Education and politics

by PRAVAT J GURUNG

FROM ISSUE # 153 (September 2008) | IN THIS ISSUE
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ALL IMAGES: ANUP PRAKASH BISHESTHA

At a time when the new government has formed and that a New Nepal has finally emerged, how well are the youth politically aware? What do they think? What do you think? In the last 18 years since the Jana Andolan I, Nepalis have lived through insurgency, the royal massacre, direct rule by the then king Gyanendra, Jana Andolan II and the highly unstable political parties. What is to unfold next is yet to be seen. This month WAVE discusses about politics and its effect on education. How has the instability in the country affected them and their education? Read on to know what these young, fresh college students think.

DAWA     ANUJA     ASHIM     PRAJANA     MANJANA     POOJA     MANISHA     DHIRAJ     NEELAM

Venue: Brookfeild College, Sinamangal
Participants:
Ashim Subedi, 16
Anuja Shrestha, 16
Bishestha Rimal, 16
Dawa Lama, 17
Dhiraj Shrestha, 17
Manisha Moktan, 16
Manjana Ghimire, 16
Neelam Agrawal, 17
Pooja Goyal, 16
Prajana Kayastha, 17

How well are you politically aware?
Manisha: We've been told by our parents and teachers that politics is a dirty game, hence we refrain from it.
Manjana: We are aware of the happenings but we mostly avoid it. We criticise people for flouting public property and that's about it!
Dhiraj: In terms of participation, yes, we all aren't interested but do have knowledge about it.
Neelam: I think we are deprived from this whole field which is not correct. We have to be aware.

What do you think of students' involvement in politics?
Manjana: Direct involvement is not good but we have to be politically aware and updated.
Pooja: Politics affects us in one way or the other. Students are being used and misused. So it is not good.
Dhiraj: We need to be involved but not be neck deep in it.
Ashim: We should have students wing and try out politics but not work for political parties and get influenced by them.
Anuja: Proper education on politics should be carried out but only after high school. As there is a possibility of  being used by various parties for selfish reasons.
Dawa: Why wouldn't students get involved in politics? After all, they are getting paid for it but I reckon with Pooja that we are being used and misused.
Prajana: Practicing politics is not our job therefore it's not a good idea.

Do you think we need Student's Unions?
Everyone: Yes, we do. Just a student's council is not enough.
Neelam: But the student union shouldn't practice hardcore politics and shouldn't be involved with political parties.
Manisha: We need someone to lead us and show us the way. It's very important to have a leader but the one who leads us should listen to us and then make a decision.

How have you been affected by the bandhas and chakkajams?
Bishestha: Whatever happens in the country, it's the educational institutions that get affected first. We have to give our exams at terrible circumstances and the pressure is immense.
Dawa: Because of it, not only do our exams get affected but the results are affected as well. Due to the volatility and people changing at the top with the change in government, it comes out late which forces us to join colleges for our further studies late and we loose time which is really bad!
Dhiraj: Also, we cannot finish our course on time because we already have so many national holidays and the number is still increasing. And with the strikes it gets really hard to focus on our studies.
Prajana: Donations are coming in from international donors to raise the bar for quality education but it's not really happening because of this.

How do you think we can break this chain? How can we change?
Pooja: I think our education in the field of politics is not enough. We are not fully politically aware as we need to be and it's every citizen's duty to be aware.
Prajana: Moral education and moral science should be introduced in the course so we are aware of politics and how things are run.
Dhiraj: I really think the course only will not be a big help. The youth needs to be more self-motivated. But yes, the course should be there so we get an idea of politics.

Lastly, who is your favourite politician and why?
Manjana, Dawa & Neelam: No one but we are pinning our hopes on Pushpa Kamal Dahal as of now. With their new plans and policies the country might get developed.
Ashim: My favourite politician would be B.P.Koirala because he thought of the country and its people first.
Manisha: No such favourites but if I have to choose then it's the new PM because of his presentation and policies.
Anuja: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal for his 'struggle.'
Pooja: I am in support of Pushpa Kamal Dahal too cause he belongs to our generation. He has proved himself and is in power now.
Prajana: No favourites as everyone is pulling everyone's leg all the time but in terms of ideology it would be B.P.Koirala.
Bishestha: I have no favourites because everyone makes shallow promises.
Dhiraj: I too have no favourites. For me everyone is interesting.