Deccan Herald
Mangalore, Jul 19: We have a number of problems in our society. But have you personally done anything to solve them? The question is too obvious but not many can answer it satisfactorily.
When some students of Sri Venkataramana Swamy College in Bantwal were asked the same question, they were perplexed in the beginning, but were back with solid opinions within no time.
It was a session on ‘Holding a mirror to the society’ held as part of the seminar on ‘True Education’ envisioned by a Trustee of the College, Bhami Venkataramana Shenoy.
The select participants, mostly girls came out with their experiences and opinions regarding a variety of social issues like child labour, dowry, female foeticide, untouchability and gender bias.
They were united in the opinion that ‘casteism’ is the most important factor that pulls India backward in development. The initial hiccups were overcome by enthusiasm in discussing one of the most indirectly discussed topics in present day India.
Some participants felt that the idea of caste is inculcated in the minds of the children by the parents and their background and that reservation is stopping merited people from coming into power.
They blamed the system of entering one’s caste name wherever one has to fill a form and flayed the casteist division of Bantwal town. They even had an opinion that the organisations in the name of caste are not actually promoting the development of the caste, but splitting the society on it.
A discussion on politics and the bad effects of it ended up in one student deciding to contest in the next Panchayat elections and Shenoy offering to bear her canvassing expenses. “It is easy to say politics is bad. Shouldn’t someone enter it and try to cleanse it?” she asked determined.
The participants have taken a wow not to give or take dowry and lend their bit in eliminating any of the above mentioned social problems.
The five week long seminar with three hour sessions every week will conclude on July 21. It is designed and conducted by Shenoy with a view to teach the students the art of questioning and thinking.
He wants to inculcate in them an urge to learn new things. The participants have been chosen from various sections of the society based on their social and educational background.
Apart from the selected students from 2nd and 3rd year degree classes, the co-ordinator of the seminar Prof Premalatha Pai, some other faculty members and Prof Madhusudhan from Sri Bhuvanendra College in Karkala participated in the discussions. Prof Madhusudhan came as an observer and intends to conduct a similar programme back in Karkala.