Nishan Khatiwada
Politics is a dirty game? – yes, it is if played in a dirty way. Many people argue that politics and education are inseparable; they are co-related or they are inevitable for one other. Yeah, it is true somehow. Some of the true facts are- having political debates support critical thinking, being a youth everyone has to be aware of political development in the country and politics may address problems and tries to find solutions within educational system if utilized for good. Supporting the whole facts is not justifying myself completely because there comes a lot of pros and cons after digging a hole.
People arguing are only seeing from one part of the point. They give their opinions from the side of political influence in education which is just not enough. It is equally important to go through educational influence in politics for getting a conclusion.
Politics in education:
It is a pity for us that ‘Commensalism’ is used for the analysis of politics in education. Political impact on education should not be a commensalism- it is good theory indeed but looking practically in Nepal or in many parts of the world politics in education is just upgrading and benefiting politics and political people meanwhile education remains as it is. Despite many political changes, a few educational changes are seen. And the students engaged in a political group for the enhancement of educational system or simply for something better are ruining their career and study. ‘Charity begins at home’- development starts from own self. Do a student really have to neglect his study for political activities? Is there any compelling factor? If yes, how can it misguide a student-a person with knowledge?
Bitter but truth, a student is promoted from political member to political leader and finally promoted to central politics leaving their own career and their goals and their commitments behind. And the educational system remains as it is- that’s why considered as a commensalism. Despite many weakness political activities in a university can be worthy of praising if the belief is employed rationally.
Many instances in earlier days shows political activities of students and students’ movements can result into major socio-economical, cultural and political changes in the country which may be beneficial to educational system. Movement of 2046, 2062/63 BS in Nepal, Berkeley Free Speech Movement, University uprising 1968 in America, Apartheid divestment 1970-80s in South Africa, Velvet Revolution 1989 in Prague are some of them.
Education in politics:
Generally, this is the topic which is not seen by common eyes. A misguidance deep rooted in the society that politicians needn’t be educated. I asked my village people and they came up with many surprise questions as if I told something beyond their belief; something new. This reflects the ignorant condition of many of our people.
All the fields need a certain qualification. Then why not a politician? I think it is a need. Educated politicians/leaders want people to be educated and educated people prefer educated leaders. This is the correlation. We cant deny that educated citizens are better voters and more educated societies make more accountable government. It goes in cycle resulting in development of different sectors and overall development of the country. It is proved from the fact that most of the developed nations of the world have both the public and political leaders educated and qualified.
And again, here comes sad truth. Especially in the third world countries educational influence in politics is not significantly prevailing. Many of the leaders and policy makers are without basic qualification sometimes even not secondary level. This trend of unqualified and uneducated holding positions in politics and governing bodies is really discouraging. A distraction comes in mind of every people generally students that they can be leader, they can earn money and live a prosperous life without education- why to study? Do not read, involve in politics and earn your living without any difficulties. These thoughts are deviating them from right path.
How can an uneducated education minister encourage others to give priority on education? It is not that easy. How can a health minister take proper actions to stop an epidemic if he/she knows nothing about a disease? It is a very sensitive issue and a very crucial matter to realize.
It is lot easier for members of governing body or different sectors of development having a depth knowledge and education in their particular field to make, amend and implement different ideas for the development of a country. Education in politics is an appropriate topic for discussion in today world.
writer – Nishan Khatiwada is currently studying BA journalism and mass communication at RR campus.
