Indian parents obsession with Engineering or a Doctor's degree

N.K.Narasimhan

Indian parents have long been known for their obsession with engineering or a doctor's degree for their children. This trend can be observed across different socio-economic backgrounds, and it is particularly prevalent in middle-class and upper-class families. Parents believe that their child’s success in life entirely depends upon acquiring these degrees; however, their single-minded focus on these two career paths has left other options ignored.

 

The primary reason behind this obsession is societal pressure to succeed in a highly competitive and rapidly changing world. Parents believe that these degrees provide a guaranteed path to financial success and social prestige, ensuring a good future for their children. Furthermore, given the tough job market in India, engineering and medical graduates are assumed to have an edge in terms of employability and career advancement opportunities.

 

Moreover, these two fields of study have traditionally been highly respected in Indian society and are seen as a symbol of intellectual and educational excellence, which is a major reason why parents push their children into these fields. They perceive that these careers are the most respectable forms of work, and if their child pursues them, they will be viewed more respectfully in society.

 

However, this obsession with engineering or a doctor's degree has resulted in many negative consequences. Firstly, it limits the child's potential choices and often leads to unhappiness, as children are often forced into a field of work they do not enjoy. This, in turn, leads to a lack of job satisfaction and low performance levels. Also, it fosters a culture of one-sidedness by only considering a few standard avenues for career paths and discarding other equally deserving fields of study that would allow students to explore their real interests.

 

Creative Printables

The only training is to focus completely on either engineering or medical school. Parents don't understand that forcing their children to pursue one of these two fields typically puts a distressing burden on them, emotionally and mentally.

 

In addition to this, there is a high dropout rate among undergraduate engineering students, indicating that many students who reluctantly pursue the field end up deciding this is not for them after straining years of study, leaving them with car loans and underutilized degrees.

 

In conclusion, there is a pressing need to change the mindset of Indian parents. They must focus on discovering their child’s true interests and ensuring their happiness and fulfillment, irrespective of societal norms.

 

This approach will only enrich Indian society by promoting alternative career paths and a greater sense of individuality and personal choice. It is the only way to break free from this wrong obsession with engineering or a doctor's degree.