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Correspondent

23 August 2024 at 4:29:04 pm

Cheap Politics

Democracy does not merely test a politician’s ability to win elections. It tests character when applause is easiest to earn through the cheapest of means. Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of former Chief Minister DMK chief M.K. Stalin, has repeatedly failed that test. His arrest over an allegedly vulgar, sexually suggestive remark aimed at Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and actor Trisha Krishnan is, in one sense, a legal matter that must be adjudicated by the courts. Whether his words meet the...

Cheap Politics

Democracy does not merely test a politician’s ability to win elections. It tests character when applause is easiest to earn through the cheapest of means. Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of former Chief Minister DMK chief M.K. Stalin, has repeatedly failed that test. His arrest over an allegedly vulgar, sexually suggestive remark aimed at Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and actor Trisha Krishnan is, in one sense, a legal matter that must be adjudicated by the courts. Whether his words meet the threshold for criminal liability under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Information Technology Act or Tamil Nadu’s law against harassment of women is for judges to decide. But legality is not the only standard by which public life should be measured. Political decency matters. And the DMK leader has once again demonstrated a startling absence of judgment. During a protest over the Cauvery water dispute, Udhayanidhi, the opposition’s most recognisable face allowed himself to descend into playground innuendo after sections of the crowd chanted an actor’s name. A rally meant to spotlight one of Tamil Nadu's most pressing water disputes was instantly reduced to gossip and insinuation. That may have amused partisan supporters, but it did nothing to advance the cause they had assembled to champion. The DMK predictably insists this is political vendetta by the ruling TVK government, a convenient diversion from administrative failures. This does not absolve Stalin of responsibility for his own conduct. Those who aspire to govern must also know where civility ends and crudity begins. His latest controversy is part of a troubling pattern. Udhayanidhi’s repeated pouring of vitriol over Sanatana Dharma – in 2023, he compared Sanatana Dharma to malaria, dengue and COVID-19 – has generated precisely the outrage it appeared designed to provoke. His subsequent reiteration in the Tamil Nadu Assembly that Sanatana Dharma “must certainly be abolished” suggested his penchant for manufacturing controversies and dominating headlines. This is especially disappointing because Tamil Nadu has long prided itself on an intellectually rigorous political culture. The state’s public discourse has produced formidable debaters, social reformers and administrators capable of combining ideological conviction with rhetorical sophistication. Now it seems that dynastic entitlement has become a substitute for political maturity. The burden on second-generation leaders is heavier precisely because inherited prominence invites heightened scrutiny. Every careless phrase reinforces the suspicion that public office has become less about public service than permanent performance. India’s politics already suffers from performative outrage and collapsing standards of public debate. It needs fewer provocateurs and more statesmen. Until politicians understand that distinction, the coarsening of democratic discourse will continue, regardless of which party occupies the treasury benches or the opposition front row.

The Changing Face of Education in India

Education is no longer limited to textbooks, with students gaining access to vast knowledge through digital platforms and online learning.

The Indian education system has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. From traditional gurukul-based learning to a highly structured, policy-driven, and technology-enabled system, the journey reflects India’s social, economic, and cultural evolution. Education has played a central role in shaping generations of learners, adapting continuously to the changing needs of society and the economy.


The evolution of education in India can be traced through several significant changes that have shaped learning over the decades.


In ancient India, education was primarily delivered through the gurukul system, where students lived with their teachers and learned scriptures, philosophy, mathematics, warfare, and life skills. The focus was on holistic development rather than exams or grades, with learning extending beyond academics to character-building and practical knowledge.


With the arrival of colonial rule, a formal, Western-style education system was introduced. This system emphasised the English language, standardised curriculum, and written examinations, which became the foundation of modern schooling in India.


After 1947, India focused heavily on expanding access to education. Schools and universities were established across rural and urban areas to ensure that a larger section of the population could benefit from formal learning opportunities. The aim was to improve literacy rates and build a skilled workforce for nation-building. Over time, boards like CBSE and ICSE helped standardise education across the country, creating a more uniform academic framework for students.


Policy Changes

In recent years, education has shifted towards skill-based learning, digital integration, and holistic development. A major milestone in this journey is the introduction of the National Education Policy 2020, which focuses on reducing rote learning, encouraging critical thinking and creativity, introducing vocational training at the school level, using a multilingual learning approach, and offering flexible subject choices. These reforms seek to make learning more relevant, engaging, and aligned with the needs of the modern world.


Digital learning platforms, smart classrooms, and online education have also become widely accessible, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Technology has increasingly become an important part of the learning process, both inside and outside the classroom.


Today’s students have access to vast knowledge through the internet, online courses, and global learning platforms. Education is no longer limited to textbooks, allowing learners to explore a wider range of subjects and perspectives.


Modern education encourages understanding concepts rather than memorising answers. This helps students develop analytical and problem-solving skills that are increasingly valued in higher education and the workplace.


With greater access comes increased competition. Students today often face academic pressure, performance expectations, and comparison through rankings and entrance exams.


Digital Dependency

While technology has improved learning, it has also increased screen time and reduced hands-on, real-world experiences for some learners.


There is a growing focus on skills like coding, communication, entrepreneurship, and creativity, preparing students for global careers and changing workplace demands.


Despite progress, challenges such as unequal access in rural areas, stress-related issues among students, and gaps between academic learning and industry needs still exist. Addressing these concerns remains important to ensuring that the benefits of educational development reach all sections of society.


The Indian education system has evolved from a traditional knowledge-sharing model to a modern, technology-driven and policy-guided structure. While it has significantly improved access and quality, it continues to adapt to the needs of a rapidly changing world. The modern generation stands at a unique point where opportunities are vast, but so are expectations.


(The writer is a tutor based in Thane. Views personal.)

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