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Increasingly I find Schools and Colleges inviting politicians as the Chief Guests for Convocations! I find this trend disturbing because what is the message we are giving our children? The convocation ceremony is a once-in-a-lifetime moment for these students and it is a great moment to "inspire" them at such a sacred event.
For the life of me how can any current politician inspire our students? With so much rampant corruption and power grabbing and plain downright unruly and selfish behaviors what are we telling our students when we invite such politicians to give away their prized Degree Certificates? Are we telling them that power and position at all costs is what matters in today's society? The end justifies the means?
I was delighted to see Dr Abdul kalam as the Chief Guest at my daughter's convocation at her college - what an inspiration! what a role model of humility, accessibility, and simplicity! what lofty thoughts he shared!A moment that every student in the hall treasured and I am sure embedded in their psyche for life as they move on!
And I was dismayed to see a popular politician - as the Chief Guest at my other daughter's convocation!
Is it because College establishments, out of their own compulsions and selfishness for grants, omissions and commissions, "bribe" the establishment through such blatant psychophancy by inviting these politicians - so that they can go back to them for favors later?
The much larger question is - is there a dearth of role models for our children or are we changing our role models?
