In Goa since last one year, BBSM is putting forth their views on MoI at Primary level forcibly. English supporters are misinterpreting their views and trying to give communal color to their views. Beneficiary of Congress government’s decision of 2011 i.e. Diocesan Society of Education (DSE) is keeping quiet on the issue. It appears that they don’t have any valid argument against the views of BBSM. I give herewith my views on the issue which may be considered by either side.
Government should immediately form Academy Authority propounded under RTE Act 2009 to decide on the issue. Parrikar had formed Advisory Council under his chairmanship on the issue in 2012. However, he kept the report of the council in suspense for reasons best known to him. Report of the Authority should be made public within three months and should be binding on both sides.
BBSM has not opposed to English medium at High School and College level. Members of BBSM are not members of BJP or RSS. So giving communal / political color to MoI is baseless.
BBSM has not denied universality of English language. Writing again and again on the said fact in newspapers is waste of time and energy.
Child’s grasping power can understand and pick up various topics and concepts taught at pre-primary and primary level in mother tongue. If foundation of a child is strong, then his future education can be enjoyable and sound.
Because parents want their children to study in English primary medium, government should give grants to such schools. By this logic, why government should make laws or rules to monitor or ban things such as liquor / tobacco consumption, casino, matka, prostitution, dance bars, etc., which are not good for morality and health of society. Many people want such things to operate openly in the society without government regulations. Can government do so?
If BJP / RSS is saffronising education, then one can say that Bishop /DSE is Christianizing / Westernizing education detaching children from Indian culture and making them materialistic and immoral.
Parrikar’s worry about 29000 students is false. What happened to students future in 1990 when DSE changed MoI to Konkani to avail government grants and changed again to English in 2011. “Where there is a will there is a way.”
After 67 years of Indian independence reservation has motivated other financially well off communities in India to ask for it. e.g. Patels, Jats, Marathas, Bhandaris, etc., it is generations hatred amongst the youngsters of India. Similarly minority status in educated enlightened state of Goa will create atmosphere of discrimination and hatred amongst the people of the State in the long run. If 35% Christians want minority status in Goa, then miniscule Hindus / Muslims should be given minority status and preferential concessions in USA, Europe, Australia. Legal luminaries should not only quote legal and constitutional provisions and mock at patriotism of BBSM and RSS. They should also listen to what academic experts say.
So for God’s sake, bury the concepts of minority, majority, backward, forward, rich, poor, etc., and look at MoI from the future and sound development of children as responsible and cultured citizens.
