not be able to choose a certain stream due to limited seats, but that does not mean it is the end of the world. There are so many opportunities. Our government and state are providing all facilities, including career guidance for students. But this information is not reaching the students. Sometimes our schools are not clean due to our students who are not ensuring this,” he remarked.
Using an analogy, he told the students that growing a plant is not enough; one must take care of it and make it their own so that it grows to provide shade and fruit. He also emphasised the need for discipline. “Discipline is needed among students. We teach good things to the students in schools, but many are doing wrong things outside. I want to warn the students not to indulge in such vices and wrong behaviour,” he added.
Reiterating his advice on career choices, Zingde said, “When you complete your education, choose a profession which is to your liking and wisely. Don’t choose because there is more money. We have career guidance and counselling in all schools. There are so many scholarships available which many students are not aware of. The Chief Minister’s portal has all this information.”
Faldessai stated that he has been felicitating students for the past eight years, even before he was elected as an MLA, and promised that the initiative will continue for years to come.
“Last year we had around 105 students. We have selected those who have scored 80% and above. But we also decided two days ago that we should do something for those who have scored between 70% and 79%. Parents take a lot of hardship in ensuring their children are educated well. Dropping them to school, picking them up—I appreciate their efforts. Students should respect their parents and teachers. Our parents would wake up and make food even if they are not able to do it,” Faldessai said.
He further urged parents to avoid putting undue pressure on their children. “I congratulate those who have scored 80% and above, as you all have taken pains and a lot of effort. Parents should also not be rigid in forcing their children to opt for engineering, medicine, etc. Allow them to pursue their passion and support them,” he said.
Highlighting government support, Faldessai stated, “We want our children to be IPS, doctors, engineers, IAS, scientists, etc. Our Education Department and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant are helping us immensely. So many schemes have been introduced for education. The government is taking steps like apprenticeship, etc. We are modernising schools and colleges, and even primary schools.”
He also urged students to maintain cleanliness across the state. “We must focus on Clean Goa and Green Goa. The waste issue is going out of control despite our best efforts to tackle it. We need to maintain discipline in terms of cleanliness. We are educated. We should not throw waste on the road. The panchayats cannot do everything on their own, so it is everyone’s responsibility to maintain cleanliness. We are also aiming to plant 10 lakh saplings by September 5. Hence, we are also giving each student saplings. We should also educate others to maintain cleanliness in our state,” he said.
Mandrekar urged students to persevere in life through discipline and hard work. “Nothing is impossible in life. Swami Vivekananda said that first comes vision, then planning, and then execution. Study for long hours, put in hard work, and practice discipline. This will make you a great person. Take up one idea and make that your life. Think of it, dream of it, live on that idea, and let your brain, muscles, nerves, and every part of your body be full of that idea, and leave all other ideas alone. This will ensure success,” he said.
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