http://www.bangaloremirror.com/article/10/20100815201008150108087558f651ade/Rahul-makes-headway-in-BJP%E2%80%99s-hotbed.html
Rahul makes headway in BJP’s hotbed Initiates a raging debate among students of Basavanagudi National College about the reservation system and discrimination against Dalits, and walks away, but not before casting a magical spell on the students niranjan.kagg...@timesgroup.com Posted On Sunday, August 15, 2010 at 01:08:08 AM >From time immemorial, Basavanagudi has always been a strong bastion of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). But on Saturday, a different scene unfolded with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi winning an hour-long debate with the students of the prestigious Basavanagudi National College. Banking on his ability to convince people with his logical aptitude, Rahul not only cast a magical spell on the students but successfully made headway in the BJP's hot bed. Converting a question on reservation and discrimination against Dalits into an interesting debate, Rahul unfolded his agenda of politics and development before the youth brigade of IT city. Though the interaction was initially meant to be a question and answer session, it took the form of a debate with both Rahul and the students showing a keen interest in the subject. Although the student body was divided in its opinion, Rahul concluded the debate by convincing one and all about the reality of discrimination towards dalits in the country. It all started with a discussion about improving the education system in the country. Several teachers in the audience suggested that quality of our teachers needs to be improved. Rahul shot back saying, "Why do you think that we should focus on improving the quality of our teaching fraternity? Are not they qualified enough to bring about change? Replying to Rahul's question, a lecturer said, "Teaching has almost become a last resort for the unemployed youth. It is only the leftovers who end up teaching. We should change this equation." Now it was the turn of Rahul to reply, but instead, he threw the question back at the students. Surprising many, a student suggested, "Sir, we should eradicate cast-based reservation in the country. Because of this, the eligible are being denied a fair chance. The student's comment set the tone for the next round of the debate. Here are a few excerpts: Rahul: Do you think Dalits in India are subjected to discrimination? Do you think the lower castes are still discriminated against? Students: No Rahul: Then, it only means that you have not been exposed to village-life in India. All of you need not agree with the fact. But even if 10 people among you agree that discrimination still exists, then it is a big problem in this country. Students: Everyone has been given a chance. In fact, Dalits have been given more chances to prove themselves. Rahul: Tell me, what is the percentage of dalits/backward class people in our country? Students: 30%, more than 50%, nearly 70%. Rahul: You are putting it at 70 per cent. Tell me, how many of you belong to the SC, ST and OBC here? (Obviously, Rahul was expecting it to be more than 50 per cent). Students: Very few belonging to the SC, ST and OBC divisions raised their hands. Rahul: Going by the mandate in this hall, do you not think a majority of Dalits have not got a chance to be represented here? Students: Loud noise and applause Rahul: Tell me, how many of you belong to the GM category in this hall? Students: 90 per cent of the students raised their hands. Rahul: Look, this itself is a testimony to the fact. There should have been 70 per cent SCs, STs in the audience. This clearly shows that discrimination against Dalits in this country is a reality. I hope you agree with me. Student: Sir, I do not agree with your argument. Rahul: Madam, you might not agree with me. Tomorrow, if you insist that the Sun will not rise, will it cease to rise? In the same way, discrimination is a reality and a fact. We all have to accept it. I will take you to the villages and show you how our Dalits are discriminated against. Students: Applaud in unision. ------------------------------------ ---- INFORMATION OVERLOAD? Get all ZESTCaste mails sent out in a span of 24 hours in a single mail. Subscribe to the daily digest version by sending a blank mail to zestmedia-dig...@yahoogroups.com, OR, if you have a Yahoo! Id, change your settings at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ZESTMedia/join/ PARTICIPATE:- On this list you can share caste news, discuss caste issues and network with like-minded anti-caste people from across India and the world. Just write to zestcaste@yahoogroups.com TELL FRIENDS TO SIGN UP:- If you got this mail as a forward, subscribe to ZESTCaste by sending a blank mail to zestcaste-subscr...@yahoogroups.com OR, if you have a Yahoo! ID, by visiting http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ZESTCaste/join/ Also have a look at our sister list, ZESTMedia: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ZESTMedia/Yahoo! 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