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Learning |
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Learning |
| A learning experience T hrough Khoj, a secular education programme work ing in Bombay schools for over four years, I was invited to speak to 11 and 12 year olds, and more importantly, be available to answer questions that they may raise. Last July, an incident of police firing on an unruly mob had resulted in the death of ten persons. Some school children wanted to know why such things happened. Talking to them and answering their questions was an experience not easy to forget. It was touching to note their concern for human life. They understood that a mob indulging in violence and causing damage to property had to be controlled, but could that not be done without causing loss of life ? Why could not tear gas or rubber bullets or water canons be used to disperse the crowd? My explanation that sometimes these techniques did not work and are ineffective, was just not acceptable to them. Why was the police corrupt? Why are policemen in general rude? Why are they fat and always chewing pan ? Why do they ignore one traffic offender and harass another? Why should foolishness on someone’s part cause such a violent reaction, even death, they asked? Was that fair conduct from the police? The level of awareness of these kids — who were from grades VI to VII, and the range of their questions — was amazing, reflecting very alert and perceptive minds capable of asking pertinent questions and demanding convincing answers. Why should the foolishness of one person cause such a violent reaction on the part of the police, was the question most difficult to answer. How could I explain to the innocent souls the wicked motives of those who desecrated symbols and places of worship? It was a painful thought that the recurring communal and caste violence, which has become a curse for the country, may adversely affect the thinking of those young minds. How can one prevent that? Good education, which goes beyond the text books, appears to be the only answer. An uninhibited and enlightened communication, not only between the teacher and the taught but also between those holding public offices and the citizens of tomorrow, on matters concerning society, should be made a part of the school curriculum. Satish Sahney (Satish Sahney, was formerly police commissioner, Mumbai)
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