Bhopal: Education reformist Sonam Wangchuk questioned the type of nationalism that is being displayed across the nation. He said that singing national anthem in cinema halls is very patriotic but questioned deeds once one comes out of the cinema hall.
Wangchuk, whose story inspired Amir Khan’s character, Phunsukh Wangdu in 3 Idiots, was the key speaker on first day of IAS Officers Association meet on Friday at Minto Hall. He spoke on the theme- Making India great: Views of its remotest citizen. He drew upon various contrasts that exists between Chinese and Indian society and cautioned that this may also wrongly lead people to think that dictatorial style (China) of government is better than the democracy, he added.
He said, it has to be understood in terms of the output an individual makes for the society by doing ones work honestly and silently.” “If you are not discharging your duties honestly you can call yourself an agent of China,” said Wangchuk. There are two types of soldiers – one who are posted at borders and defending nation and others like us that free our nation from problems like illiteracy, malnutrition etc.
‘IAS officers’ & ministers’ children don’t study in govt schools’
Talking on education system, Wangchuk said that here those people take decision (read IAS officials) who doesn’t have any stake in it while the stakeholders do not have any say. ‘Children of IAS officers and ministers do not study in government schools and they take all the decisions while the parents whose children are in government schools- are not paid heed by anyone,’ said the education reformist. He emphasised that government schools should be promoted and children of all politicians and officers should study in them. He gave example of Bhutan where children of the royal family studied in government school that changed the education system in Bhutan.
Wangchuk also attacked the ‘English style education system’ where priority is given to a foreign language while mother tongue is being looked down upon. No education leads to riots in countries therefore education should always be on the top priority of any government. Commissioner, School education, Jaishri Kiyawat took the opportunity to appeal to all collectors and commissioners that after the inspiring speech of Wangchuk now all officers should keep education on their top priority.
‘What makes god happy?’
China (communist) does not believe in any God but its productivity is three times that of India whereas we are nationalist and religious. Teachers do not reach school on time, malnourishment is high, infant deaths and maternal deaths also are too high- if we are really religious and nationalist then these problems should have vanished by now, said Wangchuk. It’s time to redefine nationalism and religion, he added. “I really wonder, what makes God happy- our deeds or those who do not believe in God,” said Wangchuk.
Misplaced nationalism
Addressing the IAS officers, he said, “Once we step out of cinema hall we don’t forget it and ignore our duties. If we are so nationalistic then why is our national carrier BSNL undergoing loss. Why is Air-India on the verge of being sold? Ours is a case of misplaced nationalism,” said Wangchuk.