The recent viral video of a child using disrespectful language against the Education Minister over the issue of summer vacations holds a mirror up to society. The controversy that started with the decision on school vacations has now escalated into a more fundamental issue: the gradual erosion of our ethical and moral value system.
A democracy flourishes through debate, dissent, and accountability. Every citizen has the unquestionable right to criticise public policies and question those in authority. Governments are accountable to the people, and disagreement is an essential pillar of democratic life. But democracy does not legitimise discourtesy, nor does freedom of expression justify the abandonment of civility.
The most disturbing aspect of the incident is not that a child spoke in such a manner. Children often imitate the world around them. The deeper concern is that somewhere, an adult may have applauded, encouraged, or even scripted those words. Whether that influence came from parents, teachers, relatives, or social media, the responsibility ultimately rests with those who shape young minds.
Children are like blank pages upon which society writes its values. They absorb language before they understand its consequences. They imitate behaviour before they develop judgment. When disrespect becomes entertainment and insults are celebrated as courage, we should not question the child. We should question ourselves.
The family has always been the first school of ethics, and teachers have long been regarded as architects of character. Together, they bear the sacred responsibility of teaching children that disagreement must be rooted in reason. It can’t be a product of rage or aimed at humiliation. Education without values produces literacy, but not wisdom.
The debate over summer vacations will eventually fade into history. Another policy will emerge, another controversy will dominate headlines, and another public discussion will take its place. What must never fade, however, is our commitment to respect, compassion, and responsible citizenship because societies decline when disagreement loses its moral boundaries.
The age of social media has complicated this challenge. Viral content rewards outrage more readily than restraint. The louder the insult, the greater the applause. The more provocative the performance, the wider the audience. In such an environment, even children risk becoming instruments of public outrage instead of students of thoughtful dialogue.
This incident should therefore not be viewed as a source of amusement or political advantage. It should be recognised as a warning. If we continue to normalise disrespect in the presence of children, we should not be surprised when future generations inherit intolerance and hostility instead of meaningful dialogue.
If we wish to preserve the dignity of public discourse, we must first restore dignity within our homes and classrooms. We must teach our children that the strength of an argument lies not in the volume of one's voice, but in the force of one's character.
Under the National Education Policy 2020, value-based education is given renewed importance. The policy aims to develop students who are not only academically competent but also ethical, compassionate, and committed to constitutional values. It encourages critical thinking, respect for others, service to society, and responsible citizenship.
Value-based education is not merely about curriculum. It should be out every-day learning at home, in schools, and public spaces. Its success should not be measured by scoring marks in an examination but by character-building.
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