I read three editorials today in favour of free and compulsory State education. The Economic Times was gushing in its praise, saying that this is “indeed historic.” Ditto the ToI. And the Express. The same State that cannot cultivate a field is going to cultivate minds. These editors are unabashedly Reichwing; they are étatists. They believe in central planning, central banking and centrally directed education. They are doing the cause of Truth great harm. Their ideas will also cause harm to millions of poor Indian kids.
That said, let us turn to something pleasant: Thanks to Chandra, we have the link to an interview with Maharani Gayatri Devi. She talks about the Swatantra Party and Rajaji, about Nehru, about Indira Gandhi, and her stint in jail during the Emergency. Do read it here. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
And now let us turn to the ugly face of reality: An indefinite curfew has been imposed on Imphal in Manipur; shoot-at-sight orders have been issued. It seems the State’s soldiers murdered a reformed militant in cold blood.
Now, Manipur is a state that has been declared a “disturbed area” since the 50s, when the Armed Forces Special Powers Act was imposed there.
Read this detailed story with exclusive photographs.
In the meantime, Pakistan has supported the idea of an independent Kashmir.
All these étatist editors will soon be seen lambasting the idea.
I was in Srinagar, Kashmir, some years ago on a lecture tour. There is an armed soldier every 5 yards. Traffic roundabouts are all concrete military bunkers. There are slits with guns sticking out of them. “Mera Bharat Mahaan” is emblazoned on top. This is not “civil government.” This is “military occupation.”
And so is the case with Manipur.
Incidentally, Manipur is famous for its ganja. In a free world, the people would prosper.
Kashmiri hash is famous too – and I smoked some while I was there.
Liberty, not State education.
Roads, not State education.
Peace, not State education.
Manipur is famous for the ganja :-) My buddy icon was clicked near a pond back home. It's original, fresh plant.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link of Gayatri Devi's interview. Swatantra party and Rajaji probably had some great ideas for free India. But this is the problem with freedom: people think it's elitist. And when somebody who's privileged like the Maharani talks about free markets, people think it's for only rich people and the poor needs controlled markets and state dole. It's a paradox that free markets help poor people more but the fact is very hard to understand --not just to lay men-- but everyone. And the state education does not help. Like Orwell said, -- I am paraphrasing here -- when the language itself is ruined, the thinking also follows. Although you may be optimistic about India turning a corner some time in the future, I've given up hope. Socialism will be entrenched even more, we have lost two generations already to it. People with sense will leave the country, go to freer places, but they do not realize they are freer than they were. They just think that only if socialism can be implemented by just the right people or honest people, or able people, all will be good. Facts do not change their opinions.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog though! Would love to meet you if I get a chance.
That's a very good point Ravi.
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