There’s Gunpowder in the Air

by Manoranjan Byapari

‘Baba, this education system was set up by the British for the people of this country to be their servants, so that we consider slavery honourable. The British have left, but the educational system has not changed. Look at the number of fine young boys and girls studying madly day and night. But to what end? To get a job. To serve. Which is what servants to. And this service has been glorified so much that everyone believes securing a job is the ultimate achievement of life.

‘Take a factory worker, whose hands have created our civilization, without whom development is impossible. Leave alone paying him fair wages, society doesn’t even acknowledge him as the maker of those products.

‘Our education stuffs just one idea into students’ heads. You’re educated. There’s no honour for an educated person in working as a labourer or tilling the soil. Only a job will ensure your status. The more of a servant you are, the greater your salary and social standing.