Why Educated Indians Do Not Revolt Against Ill-Informed Political Rule
India, despite its great educational system, faces a significant challenge in terms of its populace's willingness to revolt against the government's inconsistencies and inaccuracies.
Twisting National History and Values
India is a country where the majority of people, regardless of their educational background, take pride in fighting against the notion of being backward. This was aptly highlighted by an incident involving a student and his teacher, which was later captured by Infosys' insights.
The story goes that a teacher asked a student whether he wanted to be a hero or a villain. Surprisingly, the student chose to be a villain because he believed that a villain gets to enjoy the entire movie and only faces punishment at the end, whereas a hero endures hardship until he achieves success. This analogy perfectly encapsulates the mindset that politicians manipulate through their skewed interpretations of history, culture, and societal values.
Unveiling the Tragedy of Indian Education
Irrespective of the amount of education one has received in India, it often fails to instill critical thinking and practical skills. The Indian education system primarily focuses on high marks and grades, leaving little room for practical intelligence and wisdom.
Education certificates in India are often used as a means of self-promotion, displayed proudly on marriage invitations or social media posts. Many graduates, even those with advanced degrees, struggle to secure jobs in their respective fields, instead finding themselves in BPOs or other low-paying jobs.
Wasting Time vs. Using Technology Wisely
The usage of social media platforms showcases the dichotomy between the educated and the practical in India. For instance, statistics reveal a stark contrast in the engagement on different social networks.
For instance, India's WhatsApp and Facebook users number in the hundreds of millions, each boasting over 200 million and 241 million users, respectively. Quora, a platform for knowledge, has an impressive following, with over 382,000 contributors, while Twitter, a platform for voice and engagement, has only 22.2 million users. This disparity illustrates how Indians are spending significant time on platforms that offer little to no educational or practical value.
To Raise a Voice and Invoke Change
The real challenge lies in equipping the educated with both practical intelligence and critical thinking abilities. Even if these individuals have higher degrees, the education system often fails to foster these essential skills.
However, when those with practical intelligence and wisdom use social media effectively, such as on Quora and Twitter, they can raise meaningful revolutions. For example, if the 20 crore users of WhatsApp and Facebook were to join the more engaged network of Indian Quora and Twitter users, it could lead to a significant collective action and voice.
Thus, the key to meaningful change in India lies not just in education but in cultivating a generation of intellects who can critically analyze and engage with their reality. Until then, the illusion of education will continue to mask the need for practical and informed action.