Students And Politics

      It has been argued endlessly whether students should take part in politics. It has also been argued that students represent the most important part of the population, and since politics is the most important factor, they should have a share in the politics of their native land. This view is illogical. The student is not of the proper age, and thus they do not have the necessary experience. Hence they cannot effectively participate in politics.

      The youth, in fact, is ignorant, inexperienced, immature, emotional and irresponsible. It is not suited to the grave person’s tasks of practical life. The value of youth to a country lies not in what it is, but in what it may become. Its primary duty is to get knowledge, experience and culture, and develop into the citizenship of the future.

      It is true that education cannot be cut off from the study of politics. So students may read and discuss politics freely. But a line must be drawn there. They should never forget that the period of education is a period of development and preparation for life. During this period, a boy or girl has to obtain knowledge and experience, and be fit enough to occupy a place in the social structure.

      School and college students are incapable of talking and active and intelligent part in the politics of their country. They are ill-informed and not much interested in current problems. Participation in politics requires aptitude, ability and talent, information, wisdom and experience. Students do not have this equipment. Moreover, education demands full time devotion. It should not be disturbed by active politics.

      Today, a sad confusion has been made between participation in politics, and neglect of studies, and open defiance of rules and regulations. As a result, students have turned into the playthings of political parties. Serious irresponsibility and indiscipline have got into schools and colleges. No institution or organization can function properly without a sense of responsibility and discipline on the part of its members. Violent agitation does more evil than good. What the Indian students need today is a complete holiday from politics, and wholehearted attention to education. Students have right to see that their interests do not suffer. But this is something very different from political rowdiness. In the field of education all activities must be reasonable and constructive