The whole debate about reservation in educational institutions is again cropping up. None would, in their true conscience, claim that this is for the good of all. The timing and tone of it sounds more like a political move rather than an effort at societal well being.
In this whole debate about who should be granted concession and who shouldn't, what is conveniently left out is the true purpose of education. The very meaning of education is distorted. This whole ball game being played out makes education merely a stepping stone for economic prosperity and status. While education does entail that, financial well being is not the sole or the highest purpose of education. It is building up of character. Unfortunately, the type of education being discussed and fought over is not something that forms character, it is one that distorts! People get qualified but deformed! Young people have a certificate but lack basic human values.
While a healthy debate is always beneficial and needed, it should also raise relevant questions; not remain narrow minded and fickle. The ongoing debate about quotas in education for the 'economically weak in society' (even that category, though defined, is something that cannot be really figured out in a multi-dimensional Indian context) should also raise pertinent questions about the purpose and type of education we envisage for the next generation.
In this whole debate about who should be granted concession and who shouldn't, what is conveniently left out is the true purpose of education. The very meaning of education is distorted. This whole ball game being played out makes education merely a stepping stone for economic prosperity and status. While education does entail that, financial well being is not the sole or the highest purpose of education. It is building up of character. Unfortunately, the type of education being discussed and fought over is not something that forms character, it is one that distorts! People get qualified but deformed! Young people have a certificate but lack basic human values.
While a healthy debate is always beneficial and needed, it should also raise relevant questions; not remain narrow minded and fickle. The ongoing debate about quotas in education for the 'economically weak in society' (even that category, though defined, is something that cannot be really figured out in a multi-dimensional Indian context) should also raise pertinent questions about the purpose and type of education we envisage for the next generation.
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