Imlisanen Jamir
It’s over now. All the hullabaloo about the challenge our political ‘representatives’ care the most is done with; and fast approaches another test that is of more substance.
No, this is not a test for the MLAs in the inevitable political scheming that is to occur for the next few days. This rather concerns people more important than our political overlords—our students.
Holding of elections this year meant that the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) examinations for Class X, XI and XII students in 2018 is set to begin from March 9, a bit later than usual. In addition to this, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) exams have begun since March 5.
Say what we will about the exam system, but it remain an integral part of our education set up and a significant event in the academic lives of our young students. And this year, thousands of school children will confront this crucible in the backdrop of cynicism and division displayed by their elders whose corroding ethical codes continue to chart a bleak future for the young.
Many of the students who are set to confront these exams are only now on the verge of reaching their voting age, making them a voiceless section in the established political process. I asked a couple of young students about the pertinence that state politics, or politics in general, plays in their lives. And there are differing attitudes here.
Tia, a class XII student from Dimapur seems to have acquired our cynicism. The barrage of social and political ‘analysis’ in both traditional and new media has left him disillusioned. “My elder brother voted five times and they took care of him,” he says. On whether he would do the same if given the option, he states: “What’s the use? They’re all the same and things never seem to change.”
But there are other sides too. Avinuo from Kohima, who is set to appear her Class X exams, is idealistic. “I saw reports of so much violence on social media because of the elections,” she recalls. It’s sad, she admits, however adding: “Yes things are bad now, but that doesn’t mean it can’t change. I can’t vote now. But when I can, I’ll vote for the one I believe who can help us make a better society.”
These are drops in the torrent of uncomplicated yet important views held by a generation of people, who are looking at the way we have conducted ourselves. Elections are not just a test for the politicians, but for the electorate as well.
How did we fare in the eyes of the ones we are supposed to guide and nurture?
Comments can be sent to imlisanenjamir@gmail.com
