A recent function at IIT Madras was at the center of a controversy as to the singing of a Sanskrit, religious song. There was a huge noise and cry, although it wasn’t clear against what the outcry was. Was it the language, was it the religion, or was it a case of missing anthem? There were too many voices and many divergent views. It is very sad that a prayer by students has been seen confronting and unbearable. More than the case at hand, the incident brought to the fore the priorities of those people who have a responsibility to work for public welfare. Is all so well in the state that a students’ song require so much of the political community attention? It is a very dangerous precedent when politicians spend too much energy and time into something that make no material difference to the people. According to Deccan Chronicle, the professors in IIT Madras said it is not uncommon to sing Sanskrit songs at the campus. “We do not have a policy on invocation and we leave it to the organizers to decide the invocation songs,” they added. “Some reporters who do not know the convention of central institutions like IIT Madras made it out as a controversial issue,” the professors alleged.
Nations and its leaders too require divine interventions and rely very much on their prayers. It has been, and is a global practice for even secular nations to seek the God, which is undoubtedly that of the majority. For instance, the US had across its history been very explicit in making known that it was a deeply religious nation. Symbolizing this is the pledge bearing ‘One nation; under God’, the country’s motto ‘In God we trust,’ and war memorials associated with the shape of the Latin cross. In India, the state emblem with four lions, the wheel is the Dharma chakra which is one of the Ashtamangala or eight auspicious signs of dharmic religions such as Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism. It has represented the Buddhist dharma, Gautama Buddha’s teaching and walking of the path to Nirvana, since the time of early Buddhism. The Tamil Nadu state symbol itself is a temple. In his book, Political Secularism, Religion and the State: A Time series Analysis of Worldwide Data, Author Jonathan Fox explores the relationship between states and religion across the globe. He says “Of the 177 countries I examine 23% have official religions, 25% have no official religion but in practice support one religion over all others, and 19% support some religions but not others. Thus, two-thirds of countries clearly prefer and even endorse a single religion or set of religions. An additional 9% are overtly hostile to religion and restrict it. Only 43 countries (24%) are even approaching neutral on the issue of religion, and most of them still support and regulate religion in some manner.”
It has been a common practice in major central institutions, both academic and professional to begin any occasion with a prayer. The prayer was generally a Hindu prayer reflecting the aspirations of the majority participants at all levels, rendered with hopes for a successful outcome, one that would benefit all without prejudice. Given the stake and effort involved in the project or task at hand, the relevant and involved people like all others, seek a divine intervention. For Hindus, invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesha before any function is a part of tradition. Lord Ganesha’s elephant head is the symbol of wisdom, and His long ears signify that He hears everything that His devotees say. In India, Lord Ganesha is worshiped before the commencement of almost every task. Lord Ganesha epitomizes wisdom and knowledge. He is the Vighnaharta or the destroyer of all obstacles. It is so disheartening that such a routine, divine, morale boosting practice amongst the academic community has become a topic to confront, with a narrow sight. The fact that the prayers were for the common benefit of all, was something none realized.
Governments under which educational institutions function have political affiliations and therefore cannot avoid external political interference. The onus is now on the student community and its leaders to ensure their campuses are free of external political influence. They must denounce external political interference. Student leaders must resolve their differences with relevant authorities in a healthy manner, within the confines of the framework and rely on public opinion. When they resort to political confrontation and open agitation, they fail in their fundamental duties and expectations from them. They tarnish the reputation of the institutions and the remarkable dedication and efforts of many that went into building it. With regard to IITs, it is sad that there are already voices going around that the quality of students is declining. Education must primarily make a difference to self, based on which we go about making changes to the society and lives of others. Education loses its relevance if it does not positively impact the students. Understanding the aspirations of fellow-students and a willingness to identify with the larger, common interests of the student community, are hallmarks of an ideal student. For the student community, when personal excellence and academic achievement take precedence, then matters like Gods and songs will be ignored. For the political community here today, the need of the hour is reforming higher technical education in the state, which is in a pathetic state. The future and well being of our student community and thus the society should be very important, and if our complete efforts are directed to this end, then the songs they sing will not interest us.
