Before defeating Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo (1815) , the Duke of Wellington served in India (1796 -1805), where he stressed the importance of character to his soldiers. As a caring general, he ensured that his men were well-fed, fit and healthy in such a trying climate as India. But more than anything else, he greatly respected native feelings. ?If we lose our character for truth and good faith , we shall have but little to stand upon in this country ?

<B>What is character ? </B>

Unlike personae in a drama or novel, character refers to simple but noble qualities in men and women. Some distinguishing marks that make a person?s character are : commitment, clear conscience, discipline , fellow-feeling, generosity, gratitude, humility, self-control and unselfishness. Such virtues form the very basis of society. Owing to the loose character and dissipated life of certain rulers, empires have declined and fallen only to become empty memories for students of history. However, some simple, unassuming and often not well- educated men and women because of their lives of honesty, sincerity of purpose, uncommon integrity and truthfulness are better honoured and remembered than some crowned kings and queens Their voice is an echo unto eternity :

?Only the actions of the just Smell sweet and blossom in their dust.?

<B>Where is character shaped ? </B>

The excellent traits that constitute one?s character may not be necessarily had at any seat of learning but can be taught (depending on the country?s system of education). For one thing, parents concerned about their children?s upbringing and overall education for the development and uplift of their country- and why not the world? - can do a lot. Right from the early years of the child, parents may delegate or ask the child to share responsibilities at home, in social organisations, which can be extended to the school. Far from taking time from his or her studies, this may teach the child to learn better by doing, while coping with things and conditions not to be found in books.

Also, schools can organise visits to hospitals, homes for the aged and children without parents, care centres, depressed areas and pockets of poverty. These visits have to be followed by cleaning and other duties to teach young people that life outside the home and school is so different and in no way easy. This living experience will be an important lesson of character ?building, a clear insight into service to the poor and underprivileged who need their care and attention. For such a project to succeed the co-operation and partnership of parents, schools and the authorities concerned is called for.

And so, a huge task lies ahead of us as regards character? building. After the recent disgraceful incidents following the proclamation of the laureates, any thinking person will have perceived that there has not been simply a decline but a breakdown of values. The degradation of law and order, atrocious crimes, corruption, drug- trafficking and other social evils all show that there is an urgent need for character ? building. Yet, there is hope.

<B> KAVIRAJ SOHUR</B>