Education, Politics and the fringe elements: Part I

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Elections are just over. But the ‘fighters’ in Tamilnadu are not willing to withdraw from the field – not able to come out of the ‘hang over’ effect yet. They are happy to have found fresh ammunition to wage a war said to safeguard the democratic rights they scarcely respect; to protect the interests of a particular race or a sect that they can exploit to their betterment; and to save a language, a tradition, a historical past that can be rightfully destroyed only by them. 

This time, the chosen topic is ‘Education’ and so, we can expect the ‘educationists’ coming in a row with all their weaponries in support of the ‘leaders’ who can bring the tv crew around for a Live coverage. 

Please do not go away. The film fraternity who have no job on hand will join too to guarantee all the ‘masala’ that is needed to keep the situation truly surcharged. And, there will be the ‘sundries’ filing the slot as ‘journalists’, ‘analysts’ and of course social ‘activists’. 

It is like ready idly, ready sambar; it is a ready revolution. It requires no preparation. So, the game has already begun. It would, hopefully last for a few days till the time they can ‘discover’ something else to play with.  

New Education Policy has come to limelight because the committee headed by Dr Kasthuri Rangan, former Chairman ISRO has submitted its Draft report to the Minister, HRD. The Government has released the Draft report in the public domain, open to all to register their views, opinions and suggestions. They have time till 30^th June. 

As it is known to everyone, it is just a report of the Committee that went into the issue of New Education Policy and that it is a DRAFT that can be amended wherever necessary. More importantly, the Government has NOT taken any stand on any of the recommendations of the Report which was submitted just a couple of days ago. Why then should there be so much of fuss about it? 

When there exists a scramble among the ‘activists’ to grab the centre stage, everybody would seek the status of ‘the voice’ for the cause and to take ad vantageof the melee that is sure to follow very soon. This has of late necessitated the leaders of big political parties too to join the vocal band to say something to be in the reckoning if at all the protests were to take a ‘jllikkattu’ sort of mass participation. 

In fact, the Jallikkattu issue has changed the very face of public protests in Tamil Nadu. The success of the ‘movement’ has given room for many such agitations by the fringe groups of disgruntled individuals and there always is an ‘intellectual’ society to vociferously support them. Add to them, the vested interests occupying higher posts in various departments of Central and State Governments more active in social media than in office. So long as it is against the Government, the leaders and workers of political parties, big or small, would only be too happy to join hands irrespective of whether the issue merits a support or not. The circle is complete. 

Tamil Nadu is today the most fertile land for any such ill conceived, ill-intentioned, ill-guided program. There of course are the regional news channels run by political bosses waiting to jump into the fray with all their anti-establishment anchors and self proclaimed ‘analysts’.  

The New Educational Policy could not have come at a more opportune time for them since the crew members of news channels have nothing much since the new government has taken over after the much hyped coverage of the elections. Now, the petty politicians and the publicity starved activists are in a grave helpless situation wherein they have to do something or the other to stay relevant, to retain their sparse, weakened support base. 

The issue of education policy has come handy to rescue them from retirement, if not a possible liquidation. And so, they are back.  

Who are the ‘enemies’? Who else? Those who have been elected by the senseless millions all over the country just a while ago; Those whose job it is to work for the welfare of the people; those who have to take responsibility for everything that is happening across the length and breadth of this vast land.  All that is required to be done by the opponents is to make a foul cry; to shout aloud in full volume and to place all sorts of false accusations and baseless allegations without ever having to substantiate their stand. This is perhaps the easiest phase in Indian politics where to oppose the Government is the simplest job on earth!  

While we question the honesty or the genuineness of the protests, let us not forget or deny the fact that Indian democracy remains vibrant mainly because of various forces actively working for the rights and just causes of the voiceless millions. The presence of the so called activists and their plans of protests are very much within the ambits of the Constitution and truly help strengthen the democracy in great measure. Many times in the past, their actions have brought about changes and reforms benefitting the common man. 

Hence, anything said in this article should be taken to mean the improvident approach of a few persons or organizations and nothing more. The narrations carrying a strong negative tone are but commentaries aimed at the elements trying to disrupt the normal functioning of the government or the society for their personal gains. Let it not be misconstrued to question the authority of anybody selflessly working for the good of the public at large. It is NOT our intention to disregard or disrespect the crusaders of the society. We in fact salute them for all the sufferings that they inflict upon themselves to ensure happiness of others. 

But the ones who are out in the streets now are of a different genre, with a very different political agenda aided and abetted by certain groups and vested interests out to disrupt the normalcy and peaceful co-existence of the establishment and the beneficiary. 

The Language controversy doing rounds is nothing but a conspired attempt planted by these small sets of people targeting the vulnerable sections of Youth. This is the most disturbing trend that would directly result in the adverse impact on the future of the falsely motivated youth. 

Let us get into the topic.

What does the New Education Policy (Draft) say?

Does the Policy really carry anything detrimental to Tamil Nadu? 

(to continue..

• Baskaran Krishnamurthy. 
• Mail: [email protected]