The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : Help fight chauvinism and fundamentalism, youth told

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Saturday, Nov 08, 2008
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Help fight chauvinism and fundamentalism, youth told

Staff Reporter

— Photo: H. Vibhu

Fans here too: Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, MP, signs autographs after inaugurating the Central Zone Youth Festival of the Kerala CBSE Schools Management Association at MET Public School, Perumbavoor, near Kochi on Friday.

KOCHI: It is upon India’s vibrant youth to bring an end to chauvinism and religious fundamentalism that have been eating at the roots of the country’s social fabric, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, MP, said.

Speaking after inaugurating the Central zone youth festival organised by the Kerala CBSE School Managements’ Association at the MET Public School, Perumbavoor on Friday, she said that the two evils have crept into every sphere of activity in the country.

“People think that their belief is the best and close their minds to the lives and beliefs of others. Youth can bring about a change in this mindset and youth festivals provide the right avenue for children from different backgrounds to mingle with one another. Instead of sticking to your friends and school mates alone, you must reach out to students from other schools. This would help to help liberate children from narrow mindsets.”

Most people believe that nothing can be done to change society. Only youth can bring about a change to this type of thinking, Ms Kanimozhi said and emphasised the role that quality education plays in narrowing down the rich-poor divide. “But the present educational system does not arm students with the right skills in life. Students from rural areas are particularly found wanting in soft skills. Still, Governments accord a step-motherly treatment to rural areas.”

She was honoured at the function by members of the Tamil Aikya Sangham. Over 4,000 students from 65 schools spread over six districts are participating in the youth festival that would extend up to Sunday. Offering felicitation at the inaugural function, Saju Paul, MLA, called upon students to dedicate more time to learn their mother tongue. He spoke about the increasing vulnerability of children in the age of information revolution and the Internet.

The host school’s founder and general secretary of the Kerala CBSE School Managements’ Association, Indira Rajan lauded the role played by parents in organising the event. The association’s regional president K. Varghese too was among those who spoke. The founder president of the association R. Vasudevan Pillai was honoured with the Vidya Ratna Award.

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