Where are we heading?

Kerala is having an unprecedented strike. Being a political issue, we have so far refrained from commenting on this. But as many have pointed out in various forums and newspapers, SSLC Examinations have been adversely to be affected. Above all, February is a month when a lot of syllabus is covered in Kerala Schools prior to the examination in March.

Almost a 100 years ago, Guru called for "Progress through Education". Guru also called for changes in the society without spreading hatred or animosity against anyone. In this regard, Guru had only one equal in history - Lord Budha. No one has ever pointed fingers at Guru's message or the 'modus operandi'. Guru like Budha, had "bodhodaya" and was beyond any religion or caste. Narayana Guru was for English education as well as industrialization of the state. In this regard, Guru was far ahead of any religious leader in this millennium.

Ezhavas had only 8% literacy in 1901. Today the whole state 'boast' of 100% literacy. Are we worthy of this?

Schools have been closed for more than three weeks now. No one seems to be bothered about the education. The freedom we gained, not just political, but clutural, social and economic seems to be misused in totto!

Guruforum is least interested in the details of the demands of the employees and the explanation Govt is giving. But we know one thing - the strike affects the poor, the strike affects the basic education of the working class and the downtrodden. The rich hav access to books, libraries and even internet today. Their children can pass the SSLC even without going to the schools. We oppose anything which affects the welfare of the downtrodden. We have to oppose the strike. At the same time, we have an elected Govt which has failed in enforcing the right of the poor students. Govt has shown no responsibility or power. It is a paper Govt. We don't need a paper Govt. If the Govt cannot enforce law and order, if the Govt cannot force the employees to come to work, we don't need a Govt.

Guruforum regrets that we had to take this attitude. Kerala though 100% literate is still far backward in many areas. In industrial production and progress we are far behind even Asian countries like Malaysia, Singapore and Viet Nam today, not to talk about South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China and Japan. The state cannot just live on imported Gulf Money. Unless people and intellectuals pull their belts tighter, we are afraid to say that the state is heading for anarchy and disaster!