New Delhi (Agency): On Monday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed an important aspect of education in his state, emphasizing that universities should focus on cultivating scientific and rational thinking among graduates. The remarks were made during a meeting with vice-chancellors and officials of the Higher Education department at Vidhana Soudha.
Siddaramaiah stressed that education in universities should not be influenced by factors such as caste, religion, or language. While acknowledging the challenges of implementing a uniform education system in a country with diverse languages and cultures, he pointed out that actions or activities against the Indian Constitution should not be allowed in universities.
“Any activities and actions, which are against the Indian Constitution, should not take place in the universities. If the students coming out from universities are still ignorant and clung to the castes, then what they have got cannot be called education,” Siddaramaiah was “quoted as saying.”
The Chief Minister further emphasized that education provided in universities should not lean towards religious and conservative ideologies but should be scientific and rational. He noted that he had come across meetings and ceremonies in some universities that attempted to undermine freedom fighters, constitution writers, and social thinkers.
“Anti-secularism thinking should not be rewarded. Doing so will influence the students. Such programmes should never be organized. It will not be possible to build a better society if higher education does not move in the right path,” he stated.
Siddaramaiah’s words resonate with an increasing global focus on the need for educational systems that promote critical thinking, scientific understanding, and rational perspectives. He also touched upon the need for academic research to have a broader societal impact. Rather than remaining confined to libraries, the “fruits of research” should reach society, enriching public knowledge and contributing to progress.
The Chief Minister’s strong stand on this matter sets a clear direction for universities in Karnataka. It underscores the state’s commitment to fostering a learning environment that is both modern and progressive. By advocating for an education system that champions science, rationality, and inclusivity, Siddaramaiah aligns Karnataka’s higher education policies with contemporary global educational standards and values.