"We ask the friends of Indian Universities to favour us with a single
example of the truth of their theory from the instances which have
already fallen within the scope of their experience.They have educated
many children of wealthy men and have been the means of advancing very
materially the worldly prospects of some of their pupils. But what
contribution have these made to great work of regenerating their
fellowmen? How have they begun to act upon the masses? Have any of them
formed classes at their own homes or elsewhere, for the instruction of
their less fortunate or less wise countrymen? Or have they kept their
knowledge to themselves, as a personal gift, not to be soiled by contact
with the ignorant vulgar? Have they in any way shown themselves anxious
to advance the general interests and repay the philanthropy with
patriotism? Upon what grounds is it asserted that the best way to
advance the moral and intellectual welfare of the people is to raise the
standard of instruction among the higher class?"
The above is an excerpt from Jotirao Phule's writings way back in 1882. I ask myself being a member of India's elite, a part of the creme, a chosen one per se; how much have I done, to contribute to the progress of the rural class? Or to India in general? Working in a corporate firm, sitting behind a desk, what is my contribution to society?
Born and brought up in South Calcutta, I have seen the poor. I have seen their daily struggle, their pitiful existence; while I jogged down the road from my comfortable two bedroomed apartment to a carpool service which would take me to a school where hardly a few were even granted admission. What's there to say that somebody living across the street from my home, in one of those tiny bamboo huts , would not have done as well as me (if not better) given the same opportunities.
Jotirao Phule, Rammohan Ray, Syed Ahmad Khan all recognized the importance of education. Jotirao Phule particularly desired that the upper class benefit the country's deprived souls more directly as his writings have echoed. In 1882.
We need to wake up.
Hypocrite out.
