A
couple of days ago, I read an article in
Hindu about an IAS academy which functions from a mosque in Chennai. Makka
Masjid on the arterial Anna Salai has been running coaching classes for IAS
aspirants for over an year now. The Chief Imam of the Masjid and the founder of
the institution believes that it’s just not the Quranic teachings but securing
adequate space in the administrative structure responsible for bringing a
desirable change in the socio-economic conditions of the Muslims.
Currently
40 students are enrolled in the coaching. It is a very positive and a decision
that all must welcome.
I
truly believe that whether it’s Hindus or Muslims or any other religion or
social strata, educating the masses is the one and only way in which one can
work towards upliftment of the suppressed class.
India is one of the most religiously diverse nations in the world,
with some of the most deeply religious societies and cultures. Religion still
plays a central and definitive role in the life of many.
Temples,
Mosques and Churches are the places most often and regularly visited by the
people, no wonder that if more schools or coaching classes worked from places
like these, they would contribute to the society in a better way.
The
best thing being these places are visited by all ages, and sexes.
I
feel it is equally consequential for people to know about their rights and
duties as it is to know their Gods. It becomes all the more important in a
country like ours where most of the superstitions are enkindled from the religious
stories and fables. Wouldn’t it be a nice change to watch children learn and let
them grow up into apprehensible and rational human beings?
And
the places meant for our religious practices undeniably can also be where one
gets empowered and enlightened in the true sense. Religious education and
primary education is already being imparted in some mosques and temples but the
need of the hour is bigger, the dire need of vocational education cannot be
stretched enough. Besides these, it is also of utmost significance that women
be educated about their rights.
Instead
of filling their heads with stories of gods and goddesses and leaving them with
no power to decide for themselves. It would do them a lot more good if they
were educated and left with their own brains to decide.
The
impoverished and the destitute class can hardly afford to send their kids to
school.
In
this country an enormous amount of funding is spent on temples and mosques, on
buying statues and ornaments of deities that I am not even sure, if they exist.
A little portion of the same if contributed in educating the masses would
certainly bring a desirable and much needed change in the mindsets.
Asaram
Bapu who has been giving religious preaching to lakhs of followers, I believe
if he had had some basic real education in his early life, maybe he wouldn’t go
around assaulting young girls and would have some goddamn respect for the
opposite sex.
All
I want to say here is, that as much it is important for people to have their
beliefs, equally important it is for them to take up a little responsibility for
providing basic education to those in need. As it is only education and
awareness which can give birth to better human beings.
As
we have already seen what blind faith in religion results in.
Economizing and apprising a little for those
in need would make the Gods happier I guess.
