Today, I want to share my thoughts on education, physical labor, and the space for creativity. I currently live in India, a country with a mixed economy that encompasses both the private sector and the public sector. I work at a private college where the prevailing ethos revolves around ceaseless toil. But do these individuals understand that an overworked horse is not as effective as a well-rested one?

I recall a story from a Russian language textbook that illustrates this point. A student intern, a budding scientist, spent the entire night in the laboratory, hoping for his professor's praise. To his astonishment, when the professor arrived early the next morning, instead of commending his student, he asked, "When do you think?" In other words, the professor knew that the depth of thought and analysis often comes during moments of relaxation.

Have you ever experienced the phenomenon during exams when you couldn't recall an answer, only to remember it later when it was no longer needed, perhaps while unwinding in front of the television or engaging in some other activity? Did you know that Agatha Christie's ideas for writing books came to her while she was washing dishes? When asked about her hobbies, she responded, "I enjoy doing the dishes!" How did Dmitri Mendeleev conceive the famous periodic table of elements? It happened in a dream! And do you know when Einstein had his insight about the attraction of gravity? It was when he was resting under a tree, and an apple fell on his head!

Likewise, during my commute to work in India's fast-paced race, my relaxed mind frequently generates profound thoughts and ideas. Ideas for stories, thoughts on lectures, and other intriguing life analyses emerge. However, in this Indian hustle and bustle, where I can barely find time to relax, there is no room for creativity and interesting ideas. We have no weekends. Sunday is also a working day when household chores take precedence. In the evening, I have dinner, walk my dog, interact with my children, and go to bed. I yearn for Saturdays, real vacations, or breaks. Delays after the workday are even more disheartening. Even while driving, a time that should be focused on the road, my mind continues to churn with thoughts.

This leads me to reminisce about the Soviet system, where spaces for creativity and hobbies were created for the people. Soviet scientists studied the human psyche, and extensive research showed that our nervous system also needs rest, just like our physical bodies. In the Soviet Union, children had three months of summer vacation, and teachers enjoyed a well-deserved break of 50 days. This allowed everyone to rejuvenate and approach the new school year with fresh vigor and enthusiasm.

In contrast, in India's private sector, it is not profitable for children to have a three-month break. In fact, they are lucky to get 10 to 20 days off, especially since the advent of Zoom during the pandemic, which blurred the lines between work and personal life. Vacation policies also vary by region and institution. Consequently, the creative output is minimal, and the suicide rate is higher compared to the Soviet era. Additionally, individuals often struggle with free time and say, "I'm bored," not realizing that boredom is a state of mind. With minds occupied by household chores and unending studying, there is little room for the concept of "take a break." Moreover, there is scant space for physical labor, especially for students from higher socio-economic backgrounds with domestic help at home. This neglect of physical labor neglects the crucial balance between physical and intellectual work and relaxation.