Nation must get serious about children

This must change and this must stop.

It is disaster to see children getting killed, raped, molested, harassed and shamed in schools. No wonder to see kids opting for suicide games.

What is going on? How can we allow this to happen? Some says there are guidelines for kids safety at school. If it is so then why such incidents are happening all over again and again. Worst part is that in most incidents teachers are involved. This will destroy kid's and parents faith in school and this sacred institution which is the foundation of society.

Such incidents are horrible to victims and also to all other kids and parents.

Kids are sent to school not for mere academic goal, they are sent also for social and human learning. They are in the process of building personality. Just imagine the extent of damage to tender hearts and resulting in distortion in personality. Think of the kind of damage to society when such hurt kids will go out as adults. It is a devastating bad vicious cycle.

Mere formulation guidelines and issuing circulars are not enough. Nothing will change with that. We need comprehensive approach to this. Everyone needs to play active role - government, school administration, teachers, police and parents.

- Government must set standards of safety and school atmosphere for all schools be it government school or private. This must include verification of transport, staff, teachers, infrastructure including building design, boundary wall, separate and safe toilets, security guards, CCTV etc.
- School administration must comply with these standards.
- Police must periodically check all schools on these standards and submit report.
- Police must obtain satisfaction report from parents association that all standards are met. School license to be renewed only after such satisfaction report from parents.
- Teachers must receive training in children psychology.
- There must be standardized protocol against punishments.
- There must be both male and female counselors and there must be regular counseling of children.
- Small girls at least upto eighth standard must be taught by female teachers only.

Children are future of nation. How can we allow smallest hurt to such tender souls. They should get top most priority in attention and care. Like it is said - It is easier to make good humans then to try to reshape them later.

Hate will kill nation's voice

There is an unfortunate trend of debating freedom of expression Vs how much freedom of expression must be allowed.

When someone is attacked or killed for saying or writing something, it does not silence that person. It kills nation's voice. And on top of that if people start praising or celebrate the killing, there can not be bigger deed of damage to nation.

Hate will only kill nation's voice.

Most strange part is we celebrate Gandhi, his teachings and the path he has shown. But all this remains a show if we do not follow non-violence, tolerance, truth and kindness. Infact they have not killed a person, they have killed Gandhi.

So how should we deal with situation. A nation is great only if it allows freedom of speech and expression. On the other hand we want that nothing wrong, abusive or mischievous must be said or written which harms the atmosphere of nation. How do we establish balance between freedom and discipline.

There are simple rules to follow:

- Freedom of expression is basic essence of a free nation. We must not try to curb that in any way.

- There should be zero tolerance for violence of any kind be it physical or verbal, direct or virtual.

- There should be well defined law stating what goes beyond freedom of speech and expression. Those crossing the line can then be taken to court.

- Freedom of expression and speech must not be used as a political tool or as a weapon to hurt sentiments of people. It is right given to citizens and must be used with a sense of responsibility and self discipline. 

- Best solution is - let people speak. If it is wrong or hurtful, that person will himself or herself lose dignity and respect. Those who feel that something wrong is said or written can challenge the person on facts in media or social forums. People can the easily decide who is right who is wrong.

Let people fight with facts and arguments. Those who use violence of any kind are proven cowards. And India is not a nation of cowards. We even tell our enemies not use use coward terrorism. Come fight with us face to face. So do not be coward. Face the criticism and raise your argument with valid points. And if you do not have valid points then you must relearn humanity.