EDUCATED YOUTH NEED NOT DISRUPT WORK
THROUGH STRIKES
Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, Anantapur Campus
On either sides of the women’s campus of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher
Learning at Anantapur, there are two prominent educational institutions. Once
the students of these two educational institutions went on strike as a part of
a national level agitation and persisted that the students at the Anantapur
Campus should also join the strike. The students of the Sai Institute Campus
courteously but firmly refused to comply with their demand. But the boys
demanded that the union leader of the girl students come for discussion. On
persistence, one of the girl students (deputed by the Principal of the Campus
as spokesperson for this purpose) was sent to talk to them on behalf of the
students. The girl student replied that there was neither a union nor a union
leader. The girls and the boys stood on either side of the campus main gate.
She probed with them the reason for their coming and also the purpose of the
agitation. They explained the reason for their arrival but failed to precisely
cite the motive and rationale of the strike. Then it was the turn of the girl
student to educate them. She questioned them about the purpose of education and
the loss they incur by going on strike. She explained that exams would get
postponed and later even their further studies would get affected; money would
be wasted; and above all they would get a bad name. “After all what benefit are
you people going to get?” she asked. She said, “If you can give convincing
answers to all the foregoing questions, then we too would join the strike.” She
returned, as the leader of the group left the place under compunction. Then the
other (outside) students began introspection among themselves. It all got into
full swing when a boy immolated himself as a part of a nation-wide student
agitation at a demonstration in the national capital during the early 1990s.
Actually he started it casually, but it turned out to be serious owing to
political compulsions. Whose mistake is that? It is not the mistake of that
boy, but that of the social, political and the academic environment prevailing
in the country.
Social dissensions prevailing in the society should be amicably sorted out
through mutual love and harmony. People should not create split in the society
and among various groups along various lines out of vested interests. Who will
get a bad name because of all this? India will get a bad name at the global
level. The educated people always hanker after money and power even though the
future of India lies in the hands of educated youth. If the students also go
off the track, the country will encounter unpredictable consequences. After
all, being the children of this country (India), how can we tolerate this? We
should not allow a section of the population of the country or geographical
regions to remain at the bottom of the pyramid. It sounds uncomfortable, but
owing to pecuniary attractions and certain other favourable consequences;
industrial units, geographical areas and sections of certain groups compete to
be recognised as sick or backward. The word ‘backward’ presents an appalling
picture of India and in addressing ourselves as such; Bharatiyas are belittling
our country among the comity of nations.
Students should stick to Indian ideals and espouse them by personal example. In
every aspect of your life, it is you who have to face the challenges. All the
students are on the spiritual path. Students from other institutions may make
fun of your beliefs. But you should be able to tell them that God is there for
you and He is your eternal shield.
Source: Total Quality Management: Insights from Ancient Indian Wisdom, Chapter
20, Man Management: A Values-Based Management Perspective – Based on the
Discourses of Sri Sathya Sai Baba
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