Decent and pure political activism need of the hour

N. U. Abdul Razzak

"No man is an island unto himself". This axiom underscores that man being the social animal badly needs the company of his kith and kin for his successful survival.

Before touching upon the heading of the debate whether the political activism should be practised or not in our universities, I feel it is pertinent to know about the true opportunity we, Sri Lankans have got to pursue the career in a university in Sri Lanka completely free of charge.

Indeed, Sri Lanka is one of the handful of countries which provides free education from Grade 1 to the university. Therefore we Sri Lankans should be greatly and immensely indebted to all our past leaders who worked for this inherent right in general and the father of Free Education late C.W.W. Kannagara in particular for his relentless and untiring efforts which have brought about this coveted treasure to every citizen of this isle.

My little experience in the Maldives, Pakistan and some other countries has made me realise that Sri Lanka is far ahead of most of the countries in terms of Education. Our quality, standard and facilities are second to none. I mean Sri Lanka is a paradise not only for living but also for getting good education.

There can be better infrastructure in the schools of America, England and so on. But the quality and the entirety of covering the whole nation for free education are salient features which place this island well elevated over others. Today, this nation has got 15 universities in different parts of the country.

All of them entertain students who come off with flying colours in their A.L. examination. Merit is the only yardstick which decides the entrance of students. So it is apparent that hard work is the passport to enter this new world which would ensure prosperity to the achievers.

The situation in other countries is quite different. Money can ensure a degree in many universities abroad.

Private universities frown upon the quality given in such as ours. Unfortunately, we face a different problem in our universities. Look at the scenario at our campuses.

Clashes between rival groups are not news. Thuggery and intimidation let no one come out with their opinions. Thousands are forced to put up with the unwanted theories thrust upon by so called student leaders.

Ragging has reared its ugly head from Peradeniya to Jaffna. With this background, can anyone dare say that political activism should be practised in our universities? Yes, your response can be an instant "no" but we as a citizens of a democratic country should not jump into this conclusion as students go to universities to learn a lot of things rather than just getting the book knowledge.

Personality development, enhancing creativity, leadership training, sharing opinions and preparation of oneself for the social service and getting training to take the leading roles in the various departments of public and private sectors of this nation.

For this, we certainly need to practise politics. So it is crystal clear by sharing our opinions and pointing out the weaknesses of the opinions of others we can build a perfect world for a better living. So it is obvious pure and decent political activism is the need of the hour.

As a matter of fact, universities can be considered as the nursery for the growth, maturity and development of personality of the youth of this nation. Look at the history of leaders of the world who got a proper training in the universities.

The calibre of S.W.R.D.Bandaranaike, the first Prime Minister of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

The great poet Allama Iqbal, Communist leader Colvin R de Silva former Defence Minister Lalith Athulath Mudali, Father of Revolution Che Guevara, Advocate G.G.Ponnambalam, Dr.M.C.M.Kaleel, Imran Khan, Rohana Wijeweera and those who brought name and fame in their respective fields due to the great learning have gone to many prestigious universities across the globe.

Therefore it is obvious that political activism should be properly added in the agenda of the universities. Definitely our undergraduates will find the university a place where they can get their rough edges polished.

Besides these benefits, practice of politics in a university can ensure the freedom of expression and the rights of the common masses. Equality and fair play can get their right place with active politics in our varsities.

However, undergraduates should not hate the rival opinions. Language, Religion and other differences should not create divisions among the undergraduates. So let us practise decent politics which cause harm to none.

Mobiles: A Necessary Evil?

We have had a huge response to our topic 'Is Political Activism Permissible in Universities ?. This is one of the burning problems facing the country as politics seem to have taken over education at universities.

While some thought that political activism should flourish in universities, others disagreed. Some were of the opinion that politics should be banished altogether from these hallowed seats of learning.

Again, it is a question of democracy. Such steps may not be practical in a country that values the freedom of expression. Unlike school students, university students are adults who are supposed to have a broad understanding of politics and the world around them.

But where do we draw the line? Politics sometimes practically invade the universities, disrupting lectures and studies. Students have been killed as a result of rivalry among student unions affiliated to various political parties. It is indeed a topic that should be given serious thought by educationists and the public.

Now we move on to our topic for December. Seven million Sri Lankans carry them already and thousands more join them every day. The ubiquitous cell phone or the mobile has become a 'must-have' accessory for most people. Even schoolchildren and grandmothers flaunt them.

They have proliferated to the extent of becoming a menace. There is not a quiet place any more.

Enjoying a dinner in a cosy restaurant in peace is next to impossible as the person at the next table yells the details of his dog's breakfast into his handset.

The best line in the movie is rudely interrupted by a crass ringtone. Hello? Haven't they heard about the silent mode ? Your car is rammed from behind by a driver who is deeply engrossed not in driving but in conversation with some unseen individual over the ether.

Your phone is inundated with SMS messages from people you have never heard of. Cellphone etiquette? Whoever heard of such a thing?

Does one need to hug the phone always?

The mobile has its uses but should it practically take over our lives ? Should we use it in a manner that drives others round the bend ? Is a cell phone really necessary for your child in Grade Six ?

Write to us on the topic Mobiles: A Necessary Evil? using 750-1000 words to Daily News Debate, 35, D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10 or email [email protected] on or before December 18, 2007.

Being disciplined students of politics

Miran Perera

Three themes require to be addressed when one plans the future of university education in our country as was done before. They are constant values and changing priorities, universities and the knowledge societies, university governance, funding and the stakeholder society.

Clearly the triple themes of institutions, of students and of knowledge has had deep and abiding consequences for the place of the university in society. It has had equally far reaching effects on the tasks which society and its representatives expect the university to meet and to fulfil.

As the preamble to the International Association of Universities constitution stated 50 years ago, universities have a 'high responsibility as guardians of the intellectual life and they stand for certain fundamental principles.

The right to pursue knowledge for its own sake and to follow where ever the search for truth may lead as well as the tolerance of divergent opinion and freedom from political interference.

The university is a community. A community and its relationships require mutual respect giving all components a stake and accountability by all. In such a community it is very difficult for one component to burn it down instead of seeking dialogue to douse the fire.

Indeed in our own personal lives when we have a relationship and there is a dispute we would seek dialogue and try to rectify all the misunderstandings. On the other hand when we have dispute with someone for whom we have little respect it is easier to explode and throw away the relationship.

The above has much in common between many disputes among students of many universities and their tutorial staffs.

Free education is based on two basic principles, firstly the principle of equality which the student movement is always committed to protect and secondly the principle of quality which both the student activists and the relevant state authorities have ignored for all these past years.

Ironically in some cases in the past the quality of education has been neglected in order to ensure the principle of equality.

The university is the highest seat of learning and universities must be set up after careful thought and study so that they maintain standards and quality of education.

They require up to date resources and qualified well trained teaching staff and both students and staff with commitment to maintain and develop the university. To this machination university student politics play a major role.

There is a general train of thought that without the influence of a government minister or a Member of Parliament from the governing group one cannot expect a job in government service.

There is also the belief that the ruling party will only consider giving employment to those supporters who tirelessly worked to bring them to power. It is therefore fair to accept that those entering universities are importantly very much aware of the need to be supporters of the party which could mould and facilitate their future.

Whatever they call themselves or are identified as by their opponents whether their brand name is leftist, Right wing or independent the student factions are displaying a lack of respect and tolerance towards the opinions of opponents. Going through the history of student politics in Sri Lankan societies someone may find that this inspiring section of local politics has brought out a paradox.

Of course there are a number of gains the student activists have won usually after endless demands, demonstrations and street protests. There may be political parties or politicians trying to influence the future intellectuals of the country based on the belief that many of ordinary citizens could be thus influenced.

In reciprocation the students of universities may doubt that without political support and affiliation they would not be accepted for Government jobs.

All university students must be disciplined and should learn the art of politics as students. This could give politics the respect it deserves, and not to seek violence and discredit its mere name.

At universities politics should be practised as a democratic or an alternate process as a method of election, representation and student management but not as a party priority or divisive rivalry between all factions.

Rivalry is naturally common but establishing student unions democratically will teach all students the importance of democracy and peaceful co-existence. There is a fallacy of thought that only those who have been to universities later become political leaders and others of social importance.

We must remember that there were many leaders of our nation who had not attended universities. But it does not mean that the future leaders of our nation should not necessarily have had a university or other higher qualification.

Student unions meant for student welfare

Wider and higher educational opportunities are a must for the human resource development of the nation but any one who believes in social democracy should be glad to know that higher educational institutions such as our universities have helped thousands of young people with no capital to invest on their own to climb up the social and political ladder.

Student politics are mainly aimed at the well-being of free education while some aspect of student politics mainly because of ideological flaws have posed a challenge to the quality of education.

Free education is based on two basic principles firstly the principle of equality which the student movement is always committed to protect and secondly the principle of quality which both the student activists and the relevant state authorities have ignored for all these past years.

Ironically in some cases in the past the quality of education has been neglected in order to ensure the principle of equality.

The universities themselves are undergoing change to face new educational opportunities. It is dynamic, its definition itself and purpose are being modified, the shape, size and structure of the higher education system is undergoing change. So also the teaching-learning process.

The university makes a wider contribution to society and to national development and the university has formal linkages with industry and commerce. The funding sources of the university are broader than state funding alone.

Universities assert that they are engaged in educating political and other leaders for the nation. Almost all universities have their own students unions democratically established. Unfortunately these student unions are bent towards representing their political mentors rather than representing to improve their students welfare.

The aim of education should be to bring about a society of human beings who are happy physically as well as psychologically. The university is an institution capable of bringing in to being such a happy society.

University student unions therefore should aim at the welfare of their student communities and their political leanings should be used to benefit the students more and more not mere activity, dancing to the whims and fancies of political music.

At the heart of our cultural traditions both in the past and today is a thirst for knowledge and a respect for learning not to hide behind higher political patronage and use their political leanings to further their cause in advancing up the ladder of employment which could be done after finishing one's education.

Before university reforms if there are any, are implemented they should be subjected to wider discussions which would attract a wide range of opinions. But with totalitarianism rising in student politics the very nature of free discussions has been challenged.

Unless all interested parties including student activists are committed to restore a more tolerant atmosphere and work on a more practical basis future undergraduates will face the very same problems which their predecessors faced over the years.

The question which should be posed is whether student unions and their elected officials has the ability and organisational strength for the proper welfare of their students without taking to political leanings? Or student populations in many of our universities elect their preference to the unions specially on political preferences? The unions themselves could be of strength if they included many of varied political ideologies.

Sadly politics in universities has brought about violence and even death which should not be condoned. Violence and death among university students thought as an unfortunate result of their unions activity in providing a better welfare for the students is difficult to believe.

Perhaps hiding behind these unions may be political parties or members who want to further their cause by impressing the public and the easily impressionable young students in colleges around the country.

Learning may bring about an external polish and an externally good demeanour but it will not bring about in a person human qualities such as kindness and compassion.